P31 CHALLENGE: Proverbs 14

Proverbs 14 New Living Translation (NLT)   A wise woman builds her home,     but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. 2 Those who follow the right path fear the Lord;     those who take the wrong path despise him. 3 A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him,     but the words of the wise keep them safe. 4 Without oxen a stable stays clean,     but you need a strong ox for a large harvest. 5 An honest witness does not lie;     a false witness breathes lies. 6 A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it,     but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding. 7 Stay away from fools,     for you won’t find knowledge on their lips. 8 The prudent understand where they are going,     but fools deceive themselves. 9 Fools make fun of guilt,     but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation. 10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,     and no one else can fully share its joy. 11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,     but the tent of the godly will flourish. 12 There is a path before each person that seems right,     but it ends in death. 13 Laughter can conceal a heavy heart,     but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. 14 Backsliders get what they deserve;     good people receive their reward. 15 Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!     The prudent carefully consider their steps. 16 The wise are cautious and avoid danger;     fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence. 17 Short-tempered people do foolish things,     and schemers are hated. 18 Simpletons are clothed with foolishness,     but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19 Evil people will bow before good people;     the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly. 20 The poor are despised even by their neighbors,     while the rich have many “friends.” 21 It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor;     blessed are those who help the poor. 22 If you plan to do evil, you will be lost;     if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness. 23 Work brings profit,     but mere talk leads to poverty! 24 Wealth is a crown for the wise;     the effort of fools yields only foolishness. 25 A truthful witness saves lives,     but a false witness is a traitor. 26 Those who fear the Lord are secure;     he will be a refuge for their children. 27 Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain;     it offers escape from the snares of death. 28 A growing population is a king’s glory;     a prince without subjects has nothing. 29 People with understanding control their anger;     a hot temper shows great foolishness. 30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body;     jealousy is like cancer in the bones. 31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker,     but helping the poor honors him. 32 The wicked are crushed by disaster,     but the godly have a refuge when they die. 33 Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart;     wisdom is not found among fools. 34 Godliness makes a nation great,     but sin is a disgrace to any people. 35 A king rejoices in wise servants     but is angry with those who disgrace him.     REFLECTION Lord, it is so easy for me when faced to make a decision to just choose without checking with You first.  Forgive me for that.  May I be reminded that my way is only right if it lines up in accordance with what Your way is, and I can only know Your way if I seek Your Word.  Thank You for showing me Your Way, and thank You for giving me the power and grace to walk in it. Today may I connect with You so You can show me the right way.     ----- Missed any days from the P31 Challenge?  All the P31 e-mails are archived here.

 

P31 CHALLENGE: Proverbs 13

Proverbs 13 New Living Translation (NLT)   A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline;     a mocker refuses to listen to correction. 2 Wise words will win you a good meal,     but treacherous people have an appetite for violence. 3 Those who control their tongue will have a long life;     opening your mouth can ruin everything. 4 Lazy people want much but get little,     but those who work hard will prosper. 5 The godly hate lies;     the wicked cause shame and disgrace. 6 Godliness guards the path of the blameless,     but the evil are misled by sin. 7 Some who are poor pretend to be rich;     others who are rich pretend to be poor. 8 The rich can pay a ransom for their lives,     but the poor won’t even get threatened. 9 The life of the godly is full of light and joy,     but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out. 10 Pride leads to conflict;     those who take advice are wise. 11 Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears;     wealth from hard work grows over time. 12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,     but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. 13 People who despise advice are asking for trouble;     those who respect a command will succeed. 14 The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain;     those who accept it avoid the snares of death. 15 A person with good sense is respected;     a treacherous person is headed for destruction. 16 Wise people think before they act;     fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness. 17 An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble,     but a reliable messenger brings healing. 18 If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace;     if you accept correction, you will be honored. 19 It is pleasant to see dreams come true,     but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them. 20 Walk with the wise and become wise;     associate with fools and get in trouble. 21 Trouble chases sinners,     while blessings reward the righteous. 22 Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren,     but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly. 23 A poor person’s farm may produce much food,     but injustice sweeps it all away. 24 Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.     Those who love their children care enough to discipline them. 25 The godly eat to their hearts’ content,     but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.     REFLECTION Father, sometimes the tyranny of the urgent just pushes me and I need to stop and take time to focus on what is important.  Teach me to be thoughtful in everything that I do. Direct me in how to think and plan ahead so that I can bless those You have put around me. Help me to take time and evaluate today so that I can hear from You as to the path that You want me to take: the path of wisdom.  May I remember today to BE STILL AND KNOW THAT YOU ARE GOD!     ----- Missed any days from the P31 Challenge?  All the P31 e-mails are archived here

 

P31 CHALLENGE: Proverbs 13

cid:79B772D6-A37B-45E6-A56F-5FEF17049E5D@chn.comcast.net




Proverbs 13

New Living Translation (NLT)



A wise child accepts a parent's discipline;
a mocker refuses to listen to correction.

2 Wise words will win you a good meal,
but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.

3 Those who control their tongue will have a long life;
opening your mouth can ruin everything.

4 Lazy people want much but get little,
but those who work hard will prosper.

5 The godly hate lies;
the wicked cause shame and disgrace.

6 Godliness guards the path of the blameless,
but the evil are misled by sin.

7 Some who are poor pretend to be rich;
others who are rich pretend to be poor.

8 The rich can pay a ransom for their lives,
but the poor won't even get threatened.

9 The life of the godly is full of light and joy,
but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.

10 Pride leads to conflict;
those who take advice are wise.

11 Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears;
wealth from hard work grows over time.

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.

13 People who despise advice are asking for trouble;
those who respect a command will succeed.

14 The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain;
those who accept it avoid the snares of death.

15 A person with good sense is respected;
a treacherous person is headed for destruction.

16 Wise people think before they act;
fools don't-and even brag about their foolishness.

17 An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble,
but a reliable messenger brings healing.

18 If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace;
if you accept correction, you will be honored.

19 It is pleasant to see dreams come true,
but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.

20 Walk with the wise and become wise;
associate with fools and get in trouble.

21 Trouble chases sinners,
while blessings reward the righteous.

22 Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren,
but the sinner's wealth passes to the godly.

23 A poor person's farm may produce much food,
but injustice sweeps it all away.

24 Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.
Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

25 The godly eat to their hearts' content,
but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.





REFLECTION

Father, sometimes the tyranny of the urgent just pushes me and I need to
stop and take time to focus on what is important. Teach me to be thoughtful
in everything that I do. Direct me in how to think and plan ahead so that I
can bless those You have put around me. Help me to take time and evaluate
today so that I can hear from You as to the path that You want me to take:
the path of wisdom. May I remember today to BE STILL AND KNOW THAT YOU ARE
GOD!





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here <http://pastors-musings.blogspot.com/> .

Central's Pastoral E-Letter: September 28, 2012

 

 

Dear Central Family,

 

And the Lord keeps blessing....I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the way that God has been opening up hearts to lead believers to take a step of obedience to follow Him in baptism the past three Sundays.  Each week we have heard powerful stories about how the grace of God has impacted lives and how individuals have followed Him in obedience.  This past week I have received emails and Facebook messages asking, “Is baptism still open this week?”  You bet it is!  So if you want to get baptized, you have another opportunity to respond to the Spirit’s call this Sunday at 9:30 and 11:00. I am looking forward to what God will do this Sunday! 

 

This weekend we will continue our series BETTER and Jared Alcántara will be teaching in the Saturday Night service as well as both Modern Services at 9:30 and 11.  I will be teaching in the Classic Service.  We will be looking at an often-missed passage in the Older Testament that will challenge all of us as to what God wants to do through us.  Speaking of Saturday Nights at Central.  I want to encourage you that if you are going to be away or are busy on Sunday, to come check out our Saturday Night service.  We meet at 6 pm for an energy-filled night of worship and fellowship in the Fellowship Mall.  It continues to be a blessing, so get the word out and come check it out firsthand.  I am so proud of our team of volunteers and what energy they are putting into this service every week!

 

Have you connected in community?  Life Groups have begun for the fall, and they have started with an explosion of energy and excitement!  We have groups all week long both at the church and in homes.  Check the schedule out at our website and take the step to get connected. Remember doing life with friends is so much better than going it alone! 

 

Finally, I want to let you know that our Monthly Prayer and Worship Service that meets at First Baptist Church in Trenton continues to be evidence of the presence of the Spirit of God! Starting in October, we are moving the time of this gathering to 4 pm.  I hope this will enable even more of you to come and worship with our brothers and sisters at First Baptist Church.  God is working as we seek to connect with Him in a variety of venues and to connect with His mission to spread His glory around our communities. 

 

One last thing (I promise) -- don’t forget to pray for our Meals and More outreach this Saturday in Trenton.  Thank you for all of the donations to make this a powerful weekend of sharing the love of Jesus.  You all are such a blessing! 

 

See you this weekend!

 

Pastor Gay

 

 

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P31 CHALLENGE: Proverbs 12

Proverbs 12 New Living Translation (NLT)   To learn, you must love discipline;     it is stupid to hate correction. 2 The Lord approves of those who are good,     but he condemns those who plan wickedness. 3 Wickedness never brings stability,     but the godly have deep roots. 4 A worthy wife is a crown for her husband,     but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones. 5 The plans of the godly are just;     the advice of the wicked is treacherous. 6 The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush,     but the words of the godly save lives. 7 The wicked die and disappear,     but the family of the godly stands firm. 8 A sensible person wins admiration,     but a warped mind is despised. 9 Better to be an ordinary person with a servant     than to be self-important but have no food. 10 The godly care for their animals,     but the wicked are always cruel. 11 A hard worker has plenty of food,     but a person who chases fantasies has no sense. 12 Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot,     but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit. 13 The wicked are trapped by their own words,     but the godly escape such trouble. 14 Wise words bring many benefits,     and hard work brings rewards. 15 Fools think their own way is right,     but the wise listen to others. 16 A fool is quick-tempered,     but a wise person stays calm when insulted. 17 An honest witness tells the truth;     a false witness tells lies. 18 Some people make cutting remarks,     but the words of the wise bring healing. 19 Truthful words stand the test of time,     but lies are soon exposed. 20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;     joy fills hearts that are planning peace! 21 No harm comes to the godly,     but the wicked have their fill of trouble. 22 The Lord detests lying lips,     but he delights in those who tell the truth. 23 The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge,     but fools broadcast their foolishness. 24 Work hard and become a leader;     be lazy and become a slave. 25 Worry weighs a person down;     an encouraging word cheers a person up. 26 The godly give good advice to their friends;     the wicked lead them astray. 27 Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch,     but the diligent make use of everything they find. 28 The way of the godly leads to life;     that path does not lead to death.     REFLECTION Lord, help me today to not be quick- tempered.  I do not want to let anger control or dominate my life.  Help me to choose to be thoughtful and to always have a long a fuse when things get rough and when stresses pile up.  Give me the grace to let go of trying to control everyone and everything around me and to leave matters in Your hands. Forgive me for trying to control and change people around me; give me the grace to accept them as You accept me, and guide me today so that meekness and gentleness flow from my heart.     ----- Missed any days from the P31 Challenge?  All the P31 e-mails are archived here.

 

 

 

P31 CHALLENGE: Proverbs 11

Proverbs 11 New Living Translation (NLT)   The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales,     but he delights in accurate weights. 2 Pride leads to disgrace,     but with humility comes wisdom. 3 Honesty guides good people;     dishonesty destroys treacherous people. 4 Riches won’t help on the day of judgment,     but right living can save you from death. 5 The godly are directed by honesty;     the wicked fall beneath their load of sin. 6 The godliness of good people rescues them;     the ambition of treacherous people traps them. 7 When the wicked die, their hopes die with them,     for they rely on their own feeble strength. 8 The godly are rescued from trouble,     and it falls on the wicked instead. 9 With their words, the godless destroy their friends,     but knowledge will rescue the righteous. 10 The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed;     they shout for joy when the wicked die. 11 Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper,     but the talk of the wicked tears it apart. 12 It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor;     a sensible person keeps quiet. 13 A gossip goes around telling secrets,     but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. 14 Without wise leadership, a nation falls;     there is safety in having many advisers. 15 There’s danger in putting up security for a stranger’s debt;     it’s safer not to guarantee another person’s debt. 16 A gracious woman gains respect,     but ruthless men gain only wealth. 17 Your kindness will reward you,     but your cruelty will destroy you. 18 Evil people get rich for the moment,     but the reward of the godly will last. 19 Godly people find life;     evil people find death. 20 The Lord detests people with crooked hearts,     but he delights in those with integrity. 21 Evil people will surely be punished,     but the children of the godly will go free. 22 A beautiful woman who lacks discretion     is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout. 23 The godly can look forward to a reward,     while the wicked can expect only judgment. 24 Give freely and become more wealthy;     be stingy and lose everything. 25 The generous will prosper;     those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. 26 People curse those who hoard their grain,     but they bless the one who sells in time of need. 27 If you search for good, you will find favor;     but if you search for evil, it will find you! 28 Trust in your money and down you go!     But the godly flourish like leaves in spring. 29 Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind.     The fool will be a servant to the wise. 30 The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life;     a wise person wins friends. 31 If the righteous are rewarded here on earth,     what will happen to wicked sinners?     REFLECTION Lord, I am reminded again about the importance of integrity in everything I do today.  I choose not to cheat.  I will not cheat my employer of time I am called to work, but will choose to work diligently.  I will not cheat my family but will choose to give them the best that I have to offer.  I will not cheat myself by ignoring my need of time alone in the quiet to just listen to You.  I choose today to submit my self to You and what You want to do in my life.  Lord, make me a person of integrity that people can trust.     ----- Missed any days from the P31 Challenge?  All the P31 e-mails are archived here.