Reflections from March 1, 2010

Today we see Paul reach Rome and while confined, preaches to guards and Jews. In our verse today, Acts 28:28, it states, "Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it."

This is a furthering of The Great Commission given by Jesus prior to leaving earth. Paul knew that everyone, Jew and Gentile, will eventually hear the Word of God and will hear about the salvation of Jesus Christ. Some will believe, and others won't. That's the result of God giving us free will and freedom to choose.

We should be as bold as Paul, and in all situations we find ourselves in, tell others about the salvation of Jesus.

In Proverbs 30:11 we read, "There is a generation that curses its father, And does not bless its mother."

We can pray, bless, discipline, punish, reward, and do every other action that we think is necessary to raise "good" children; however, as just mentioned, we have free will, and that includes our kids. Sometimes, children turn out bad...there are no guarantees. At some point, the child becomes an adult and has to answer to God directly for their actions. We were commanded to raise them according to God's Word and by doing so, there's a higher probability that they will turn out well.

Proverbs 31:23 states, "Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land."

This scripture reminds me of the well known saying, "Behind every successful man is a good woman." Even Solomon knew the importance of a woman bringing blessings to her husband. I know that without my wife, I would never have reached anything close to what success I have in my personal life and my professional life.

To begin Proverbs on the first day of the month, we read in Proverbs 1:2, "To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding."

God always tries to make things clear and straightforward and this is no exception. The Wisdom in Proverbs that is mentioned more than 40 times is from Hebrew which means "the skill of living." It's a practical wisdom that helps us live responsible, productive lives in a prosperous way.

We are very fortunate to have a wonderful God that has provided this wisdom to give us "street smarts" and to help us understand ways in which the world works.

Blessings to all