Mike Sansone

Remember your childhood years? I used to hope someone was looking when I was doing good, and really hope no one would be watching when I was doing bad.

But God sees all things, watching and weighing every step while we walk this journey of life.

In Prov 5:21, we read this promise:

For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings.

Of course, this is a warning against making bad choices, but so is Num 32:23.

We could also see His watchful eye as a great comfort and blessing. It’s why we sing :

I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

For me, I’m more apt to choose good and turn away from bad knowing that with every step, every thought, that I have an audience. An audience of One (Gal 1:10).

It might not always have the same landmarks, but if we’re to be truthful with ourselves, we recognize sin’s path.

There are some paths of sin we know so well because our feet have touched its pavement plenty of times. By God’s grace and strength, we overcome the sin.

I’ve seen many who, after overcoming, seem to be bursting with pride. “I’m passed that, now.” And they begin to wander into the proximity of sin’s path to show their strength.

Oops.

Why even come close? Prov 4:14-15 give us sound instruction:

Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

If, on your journey, you intersect sin’s path, just say Pthu to Sin, and walk the other way.

Avoid the Noid altogether.

Photo on Flickr by imkelsi

How did you sleep?

I know many who crave a peaceful night’s sleep. For some, it seems as soon as their head hits the pillow – their mind really starts racing. Worry? Fear? Stress?

The promise in Prov 3:24 is a comfort:

When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

There is no reason to fret or fear. The warm blanket of Prov 3:24-26 envelopes us securely. Be not afraid! For the Lord shall be thy confidence!

If you mind begins to wander on the way to sleep, let your thoughts wander to Phil 4:8 and think on those things.

How did you sleep?

My hope is you will be able to say, “I laid down and slept, and then I woke up; the Lord sustained me.” ~ Psa 3:5

The Fear of the Lord.

For many, this topic is so clear and yet, so confusing. Some will say it is fear as in reverence. Others will say fear is fear.

The Bible I read says there can be an understanding of “the fear of the Lord.” In Prov 2:5

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

This might cause a journey through the Bible, studying the word of God. Such study  would be a proper thing according to the immediate preceding verse of Prov 2:4, searching for her (wisdom) as you would seek hidden treasures.

In Prov 15:33, we find

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

What is the fear of the Lord? It is the instruction of wisdom. AND before honor is humility. If we are to receive the honorable instruction, from the Word of God – The Bible, we first must humble ourselves in our approach and attitude, right?

In Prov 9:10 we see

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Wisdom. Understanding. How about that? Prov 3:13 would describe such a person to be happy to find those things:

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

Here’s to Fear of the Lord; seeking treasures in God’s word; finding wisdom and understanding; and happiness.

Probably in that order.

A Proverbs a day, keeps evil at bay.