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“For those who find me find life, and receive favor from the Lord.” (Proverbs 8: 35, NIV)

The testimony of the Lord is everywhere. We only need pay attention to see (and hear) it.

Today’s words, from the book of Proverbs, are inscribed on the museum building of the University of Kansas (my alma mater). Just across the street and up the block a bit is a large stained-glass window of Moses before the burning bush — which is also depicted on the University’s seal.

There it was (and is) for every passerby: An invitation to life, divine favor, and communion with the Holy.

What invitations from God will we see today? And what will be our response? – Luther

Tagged invitation, Moses, testimony, the book of Proverbs, University of Kansas

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“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the Lord always.” (Proverbs 23:17, NASB)

The sinner does not regard the law of the Lord as applicable to him; nor does he consider valid the instructions of his Creator. The fact is this: We all have been active sinners; dismissive of God’s law and disdainful of His rightful authority.

Are we tempted to envy those we see cruising on sin’s easy boulevard while we endure the inconveniences of the narrow moral road? Yes! We feel sin’s tug because of our humanity. However, we were created for grander purposes. Do not give-up; and do not give-in to envy.

To “live in the fear of the Lord” is to be continuously mindful of the things that matter to the Lord — and to allow your heart to follow the Spirit’s leading. – Luther

Tagged envy, the book of Proverbs, the fear of the Lord

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“Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.” (Proverbs 3:9-10, The Message)

Do we honor God with everything we own: Our time, our talents, our treasure; the power at our disposal by virtue of our position in life and its prerogatives?

If not, we are operating at a level far below both our potential for blessing the lives of others; and we have restricted the “return” from God to our own lives.

You are what your are; and you have what you have. Begin to give God the first fresh hour of your day, rather than the left-over minutes at its end. Give God a tithe of thanksgiving from the top dollars at the beginning, rather than the pennies that remain after everyone else has taken their due.

These small, but significant, steps lead to a life of usefulness, abundance, and joyful surprise. – Luther

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