They came to seek the Lord

by Rebekah Johnson

"Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the LORD; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. "  2 Chronicles 20:3-4

Jehoshaphat was overwhelmed by his circumstances and aware that his only defense would be found in the Lord. He was the king, the one to whom all his subjects looked to for leadership and protection, and he led them in the most admirable way possible to the foot of the alter of the Lord.

As we find ourselves in God-given leadership roles, we must keep in mind the huge responsibility that is ours to lead with a Christ-centered vision. No matter how big or unmanageable our circumstances become, there is always a clear direction to turn - to seek the Lord and follow His leading.

I Kings 22 Seek Wise Counsel

by Jill and Paul  Ice

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.

Proverbs 19:20-21

The book of Proverbs speaks many times to the subject of wise counsel.  The fool rejects counsel but the wise will hear and accept instruction.

In I Kings 22 we have a good example of a king that was more interested in hearing the affirmation of his own plans rather than the counsel of the Lord.

After hearing the prophecy of his own prophets (who tell him what he wants to hear), Ahab is asked by Jehoshaphat if there are any other prophets of whom to inquire the word of the Lord. Ahab’s response, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord, Micaiah the son of Imlah, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me.”

Have you ever had that kind of spiritual leader in your life?  “I would ask his advice, but he usually tells me something I don’t want to hear.” (e.g. wise counsel)

Well Ahab doesn’t like the counsel of the Lord and here is the rest of the story.

Ahab then questions Micaiah, and insists that he speak nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord. Micaiah then gives a true prophecy that includes a message from the Lord that the other prophets’ predictions were a result of a lying spirit. As a result of Micaiah’s prophecy, Ahab ordered Micaiah to be imprisoned until Ahab returns from battle, unharmed (1 Kings 22:27).

Perhaps concerned with the prophecy, Ahab disguises himself in battle rather than lead his troops openly as their king. However, Ahab is killed in battle after being struck by a randomly shot arrow. Micaiah's prophecy was fulfilled, contrary to the word of 400 false prophets, all of whom encouraged Ahab to attack with a prediction of victory.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 12:15

Trust and Obey. I Kings 17-19

By Mike Durrill

These three chapters are teeming with incredible stories of God working through His prophet Elijah. There are many colorful characters and events that we read about, but I have chosen to write about a little verse that stood out and is practical for all of us at one point or another in our lives.

[4] You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." - 1 Kings 17:4 ESV

God is in complete control. There is nothing that escapes His eye or thwarts His plan. Elijah is His prophet to be used to glorify Him and show a wicked King and backslidden nation Who is God.

Big ideas. Big story. Big Plans.

Yet God completely controls the small events as well. In the midst of writing the history of a nation, He writes the history of a man. He teaches Elijah what it means to have faith in God in something as base as his daily sustenance. "Your drink will come from a brook." Fair enough. I've done that before. Backpacking in the wilderness I would whip out my trusty water filter and fill up a few canteens with some fresh mountain water. No big deal. Not much faith needed. But what about food? Oh, I will have the birds come bring you food. Huh? The birds? What kind of food? How much food? When will they come? How will this happen? I'm not sure I like this plan.

The Bible doesn't record Elijah's thoughts or internal reaction to God's plan. What would my reaction have been? How about you? I can imagine internally Elijah had some thoughts. :) However, he trusts God. He obeys. He goes to the brook and lives and was provided for until the time was right for God's big plan. It seems there is a principle. Trust and obey the "little" commands and you will be ready for the big ones when the time is right.

The ravens fed him there.

The point? God can and will take care of you. He controls even the smallest things.

I kings 15, II Chronicles 13-16

by Paul Ice

“And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as David his father had done.”

How do we evaluate our leaders?  How do you evaluate yourself?

What is our criteria for "success"?

In the Kings and Chronicles leaders are evaluated through a very distinctive lens…through “the eyes of the Lord.”

These passages give us a particular way of seeing history: through the “the eyes of the Lord.” It is like set of prescription lenses for seeing all of life more clearly. The bible provides an alternative criteria for defining "success."

What a great thing it would to have as a part of “our history story,” – he did right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of his life.

I pray that the Holy Spirit would help us see our life through “the eyes of the Lord.”

2 Chronicles 10-12

by Adam Johnson


And he did evil, for he did not set his heart to seek the LORD. 2 Chronicles 12:14


Rehoboam did not begin his reign auspiciously. He began by listening to foolish advice, and then became proud because of the prosperity and strength that God gave him in the first three years of his rule. When times of difficulties arose he turned back to God, but the statement that God gave Rehoboam was one of failure. It defined the seventeen years that this man ruled over multitudes of people.

Today, we do not rule over thousands of people, but we have spheres of influence that affect people everyday. (family, co-workers, etc.) Our decisions do not just affect our spheres, but also reflect our God. We can be defined at the end of our lives by this statement because we "did not set our heart to seek the LORD," or today we can purpose in our hearts to glorify His name. 

"Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.  Isaiah 55:6-7

The Word of the LORD Remains

by Rebekah Johnson

'...Behold, a son shall be born to the house of David, Josiah by name..."  -1 Kings 13:2

This is one of the most remarkable and most singular prophecies in the Old Testament. It here most circumstantially foretells a fact which took place three hundred and forty years after the prediction; a fact which was attested by the two nations. The Jews, in whose behalf this prophecy was delivered, would guard it most sacredly; and it was the interest of the Israelites, against whom it was levelled, to impugn its authenticity and expose its falsehood, had this been possible. This prediction not only showed the knowledge of God, but his power. He gave, as it were, this warning to idolatry, that it might be on its guard, and defend itself against this Josiah whenever a person of that name should be found sitting on the throne of David; and no doubt it was on the alert, and took all prudent measures for its own defence; but all in vain, for Josiah, in the eighteenth year of his reign, literally accomplished this prophecy, as we may read, 2 Kings 23:15-20. And from this latter place we find that the prophecy had three permanent testimonials of its truth. 1. The house of Israel; 2. The house of Judah; and, 3. The tomb of the prophet who delivered this prophecy, who, being slain by a lion, was brought back and buried at Beth-el, the superscription on whose tomb remained till the day on which Josiah destroyed that altar, and burnt dead men's bones upon it.

- Taken from Adam Clarke's Commentaries

"...the word of the Lord remains forever."  - 1 Peter 1:25

Proverbs 30-31 Awesome God

by Jill Ice

Who has ascended to heaven and come down?
Who has gathered the wind in his fists?
Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?

Proverbs 30:4

Can I say that this verse is delicious to me?  I want to savor every part of it.  The imagery is fantastic. I’ve been reading this verse over and over, visualizing God completing the action described in each question. 

1. God ascends to heaven and comes down to earth. This speaks of God’s personal touch on our world and our lives.  God created, He sustains, and He perfects the work of salvation in us.

No one has ascended into heaven,

but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man.

John 3:13


How many kings step down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
And how many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
"How Many Kings" by Downhere

2. He gathers the wind in his fists.

He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth;

Who makes lightnings for the rain,

Who brings forth the wind from His treasuries.

Psalm 135:7

3. He wraps up the waters in a garment.

He wraps up the waters in His clouds,

and the cloud does not burst under them.

Job 26:8

4. He established all the ends of the earth.

Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?

 Tell Me, if you have understanding,

Job 38:4

Last week I wrote that all creation joins with believers in exalting and praising God. Psalm 148:2-10 contains a lengthy list of creation that is commanded to praise God.  Guess what made the list? Highest heavens. Waters above the heavens and all deeps. Stormy winds.  The same parts of creation listed above.

For he commanded and they were created.
And he established them forever and ever;
he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.

Psalm 148:5-6

He created.

He controls with His mighty power.

We praise.

Let’s do it!

by Diana Durrill

We read today of the impressiveness of Solomon's wealth and wisdom.  I don't know about you but when I read through all three of today's chapters I find myself unable to comprehend wealth of this magnitude.  I mean, so much ivory that you can make a throne out of it?  And then overlay it with gold - as if the ivory alone wouldn't have been beautiful enough?  The homes, the livestock (4,000 stalls?!),  the drinking vessels, the armory, the massive beams for the temple and his place of residence?  In 2012, we simply look through catalogs and are enamored by the beautiful pictures of perfectly designed rooms and yet, they can't even compare to the luxuriousness of Solomon's kingdom.  He made silver commonplace in Jerusalem (as commonplace as stone!).

We read of his wisdom and how it was so renowned that the Queen of Sheba came to experience it for herself.  She clearly had a lot on her mind and she came to seek his counsel.  The issues she laid before him, whatever they were, he was able to answer easily.  There was nothing he couldn't explain to her.  The passage states that when she saw and experienced the wealth and wisdom of Solomon it took her breath away! (I Kings 10:5, 2 Chronicles 9:4)

But for all of Solomon's wisdom and all of his great wealth, he still allows his heart to be turned away by other gods.  God had forbidden the men of Israel to take wives from the other nations for the important reason that they would "surely" turn the men's hearts toward their gods. (I Kings 11: 1-2)  And sure enough, Solomon clung to his 700 wives, princesses and 300 concubines in love and they turned away his heart.

I can be quick to judge and think, "What a waste!  What a sad story of one who was given so much in life and he just threw it all away for the love of beautiful women!". But it also causes me to pause and think about my own life. How blessed I am with material possessions and a personal knowledge of the Messiah, Jesus Christ! And yet...I find my heart being turned away from God by the little g gods that wrestle with my heart on a daily basis.  The god(s) of pride, selfishness, materialism, vanity, entertainment, discontentment, knowledge...you name it, these thing and others have been and will continue to be things that vie for my heart's devotion.  I am no different from Solomon in that I have been given much wisdom - a "more sure word of prophecy" in the Scriptures and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit - paired with an abundance of material wealth!  (Oh sure, it's not wealth like Solomon experienced but it doesn't take one much traveling experience - even just across town - to realize that we are blessed materially compared to so many others in this current day and age.)  And yet, in spite of my direct access to Wisdom (Jesus Christ) and the provisions for my daily needs and more, I am still lacking in my devotion to Jehovah Jirah who gives it all to me (Jehovah Jirah means "God will provide").

I pray that Solomon's story of love affairs with the little g gods in his life will continue to be a reminder to me to keep my heart bound to the Lord Jesus Christ.  My focus, my desire, my love for all the things He provides should be centered around His person and the gods vying for my affection dim in comparison to the treasure that He is.

The Cold Hard Truth - Ecclesiastes 7-12

Pastor Durrill

Wisdom.

A word that implies knowledge, but is much more than knowledge. Knowledge alone, without judgment or discernment can be dangerous. Knowledge without insight and action is wasted. To be truly wise is to have knowledge and the discernment to apply it appropriately.

Ecclesiastes is full with nuggets of wisdom that apply through the ages, shared from the heart of the wisest man who ever lived. Take this one for instance -

[21] Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. [22] Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others. - Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 ESV


There is honesty in these verses that is simply refreshing. Solomon is saying, don't be so fragile. People are people. They will wrongly judge your motives. They will spout things untrue. They will interpret your intentions erroneously.

Next time this happens to you...before you get all bent out of shape, remember - so do you. We all do.

This passage starkly reminds me of the perfection of the grace of God that we all need to receive and that we all desperately need to give.


[16] And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. - John 1:16 ESV

Ecclesiastes 1-6

It's hard just to stop reading after chapter 6. You're looking into the deep and complicated thoughts of the King of Jerusalem and all of a sudden you just slam on the breaks. This is the equivalent of watching an intense first half of a basketball game. There's been like 16 lead changes, incredible highlights, and even some weird plays and  before you know it you're at half time. So let's get a drink, reflect, and catch our breaths to what we just witnessed.

At this point all we can really get answers to are the basics: who is this guy and what is his problem.

This is Solomon. He doesn't name himself, but it's pretty obvious and unanimous that it's the son of David.  So remember from earlier portions of the Bible how he was the wisest man to ever walk the face of the earth. God blessed everything he did. He asked for wisdom. God gave him that and additionally He gave him unbelievable amounts of riches. Solomon also got everything he wanted. Gardens, horses, women. Not really what I would go after, but this was a different time and a different place. Ok, so most likely it sounds like he is writing this at the end of his life right? I mean he's reflecting, he's sarcastic, and he almost comes across as bitter at times. Clearly this was not written when he was at his crux of living it up.

The first 6 chapters so far can pretty much be summed up in ch. 2:9-11. Everything else builds around this point:

    So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended doing it, and behold all was vanity and striving after the wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.

What I take from this is that we are not solely material beings. We are also spiritual beings. There is more to our life.  God created a vacuum in our souls, and life will ultimately one day show itself to be meaningless and empty if that vacuum is never filled. In ch. 3:11 Solomon says that God has put eternity in our hearts. This is where Solomon is going. There has to be more to life. Now let's get on with the second half.

Prov 27:1

by Paul Ice


"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring."
Prov 27:1


This verse helps remind us of two major principle. They are truths that we see many times in scripture.  


The word "boast" is the idea of "to praise" or to "glory."  It is also a reflexive form and so you could also say it this way, "Do not self praise" or, "Do not self glory." 


The idea is that you are seeking your own glory from future achievements.  Here would be a few examples:  A soldier who pins on the Purple heart the day before the battle or a basketball player who speaks of the trophy before it is won.


So why does Solomon say we should avoid such boasting?


1.  Because we are ignorant of the future.  To hope, plan, fear, anticipate is to be human.  Solomon is not telling us to ignore the future, but is reminding us of our ignorance of the future.


Why are we ignorant of the future?


2.  We don't control the future.  A theological idea that changes everything.  Most all will agree we don't know the future, however, coming to the understanding that someone does control the future changes everything.  


Psalm 33:11


"The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
the plans of his heart to all generations."

Proverbs 25:11

by Adam Johnson


A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.   Proverbs 25:11


There is always a time and a place to say something. This proverb not only describes the timing of the word (fitly), but also what it looks like. It is precious metals that contain beauty and display exquisite workmanship. The skills to make a gold apple in OT times would be quite difficult, but would show off tremendous talent and dedication.  However, the worker not only made the golden apples, but saw fit to make a setting that would display the art.

Someone who knows how to diffuse a situation or release tension is a wise person indeed.  James talks about how the tongue is a fire and an unruly evil (James 3:8).  It not only shows understanding situations, but also to actually say the right or fit word.

Psalm 146-150 Praise the Lord!

by Jill Ice

These Psalms were so refreshing for me tonight.  After reading them, I felt as if my soul was released from everyday cares and lifted far above the mundane.

Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

Psalm 146:1-2

Praising God is a beautiful privilege of the believer.  We get to proclaim His worthiness because we have experienced His greatness first-hand.  He is involved and personal.

who keeps faith forever;
who executes justice for the oppressed,
who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free;
the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the sojourners;
he upholds the widow and the fatherless,

Psalm 146:6-9

We all fit into the above paragraph.  I was a prisoner whom He set free.  I was blind, but now I see. I was one who was bowed down, but He lifted me.

I am not alone when I praise God. I join with all creation in exalting Him.

Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his hosts!

Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!

Let them praise the name of the Lord!
For he commanded and they were created.
And he established them forever and ever;
he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and mist,
stormy wind fulfilling his word!

Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!

Beasts and all livestock,
creeping things and flying birds!

Psalm 148:2-10

I join with all people of the earth (for we know all will confess He is Lord), throughout all generations and all cultures.

Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and maidens together,
old men and children!

Psalm 148:11-12

Let us praise God boldly, creatively, and with energy!

Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

Psalm 150:3-5

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!

His Love - Psalm 136

By Mike Durrill

Psalms are actually songs written mostly by King David and sung by the nation of Israel. When a relationship is begun with God through Jesus Christ, a new song is placed into our hearts. This particular one has a theme that cannot be missed because it is repeated 26 times in 26 verses.

The phrase?


"for his steadfast love endures forever"

This simply, yet incredibly means that God's faithful, good, kind, merciful love towards His people is everlasting.


[16] "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16 ESV



[4] Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant [5] or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; [6] it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. [7] Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. [8] Love never ends. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a ESV

I choose to rest in these promises of God. Will you?

The prayer of a king. I Kings 8, II Chron. 5

By Mike Durrill

[54] Now as Solomon finished offering all this prayer and plea to the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, where he had knelt with hands outstretched toward heaven. - 1 Kings 8:54 ESV

King Solomon.

Besides the Lord Jesus, the wisest king who ever lived. Look at him carefully. Kneeling down with hands outstretched toward heaven. Flowing from his heart and out of his lips is a prayer intercession, expectation, and hope for not only the nation of Israel, but for all nations of the world! Who knew? The blessings of the gospel we enjoy in the USA can be traced back to the prayer of Solomon. This is the time when the Ark of the Covenant was installed in its rightful place in the visible temple of God and God chose to indwell the temple.

When one agrees with God regarding his rebellion against Him and puts his faith in the Sacrifice given on his behalf, he becomes a child of God or a "believer". As New Covenant Christians we understand from Scripture that God's Spirit now dwells within "believers", whose trust is in the Lamb of God Who was slain for the sins of the world. [19] Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV

Our response to God's Spirit dwelling within us ought to be similar to the prayer of Solomon.

1. Intercession for the people of the world.
2. Expectation of forgiveness when confession is present.
3. Confident hope that all the "peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God."

Oh God! My awe of you is so small! My confidence in you is so weak! May I come to know the meaning of the phrase"the dwelling place of God is with men."

[3] And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. - Revelation 21:3 ESV

I Kings 5,6 I Chronicles 2-3

by Paul Ice

Today’s reading was part of the description of the building of the temple.  It was an amazing undertaking.  The number of people involved, the care which was taken to do it God’s way, the precious stones and wood used, - all of these details are fascinating. 

The verse that stood out for me was I King 6:7.

“When the house was built, it was with stone prepared at the quarry, so that neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron was heard in the house while it was being built.”

It is so interesting the care they took to build the temple in a way that pleased the Lord., even if it meant significant additional work and engineering.  And yet how many times God would require other small steps of faith or obedience and they would take the easy or comfortable route.

As I examine my own life, I am the same way.  I pick and choose when I will give complete obedience to God.  Many time choosing just when it is easy or convenient. 

Lord, may I walk in the Spirit each day, living a life of obedience and faith.  May my joy derive from glorifying and delighting You.

Proverbs 22-24

by Adam Johnson

Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.  Proverbs 23:17-18

In life, it often seems as if people who do  everything wrong are rewarded, and we as God's people are overlooked or ridiculed.  It is easy to say why do I not have what I want or need, and God just lets those who do not appear to care about God have whatever they desire.  However, you look at some of the greatest public figures in our culture, and they have the unhappiest life one can imagine.

The contrast is startling to the man who lives the opposite of the proud and greedy.  He is the one who not only fears the LORD occasionally, but it is the one constant in his life that never changes.  The man who fears Him does not have time to stare and covet the life of the sinner, but instead has an unchanging goal - to fear and please the One who redeemed him.  He also has a blessing for the present and a sure future. Solomon is giving the reader a sure recipe, not for disaster, but for a secure and blessed future. 

How do we as God's people obtain this secure future?  It is simple - we do not compare our lives to others or desire what they have in life - but instead fix our hearts to obey and fear Him no matter the cost. 

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3

The Purpose of the LORD will stand

by Rebekah Johnson

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.

- Proverbs 19:21

As humans our plans are many - ever changing, ever growing, ever stopping and starting... but the plans of Yahweh never change. His purpose is constant, and His plan is perfect.

As finite humans we tend to be flighty and undecided when we strive in and of ourselves to "be" or "become." Our own shortcomings cause an instability that can only be cured when we fix our eyes on God and seek His perfect plan for every second of our life.

 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Psalm 32:8

Proverbs 16-18 Better Than

by Jill Ice

Don’t we just love to make comparisons?  We compare constantly throughout the day –

• Innocent comparisons like gasoline and grocery prices, or which route to work is faster. 
• Wise and thoughtful comparisons such as which school/course of study is best for me (or my child)? Which activity/project is the best use of my time and energies in this moment?
• Sinful comparisons of how we stack up to those around us – who is stronger, smarter, better looking, funnier, etc. 

Proverbs 16-18 contains some comparative statements which are good for us to ponder. These “better – than” statements help to align our thinking with what is right and true. 

Better is a little with righteousness
    than great revenues with injustice. (16:8)

How much better to get wisdom than gold!
    To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. (16:16)

It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor
    than to divide the spoil with the proud. (16:19)

Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
    and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. (16:32)

Better is a dry morsel with quiet
    than a house full of feasting with strife. (17:1)

These comparative statements help us to see what is important in life – righteousness, wisdom, understanding, self-control, etc. – and what should be set aside – pursuit of riches, power, strife, etc.

Give up the mindless pursuit of things that will not fulfill, to follow hard after the things of God.  It is truly better.

God's Watchful Eye

"The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." - Proverbs 15:3


During worship on Sundays our three youngest children will often sit with their friends.  Sometimes there is an adult nearby and sometimes there isn't.  Regardless, they know that Mom and Dad will be watching their behavior from the platform.  We are watching to see if they are behaving appropriately and participating in worship.  We watch to hold them accountable and to use any negative situations as training opportunities later on at home.  We also try to deliberately notice good behavior so we can praise them.  Praise and edification are as important as correction in their development and we try to "catch them" doing right!


While most of the time we do our best to keep an eye out for our children for a number of reasons in any situation (safety, protection, correction, praise), we cannot see every thing every time.  We will miss stuff. Our kids will get hurt or make a bad decision that leads to a negative consequence.  Even if we could always prevent these things from happening we would be doing our children a disservice, for it is often in situations like that where they learn the most.


God, on the other hand, does have the ability to watch us all at the time.  He knows our good and our bad.  He knows when we do right and when we sin.  We can take comfort in the fact that He sees when we are being mistreated or wronged.  God eyes are watching all the evil and all the good taking place on the earth.  What a comfort!


Even though we may find ourselves questioning if God is around or not during some of the especially difficult times - we can know that He is and that He promises to work all things together for good.

What did you say? Proverbs 10-12

Pastor Mike Durrill


[18] The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool. [19] When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. [20] The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth. [21] The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense. - Proverbs 10:18-21 ESV

The heart and the tongue are inseparable. What is inside will go outside via the tongue. Much hurt is  done in the church when Christians speak without restraint. A believer who is controlled by the Holy Spirit will speak the fruit of the Spirit no matter what the topic. Flowing from his tongue will be love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.


There is no room for condemnation, disdain, haughtiness, lying, hypocrisy, unkindness, or gossip in the form of prayer requests. To speak in this way, especially in the name of Christ, is wicked.

All of us are guilty.

Thankfully all of us can be forgiven and set free from the chains of a wicked tongue.

Proverbs 7-9

There is just so much here! I don't think we can cover it all even if we had all day. With rich passages like these you just have to pick a couple thoughts meditate on them, and come back and pick up another truth for another day. Ch. 9 verse 10 says...

     The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

That sounds pretty foundational to me and it makes me think of James 3: 17

     But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 

Would it not be great to see more of that in our lives?  It all starts with a proper knowledge and fear of God. When we know the Holy One; care more about what He says and thinks than what we feel; and in a practical way place Him over others and our things, THEN we will start at the beginning of wisdom.

Prov 4-6 Guard your hearts

by Paul Ice

Guard your hearts:

What should we teach our children that will guide them in the way they should go and keep them from the snares that the book of Proverbs speaks of?  And what about ourselves, how do we walk in His way and avoid the dangers presented by the temptation of sin? There are many guidelines in the book of Proverbs, but they all seem to come back to the heart and mind.

Proverbs 4:23 – “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

So in order to guard our hearts, we must communicate with God. When we pray, God allows a peace to come over our hearts and our minds. Our hearts become unguarded when we do not have a developed foundation in Christ. Our desires must be desires that God wants for us, not just what we want for ourselves.

Proverbs 1-3

by Adam Johnson


The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.  Proverbs 1:7


Proverbs is a book written by Solomon, the wisest man to walk the earth. The book gives two general life choices and paths - the foolish and the wise. This verse sums up the entirety of the book and the two choices that confront a man everyday. When a man sets his foot upon the path of obedience to the Lord he is just beginning to receive the benefits that God has for him. In contrast a fool looks at life by his own standards and desires, and cares nothing for God's instruction.


Proverbs has always been one of my favorite books of the Bible.  It is, first and foremost, a standard for daily life and how to live it godly. I have always thought of wisdom as "skill in godly living," or how to live a life that pleases Him. The book does not just outline wisdom, but gives us the view of life if we choose to disregard God's recipe for wisdom.  


As we read through this book of wisdom use the filter that is set before us - making wise choices that please God or making foolish choices that lead to destruction. Wisdom is something that we can obtain through prayer, and a lifestyle that sets pleasing God as the highest priority.  


If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.  James 1:5

Song of Solomon: Union

by Rebekah Johnson


"Draw me after you; let us run...Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you pasture your flock, where you make it lie down at noon; for why should I be like one who veils herself beside the flocks of your companions?" Song of Solomon 1:4,7

The bride is searching for her lover, the king. She desires to be united with him, to find security in his presence. She doesn't want to be thought of as a stranger; union and communion with him is what she desires. 

Not only is this book of Songs a beautiful picture of marriage, but it's also a wonderful picture of our union with Christ! When we as believers understand our unity with our Lord and Savior, our King, we find security. We belong in His presence, and we must never flee from His love. 

Psalm 119:89-176 Your Word is Firmly Fixed

by Jill Ice

Forever, O Lord, your word
    is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
    you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
By your appointment they stand this day,
    for all things are your servants.

Psalm 119:89-91

From Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary-

The settling of God's word in heaven, is opposed to the changes and revolutions of the earth. And the engagements of God's covenant are established more firmly than the earth itself. All the creatures answer the ends of their creation: shall man, who alone is endued with reason, be the only unprofitable burden of the earth? We may make the Bible a pleasant companion at any time. But the word, without the grace of God, would not quicken us…The glory of man is but as the flower of the grass. The psalmist had seen the fulness of the word of God, and its sufficiency. The word of the Lord reaches to all cases, to all times. It will take us from all confidence in man, or in our own wisdom, strength, and righteousness. Thus shall we seek comfort and happiness from Christ alone.