Fountains of Wisdom—A Study in Proverbs part 42—Tools for Effective Witnessing.

We as Christians are called to be evangelists by the life we live and the testimony we give to those whom we meet. The truth is that we are a testimony either for Christ or against Him. We are surrounded by people wherever we go who are watching (even when we do not know that they are.)

 

photo courtesy of istockphoto.com

Proverbs 25: 15-28 gives us some really good advice as we go out to be messengers of Christ’s love. Well, as for me I need the play by play handbook on how to be an effective witness.  In studying these verses in Proverbs, I gleaned theses tools toward effective witnessing. 

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Love’s Joyous Song

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

Before the earth you e’er did form

You sang Your song of Love for me

How can I not in calm and Storm

Sing forth Your Joy with Jubilee

 

Chorus:

Your Joy sings forth in the morning light

Your Joy sings forth in the darkest night

Your Joy is my strength, my hope, my might

Your Joy gave my blinded eyes their sight

 

The fears and doubts that come and go

Can never chain my mind for long

I gaze upon thy cross aglow

The Symbol of love’s greatest song

 

I hear Your gentle voice that bid

My heart to follow after you

Such wondrous love and Grace Amid

What e’er surround, Your face I view

 

Chorus:

Your Joy sings forth in the morning light

Your Joy sings forth in the darkest night

Your Joy is my strength, my hope, my might

Your Joy gave my blinded eyes their sight

© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Fountains of Wisdom—A Study in Proverbs Part 41— Leaders, Counselors and Faithful Servants of Christ

To this point in our study of Proverbs, Solomon has been writing to his sons. He longed to leave them the legacy of wisdom that God had so freely given Him by grace. Chapter 25 begins a listing of parables preserved by the men of Hezekiah King of Judah. It is said that the total proverbs of Solomon were greater than 3500; yet, God caused to be preserved those that are here for us. Since I believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God—preserved as He has ordained in His Sovereign Reign; I must believe that the proverbs preserved are each one uniquely important to the Christian Life. That is part of the reason that I have continued so slowly through the book of Proverbs in this series. Yesterday, we looked at the mystery of God.

Artwork used by permission of Ronald Barba and is protected by copyright.

So much about God we are incapable of understanding or comprehending. We struggle with our limited knowledge which demands faith to see beyond what is visibly obvious before us. From that kind of Faith, Hope and Joy Burst Forth—expecting, awaiting the magnificent Glory that is ever present before us

. So as we move on forward in Proverbs 25, I so want us to not miss even a minute blessing. Therefore, let me carry us on through by paraphrasing the remaining verses to help you understand; but, do not fail to read the scripture yourself in either the Geneva Bible or the King James Version. Since I do not read Hebrew, I proclaim no authority in my paraphrase; so, study these yourself.

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As I continue this journey through Proverbs, there are those moments when I wonder what am I doing; yet, for me this has been an incredible journey.  At times Proverbs has been like a surgeon’s scalpel cutting away the chafe in my life, at other times like a ray of hope as Grace is displayed through the pages, and at times it has been so awe inspiring as I recognize the beauty of God’s Glory displayed.  The urging desire that presses onward.  The longing to know Him who is the very essence of Wisdom—the Creator, the Savior, and the Ultimate essence of Love.  It has definitely been harder to keep a daily post going as I have sometimes found myself prayerfully searching a reading each section and awaiting inspiration.  Then, finally after much prayer a sparkle of light comes into view; I smile and say thank you Lord.

Proverbs 25:2 begins with reminding us that there is so much about God’s Glory that remains and will continue to remain a mystery to us. 

photo courtesy of istockphoto.com

Romans 11: “³³

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”  His Glory, His Majesty, His Beauty, His Righteousness, and His Justice are so beyond our comprehension. 

There is no real invention or medical breakthrough but what God has only allowed man to discover it—think about it.  God is Sovereign, Omnipotent and Omniscient.   I can never pretend to understand the “whys” or “what for’s” in my own life, much less the Universe. Yet, This I Know that God has a perfect plan of love for me.  He chose me, He redeemed me and He is constantly in the process of preparing me to comprehend His Majesty and Glory one day.  His plan is to shower me with His Love, His Joy, and His Glory; but, that means He has to prepare my heart, my mind, my spirit and my soul to comprehend it.

As I was preparing this message for you I opened my email and read this

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Fountains of Wisdom—A Study in Proverbs-Part 40 Grace that lifts the fallen Just

There is only One who can lift the heart from the depth of despair and fill it with the faith to stand against every trial that we will face on this earth.  Only One who can lift us up from the pit of our own heart and only one who can give us the strength to stand with patience and gentleness of spirit.

Photo used by written permission of Ronald Barba © 2011 Ronald Barba

  Oh, how I need Him to fill and sustain my heart each and every day.  He is the Word of life and as such is the only true Wisdom that we search for.  In Proverbs 24 we are reminded of all the blessings found in God and thus why we must earnestly seek Him as our greatest treasure instead of searching after riches or fame.  Included in those treasures are:

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