“Thou hast created us for Thyself, and our heart is not quiet until it rests in Thee.”-Saint Augustine

Yet, how do we rest in God.  We are born with such a desire to seek pleasure.  We long for beauty and we long for happiness.  Yet, in the midst of that longing there seems to always be a part of us that remains dissatisfied.  When in high school, we believe happiness is around the corner when we are on our own.  If single, we think it can be found in marriage.  We search for it in friends, careers, houses, cars, clubs, success, and things; only, to find ourselves once more dissatisfied, unhappy, and despairing of life itself.  All those things lead us ever deeper into a pit and away from the only thing that can truly satisfy our soul. 

Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2014 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws.

Proverbs 14: (AMP) “¹² There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.”

  None of those desires are bad in themselves.  They seem to be good things to strive for.  Yet, when we find they don’t satisfy the longing of our hearts we begin to look around and follow after “fun times”.  Maybe we should just join the party crowd and forget about being so responsible.  Yet, there again we find ourselves in a place of brokenness.  Then we find ourselves saying, “Sure, those people appear to be having a good time, but all that laughter will end in heartbreak.” (Proverbs 14: ¹³ (MSG)

Continue reading Fountains of Wisdom-A Study in Proverbs- Part 25 The Path to True Joy →

There are moments in this study I must say that I want to jump ahead or get done quicker; but, I recognize impatience is certainly not a virtue to pursue here. There is way too much rich knowledge packed tightly into the book of Proverbs and so onward I must go, step by step as I take us on this journey through Proverbs. At this point we have reached chapter 14. As I studied and prayerfully pondered upon this chapter it appears to me to be divided into three sections. Although once more each verse can stand alone; I see somewhat of a clustering of thought as well. Verses 1-11 refer to how a wise woman can build up her family, verses 12-27 contrasts counterfeit joy with real joy, and versus 28-35 address the need for God’s wisdom in a nation’s government. So, for today let us look at verses 1-11.

photo courtesy of istockphoto.com

Proverbs 14:1 (NIV) “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”

Seems obvious doesn’t it?  What woman would want to destroy her home and her family?  No one would do that, would they?  Yet, too often we destroy the family unit with arguments, selfish desires, pity parties, and an unforgiving spirit.

Continue reading Fountains of Wisdom-A Study in Proverbs (Part 24)- A Wise Woman Builds Her House Strong →

As we come to the next part in Proverbs, I would like to take a moment to address multiple scriptures which are repeated by Solomon on various occasions through Proverbs concerning discipline.  So let us look at some of the verses concerning discipline, compare the rod spoken of  to the shepherd’s rod, look at this from the perspective that Solomon may have seen from his own life story, and end with the love of our heavenly Father displayed in His hand of discipline.

Proverbs 13 (NIV) “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”

Proverbs 23: ¹³ Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. ¹⁴ Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

Proverbs 22: ⁶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22: Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.

Many heated arguments occur over these very verses between those who support spanking as the only biblical means of discipline versus those who might wish to believe otherwise.  These arguments seem to surround; yet, never address the real issue of parenting.

We are to teach, train, guide and correct our children by teaching them the truth of the gospel and by living forth examples that they may follow.  If we say one thing and do another, they are more likely to do as we do than to do as we say.

  Yes, they must learn that our actions have consequences and that we all are accountable for our actions.  Discipline is a must; although, hitting a child because we are frustrated, because we can’t be bothered with listening to their thoughts or because we cannot think of a better means of punishment is not truly disciplining in love either.  So, let’s look at the “rod” used by our great shepherd.

Continue reading Fountains of Wisdom-A Study in Proverbs (Part 23)-How to be the best Parent, Ever →

Proverbs Chapter 13 once more is an accumulation of individual phrases of wisdom with each verse standing alone or as a whole.  The gathering of wise words which had been spoken by Solomon, words that at that time brought peace among the nations surrounding Israel.  Solomon had chosen well when he chose wisdom and had stood for God with fervent worship at the beginning; although, in the later years he had himself fallen to folly as pride and selfish pursuits overtook him.  The wisdom found in these words still are relevant today.  They were the words of wisdom given to Solomon by God stand firm as the truths we need.

Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2011 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws 

In addition to wisdom, God gave Solomon everything a man might think he could want.  He gave him wealth above all of the earth, fame that spread around the world, honor, peace, and power.  Perhaps it should stand as a warning that when we have everything, we forget our need for God and evil is always lurking at the door to draw us away.

  So let us look at some more of the words of Wisdom with their earnest plea to listen.

Continue reading Fountains of Wisdom-A Study in Proverbs (Part 22)–A Word to the Wise →

Your Treasure is Already Here

by Effie Darlene Barba

 

In the dark of the night

In the midst of a dream

When shadows surround

The heart wants to scream

Of sorrows and pains

The guilt that constrains

Eyes open to search for light’s beam

 

Then a whisper of song

Brings God’s truth in a thought

His promise of love

Salvation He bought

The fears of the night

Must now take their flight

As He is the Joy I have sought

 

In the dark of the night

In the midst of man’s scheme

Christ whispered my name

His prayer bore this theme

To give me His love

His joy from above

This wretch he did so esteem

 

And so “Heart do not cry!

And you mind do not fear!”

Your God hath a plan

To bring your heart cheer

You may not see now

The way or the how

Yet, your treasure is already here

© 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.”