Proverbs 3
14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
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(Comments by Joan Boney)
The greatest gift of all is the gift from God of salvation, being chosen by God, having God reveal to us the great Word of God, and having God give us HIS Spirit to lead us and guide us as we live on this earth.
Nothing to be desired by man can equal the Word given to us by God to help us and to comfort us in time of trial.
And there are many great and precious promises from God to us.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
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And we recognize those ideas that come from God:
James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus says: Come unto ME, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take MY yoke upon you, and learn of ME; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For MY yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
When the idea or plan is from God it will be simple, easy to do, not complex, not overly expensive.
If there is any confusion, look for envy or strife in the matter.
James 3:14-16 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
If we have envy or strife, we may have to settle this first through prayer asking God to help us.
If we have envy or strife, we may have to settle this first through prayer asking God to help us.
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The prophets of God often have to bring correction. And we try to turn the church people to God. And often they strive against us. When this happens, usually God will have me just walk away from the strife and leave those people alone in the church group. For you cannot work with them in peace. There will be contention and they will bring confusion even when they appear to be trying to understand.
Understanding is from God so let them settle the matter with God and get understanding from God after you deliver that message.
Paul said, "The Lord give you understanding."
The devil often brings thoughts telling us to explain it again to them.
But what God has shown me to do is the following:
Titus 3:9-11 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
(heretic: one who refuses to submit to the power of truth)
11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
So I have learned to "cut off conversation" with that person who twists the truth or can't seem to understand.
Paul says: Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (II Tim. 3:5)
It is critical for us to live in peace and often to live in peace we must keep ourselves from being entangled in the ramblings of subverted individuals in the church groups.
When we are of the same Spirit we live in peace for that Spirit of God that is in us brings us to agreement.
If there are 2 spirits, there will not be agreement.
So we must put ourselves with the church people who demonstrate to us that they have the Holy Spirit of God.
How do we know which have the Holy Spirit?
They do not bring confusion. They settle the matter with God. They are connecting themselves with God through their own prayers to God.
They do the following:
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
They are truly connected with God through prayer to God, through faith that God will show them what to do, and by doing that which God shows them.
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