Welcome to Week 17

Proverbs 17

1 Thessalonians 5:23, 24 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through; and may your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life

It is He that sets us apart completely. Our part is to seek Him faithfully and strive for perfection. The Lord Jesus Christ is returning. That is guaranteed. He is faithful to do His part. Are we?
How do we do our part? It begins with giving ourselves completely to Him in service. Once you have made that commitment there is no reason to turn back. That commitment is the only thing that will completely set you free from the hurts and pains, struggles and frustrations that this world offers.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me

John 15:19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

May God bless you and change you towards Christ’s reflection as you diligently study His Word.

Homework Questions for Proverbs Chapter 17

As you begin studying, get alone with God, praise Him for choosing you as His daughter. Think of ten things you are appreciative for and give Him the praise for them. Confide your worries, concerns, disappointments and desires with Him. Remember, He already knows what they are so nothing can be hidden from Him. Ask Him for forgiveness and then forgive yourself for whatever you have done.

1. Proverbs 17:1 What would you be willing to forego at your dinner table for sweet quietude? Is there sadness at your table? Even if you eat alone, is there a heart of anger or a heart of quietness. Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10) even at the dinner table. Are you angry when you prepare meals? Is there strife in your responsibility to prepare food for your family?

I challenge you to prepare all meals this week with love and with a servant’s heart. Prepare each meal as if Jesus Himself was coming to dinner. Did you know that He is? If you are there, Jesus is there. That changes things, wouldn’t you say!

A lot has been said here. First, it is crucial that we demonstrate the same love Jesus demonstrated to us at all times but this verse is specific about showing that love at the dinner table. What is so important about a family dinner table? What transpires? The day we forego family dining was the day the family began to diminish. Are we angry with our responsibility to prepare meals? Perhaps that is felt by the partakers. Are we angry because no one helps? It is almost as if we have to remove ourselves (mentally) from this world as we live. Transforming into a Christ follower is about representing “LOVE” to a lost world, including those who sit with us at our dinner table.

Strife means bitter fighting and quarreling, struggle, conflict, and discord.

2. vs 3 What does it mean to “try the heart”? The Lord tests the heart. Synonyms of test: examine, questions, probes, verifies, confirms, put to the proof. Where is the heart of a person? I think it is defined as “who you are”. thoughts of his heart ---- grieved in His heart ----. imagination of man’s heart---- integrity of my heart---- his heart yearned glad---his heart is hard ----a willing heart ---sorrow of heart ----to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul---- wicked thought in your heart

Ezekiel 36:26-27 says: A new heart also will I give (create in you) and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart (old heart) out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh (a new, living heart).

When you are born again, new life (a new heart) is created within you. We were given a new spirit and a new heart, but we act as if we have a dead spirit and a dead heart.
To the contrary: we have a born again spirit (alive) that is plugged into a new life source which is the power of the Holy Spirit and we no longer have our old human spirit. We have a new heart. The old corrupt heart is described in Mark 7:21 - out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders.

A person without God has no power within them to change their hearts…the way we think, act, or feel. The Ezekial verse says we have been given a new heart therefore a heart that can be changed by God.

Psalm 51:10: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
We have been given a new heart, but it is not perfect nor clean. David cried out because he knew his heart was stained. The difference between our heart and an unbeliever’s heart is that we posses the power of the Holy Spirit within us which is the only way our heart will change. The Holy Spirit does the changing. Christianity is not a formula where we can do this, do that and everything is perfected.

No, it is a daily surrender to die to self.

3. vs 4 What have you listened to lately that was not truth? Be careful, in every field there are lies and false teaching.

4. Let vs 5 speak to you personally by looking up the words -mock – to make fun of, insult – an act that offends, rudeness, calamity – an occurrence inflicting widespread destruction/distress gloats - brag, rejoice selfishly punished – corrected, disciplined.

5. vs 8 (NCV) Some people think they can pay others to do anything they ask. They think it will work every time. Pay may not mean specifically money. Give an example of what you have done to get your way. Then ask yourself if life is about your way or THE WAY?

In the past I have talked overly nice, pout, withdrew, fixed a favorite dessert or meal, given a present in hopes to receive one back. The Way is about knowing that you have been given the greatest gift of all and that is enough to stop me from trying to get my way. My way is foolishness.

6. vs 9 Forgiveness – who must you go to if someone offends you?__the offender not another person. If someone comes to you ragging on someone else, you can bet they are ragging to someone else about you! Its human nature but not God’s nature.

NCV – Whoever forgives someone’s sin makes a friend, but gossiping about the sin breaks up friendships.

OH, this is so true and I have experienced this so many times. I am leaning toward the halt method. Halt/STOP before you fall back into the bad habits that keep you in strongholds. If the Holy Spirit tells you to STOP, get out of the conversation quickly. It works my friend! Forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. Pray for them instead of gossiping about them.
Gossip defined: groundless rumor (unverified information)!!!! Refer #3

Love forgets mistakes; nagging about them parts the best of friends.

vs 12 How mad is a bear that has been robbed of her cubs? Look it up! {Conservation officers are hunting a black bear that mauled a woman who got between the bear and her cubs.}

Now site an example of a time when you were as mad as a bear that has just been robbed of her cubs. {So mad you could maul someone to death} Why were you mad? (self might have something to do with your answer). Be prepared to share your foolish folly. Why? I always ask why did I do that! Pure stupidity, acting merely in the flesh. Fools are less rational in anger than wild bears. We cannot see anything but our way. Not THE WAY! Proverbs12:15 says the way of a fool seems right to him…14:16 says she is hotheaded and reckless…20:3 quick to quareel…29:11 and give full vent to her anger.

{A Syrian bear of the Bible was over 500 pounds and 8 feet tall. David had slain a bear to protect his sheep.

vs 13 What does it mean to repay evil for good?

Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Back up to Romans 17. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord. 20 Therefore – If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.

I have never applied this verse to my relationship with my husband until today. Must have the last word, must be understood, must have my way, must explain, must control. Well this verse is very clear. I do not have to avenge myself. God will correct. God will direct the misguided. It is not for me to fix my husband’s waywardness, only my own. Walking in the Word is the only solution to a much overdue problem this has caused in our marriage.

7. vs 14 Starting a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before a fight breaks out (NCV) Think about that. Put it into action. Then tell the class about your transformed soul. This weekend was very exciting for I saw God’s hand all over it but it was also very physically and mentally draining. I did not sleep much and between lack of sleep and driving almost 20 + hours, I knew I was ready to cause a quarrel. But I stopped because I also knew it would only result in a fight. Instead I chose to small talk and appreciate. I knew God was blocking my tongue because my old nature would have engaged in a quarrel. I see the beauty of being obedient. Be like Christ. It is the only way the lost will see Jesus in us.

8. vs 17 When does a friend love you? {at all times} So if you truly do what you answered on that line, why is it that we are not available when a sister is in trouble? A true friend sticks closer than a sister (18:24) Never abandon a friend when in need. Never say, “I’ll pray for you, but refuse to give up “time” for a friend. Walk instead of talk.

9. vs 19 Do you love to argue? Do you love to sin? Do you brag a lot? Do you always have to have the last word? Is what you have your own?

Arguing is sin. I am not battling anymore. It is also very physically destructive as well. What does it benefit? People are not going to behave and do exactly what we think is “right”, but we do not always acts and do exactly what is right either. Let God deal with them, not us. Take your actions from God’s Word. It is planted in us and we need to focus on watering ourselves not just others.

10. vs 20 Define deceitful heart. The tongue has two guards on it. Why?

Deceitful: dishonest, deceptive, and insincere. It is no longer necessary for us to engage in deceitful behavior for we know it is destructive. What purpose does it fulfill? Temporary happiness? Engage in loving others first. Selfishness is sin.

11. vs 22 Find a funny joke to share with the class. No one has ever died from laughing too much, but sadness dries up the bones. Check your laughter gauge.

If you don’t get right, you will be left! God loves kne-email.

Attitude affects your physical well-being. According to Proverbs, family strife (1), gossip (9) quarrels (14) foolishness (21,25) are caused by a broken depressed spirit. Choose to dwell on what is good in the person or situation. (Phil 4:8)

12. vs 24 What do you keep your eyes glued to? Everything is filtered through the eyes and through the eyes ones’ soul is revealed. My girls watch too much TV against my instruction. But if I walk past the TV, I find myself camping out with them mindlessly being sucked into ½ hr or more of uselessness. Sometimes what I have seen and heard remains in my mind. Most is reflective of the depravity of man. There are teens wanting to be pregnant at 14 because they want a baby, women wanting to have their entire body surgically redone, women wanting a brand new wardrobe because theirs is not fashionable. That makes me wonder if my wardrobe is adequate or if my face could use a lift! The Bible tells us that a discerning person keeps their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool’s eyes wander everywhere. Get Glue on God!

13. vs 27 Memorize it! NLT A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered (stays calm). Write it out in your notes 7X70! J

This works. Every word in the Word works.

14. vs 28 What does this verse say to you? Even fools seem to be wise if they keep quiet; if they don’t speak, they appear to understand.

If you speak, the other person knows what is going on. If you don’t speak, you will learn about their heart! STAY QUIET! It is Biblical and it makes sense.

2/3 of the intent of the message is communicated nonverbally.

1/3 of the message is communicated with words!

Thank you for persevering. Doing homework is God’s way of talking to you. Be excited about the new creation that you are becoming!

Physical Healing

Acid/Alkaline Balance

Typically our body should be 80% alkaline and 20% acidic. With this balance all of our metabolic and enzymatic processes will run smoothly.

Unfortunately, because of our stress levels and diet, most Americans are 80% acidic and 20% alkaline. Perhaps this is why Americans are so sick.

When your body is balanced you will feel more optimistic, have clarity of thought, better stamina, and you will find that you will not get sick.

We must learn to eat foods that are more alkaline to the body.

Examples - potatoes, green vegetables, salad greens, cabbage, kale, spinach, carrots, beets, corn, cottage cheese, butter, almonds, bananas, brazil nuts, dates, raisins, almond milk, black olives, avocado, cold pressed oils, natural sugar.

Acidic food examples: white flour products (check the label), pasta, white rice, cakes, pies, cookies, soybeans, chickpeas, red beans, garbanzo, red meat, salmon, lobster, shrimp, mussels, pickles, mustard, ketchup, mayo, coffee, tea, chocolate milk, milk, soda, tomato juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice, wine, and beer.

So as you can see, some foods that we would think would be healthy should be eaten in moderation along with alkaline foods.

Other contributors to an acidic body include: cigarette smoking, being in a smoke filled room, strenuous exercise, medications, flying in an airplane, chronic medical conditions, aging and stress.

Your body knows that in order for it to remain healthy it must be alkaline. If you continuously eat acidic foods, your body will naturally trigger the circulatory system and the respiratory system to neutralize the acidity in the body with the production of chemicals in the pancreatic juices and from other cells in the body. If the needed minerals are not provided through the diet and the digestive system then the body picks up alkalizing compounds from the bones (since our bones are mostly alkaline) eventually this will leave us with weakened bones. That is why osteoporosis is prevalent in this country because our diets are too acidic.

If the body is too acidic the following disease will occur: kidney stones, osteoporosis, constipation, low blood pressure, water retention, rheumatoid arthritis, bladder infections, weight problems, digestion disorders, emphysema, allergies, cancers, weakened thyroid, and chronic fatigue.

If the body is too alkaline the following diseases will occur: heart disease, high cholesterol, seizures, nervous disorders, prostate cancer, chronic digestive disorders, unexplained muscle or joint pain.

It is crucial that we eat foods that are alkaline in nature. Please follow the different food charts and begin today balancing your body’s ph. One of the awful disorders that a too acidic body can cause is Osteopenia – or commonly referred to as Osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis – The Nature of Bones

The most important factor in strong bones is a healthy body. Old bone is constantly being dissolved and new bone being laid down to replace it. The bone-forming cells, Osteoclasts, travel through the bone in search of old bone that is in need of renewal. They dissolve bone and leave tiny unfilled spaces. Osteoblast cells move into these spaces and build new bone. When more old bone is eaten up than new bone is lad down, bone loss occurs. Around 50 years of age, the bone turnover rate increases. The osteoblasts become less capable of completely filling the spaces made by the osteopclasts. The peak amount of bone you started with and the rate of this loss determines the density of your bones. While estrogen can slow down the rate of bone loss in some women, it cannot rebuild bone.

The correct term for low bone density is osteopenia. As osteoclasts absorb more bone than is rebuilt, the micro-architecture weakens. The wrist and hip become more vulnerable to fracture and the vertebra may collapse on itself, causing a loss of height or ever a dowager hump if enough vertebras are crushed.

Myths: Drugs such as Fosamax increase bone density. Truth: Fosamax is a metabolic poison and will actually kill osteoclast cells which are required to maintain dynamic bone equilibrium. In addition, Fosamax can cause severe and permanent damage to the esophagus and stomach. It is also hard on the kidneys and can cause diarrhea, gas, rashes, headaches and muscular pain. Rats given high doses developed thyroid and adrenal tumors. Fosamax also causes deficiencies of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D; all essential for the bone building process. While the drug superficially appears to increase bone density (for a few years); in the long run it decreases bone strength.

Myth: Calcium supplements prevent osteoporosis. Truth: Most calcium supplements are not only ineffectual in rebuilding bone, they can actually lead to mineral deficiencies, calcification and kidney stones. There are at least 18 key bone building nutrients essential for bone health; boron, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, silica, fluorine, vitamins A, C, D, B6, B12, K, folic acid, essential fatty acids and protein. Also, the body uses minerals more efficiently when they are in balance. Sea vegetables (kelp, dulse, wakame), sesame seeds (ground) alfalfa, dandelion, nettle, oat straw, horsetail, sarsaparilla, and red raspberry are high in calcium and other minerals.

Myth: Dairy products build strong bones: Truth: Dairy products have been proven to be a leading cause of bone loss, in addition to contributing to heart disease, allergies, kidney stones and arthritis. Countries consuming the most dairy products actually have the most osteoporosis. What happens is that the body attempts to maintain the proper acid/alkaline balance in the blood. A high protein diet of meat and dairy products poses a risk for osteoporosis because it makes the blood highly acidic. Calcium is the leached/extracted from the bones to restore homeostasis (balance).

How to build strong bones: Exercise (feet hitting the pavement increases bone density). Get at least 15 minutes of sun daily {vit D} (do not overdo for risk of skin cancer); eat organic dark green leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts, sprouts, sea vegetables, beans and whole grains (not dead grains please). You may want to use a natural (yam) progesterone cream from the health food store.

Calcium thieves: excessive animal protein and dairy products, alcohol, cigarettes, antacids, diuretics, drugs, carbonated drinks, sugar in any form, fluorescent lighting, electric blankets, fluoride, non-filtered computer screens, coffee, high salt and saturated fat consumption, birth control pills, dieting, sedentary lifestyle, stress, aluminum and other toxic materials, indoor existence, and any endocrine system problems (hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, adrenal, kidney) dysfunction.

Bottom line: Be aware of agreeing with a system that doesn’t agree with God’s Word.
Healing spiritually, mentally and physically is about continuously studying the Word of God and listening to God speak to you about healing your body. It is the truth. Everything else is false.

Homework for Chapter 18
Due February 27, 2008

Pray that God will speak to you as you read through Chapter 18. Now read Chapter 18. Listen as God speaks to you. Listen as God speaks to you. Listen as God speaks to you. As you read, listen for His still small voice. He will not yell over the distractions of this world. He wants your undivided attention. Attention only on Him.

Now get out a pen and notebook. His voice is heard through your thoughts. Begin practicing the Holy Spirit power within you to hear the voice of God. Remember: be still and know that He is God and that you are hearing Him speak to you through reading His Word.

Are you listening? Is He speaking?
Are you writing? Is He speaking?

Read Chapter 18: 1 Are you listening? He is speaking. What is He saying to you? Write it down.
Read Chapter 18:2 Are you listening? He is speaking. What is He saying to you? Write it down.
Read Chapter 18:3 Are you listening? He is speaking. What is He saying to you? Write it down.
Read Chapter 18:4 Are you listening? He is speaking. What is He saying to you? Write it down.
Read Chapter 18:5 Are you listening? He is speaking in a still small voice. Reduce the distractions. What is God saying to you? Write it down.

Read Chapter 18:6 He is speaking to you through His Word. What is God saying? Write it down.
Read Chapter 18:7 The words you speak can possible ruin you. We are all fools if we do not listen to what God is saying to us through His Word.

Read Chapter 18:8 Gossip girl or Gospel girl. Which are you? There is your foolish way or God’s Way.

Read Chapter 18:9 Are you listening? Are you lazy and are half-stepping this homework. Why? What is more important than listening to God’s voice?

Read Chapter 18:10 He is speaking in a still small voice. Get alone and listen to what He is saying. Write it down. Write it all down. Don’t skimp. Pour out what He is saying to you on that paper. Get more paper. Write. Keep writing.

Drink ½ of your body weight in purified water today. Water yourself physically and water yourself with the purification of the Word of God. Cleanse yourself today.

Read Chapter 18:11 Trust in God or trust in your money. Now that seems like a simple choice. But are you? Write down what God just said to you as you read these words. Write my friend, write.

Read Chapter 18:12 Destruction – replace the word destruction with the word disease. Is it possible that disease is caused by the pride in a woman’s heart? Do not separate the two. Disease is a wake up call to our bad choices. We choose to destroy our bodies. Humility – we are so honored to be a child of the King that we humbly glorify God with our body. Write down your thoughts. It is God speaking to you.

Read Chapter 18:13 Be still and know that God is God. Don’t write down anything. Listen. Listen for clarity. He is talking my sister. We just are not listening.

Read Chapter 18:14 Wow! Powerful! Is this verse shouting powerfully or what? You have within you the perfect born-again spirit that will heal your body IF IF IF IF you believe that no one can crush you. Listen to God. He is speaking. Write down what you just heard. You are free indeed to be free of all disease and sickness.

Read Chapter 18:15 Listen, learn, understand. When you talk, you do not learn. What have you learned today from listening? Write it down.

Read Chapter 18:16 Who is the most important Man you know? Do you think that giving yourself as a gift back to Him is what would please Him the most? Give yourself to your God. Stop trying to live independently of what you think is your own. You are not your own, but bought with a price….He bought you. He gave you the gift of salvation. What gift will you give back to Him?

Read Chapter 18:17 Are you listening? Oh this one is hitting home with me. What is truth? Be careful. There is zillions of false stories but only one place to find truth. God Word speaks truth.
Read Chapter 18:18 Are you willing to come to an agreement? Listen to what God is teaching you about your desire to be right all the time. Don’t blow this off. Listen, He is talking.

Read Chapter 18:19 Are you an insult slinger? Are you the victim of insult? Listen to what God is telling you regarding the emotional damage that insults cause. Listen closely. Guard your tongue whether you are the slinger or the slingee. And the greatest of these is love REGARDLESS!

Read Chapter 18:20 Choose the right words. Your health of your body will depend on the words of your mouth. Think about that. Listen for God to teach you the importance of speaking love ….not just when you “feel” loving but all of the time. Regardless if you are under attack by the world around you. Speak words of love. Edifying words, sweet as honey words…oh my friend it is not easy but it is what will make the difference between the lost seeing what they always see or the lost seeing Jesus.

Read Chapter 18:21 Are you listening? He is speaking again. Write down what He is saying. The tongue can kill! The tongue can heal (life). Are you a murderer? Are you a healer? Let God heal our tongue so that we will kill another person.

Read Chapter 18:22 Awe. We go from being a murderer to being a good thing! Good thing huh? Now that God desires that a man should be married, shouldn’t we stop murdering our husbands? What is God saying to you right now?

Read Chapter 18:23 Listen. What does this verse say to you?

Read Chapter 18:24 We are sisters in Christ. That means that we all have the same spiritual Father. Praise the Lord! We are gifts to each other. Spiritual sisters/friends are commanded to stick closer to each other than a biological sister sticks with her sister. We sit together each week and learn of the Words of our spiritual Father. As sisters, we are to “stick” to each other. What does it mean to “stick” close?

This week’s homework was different. Different is good. Different is what we are called to be. Change happens when change happens. Sameness stays the same when same stays.

I commit to following The Way to Go Lightly!

______________________
Signed and sealed with the Power of the Holy Spirit that is within me.