DAY THIRTY-ONE // FOR MEN & WOMEN

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 31

Typically you hear this chapter emphasized for women.  Really it's for both men and women!

Men, it's important to prize and treasure your wife.  Such as a precious jewel.  Honor your wife.  For those who aren't married yet.....wait for the one The Lord brings you.  It will be worth the wait.  Don't settle! Men, tell your wife you love her today.  When was the last time you took her on a date? Plan one!

Women, this chapter may seem overwhelming and a feeling of "how can I live up to this woman?"  Good news...you are GRACED to be this woman! Now we all have certain things we have down and some we're working on.  The good news is that we can thank The Lord for His wisdom and direction to improve in the areas we need to! The Holy Spirit is with you always.  He's the helper who is there to lead and guide us. To be this women is a daily reliance and rest on the Holy Spirit.  It's a day by day thing! Wives, tell your husband you love him.  Thank him for all he does to provide and love you and your family.  Honor him!

Today, be empowered to be the spouse God designed you to be.  Rely on the Holy Spirit (helper) today! He's there just for YOU!

Tweet this: By God's grace I can be the spouse I was created to be! #proverbs31 #bc31

DAY TWENTY-NINE // ALL FOR ONE

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 29:25 MSG

In our every day routines and schedules it can be easy to try and please others.  What will others think? Will they approve? Should I do this? Should I not? It's really fear.  Fear of what others, friends and family will think.  It's so easy to fall prey to this.

Today, remember you are here to please ONE. Jesus.  Ultimately we are accountable for what HE has called us to do.  Find out what He wants and settle the other questions that arise. Be empowered today and know that you serve a God who is FOR YOU.  Look to Him today and follow His direction.

Tweet this:  I serve One.  JESUS.  #proverbs29 #bc31

DAY TWENTY-EIGHT // PRAY

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 28:2 MSG

This scripture is a great reminder for us to be continually thanking The Lord for our leaders and also praying for them.

It's not on their own wisdom that they will lead this country the way it needs to go.  Only through the wisdom of God and a total reliance on him can it be done.

Today, lift up your leaders! Thank The Lord that they walk in His favor and wisdom.  God bless the USA!

Tweet this: Lift up your leaders today! #proverbs28 #bc31

DAY TWENTY-SEVEN // FRIENDS

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 27:17 MSG

We see in this verse that friends are supposed to sharpen one another.  How do we do this?  Love.  We sharpen each other by words and actions of love.  Encouraging each other, lifting and building each other up.

Today, thank the Lord for the friends He has placed in your life.  Lift them up.  Tell them you love and appreciate them and are thankful to have them in your life.  Sharpen your friendships today!

PEvan

Tweet this: God places friends in your life for a purpose. Sharpen those relationships today! #proverbs27 #bc31

DAY TWENTY-SIX // CODES

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 26

At BC our codes are so important.  We know The Lord showed them to us to help keep us all on track.  After reading today's chapter, two of our codes stuck out to me. There are two things I believe were emphasized in this chapter.  Pride & strife.  These are 2 of the main areas the devil uses to tear up the body of Christ, tear up churches, tear up individuals and families.  Take a look at these two codes we're highlighting today:

WE DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING: We get that we are always students.  We depend on The Lord, remain teachable and seek to learn from everyone. 
(1 Peter 5:5-7 MSG)

NO TRASH TALK: We get that life and death are in the power of the tongue.  We are strife free and will aggressively defend our unity.  We say good things about others and give no place to the enemy. (Proverbs 17:14 MSG)

Today, go throughout your day with these codes and verses in front of you! Happy Friday!

PEvan

Tweet this: I remain teachable and defend unity! #proverbs26 #bc31

DAY TWENTY-FIVE // REFRESHED

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 25:25 (MSG)

"Like a cool drink of water when you're worn out and weary is a letter from a long-lost friend."

Ever notice how it is easy to always think about yourself & the struggles and issues you are facing in your life?  Did you know when we are so inward focused we many times can miss key opportunities to bless someone else? We could be the refreshment they need that day! The Lord is always faithful to bring us people across our path who we can be a blessing to.

Today, write a note, message someone on Facebook, or simply give a word of encouragement.  Bring refreshing to someone today and look beyond yourself!

Tweet this: Look beyond yourself today! #proverbs25 #bc31

DAY TWENTY-FOUR // WARM HUGS

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 24:26 MSG

"An honest answer is like a warm hug."

Once again I am seeing this verse today in light of Pastor Nate's message on Sunday. One of the notes that I had written down was, "Truth attacks the chains!"  When he began talking about this on Sunday it really hit home with me.  Truth is such a powerful thing and it can break things!  But we must be careful in how we say the truth and always season it with love so that it can break the chains and not the person.

In today's scripture we see that an honest answer (truth) is like a warm hug.  This tells me that this person took the time to season their words with love and the product of the truth spoken in love to them was like them receiving a warm hug.  It reminded me of how every time the Lord speaks truth to my heart it really is like I'm getting a warm hug from Him.  Why?  Because that's what love does. Love is kind, patient, gentle, and the list goes on.  When you sow honesty with love the harvest is freedom and warm hugs. :)

Today, season your honesty with love and wrap someone up with freedom and a warm hug! Take time to read 1 Corinthians 13 as a family.

Tweet this: I sow honesty with love today! #proverbs24 #bc31

DAY TWENTY-THREE // WANT INSTRUCTION? LISTEN.

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 23:12 (MSG)

This past Sunday, Pastor Nate continued in our Functional Family series on "Communication".  Once again I have over 3 pages of notes.  Such good take-aways!

This particular verse ministered to me today through the eyes of Sundays sermon.  In order to get instruction of any kind you must listen.  Communication is two-fold and listening is a huge part.

Take this example in the context of our relationship with the Lord. In order to get the instruction (knowledge) that we need we must take time to quit speaking. Stop. And truly listen.

Today, take time to listen to the voice of the Lord.  Also, take time to listen to your spouse, your children, friends & family.  It will bless them and ultimately you! 

PE
Tweet this: Need instruction? Listen. #proverbs23 #bc31

DAY TWENTY-ONE // HOLD YOUR TONGUE

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 21:23 MSG

"Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief."

This goes perfectly with this mornings message on communication. It was so so good! The scripture for today goes right along with the one in Ephesians 4:15 that PNate showed us this morning.  Speaking the truth in love.  

Today, season your words with love, and think before you speak! It's amazing what this will do to further the relationships The Lord has placed in your life.

PEvan

Tweet this: Season the words you speak with love & think before you speak! #bc 31 #proverbs21

DAY NINETEEN // TIMING

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 19:2 MSG

"Ignorant zeal is worthless; haste makes waste."

Pastor Nate and I have been learning in our lives that there are many things that we see for our lives and BC.  They are by the Lord.  It's vision.  Both of our personalities tend to be "go-getter" and "let's just do it now" type.  This is not a bad thing.  In fact, for what we do I think it's a good thing.  But we are learning that just because you see it or envision it doesn't mean it's for right now or to do right now.  There is the Lord's direction and there is also the Lords timing.  It's important to get both of those before doing anything.  So, when the Lord shows you something we then need to ask....."Is this for now?"

All of us have big things on the inside of us!  Dreams and visions for our lives, children, ministry, job, business, etc.  Keep those stirred up in you!  Never let them die.  God put them there.  Once you begin to see glimpses of those then ask the Lord, "what's the next step?"  "What do I need to be doing now?"  The way we see those things God has placed in us is one step at a time.  He will show us the next step and when to take it.

Today, trust the Lord with what He has placed in you.  Know that His timing is perfect and He is faithful to get to you what you need.  Rest in Him and take the steps one at a time that He gives you.  He will finish what He started in you!

PEvan

Tweet this: Take one step at a time.  He will finish what He started in you! #proverbs19 #bc31

DAY EIGHTEEN // GIVE LIFE!

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 18: 8; 20-21 MSG

"Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly?"

"Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.  Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit - you choose.

One of the codes we have here at BC is "No Trash Talk".  I would have to say this is one of my favorite codes.  I have seen what strife does to relationships and churches.  I believe it is one of the main ways he destroys relationships and ministries.  On the flip side, I've seen what God can do in a body of believers who are unified under one vision, uplifting each other with their words and speaking life over each other, the church, and their lives.  The enemy cannot stop a unified church!  Pastor Nate and I continually thank the Lord for the unity that our body has and value and treasure it!

These three verses show what words do.  They produce life or death in our lives.  Today, value and treasure unity.  Guard it.  Choose to listen to life words.  Choose to speak life words.  Words that edify and build up your family, friends, co-workers, etc.  Speak and create LIFE!

PEvan

Tweet this:  I value and treasure unity.  I choose to give LIFE today! #proverbs18 #bc31

DAY SEVENTEEN // TODAY

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 17:22 (MSG)

What a great reminder to wake up to. We can be cheerful TODAY! Don't let the past, situations you may be going through, or circumstances dictate your joy.  The greater One lives on the inside of you TODAY.  You're more than a conqueror through Him who loves you, TODAY.  You're seated far above, TODAY.  You can do all things through Him, TODAY.  Now that is something to be cheerful about TODAY! Remember joy is a fruit of the Spirit.  Pick that fruit TODAY. Choose it.  

Today, let joy come out of you.  Make it a point to not only be joyful, but give that joy out generously to all those you come in contact with.  Cheers!

Pastor Evan

Tweet this: TODAY I choose joy! Cheers! #proverbs17 #bc31

DAY SIXTEEN // ROLL IT

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 16:3 (AMP & MSG)

This scripture verse was a great reminder to me today.  There are many things in our lives that we fret or worry about.  They can be big things (finances, job situations, relationships, etc.) or they can be small things (what to make for dinner, projects we need to do, meetings, etc.) but God doesn't classify them big or small.  He classifies it in one word: works.  Meaning the things that we do day in and day out.  In the business of life we can get so focused on what we are doing or have to get done that we forget we have someone who wants us to roll what we do on HIM!  He is our caretaker!  Thank you Lord!  

Today, remember that you have someone who wants to be in on your day and your life.  Bring your works to Him.  Let Him prioritize them.  Trust Him with what you have.  When we do this we are promised stability and success!  Include Him in the details of your life today!

Pastor Evan

Tweet this: Roll your works on Him today! #proverbs16 #bc31

DAY FIFTEEN // ELEVATING HONOR

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 15:33 

Humility comes before honor. Does this mean that if I think low of myself that people will honor me? No. The truth is that if you can not sow honor you can not reap honor. If your estimation of self is to high you will find it hard to sow honor as you will be sowing with your lips but your heart will be far from it.  (Matt 15:8) 

Check the soil of your heart today. Then sow honor and you will be celebrating the results tomorrow.

PNate

Tweet this: Those who sow honor are honorable. #proverbs15 #bc31

DAY FOURTEEN // HONOR

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 14:26,27 (AMP & MSG)

I thought these verses were so fitting for today.  Especially in light of Nate's message today in our Functional Family series.  It was all about putting honor back in our family.  It was so eye opening for me!

Verses 26 & 27 refer to the fear of God at the beginning of each one.  Really to me what I saw is fear of The Lord is really an honor for Him.  Honoring Him & His instructions.  It tells us when we do this, it's safety for our children & that its a spring of living water!

Today, honor The Lord.  Ask Him to show you ways to do this.  Do it as a family. It is so powerful.  Drink from that spring of living water today!

Pastor Evan

DAY THIRTEEN // TEACHABLE

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 13:18 AMP & MSG

One area The Lord has been teaching me in lately is pride.  Many times I'm finding areas of pride can be small and subtle.  I've began asking The Lord to show me those areas in my life where pride has crept in.

The key to living free of pride is one word.  TEACHABLE. Being unteachable is the highest form of pride.  It's exalting yourself and saying your way is right.  We must remain teachable and open to the Lord and His loving correction and direction for our lives.  Verse 18 tells us to heed correction.  The Message translation says to embrace it.

Today, embrace (hold on to) the correction and instruction the Lord gives.  Open your heart to it and say no to pride in your life. This will bring you to a place of honor! (Verse 18)

Pastor Evan

Tweet this: I embrace correction & say no to pride! #proverbs13 #bc31

DAY TWELVE // SPEAK THE TRUTH

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 12:19 (AMP & MSG)

We tell our boys often about how important it is to tell the truth.  I believe most of us parents do this on a regular basis with our kids.  It's a fundamental truth that we want them established in.  The fact is this isn't just something we need to establish in our kids but also in us!  Speaking the truth! 

In the message translation of this verse it tells us that "truth lasts."  TRUTH LASTS.  What a powerful statement for us to chew on.  God's Word is truth.  So that means God's Word lasts! 

Speak the truth today not only in situations that arise, questions that people may ask you, with your children, etc. but also speak truth by letting God's Word come out of your mouth.....it LASTS!  Speak the TRUTH today!

Pastor Evan

Tweet this: I'm speaking truth today! #proverbs12 #bc31

DAY ELEVEN // LOOK BEYOND YOURSELF

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 11:24-25 MSG

What is a way that you can look beyond yourself today?  How can you bless someone?  Many times we can tend to get so focused on ourselves and our needs that it's easy to forget the very purpose for why we are here.  OTHERS.  Today, look at those around you and ask the Lord how you can bless them today!  Is it a note of encouragement? A small gift? A hello? Whatever it is know that when you bless others you can't help but be blessed yourself.  When you seek HIS kingdom He ADDS to you!  Now let's go bless some people today!

Pastor Evan

Tweet this: Look beyond yourself!  Who can you bless today? #proverbs11 #bc31

DAY NINE // WISDOM

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 9:1 KJV

I think this verse sums it up.  If we want to build our lives the right way an don the right foundation it starts with wisdom.  In our staff meeting today, someone mentioned how really opposite of wisdom is pride.  It's saying you got it, you know how, you can do it, etc.  It all comes back to dependence.  Dependence on you and your wisdom OR dependence on God and HIS wisdom.  THE ONE who IS wisdom!

DAY EIGHT // DAILY

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 8:34-35 MSG

This is one of my favorite verses.  There is nothing better than starting your day with the very One Who made you and has GOOD plans for you.

Come to Him daily and He is always faithful to give you exactly what you need.  Your life can't help but be blessed when you listen to Him. He imparts wisdom, because He IS wisdom!

Pastor Nate

Tweet this: Today, I am blessed! #proverbs8 #bc31

DAY SEVEN // TREASURE

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 7:1 AMP

One theme I've noticed in Proverbs so far, is the importance placed on the Word of God.  Remember that God's Word is alive and full of power! So every time you open it, it is speaking and producing something in your life.

The end of verse 1 tells us not only to keep and put within us His commandment (Word) but to treasure it.  Treasure means to "greatly value" and "highly prize".  To me, this means the Word needs to be FIRST place in my life.  

Today, let's greatly value and highly esteem God's precious Word TO US!  What a treasure our loving Father has given to us.

Pastor Evan

Tweet this: God's treasure to me?  His very Word! #proverbs7 #bc31

DAY SIX // FULL MEAL DEAL!

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 6:22 AMP

Verse 22 is so powerful.  God's Word is a full meal deal!  It's what guides us, keeps us, talks to us, & directs us. The answer to every one of life's questions can be answered in the Word of God.  

Take time today to "eat" of this full meal deal (Word of God).  It is life giving!  It will sustain you and keep you through all of life's challenges.  Aren't you thankful for His Word?

Pastor Evan

Tweet this: God's Word = full meal deal! #proverbs6 #bc31

DAY FIVE // LISTEN UP!

Scripture Reading: "My son, BE ATTENTIVE TO MY WISDOM, and incline your ear to my understanding. So that you may exercise proper discrimination and discretion and your lips may guard and keep knowledge and THE WISE ANSWER to temptation." Proverbs 5:1-2 (Amp)

We know that temptation is something we all face, but at times seems to get the best of us no matter how hard we try. I think the answer to this is that we would work smarter not harder. Proverbs 5:1-2 tells us, to be attentive so that we will have the wise (right) answer to temptation.

So today, listen up! God doesn't just want us to contend but to conquer with the answer!

Pastor Nate

Prayer: Father illuminate the answer to me today, that I need, to win every time, in every circumstance or temptation. In Jesus name, Amen.

Tweet this: Listen up & conquer with THE answer! #proverbs5 #bc31

DAY FOUR // BRIGHT!

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 4:18 (MSG)

"The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day."

This scripture jumped out at me today. Because of the blood of Jesus we are righteous! Regardless of what we've done or haven't done. YOU ARE RIGHTEOUS.

This verse goes on to tell us that our path will continue to shine brighter! This means that we don't have to fear the future because guess what? It's BRIGHT! Bright because of the price Jesus paid. Bright because we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus!

As you celebrate today with loved ones, family & friends remember it's bright for you! Bright for your family! Bright for this nation! Our greatest days truly are ahead!

Pastor Evan

Tweet this: My future is BRIGHT! #proverbs4 #bc31

DAY THREE // A CLASSIC

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path."

Have you been driving down the road and had some amazing car catch your eye? Then you think, "Was that a 54 Chevy Impala??  No, I think it was the 57. Whatever it was..... It was a "CLASSIC"!" I don't think you can ever improve on a classic.  The one thing that you can do is give it another look, catch a different angle or maybe even remember how it felt to ride in one.  

Well, we can't take a ride in Proverbs 3:5-6, but we can remember what it feels like.  We can also take another glance and let the memories of trusting the Lord come flooding back despite all the reasons not to.  Let's reestablish our faith in His faithfulness. Here are a couple different looks (translations) of Proverbs 3:5-6:

"Have confidence in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not upon thy own prudence."

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.  Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He's the one who will keep you on track.  Don’t assume that you know it all."

Such a great reminder I hope we never forget!  

PNate

Tweet this: Remembering a classic truth....TRUST GOD! #proverbs3 #bc31

DAY TWO // WISDOM COMES AT HIS FEET

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 2:1-2; 6

Proverbs 2:1-2 tells us to listen to what HE says and tune our ears to wisdom.  In order to listen to what He says it means we must be spending time with Him.  In this day and age our time is mapped out for us.  Many times we feel we don't have enough time in a day.  In our own lives, when we are busy with "life" we have noticed one of the things that can tend to go is time with Him.  We must make sure we MAKE time coming to Him and listening to what He says.  There is no greater time spent than at the feet of Jesus.

Verse 6 goes on to tell us the Lord grants wisdom and from His MOUTH come knowledge and understanding.  This means the wisdom we need for the day to be a loving spouse, parent to our children, or other decisions like what school to attend or job to take all come from His mouth.  Or we could say, come from what He is saying.  He cannot speak anything BUT wisdom.  Our job is to take the time to sit at His feet and listen. The wisdom we need starts there.

Tweet this: Sit at His feet and receive the wisdom you need. #proverbs2 #bc31

DAY ONE // THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 1

Could there be a better set of scriptures to set the course for these next 31 days than Proverbs 1:1-7?

The tone is set in vs. 1 when it says, "These are the words of Solomon son of David...."  Who is Solomon?  Not only was he the son of David and also a king, but he was told by God he could ask for one thing. Solomon chose to ask for wisdom. Wow!  He was the one who was given wisdom beyond what had ever been or ever will be (1 Kings 3:5-12).  This wisdom came straight from the throne of God.  Solomon then chose to share what he has heard with us!?!  Knowing this places me on the edge of my seat and open like a sponge to soak up anything from these pages!

In these next few verses, its made known and clear the value of what is about to be shared with us.  This isn't just for the young and simple but equally to the wise!

In verse 7 Solomon states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."  What a powerful and profound statement. "The fear of the Lord is THE BEGINNING of wisdom."  THE BEGINNING. With this statement I was reminded of the great and mighty Mississippi River. Its source. Its BEGINNING.  Which is found coming out of Lake Itasca in Northern Minnesota.  Did you know that this powerful river can be walked across without hardly getting your feet wet?

Without this beginning there would be no end to this river.

For these next few weeks to be more than another program, challenge, or thing on the "to-do" list, we need to realize that the fear of the Lord must be present in our lives. Giving God back this place of awe and honor ensures a BEGINNING from which wisdom can flow. This is so vitally important, because without God starting something in our lives it cannot be finished!

Today, lets begin by giving God back that place of fear, honor and awe in our lives. Remember, the fear of the Lord is the BEGINNING of wisdom.

Tweet this: Give God His place of honor. #beginningofwisdom #proverbs1 #bc31

Song of the day: "Finish What You Started" Fellowship Creative