Excerpts from Proverbs Chapter 15

“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.

There is treasure in the house of the godly; but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.

The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give. ” (Proverbs 15: 17, NLT)

“Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” (Proverbs 15:23, NLT)

Excerpt from Titus Chapter 2

“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior,Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave His life to free us from everything kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us His very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.: (Titus 2:11-14, NLT)

Scripture on Intimidation

“They [those who fear God] do not fear bad news; they confidently trust in the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.” (Psalm 112:7-8, NLT)

[Jesus said,]”I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you have may trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NLT)

Scripture on Trials

“I have told you this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NLT)

“Dear brothers and sisters, when trouble comes your way, considering it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. so let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:2-4, NLT)

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

“Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before Him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us, we are His.
We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving; go in to His courses with praise.
Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good.
His unfailing faithfulness continues to each generation. “
(Pslam 100)

Scripture on Priorities

“You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew It away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord, Almighty, while you are busy building your own fine houses.” (Haggai 1:9, NLT)

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24, NLT)

Scripture on God’s Desires

“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires.” (Psalm37.4, NLT)

“Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” (Ephesians 4:22-23, NLT)

Count Your Blessings

The Lord gave me this hymn for this Thanksgiving. Is is public domain and written by Johnson Oatman , Jr in 1897. I have posted the four stanzas first and the chorus at the end. I leave this as an encouragement for you when you are going through a season of uncertainty.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you overburdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy, your load to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you a wealth untold.
Count your many blessings money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your Lord on high.

So amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged; God is over all.
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort with you till your journey’s end.

Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.