Colossians 1-2 holds so much goodness. You really should stop what you’re doing and read every word. Slowly and aloud. But, in case you aren’t able to do that right now…

Paul writes to the Colossians commending them on their faith in Christ, love for one another, and hope in the truth of the gospel. Their lives were bearing fruit! And don’t we all want that?

Paul said that the gospel was bearing fruit in their lives because they “heard and understood” the grace of God.

If we don’t understand grace – we pour judgement on people. When we do understand it – we pour love on people.

Grace fuels love.

#instabible #intheword #wordbeforeworld #grace #love #hope #faith #bible #god #dogood #lovethyneighbor #mysisterskeeper

The psalms are so beautiful. Many of them were written during or in reference to painful times in David’s life. Over and over, we see one specific phrase.

“But You, O Lord…”

Sometimes he described an enemy that could easily overtake him. Then, “But You, O Lord…”

Other times he described the punishment his sins deserved. Then, “But You, O Lord…”

Still other times, it would be internal distress or anguish that would threaten to overwhelm him and he would need the reminder. “But You, O Lord.”

Whatever this Monday holds for you, don’t forget who holds you.

Yet I am always with you; you hold my right hand. Psalm 73:23

Even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:10

But You, O Lord.

#instabible #intheword #wordbeforeworld #bible #biblestudy #psalms #god #thelord #butyouolord #wisewords #lovethyneighbor #mysisterskeeper

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

Helping others often involves hard work. And we are called to do it anyway. Paul told those listening that he ministered to others with his very hands and that it was hard.

Difficult. Inconvenient. Unpleasant. Uncomfortable. Painful. Costly. Manual labor.

Sometimes, that’s what loving our neighbors looks like and it’s okay.

#instabible #intheword #wordbeforeworld #lovethyneighbor #mysisterskeeper #bible #god #dogood #love

And here we are – October 31 reading Proverbs 31. I have so enjoyed reading through Proverbs with y’all this month. I missed posting the last couple of days because, well, life. So, here are a few highlights. 😉

“One who is full loathes honey, but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.” Proverbs 27:7 👉Be filled with the Word so you won’t be tempted by the world.

“Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely.” Proverbs 28:5 👉 If you’ve ever gotten frustrated over a situation, the news, etc., this verse makes total sense! Evil men do not understand justice.

“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” Proverbs 29:11 👉 A fool just lets it all out, y’all. A wise person holds it back.

“If you have been foolish, exalting yourself, or if you have been devising evil, put your hand on your mouth.” Proverbs 30:32 👉 If you’ve been sinning with your words – just stop. Walk around with your hand over your mouth if necessary.

Now for today’s proverb. Where we were told to shut our mouths yesterday, we are told today to open them wide in defense of the defenseless.

“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9 👉 A huge part of wisdom is knowing when to speak and when to keep silent. Anyone else struggle with this? 🙋‍♀️

Thanks for joining me this month!! You are loved!

#instabible #wisewords #proverbs #proverbaday #intheword #wordbeforeworld #bible #biblestudy #god #lovethyneighbor #mysisterskeeper

“A man is tested by his praise.” Proverbs 27:21

Today’s proverb includes this verse on praise. There are two aspects to this.

1. What do we pride ourselves on? Our wealth? Education? Appearance? Good deeds?

“But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14

2. How do we respond to the praise of man? Do we become prideful or prayerful? People are fickle with their praise and, whatever we do to get it, we must continue doing to keep it.

Let’s seek to please God and let’s boast only in the cross.

#instabible #intheword #wordbeforeworld #proverbs #proverbaday #wisewords #bible #biblestudy #god