April Edition: The 1 Minute Guide To Health Wealth & Happiness: Wisdom From The Book Of Proverbs

THE 1 MINUT GUIDE
TO HEALTH, WEALTH,

& HAPPINESS

Wisdom From The Book Of Proverbs April Edition

APRIL

WRITTEN BY RAQUEL SOTO
Copyright Raquel Soto, All Rights Reserved

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations in this book
are
from the King James Version of the Bible.

ISBN: 978-1-84799-352-6

To email Raquel Soto:
[email protected]

Copyright © 2007 Raquel Soto
Cover design layout by Raquel Soto and Hector E. Soto with
standard licensing of image from istock.com/creator Andy
Tuohy

All rights reserved
Printed in USA by lulu.com

PREFACE

In the beginning of 2007 I was watching Steven Scott on a
television show. What show, I can't tell you; I don't remember.
What I do remember is his engaging story on how he had become
a millionaire in three years after reading the book of Proverbs daily.
I love reading and immediately went online and ordered it from
Amazon. I don't even think I read it right away. The excitement
had worn off by the time it came. That happens sometimes when
you are moved to do something. At first you are so excited, but
then as time goes on, the chemistry dies down. But like all love
affairs, and mine is with learning, all it takes is a spark.
After a few weeks, I looked at the cover and remembered what
made me buy it in the first place. I devoured it in a couple days. I
got to the end of the book and thought, now where's the rest of it?
You see, the instruction of the book was to read the book of
P(i.reo.viefrtbosdeavyeirsytdhaey1in, ycoourrwesopuolnddreenacdetwheith1tchheadpatyerooffthPeromvoernbths
and so and so on). He shared his life and the truths he had learned
in his book. But at the end of the book I was hoping for some
examples of exactly what he was doing while reading. I looked
online for a companion workbook and couldn't find anything that
would satisfy my thirst for learning more.
So out of desperation and frustration, I began to write the book
for myself. A companion of sorts to Steven Scott's book that
inspired me. I realized that if it was helping me, it might help
others to.
Each day, read the chapter corresponding to the day. On that day,
you will find a power verse for you to meditate on. I've even left a
space on each page for you to write your own thoughts and make
this book your own. Scrapbook in it even if you wish.
May the truths that Mr. Scott discovered and I'm still learning put
you on your own path to health, wealth, and happiness. Destiny is
calling, so dive right in. Here's to health, wealth, and happiness, one
minute at a time.

‘

April 1st A Loving God

Today's power verse comes from verse 23: Turn to me when I warn
you. I will generously pour out my spirit for you. I will make my words known
to you. (God's Word Translation)

This verse is so encouraging to me.

Many see God as fire and brimstone Being. Angry at the human

race and completely uninterested in what we do - unless we are
naughty.

Over and over again God warns us of the consequences of not

following His ways. He does this not because He is trying to hinder
us from living a full and happy life. Instead, He has left behind
instructions so that we can have a full, happy, and abundant life.

Even when we miss it or fall away, He calls out to us. He reminds

us in this verse to turn back to Him. I love that the GWT states
what He does: He will generously pour out His spirit over us. God is
continually generous in dealing with us. So much so, He sent us the
best of heaven - Jesus.

When we turn to Him, He promises to pour out His Spirit for us.

His grace and mercy renews for us every morning. And like dew
from heaven, if we would set out ears to hear we can receive the
refreshing we need. He will make His words known to us.

God is not angry with you. Nothing you do surprises Him. Perhaps

this fact surprises you instead: nothing you do can ever make Him
love you more or less than He does right now, right this second.

Turn to Him. He wants to make His words known to you.

NOTES

Why not write something specific and personal to God:

April 2nd Active Listening

Today's power verse comes from verse two: So that thou incline thine
ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding;

Incline in this verse is the Hebrew word qashab. It's a verb that
means, according to Lexicon:" to hear, be attentive, heed, pay
attention, or listen."

In the second part of the verse, we are told to apply our heart to

understanding. This involves more work on our part. We need to
stretch ourselves and come out of our comfort zone so that we can
receive the benefits of what we are reading and studying.

Where else have we heard this?

James 1:22 tells us: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only

I think we have to be reminded because at first we are really

excited about the Word. We become zealous when we start
anything new. But after awhile, the newness starts to wear off. You
can get into a rut reading the Word if you don't do active reading.

This happens when we don't do what we are reading. As you do

what you are reading (or don't do to avoid trouble as we've already
seen) you will start to see the results that God promises in His
Word. The more you are able to see benefits, the more you will
want to do, not out of obligation, but out of love for wisdom that
is being imparted.

Be an active listener and do what you hear.

NOTES

How can you apply what you have been learning to your every day
life?

April 3rd Does God deserve your best?

Today's power verse is found in verse nine: Honor the LORD with
your wealth and with the first and best part of all your income. (God's Word
Translation)

Everyone loves the sermons when we tell you how much God

loves you. How much He wants to bless you and see you well,
whole, and living an abundant life. But bring up money, and all of a
sudden, people go from receiving the goodness of God and
shouting to crossing their arms and clamming up!

I'm not sure why people have such a hard time with giving. I don't
understand it myself. Perhaps I should tell you why I give.

I give because it's what I was taught by my parents. Since I was

little, I remember them giving me money to put into the collection.
They would tell my sister and I: "Now, this part isn't for your
candy. This part is for God. Make sure to put it in when the plate
comes, okay? It's our way of thanking Him for taking care of us."

There was no question as to what the church was doing with it. My

parents could care less. They weren't releasing it to the church. To
them, they were releasing it God and they trusted that if someone
was inappropriate with what belonged to God, He had a long
history of taking care of them!

They gave because they were grateful. Grateful to have jobs.

Grateful for the home we had. Grateful that we were alive, healthy,
together, and living in peace. They always gave, and still do give,
their best to God.

So that is the reason to honor God with your substance. It is not

the only way to honor Him, but it is one way. Where your heart is,
your money follows. It's your servant.

So who is it serving for you?

NOTES

What is your servant money doing for you today?

April 4th Choose your friends wisely

Today's power verse comes from verse 15: Avoid it, pass not by it,
turn from it, and pass away.

The subject of this verse is found in the preceding one: the path of
the wicked (those who do not want to walk in the ways of God).

Now, those who do not want to follow the ways of God don't

always look like the evil cartoon characters with black hats and
long mustaches like when you were a child. Many times they are
nice people. Your friends and family even. People you have known
your whole life.

At some point, you will need to evaluate whom you are hanging
around with. It's not so much that they are evil, but what they want to
do with their lives is not where God is leading you. He wants to
take you higher. And although He wants everyone to be blessed,
not everyone will do the work for it (his or her part of believing
God for the impossible).

Many argue that we shouldn't part ways from people because Jesus

hung out with those that were different. This was true, but He did
it for a short time and it was always to minister to their needs.
Once that was done, He either went away by Himself to be with
God for a long, long period or went to hang out with the 12 He
was teaching (who were picked by Him).

One way to not fall into temptation is to avoid it all together.

Don't go hanging around people who do what you are trying not
to do. Because sooner or later, one of you will have to give in, and
it probably won't be them.

NOTES

How can you avoid temptation?

April 5th Lesson in staying sexually pure

Today's power verse comes from verse 10: And strange men may be
full of your wealth, and the fruit of your work go to the house of others; (Bible
in Basic English Translation)

The subject to this verse is also found in the previous verses: the
warnings of getting mixed up in sexual immorality.

The name of this translation fits here. Proverbs can't be any clearer
in basic English than this: get mixed up in sexual immorality and
you are subject to have all your wealth be taking away. Not only
will that be taken away, everything you built will be given to
another.

This isn't only speaking about wealth. There is more to life than

wealth, like a legacy. You can work all your life and build
something great to last, only to lose it all in an instant for not
protecting yourself against sexual immorality.

No one is immune. But everyone can protect themselves.

Do you know why Billy Graham never had a sex scandal? Because

he refused to be alone with a woman that wasn't related to him. If he
counseled them, there was at least 1 other person present. On
his crusades, if his wife were not with him, he would have
someone go into the hotel room before he walked in to "sweep the
place" and make sure that no one was there. It might seem extreme
to you, but we now have a legacy of a great man of God that
remained pure when others could not.

It's okay to be a little extreme when it comes to protecting yourself
and your relationships. They are yours to take care of, so choose
wisely.

NOTES

How can you protect your relationships?

April 6th The cost of an affair

Today's power verse comes from verse 26: For by means of a whorish

woman [a man is brought] to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for
the precious life.

Did you know that the average extramarital affair costs a man a

minimum of $10,000 and last only four months? Talk about a fool
and his money being easily parted!

Statistically, for financial reasons, an affair is a bad idea. Most
people have to go on medication from all the stress, go to
psychiatrics lose raises or promotions, or get fired for sexual
harassment (as most affairs now start at work).

Do you remember the story about the prodigal son? He spent his

wealth on harlots and ended up eating with the swine. Poverty
overtook him because of his own foolishness.

What about the story of Samson and Delilah? Samson paid the
price with his life because of that relationship.

And yet, God in His mercy still tries to get you out of your trap.

When the prodigal son finally came to his senses, he came back

home and the father welcomed the son back with open arms.
When Samson came to his senses, his hair grew back and still
managed to do some real damage to God's enemies before he died.

If you have gotten yourself into a situation where you are or were

in an affair, there is forgiveness and restoration available. Don't
wait until it's too late to end it. Don't wait until you lose everything you
have because of it. Choose this day to make a fresh start.

NOTES

Pray for those in affairs that they to will come to their senses.

April 7th Character traits to watch out for

Today's power verses are found in verses 11 and 12: (She [is] loud
and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: Now [is she] without, now in the
streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

These verses are speaking about the character of the woman who
Solomon is urging his son to stay away from.

She is loud and stubborn. She wants the attention to be on her and
yet when attention is given to her to bring correction, she acts as
though she hasn't heard it. She wants to do what she wants when
she wants to do it.

She is so agitated that she can't even stay home. She doesn't want
to be in the place where she should be, thereby opening the door
to mischief and ruin.

She is without. Her actions will expose her sooner or later. It leads
her to take the streets to look for prey.

And she waits. She waits at every corner seeking whom she may
devourer and ruin.

In the end, she only cares for herself. Her wants and needs and

desires. She's not interested in love, but control. Which is why she
waits and looks for the naïve one.

These are character traits to remember even when you are doing

business with someone. Someone who is self-seeking will only
bring ruin to you.

Don't just walk away from that person. Run.

NOTES

Do you think someone's character is important?

April 8th Seeing things like God does

Today's power verse comes from verse 13: The fear of the LORD [is]

to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I
hate.

The last thing God wants for you to do is fear Him in the wrong

way. Here in the KJV what is translated as "fear" is actually the
"awe and respect of".

When we have awe and respect for God then we will hate what He

hates. We will hate evil, because evil does not come out of a place
of love. We will hate pride, because it is self-seeking. We will hate
arrogancy, because someone who is arrogant believes that they are
entitled to something and generally makes others feel as though
they are smaller than they are. We will hate the evil way, because
anything other than God's way doesn't bring the abundant life as it
was meant to be. We will hate the froward mouth, because the
speech that doesn't line up with what God tells you is just a waste of
time. They are not words of peace.

We hate them because God hates them.

Hate is a strong word, but a necessary one. The list from the above

verse are things that cause destruction. They are there to steal, kill,
and destroy. Jesus came to give us life, and life more abundantly.
He died for it.

Can you see why then God hates it? He hates what will bring harm
to you. So should you.

NOTES

Looking back at your life, you have come a long way. What is the
most significant change where you viewed things one way and now
see them as God sees them?

April 9th The Deceit of Sin

Today's power verse comes from verse 17: Stolen waters are sweet, and
bread [eaten] in secret is pleasant.

This is the reality of doing things outside of what God's best is. It
always seems like a good idea. Pleasurable even. Things that are
stolen or done in secret are sweet and tasty.

But then reality sets in.

Verse 18 shows us the end result of this: it leads to death.

Sometimes when we see the word "death" we just think of

physically dying. But there are other things that die as a result of
our actions.

Marriages now are dying at the rate of 1 in 2. The world is telling
us that it isn't important to be married. It's just a piece of paper.
But that is because they do not understand covenant. They do not
understand agape love.

Marriage is God's idea. It's one way to weed out selfishness. It's
one way to develop the fruit of love: patience, kindness, humility
and long-suffering. It's one way that God uses to show us the
intimacy He wants to have with His people.

Whether we like it or not, whether we believe it or not, when we
do things outside of what God is showing us, we will never have
the fullness we are looking for.

The road will eventually lead to ruin.

NOTES

Other than marriage, what other things can die as a result of not
following the will of God?

April 10th The Power of Choice

Today's power verse comes from verse eight: The wise in heart will
receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

One of the reasons that people aren't living the life they want is
because of the sheer act of their will. They see the word obey as a
bad four-letter word. They want to be "free".

But everyone has to obey someone. And that's the secret.

We are getting directions from someone. It's coming in through

the television. The movies. The newspaper. Information
technology is growing so quickly, that you are only going to get
more and more information heading your way. It's originating
from two sources: God and not God.

So when suggestions, ideas, and thoughts come your way, as a free

moral agent you have a choice. You have the choice to receive the
information as good information and do something with it. Or you
can choose to reject it.

That is the power of your choice. You have the right and power to
believe whatever you want to believe. The power of choice is one
that God will not override, no matter how much He loves you. He
has given you the free will to choose to do things His way or not.

If you do things His way, you will prosper in that area. If you
don't, He's left behind enough evidence to what you will draw to
yourself for not obeying. He's left instructions to lead you to the
good life.

It's all up to you to decide.

NOTES

What do you think freedom is?

April 11th Honor and Riches

Today's power verse comes from verse 16: A gracious woman
retaineth honour: and strong [men] retain riches.

It's interesting that in the church world it is believed that God

wants you poor. That couldn't be further from the truth. If you
want to be poor, you can be poor. If you want to be rich, you can
be rich. It's unimportant to Him in which state you would rather be.

A strong man, one whose interests lie with God, will retain what he

has. This is telling me that not only is God okay with you being
wealthy, He has set up wisdom so that you can retain it. What God
adds, He adds no sorrow with it. That includes wealth.

In today's day and age, many women believe that if they don't act

like a man, they won't get ahead. But this verse is reminding us that
it's okay to be a woman. It's okay to be who you are in your
femininity and still be abundant. You can be feminine and still have
splendor. You can keep your femininity intact and still have
dignity.

Jesus came to give us life and that life more abundantly. That life
that He was speaking of in John 10:10 was Zoë life. Zoë life is the
God kind of life. That life is filled with love. A life filled with
nothing missing, nothing broken.

Retain your honor and be who God created you to be. Retain your
wealth and lie your interests with God's.

NOTES

How can you do the above statement?

April 12th How do you want to be remembered?

Today's power verse comes from verse four: A virtuous woman [is] a

crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed [is] as rottenness in his
bones.

There is power in being a great wife. On the contrary, we have here

what it is to have a terrible wife. She's like a disease to the husband.
This brings to my mind the wife of Job.

If you don't know the story of Job, Job was a man who greatly

loved the Lord. As much as Job loved God, he still had fears about
losing everything he had. His fear (contaminated faith) drew to him
what he was fearing. God in His mercy made sure that although he
lost nearly everything, Job would not lose his life.

During the course of his terrible nine-month ordeal where Job lost

his children, home, health, and business, he still had his wife.
Instead of his wife encouraging him and bringing him up, she told
Job to curse God and die! She even told him a couple of times that
he had bad breath!

What was Job's response? He stayed true to God in spite of his
circumstances and terrible wife and Job was given back twice as
much as he had before.

We don't know much about Job's wife after that. Perhaps the other
things of her life weren't worth mentioning. But what we do learn
about her life is how not to be.

What an awful way to be remembered.

NOTES

What kind of spouse would you like to be remembered as?

April 13th Not everything is as it appears

Today's power verse comes from verse eight: The ransom of a man's
life [are] his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

When we look at someone who is rich (financially), it would be

naïve to be believe that they have it all. One can have financial
abundance, and yet be poor. There are people who are rich
(financially) and yet poor spiritually. Or poor in health. Or poor
socially.

Many people envy the rich because in their mindset, the rich have
it all. So this causes envy and at times that envy brings danger to
the one that is wealthy. Because they are estimated only by their
wealth, people are apt to threaten their lives or the lives of the ones
they love.

On the contrary, we have the poor, who aren't estimated at all

because of the financial state that they are in. This is also naïve.
Only because someone is financially poor, it does not mean they
are worth any less than the one who is rich. They shouldn't be
despised or looked down upon. They might not be financially rich
(yet), but many poor know more about love and charity than those
that are rich.

Don't esteem people due to their wealth or look down on the poor

because of where they are financially. There's always more to the
story than meets the eye.

NOTES

There are down sides to being either rich or poor. What do you
believe they are?

April 14th Pretend all you want, God knows the truth

Today's power verse comes from verse 13: Even in laughter the heart
is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth [is] heaviness.

The preceding verse talks about there are ways that seem like the

right way to go, but in the end it leads to ruin. This verse can be
connected to it: one may try to laugh off their decisions, but in the
end it's just going to way heavy on them.

We need to be honest with ourselves. At some point you will need
to be honest with yourself and God and just lay it all out on the
table.

When we hide from what we have done it just makes what

happened worse. We go deeper and deeper into the bondage of the
issue. And if it's not dealt with, it can cause sickness or disease. It
can even cause death.

No one wants to be wrong. But in order to be truly free, we need
to come honestly to God. What keeps us from not coming to God
is not knowing the character of God.

Knowing the character of God is the key to freedom. God is love.

Because he loves us, He will take us in and forgive us. He will be
with you through the fire and will never forsake you, even if the
harvest of what you have done has caught up to you.

You are not alone. You don't have to stay in that state. You can be
free today. He is worthy of your trust. Turn it over to Him today.

NOTES

Turn anything weighing on you today over to God.

April 15th The Watchful Eyes of God

Today's power verse comes from verse three: The eyes of the LORD
[are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

This is encouraging to me for two reasons:

God can see everything. It's comforting to know that He is

watching over me. As I walk with Him and do what I'm led to
do to fulfill my destiny, it makes it easier to know that I'm not
alone. Every place I go, He sees me. I'm not left to do what is in
my heart on my own. I'm not overlooked. I'm not left to my own
devices. I can draw on whatever I need from Him because
He is with me. That is part of the awesomeness of God. He is
with me everywhere I go.

God can see everything. It's comforting to know that He is

watching over the ones that choose to do things not in line
with Him. And since He is watching over me, He will lead me
away from those that will cause me harm.

God knows how we are. He knows that we need to be motivated,
so He has set up a system that if you do this, He will do that. It's
all built on His love for us. Outside of His provision, there is only
destruction. There is only ruin.

So as we do what we are shown to do, we will be rewarded.

He is watching and waiting. He's ready. Are you?

NOTES

Is God watching you a comforting or frightening thought? Why?

April 16th Who's responsible for your world?

Today's power verse can be found in verse four: The LORD hath
made all [things] for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

There are those who have a hard time with God because they see

the wicked things that people do and the terrible things that
happen and think, "If God was a just God, He wouldn't let this
happen." The truth is He didn't.

The original blueprint for the human race was to never die. Never

experience pain. Never have sickness or disease. It was to live a
whole and happy life. He wanted nothing missing, nothing
broken.
He provided all the human race needed then gave that dominion
(that authority to rule) over to us.

When that happened, our forefathers (Adam and Eve) took what

was God's portion for themselves because they failed to realize
that they were already made like God. They were made in His
image and likeness (they were to function like Him). He wasn't
trying to keep something from them except what they loosed until
the earth: ruin!

But God in His infinite wisdom and love provided a way to have

that God Kind of life back: The death of His Son, Jesus. Through
the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have the opportunity to
function like God once again. To bring days of heaven on the
earth.

Is every day going to be perfect? No, at least not yet. But we have

been given the power and the authority in Christ to change our
world. What we do with that power and authority is up to us.

NOTES

You were made for God. What does that mean for you?

April 17th Even the wicked seek help from the wicked

Today's power verse comes from verse four: A wicked doer giveth
heed to false lips; [and] a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.

This verse is pointing out further character traits to look out for
when dealing with people.

When someone is doing evil, they pay attention to the twisted or

wicked things that people say. They want help in doing what they
want to do, so they are quick to listen to whomever else is igniting
mischief.

Someone who perpetual tells lies (a liar) is in the same boat. That

person is ready to hear anything that is slanderous. It reminds me
of what the sages say about gossip. In order to stop from
gossiping, stop listening to it. Liars will listen to gossip and then
add their own version to it.

So how does this or some of the other entries get added into the
"Health, Wealth, and Happiness" part of this book?

Because by avoiding doing business with people with these
characteristics, you will have a greater rate of success in business.
By pointing out what to look for in a person, it will lead to good
health, as you will have less stress to deal with. By not having these
two issues to deal with, you will be happier.

Proverbs tells us many things to look out for. In so doing, we get
to see into the heart of the people and save ourselves great
heartache and loss.

NOTES

How have you been doing with the words that come out of your
mouth?

April 18th Words can hurt you

Today's power verse comes from verse eight: The words of a talebearer
[are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

As you know by now, one of the main themes of Proverbs is the

way we speak. The power of our words is something that we are
not taught in most cultures. They are taken lightly. And yet,
everything is governed by words. Words penetrate everything we
do and everything we are. Deep down, we know that they are
important. We are all made in God's image and likeness. To
function like Him. And He never does anything without saying it
first.

Words are so powerful, that Proverbs 18 verse 21 tells us that

death and life are in the power of what is spoken. Here, in verse
eight, it tells us the power of gossip. When someone gossips, it
causes wounds.

The problem with gossip is that it not only causes wounds for the

one being spoken about, but also the one who is hearing it and the
one doing the speaking. It goes down into our inner most parts
(our heart). It causes wounds in the one that is the hearer and
speaker because once you receive gossip, it isn't something that
you can undo easily. It's in there.

Gossip is difficult, but not impossible, to not be part of.

The way we speak and what we listen to is more important to God
than you might think. It needs to become important to you to.

NOTES

Examine your words today and note down in what areas you need
improvement in.

April 19th Friends and your wealthy place

Today's power verse comes from verse six: Many will intreat the
favour of the prince: and every man [is] a friend to him that giveth gifts.

This verse reminded me about people who come into a great deal
of wealth quickly. In spite of all the glitz and glamour that is
portrayed by the casinos and the lottery agents, it's not all it's
cracked up to be.

Many lottery winners, for instance, are back in debt within 18

months or so from winning. Some even go into such a depression
that they want to take their lives.

In the first part of this verse, we find out why. Many people start

to come around and act as they are adoring the winner and doing
things for them. At first, it's quite the ego boost. But the ego boost
wears off and the truth starts to dawn on them: who is there for
friendship and who is around just so that the winner can do
something for them?

When people who haven't had anything come into wealth

suddenly, they might be so overjoyed that they begin to give gifts
of all kinds. Everyone then becomes his/her friend. But when the
gifts stop flowing, the friends stop coming.

As much as you would like to suddenly come into a massive

amount of wealth, start to manage what you have now wisely. This
way, when you are in your wealthy place, you'll be able to easily
discern who is for you and who is just using you.

NOTES

How can you manage your current wealth status better?

April 20th Need answers?

Today's power verse comes from verse five: Counsel in the heart of
man [is like] deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

This is one of the best kept secrets to success. It's so simple and
yet profound. Just ask.

No really, just ask!

Many of our issues would be either resolved or completely avoided

if we would only ask questions. This is the benefit of finding a
mentor. When you have a mentor, that person is there for you to
show you which way to go.

Even if you don't currently have a mentor, you have Someone
available to you 24/7. His name is the Holy Spirit.

One of the ministries of the Holy Spirit is to be your Counselor.
Your Advocate. Your Teacher. So if there is anything you need to
know, you have the Spirit of the Creator right there with you. Just
ask.

This is helpful to remember when you are in the marketplace as

well. Many people don't want to ask because of pride. There is a
fear that if you ask you won't seem as intelligent. But a truly
intelligent person asks questions until they are satisfied.

So the next time you don't know something, don't allow fear to
hold you back. Just ask!

NOTES

Is there anything you need to know today?

April 21st Creator God

Today's power verse is verse one: The king's heart [is] in the hand of
the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

One may read this and believe that this must mean then that those

in leadership have no choices, for God will turn their hearts
anyway that He wills. If you don't know God's character, you
might be led to believe that God makes the kings do what He
wants as though they were little robots.

Although God certainly has the power, He won't supersede
someone's free will.

God is Creator. As Creator, He knows us intimately. He knows just

what to do to speak to our hearts. And as for leaders, God is the
King over all of them, whether they acknowledge it or not. He
knows how to create ways to lead them to the places He needs for
them to go and even allows them to believe it was all their idea.

God knows the hearts of men and knows what someone will and

will not do. Although it appears as though the wrong man was
hired for the job, God sees those in leadership as part of the whole
for eternity purposes. Everyone has their parts to play and God has
set it up for us to play our part.

And if we won't play our part, He will rise up another who will. He
is Creator, after all.

NOTES

Why not take a moment to pray for your "king" today.

April 22nd Protecting Knowledge

Today's power verse comes from verse 12: The eyes of the LORD
preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

This is another reason that we can trust the Word of God. He

watches over knowledge and preserves it so that it can be available
to us. Even in times when it seemed like all was lost, there was
always a remnant of people who held on to the truths of God's
Word.

On the contrary, He does overthrow those that speak against His

interests. It's not a matter of if, but when. We might think He is
taking too long to do it, but it is part of His nature to be long-
suffering. He allows time for the person to turn around and make
things right. But when enough is enough, then enough is enough!

One thing we have lost in this day and age of information

technology is the benefit of growing up on the farms. Farmers
understand that things take time. When you want a great crop you
might have to wait several seasons before you can reap a significant
harvest.

God's harvest is the harvest of people. He was so full of love that

He created the human race. His desire is for us to be with Him
forever. He paid a great price for our freedom, and He isn't willing to
allow His seed - Jesus - to not reap a great harvest.

God protects the knowledge not for His sake, but for ours.

NOTES

What is your take on the Words of the Bible?

April 23rd Working hard for nothing

Today's power verse comes from verse four: Labour not to be rich:
cease from thine own wisdom.

I recall a time when our family was in dire straights. We didn't

know what we were going to do financially. Our children were
quite young and we had decided that one of us would stay with the
children and one would be in the marketplace. We were even
counseled to have more than two jobs for a home!

Although the counsel was understandable, it wasn't and isn't God's

best. God doesn't want you to work two or four jobs to own a
home! His best for you is to have work. Not a job. A job is a place
you just go to. But work is rewarding. You are blessed there and
they are blessed for having you there. God doesn't mind you
having a home. Have two! But He doesn't want you to have it and
ignore the ministry to Him that He's calling you to. And if you
have a spouse and children, you have a ministry to your spouse
first then the children. How can you do your ministry if you're
always working to pay the bills or to have that home?

We decided to trust God and for one of us to work one place and

the other to work with the children. We've never turned back from
that decision and we have seen God move in ways that make us
forever grateful. He has been faithful to His Word, and us.

NOTES

It doesn't always make "sense" to follow the instincts that God
puts in our hearts, but they always turn out well if we yield. What
area is God leading you to yield that might not seem all that
"sense"?

April 24th Get understanding

Today's power verse is found in verse three: Through wisdom is an
house builded; and by understanding it is established:

It takes wisdom to build your house.

Wisdom keeps our family together. We go to what others think are

extremes to protect our marriage, but with one in two dying, we
think being a bit extreme is worth it. We protect our children and
correct the way they speak and watch television with them. If
someone is going to be telling-them-a-vision we want to know
what vision they are sharing! We eat healthy (okay, maybe not every
time, but we are doing better) and explain to our children why we
don't overload our bodies with sugar. We do what our parents did
with us and then took it to the next level. It is our prayer our
children will do the same and take it to the next level with their
children.

Understanding of God's ways establishes what we learn. It does no

good for us to follow instructions if we do not have the purpose
behind it. I could tell my children not to ply themselves with sugar,
but unless they understand the consequences of the overload in
their bodies, they will just choose to do it when they aren't around
us. I've witnessed when they have a choice to eat what they want,
and my older daughter without fail will always choose for herself a
balance meal with only one cookie, siting that one cookie is enough
sugar.

Wisdom is important. But with all your getting, get understanding.

NOTES

How is understanding Proverbs helping you in your everyday life?

April 25th Only because you can, doesn't mean you should

Today's power verses comes from verses nine and ten: Debate thy
cause with thy neighbour [himself]; and discover not a secret to another: Lest he
that heareth [it] put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

It's understandable, especially in today's marketplace, that if you
are wronged your first inclination is to sue. All of society screams it
out toward you via sitcoms, news bulletins, and slick television ads.
You'd be crazy not to sue.

But here in Proverbs it shows you a different way to go about a
debate.

Instead of heading for the courthouse, take it to the party first.
There might be something that the party knows that you'd rather it
not be spoken about publicly (and the reverse may be true). If it
does go to court and you are found to have a frivolous lawsuit,
then your reputation may get ruined.

When it comes right down to it, we need to count the cost of a
lawsuit. What are the chances that you will win? If you do, will you
still lose in attorney fees? What about the time that was spent on it?
If you lose, what is the cost on your time and money on the case?

If the issue is something that can be settled without attorneys, it
should at minimum be attempted with an open attitude. If the only
thing that will get hurt is your pride for not suing, it will be worth
the cost of less stress if you do not go through with it.

NOTES

What are your views on lawsuits?

April 26th Breaking the curse off you

Today's power verse is out of verse two: As the bird by wandering, as
the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

Many people believe that a curse will not land on you if you don't
believe in it. Here, in Proverbs, it spells it out for you: it's not going to
be drawn to you for no reason.

Let's define curse. A curse is the opposite of a blessing. It's set up

to steal, kill, and destroy you. God is not the originator of it. It's
like gravity. You might not know how it works or believe in it, but
that's irrelevant because it is what it is.

So what is God's remedy to it? How can you stop a curse if you
don't even know anything about them?

By receiving revelation (that "Aha!" moment) of the goodness of

God for your situation. Knowing, believing, and receiving that
God is for you and not against you and then doing the instructions
He's left behind.

If you don't allow the love of God to break off of you the old
habits that keep you in the bondage of poverty, that mindset of
poverty will draw poverty to you. If you don't allow the love of
God to break off you the low expectations of your future, you will
not be able to accomplish the dreams that are in your heart. If you
don't meditate on God's Word day and night you will not find the
lasting success that you are really searching for.

First you need to believe that God is for you. And if He is for you,
who can stand against you? No one. Not even a "curse".

NOTES

What in your life is not reflecting days of heaven on the earth?
What does God say about it?

April 27th Making your parents' heart glad

Today's power verse is out of verse 11: My son, be wise, and make my
heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

One way of honoring our parents is to make their heart glad. At

one point, making my mother's heart glad would have been me
being an anchorwoman on the 10 o'clock news. But God had
different plans for me.

His plans included me being able to run an office. To know all the

functions of a staff and manage them so that they reach their
potential in their roles. It included me loving software and
continually streamlining processes so that one can get the most out
of a little bit of time. I've become a woman of efficiency so that I
may do the things I love to do, like spending time with my family.

And in the process of it all, being anchored to God as though my
life depended on it.

The sweetest thing my mother told me so far was after I was
finished speaking at a church. She came up to me, with tears in her
eyes, and said, "When I grow up, I want to be just like you."

I am not living the life that my mother planned for me when I was
a child, but nonetheless, I am living the life that God has chosen.

And that has made the hearts of my parents glad.

NOTES

Are you living the life that God has chosen for you or one you
have chosen for yourself?

April 28th Democracy vs. Theocracy

Today's power verse comes from verse two: For the transgression of a

land many [are] the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding [and]
knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged.

We live in a representative democracy. We vote for the people we

want in office and our representatives have the authority to cast the
vote to represent our interests. When we do not vote, we risk the
chance of someone without understanding representing our values
and shaping the course of the nation.

Democracy in any form is better than no democracy at all. But that
mindset can get in the way when trying to reconcile your natural
life with your spiritual one.

You see your spiritual life is based on a theocracy. There is One
God and He has set up all the rules. There's no voting. You don't
have a say to change the spiritual laws that exist. The spiritual laws
are like gravity. You can argue all you want, but it isn't going to
change its power.

The good news is that this theocracy is based on the foundation of

love. All you need to do is follow these spiritual laws, and you will
have great success: Love God with everything you are and love
your neighbor as yourself. That's it. If you can do those two things,
you will find success. You will find that your life will be filled with
wealth, health, and happiness.

If you can understand that, your own state will be prolonged.

NOTES

Although theses spiritual laws are simple, it can be challenging to
live by day to day. How can you apply these two spiritual laws
today?

April 29th Honoring our parents in a variety of ways

Today's power verse is found in verse three: Whoso loveth wisdom

rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth [his]
substance.

When we use wisdom, it brings joy to our parents. I didn't really
understand that until I became a parent myself.

My children, at the time of this writing, are still quite young.

However, even in the small ways they are growing in the wisdom
of God brings joy to my heart. As I watch the correction go into
their inner most parts, I know that they will be successful when
they are on their own. I have joy knowing that when they are not in
my presence, they will do well. My heart is at peace knowing that
God is with them and they are learning to yield to His leading.

On the contrary, if they were foolish children, I don't believe I

would be too happy. They might have to take the way of the
Prodigal Son and spend their inheritance on foolishness, hitting
rock bottom until they come to their senses. My heart would be
saddened and my life would be a life of distraction wondering what
my children were up to until the day that they return and fulfill
their God given destinies.

Perhaps your parents weren't the ideal parents. But you do have a

Father that adores you and wants the best for you. You can honor
God in a variety of ways. One way is listed here: love wisdom and
the Father of all fathers will rejoice over you.

NOTES

How can you honor God the Father today?

April 30th The gift of boundaries

Today's power verse can be found in verse 11: [There is] a generation

[that] curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.

Sometimes, when people grow up with parents that are extremely
strict and harsh, when they have children of their own they go in
the opposite direction.

There have been many such parents. Because they grew up with
very little, they worked hard to give their children (materially) what
they did not have growing up. Because their parents were severely
strict with them, they didn't discipline their own children correctly.
They allow their children to self-rule. Which isn't a bad thing, but
when you give the child no guidelines, the self-ruling leads to
destruction.

Consequently, we have a generation of children that are
disrespectful to their parents. The parents aren't around because the
"good life" has a price: long hours at the workplace. With no one at
home to shape the values of the child, many children curse their
parents by squandering their wages, speaking disrespectfully, or
are completely self-seeking and therefore self-destructive.

If you have children, the best thing you can do for them is be there
for them. If that means getting a smaller house so that you aren't
working so many hours, then so be it. If that means telling them
"no" and allowing them to be frustrated with you, they will get
over it.

If you love your children, you will set boundaries for them. Then,
when they are older, they will bless you for it.

NOTES

Can you recall the most valuable lesson your parents taught you?

Meet My Friend Jesus

For Anyone, Being Called By The Lord, Seeking Salvation and
Truth.

Today is The Day of Salvation.

If you have not yet received the eternal love of Christ for yourself
and want to have a personal relationship with the Heavenly Father
and not spend eternity separated from Him, now is the time for
salvation. Jesus Christ is your personal Savior.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no
man cometh unto the Father, but by me. KJV
John 3:16,17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the
world through him might be saved. KJV

He died at Calvary for your sins. NOTHING YOU DID OR
CAN EVER DO WILL CHANGE HOW MUCH GOD LOVES
YOU! The Father has sent His very best gift to you in the form of
His Son, Jesus. HE gave up HIS best just so that, through Jesus,
you can come back home. God loves you so much Jesus was
willing to leave perfection and die to take your place. If you are
waiting to stop smoking, stop fornicating, stop gossiping, chances
are you'll NEVER do it. God accepts you as you are right now. HE
will work in and through you to change those things that don't
belong little by little. HE loves you completely. With all the bruises.
All the pain. All the fear. HE calls you beautiful and worthy to die
for. HE's already proved HE loves you more than life. It's time,
little one. It's time... don't be afraid... perfect love casts away all
fear. Step into the glorious light and receive the perfect love of
God. HE's loved you from the beginning. Just as you are. Are you
ready to meet Jesus as He is? Open your heart and...

Ask Him right now, with your heart and humbly pray this prayer...
Dear Heavenly Father, I believe with all my heart that Jesus is Your
Only Begotten Son. Not a son, but thee Son. I believe He was
conceived of a virgin, He lived a sinless life, He was crucified on
the cross for me, He shed His blood for me, He rose from the
dead for me, and He's coming back for me. I receive You, Jesus, as
my personal Lord and Savior. Come into my heart. Wash me with
your blood. Cleanse me from all sin. I'll serve you everyday of my

life. I love you, Jesus. Thank you, Lord! Old things are severed
from me. Everything is new in my life. I am a new creature in
Christ. And, Lord, I thank you for saving me. I'm Your child; I'm
born again! Now fill me, to overflowing, with the mighty Holy
Spirit! Thank you, Lord!
Raise your hands and pray in whatever language pops out (if you
would like more information on this, please email us and I'll send
you a bible study on it).

If you prayed this prayer, begin your walk with the Lord first by
reading His Word...The Bible. Begin having a personal relationship
with the Father. Your name is written in the Lambs Book of Life.
You belong to Him. Begin by reading the Book of John and 1st
John. Find a church that is sound in the gospel

Trust and accept Him to do a great and mighty work in you. If
God be for you, who can be against you? God is in control of all
things. Be not afraid. God loves you and so do I.