But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; -1 Peter 2:9Every year, professional sports have what is called a draft. It is during this draft, the choose some of the best players in the world to be a part of those teams. The most coveted person is normall...  Read More

We are strengthened by God. It is through Him that we receive the power to do the things to even make it through the day.   Read More

Faith says that regardless of what type of mess I have to go through, I know something worthwhile is coming.  Read More

A Virtuous Woman: What We Can All Learn From Her Rev. Kathy J. McDow, MDivKathy J. McDow Ministries 25Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the [p]future. 26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the activities of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and bless her; her husband a...  Read More

Proverbs 13 BackgroundProverbs 13 is a collection of twenty-five wisdom sayings, most of which contrast two opposites with each other (e.g. the wise and the foolish). While there is an emphasis on teaching/instruction, the chapter does not seem to have a single theme.Proverbs 13 Wisdom Loves Righteousness1 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.2 A man sh...  Read More

Proverbs 12 BackgroundProverbs 12 is a collection of 28 individual sayings. While there doesn’t seem to be a uniting theme, many speak about proper/improper behavior and speech, or about the ways of the righteous/wicked.Proverbs 12 - The House of Righteousness Shall Stand1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,But he who hates correction is stupid.2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord,But a...  Read More

Proverbs 11 BackgroundProverbs 11 contains thirty-one individual sayings. While the topics covered are vast, many contrast either proper behavior with improper behavior or the righteous with the wicked.Proverbs 11 Study GuideProverbs 11 - The Folly of Wickedness1 Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord,But a just weight is His delight.2 When pride comes, then comes shame;But with the humbl...  Read More

Proverbs 10 BackgroundProverbs 10 is a collection of 32 brief sayings. Many of the sayings contrast the righteous with the wicked or the diligent with the lazy.Proverbs 10Wise Sayings of Solomon1 The proverbs of Solomon:A wise son makes a glad father,But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing,But righteousness delivers from death.3 The Lord will not allow...  Read More

Proverbs 9 BackgroundProverbs 9 contrasts two banquets, one hosted by “Lady Wisdom” and the other hosted by “Lady Folly.” While the two banquets share many similarities, there is a major difference between them: Lady Wisdom’s banquet is a source of life, but Lady Folly’s banquet is a source of death.Proverbs 9 The Way of Wisdom1 Wisdom has built her house,She has hewn out her seven pillars;2 She h...  Read More

Proverbs 8 BackgroundProverbs 8 is a speech of self-praise given by personified Wisdom, and it is addressed to all of humanity. She tells mankind about her importance, power, value, old age, and warns that her enemies will be destroyed.Proverbs 8 - The Excellence of Wisdom1 Does not wisdom cry out,And understanding lift up her voice?2 She takes her stand on the top of the high hill,Beside the way,...  Read More

Proverbs 7 BackgroundProverbs 7 is a father’s message to his son. He tells his son a story about a foolish young man who fell into the trap of a seductress, and warns him not to do the same.Proverbs 7The Wiles of a Harlot1 My son, keep my words,And treasure my commands within you.2 Keep my commands and live,And my law as the apple of your eye.3 Bind them on your fingers;Write them on the tablet of...  Read More

Proverbs 6 BackgroundProverbs 6 has two sections. The first section contains four independent Wisdom sayings, and the second section is a father’s lecture to his son. The father warns his son that adultery is a self-destructive practice.Proverbs 6 - Dangerous Promises1 My son, if you become surety for your friend,If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,2 You are snared by the words of yo...  Read More