This week’s devotional

THE LONG VIEW

The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry ,but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

Proverbs 10:3

How often have you heard the expression, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”?

That is an applicable rule of thumb when discerning the gimmicks of sales personnel and telemarketers. We must be careful that we do not apply that same thinking to God’s Word. It’s different with God. It’s always different with God. When He tells us something in the Bible that sounds too good to be true, take Him at His word.

Within chapter 10 of Proverbs are two verses that sound too good to be true:

The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry

but he thwarts the craving of the wicked (v 3).

What the wicked dreads will overtake him (her);

What the righteous desire will be granted (v. 24).

What do God’s children do with these verses? We know from history and personal experience that the wicked can prosper and the righteous do indeed suffer. Paul E. Kopak wrote, “Christians must avoid mechanistic understandings of God’s moral order and remember that the long view calls them to affirm God’s care even when present circumstances do not appear to show it.”

We need the long view that David gives in Psalm 37: Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away (v. 1-2). Do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil (v. 7-8).

Look at the long view! Look past today’s circumstances by looking back: I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread (Psalm 37:25). Look beyond the here and now by looking forward: Those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. The meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace (Psalm 37:9, 11). The long view trusts that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. He’s Jehovah Jireh – God our Provider, El Roi – God Who Sees, Jehovah Ezer ­– The Lord our Helper, Jehovah Shammah – The Lord is There, El Shaddai – God Almighty. By faith, the long view is sure of what it hopes for and is certain of what it does not see (Hebrews 11:1).

Wisdom Step: In what circumstances do you struggle to take God at His Word? Ask Him for power to overcome your unbelief so you can see the long view.

True, the immediate reward of the righteous often appears to be only pain and toil, but, in the end, God Himself guarantees that the things they have most longed for they will have: the conscious enjoyment of His full presence. [See Matthew 5:6].

John A. Kitchen

grace and peace,

Lenae

Fall Workshop Coming Up!

Our Fall Workshop is coming up this Saturday, September 10 at Olympic CRC in Olympia, WA. The Quincy workshop has been cancelled due to a low number of registrants, but Tami Cleveringa is going to be doing a mini-workshop with some of the Spokane counselors at some point. If you are on the East Side and this interests you, please contact Tami! Otherwise, we're looking forward to seeing you on September 10 and are praying for a God-blessed time of praise, worship, encouragement, knowledge, and excitement!

Wisdom's Call!

Dear Sisters,

Good morning! What’s calling out to you today? A child? The telephone? Email? A to-do list? An employer? A neighbor? A parent or friend?

Do you hear her? There’s someone else calling. Her name is Wisdom! Let’s page to Proverbs 8 and do more than hear. Let’s listen; let’s listen well.

WISDOM’S CALL

Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?

Proverbs 8:1

When my daughters played sports, and I was in the stands amidst the other parents, if any of the children called out, “Mom!” on cue, every mother’s head turned in that direction. We heard the call “Mom!” and responded – whether it was our child or not!

In chapter 8 of Proverbs, Wisdom calls out with raised voice: You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding. Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right (Proverbs 8:5-6). Wisdom loudly calls out, but do we hear and respond to her call?

In the New Testament Jesus repeatedly said to His listeners, “Whoever has ears, let them hear” (Matthew 11:15, 13:43, Mark 4:9 . . .)

Hearing and listening can be two different things. I can hear my husband and nod at timely intervals, without listening to a word that he has to say. We can do the same with wisdom. We can read Proverbs and even teach Proverbs, without listening to a word that the Lord has for us.

Ears that really hear and listen, respond with obedience. Their hearts are not calloused to wisdom’s call; they are doing what He decrees! James asked, Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom (James 3:13).

Those who listen will be happy and blessed. Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway (Proverbs 8:32, 34).

Those who listen will find true life. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD. But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death (Proverbs 8:35-36). Jesus repeats that life-giving truth in all four gospels. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul (Mark 8:35-36)?

Sometimes we can be guilty of “selective hearing” – hearing what we want to hear, and tuning out what we don’t want to apply to our lives. There’s a deadly price tag to tuning out wisdom’s call. May we hear, listen, obey, and find true life.

Wisdom Step: Today measure your wisdom by what you do, instead of what you know. On a scale of 1 to 10, how wise are you?

Wisdom is hearing and doing the Word of God.

John Piper

Grace & Peace,

Lenae Bulthuis, Training Manager

August Devotional from the Service Center

Why Proverbs?

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair. Proverbs 1:1-3

Math is my most challenging subject. More often than not when a new concept was introduced in geometry or algebra and I was stumped, I’d groan to my parents, “Why do I need to learn this? I’ll never use it again in my life!”

For those who may question why it’s important to dedicate a year to studying the book of Proverbs, Solomon, the writer of the book, tells us. Within the first sentence of the first chapter, he lays out the purpose of the book (Proverbs 1:1-3).

Here’s Solomon’s purpose and God’s plan for you and me in the book of Proverbs.

1. To teach us to attain wisdom and discipline for understanding words of insight. We’re not born wise and we don’t automatically or magically become wise when we accept Christ as our Savior. True wisdom only comes from God (Proverbs 9:10). In order to live rightly we need to listen to God’s wisdom, discipline, instruction, and correction.Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise(Proverbs 19:20). It’s a continuous education program as we sit under the teaching of His Word and Spirit.

2. To teach us to acquire a disciplined and prudent life. Our culture calls the prudent killjoys, spoilsports, and wet blankets. It’s God who gives the true definition of being a prude. The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways (Proverbs 14:8a). The prudent make choices based on the knowledge of God and have a God-given understanding of where they are going.

3. To teach us to do what is right and just and fair. Righteousness, justice, and equity are attributes of God that He desires to see in our relationships with one another. Through His wisdom we will understand what is right and just and fair – every good path (Proverbs 2:9). These virtues are evidence of His wisdom at work in our lives.The book of Proverbs is God’s handbook on how to live rightly. Studying and then habitually choosing to live by the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs will provide life-changing discipleship that will inspire us to walk wisely and live a life that goes beyond the gold.

Wisdom Step

How well have you been listening and obeying God’s advice and instruction in His Word? If a course correction is needed be wise and begin today.

The goal of Proverbs is to grow ever closer to the God who is Wisdom. Knowing God is the proper definition of the good life, and the highest goal of the Proverbs-driven life. 
Anthony Selvaggio

Proverbs 7

A devotional from Training Manager, Lenae Bulthuis:

Let’s page to Proverbs chapter 7 (a chapter that I admittedly was tempted to skip in our devotional study) as we continue to focus on this season’s GEMS theme, Get Wisdom: Go beyond the Gold!

PROVERBS 7 WARNINGS

Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman; they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words.

Proverbs 7:4-5

With the Bible heading, Warning Against the Adulteress, Proverbs 7 seems like a chapter exclusively for men. The reality is that each page of God’s book is for each one of His children – male and female. The warnings given to the young men in Proverbs 7 are needed by women of all ages, too.

In an online article posted on April 7, 2011, Guardian reported that more and more women are using pornography. “At Quit Porn Addiction, the UK’s main porn counseling service, almost one in three clients are women struggling with their own porn use, says founder and counselor Jason Dean. Two years ago, there were none. While more than six out of 10 women say they view web porn, one study in 2006 by the Internet Filter View found that 17% of women describe themselves as ‘addicted’”.

Sexual temptations for men and women are not limited to the Internet. There are TV shows like “Sex and the City”, larger than life posters of scantily dressed models in the mall’s display windows where families are flocking to purchase school clothes this time of year, and morning talk shows openly discuss sex toy parties.

Be warned! To follow after these temptations will be like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his (her) life” (Proverbs 7:22-23).

Now then, my sons (daughters) listen to me; pay attention to what I say. Do not let your heart turn to her (the ways of the adulteress) or stray into her paths. Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death (Proverbs 7:24-27).

Sex is God’s idea. Sadly, the images, persuasive words, and smooth talk of our culture are desensitizing an entire generation from God’s good and beautiful plan.

We must store up His commands within us, guard His teachings as the apple of our eye, bind them on our fingers, and write them on the tablet of our heart (Proverbs 7:2-4) – and teach the girls in our clubs to do the same! His wisdom will give us a discerning heart and keep our feet on His good and pure paths.

Wisdom Step: Measure everything you read, see, hear, do, and wear today to the plumb line of God’s commands.

When young women understand the cosmic consequences of sexual sin, the worldviews that shape our consumption of sexual messages today, and how God’s glory is under spiritual attack . . . they will be sobered by how Satan still “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8) – and that men and women alike are fair game.

Carolyn McCulley

Obedience is God's Love Language

For your ways are in full view of the LORD,

and he examines all your paths.

Proverbs 5:21

In one of Anne Graham Lotz’s books I recall a story that she told about her mother’s cleaning spree in preparation for a TV interview that was taking place in Billy and Ruth’s home. Ruth scrubbed, dusted, and vacuumed every nook and cranny until their home was spotless. All was squeaky-clean and ready by interview day. At least that’s what Ruth thought. It was lights, camera, horror! Ruth was shocked and dismayed when the intensity of the camera crew’s lights revealed a haze of dust and cobwebs in her seemingly immaculate home. What was hidden in natural lighting was made visible under the scrutiny of the penetrating lights.

When it comes to sin, we can deceive ourselves into thinking that our lives look pretty good, even squeaky-clean when compared to some. Like the Proverbs 5 adulteress whose words drip honey and whose speech is smoother than oil (v. 3), we can smooth and soften sin by calling lying, a slight exaggeration, by calling gossip, a prayer request, by labeling murder, the right to choose, calling immodesty, fashion, dubbing flirtatiousness, as being friendly, and naming greed, entitlement.

The sin we rationalize, excuse, downgrade, justify, overlook, tolerate, and even defend is not hidden from God. For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all your paths (Proverbs 5:21). “The word ‘paths’ refers literally to the ruts worn by repeated travel of wagons over a roadway” (John A. Kitchen, Proverbs A Mentor Commentary). Is there a repeated, habitual sin that is part of your and my life? Has it become such an everyday rut in our life’s path that it doesn’t feel like it’s really that big of a deal?

At the GEMS Counselors’ Leadership Conference in Fort Collins, Colorado, Ray Vander Laan pointedly and passionately taught us from God’s Word that God’s love language is obedience. Make no mistake; we are saved by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8), but it’s through obedience that we tell God, “I love You!” This is love for God: to obey his commands (1 John 5:3). Obedience shows love to God; obedience is God’s love language!

Wisdom Prayer: Heavenly Father, our ways are in full view of You – the blatant sin, and the sin we think no one else knows about. Test us, O LORD, and try us, examine our hearts and our minds. Reveal the ruts and potholes of our paths. Shine the penetrating light of Your Word and Spirit into our lives so we can clearly recognize sin’s addictive and destructive nature. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Teach us to pay attention to Your wisdom, and to listen well to Your words of insight, so that we will maintain discretion and our lips may preserve knowledge. We love You. We will obey Your commands. In Jesus’ name, Amen (Proverbs 5:21, Psalm 26:2, Matthew 6:12, Proverbs 5:1-2, I John 5:3).

To escape the error of salvation by works we have fallen into the opposite error of salvation without obedience.


A. W. Tozer

Guard Your Heart

Above all else, guard your heart,

For it is the wellspring of life.

Proverbs 4:23

The children’s song, O Be Careful, Little Eyes, wisely instructs children of all ages to be careful what their eyes see, what their ears hear, what their hands do, and where their feet go. According to Proverbs 4:23, it’s missing a verse:

Oh be careful little heart what you keep.

Oh be careful little heart what you keep.

There’s a Father up above

And He’s looking down in love

So, be careful little heart what you keep.

What we keep within our heart, to a great extent determines how we live. That’s why Solomon gives the command to guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life (Proverbs 4:23, NLT).

In my high school basketball days I was a scrappy guard. I had zero comprehension of what to do on offense, but had an innate understanding that on defense I was to guard the basket at all costs. The context of this verse isn’t a guarding that keeps a basketball from the hoop, or a hockey puck or soccer ball from the net. This verse’s primary focus is not so much to guard our heart by keeping the bad stuff out, but by keeping the good stuff of God’s teachings, commands, and wisdom in!

The verses that precede the instruction to guard our heart reiterate the importance of keeping a vigilant watch over what we keep within. My son (daughter), pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight; keep them within your heart (Proverbs 4:20-21). Deuteronomy 4:9 says, Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children (and your GEMS!) and to the children after them.

Our heart houses our motives, thoughts, and emotions. What we keep within the control center of our heart will guide the choices we make and the paths that we take. The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble (Proverbs 4:18-19).

Wisdom Step: Do a heart check. What is your greatest affection and treasure? Is it God and His Word? Your family? Your agenda? Work? Money? Weekends? Travel? What you treasure will determine the course of your life. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21).

God be in my head, and in my understanding;

God be in my eyes, and in my looking;

God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;

God be in my heart, and in my thinking;

God be at my end, and at my departing.

Old Sarum Primer, 1558

July Devotional from the Service Center

If you want to receive these monthly devotionals over email, you can sign up by clicking here and then clicking on "sign up now" under "E-Newsletter." I try to post them every time they come, but sometimes I get behind!

Leadership 101

The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: “When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.

2 Samuel 23:3-4

At the close of King David’s life, he wrote a beautiful song about leadership. The song may have blessed and inspired his son Solomon who was anointed king after David and can continue to challenge each one of us as first year or seasoned leaders within the GEMS ministry today.

1. Leaders must be called and empowered by God. These are the last words of David: “The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel’s songs (2 Samuel 23:1).When David was called to be King of Israel he seemed the least likely candidate of Jesse’s eight sons. Samuel thought that surely the LORD must intend to anoint Jesse’s firstborn Eliab, not his youngest David. God directed Samuel to His qualifications for leadership and said, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Maybe you feel as unlikely to lead within the GEMS ministry as Samuel originally thought David was. It’s not a matter of how you look or how qualified you feel, it’s a matter of the heart. God called and empowered David, and if He calls you to GEMS, He will empower you, too!

2. Leaders must be taught God’s Word through His Spirit. David wrote, The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue (2 Samuel 23:2). David experienced first hand the horrors that took place when the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul (1 Samuel 16:14). To understand and then teach God’s Word, we must be women of the Word who have the light of the Spirit of God shining in and through us! Make David’s prayer your own as you prepare to lead girls next season, Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground (Psalm 143:10).

3. Leaders must fear God (2 Samuel 23:3-4). While King Saul and the Israelites cowered in fear of Goliath, David was willing to fight. Because he feared the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, he had no fear of Goliath. When we fear God, we need not fear the leadership He’s called us to within GEMS. Does it make you afraid or anxious? David experienced that, too, and though his knees may have knocked on occasion, he trusted God. Follow David’s example and serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling(Psalm 2:11).

Wisdom Step: Fear God, not the leadership He’s called you to! What can you do today to prepare for the new GEMS season?

So, where He leads me, I can safely go,

And in the blest hereafter I shall know,
Why in His wisdom He hath led me so.

Unknown

Fall Workshop

Don't forget to mail in your Fall Workshop Registrations! If you need another one, you can print it from this blog or you can send me an email.

GEMS Camp 2012!

GEMS Camp 2012 has been set! Mark your calendars for Friday, June 8 (after dinner) - Sunday, June 10 (late morning), 2012 at Lake Retreat Camp & Conference Center in Ravensdale, WA!! We are very excited about this new camp location - it is absolutely beautiful and VERY clean! :) More details will be given at Fall Workshop, but feel free to email me with questions if you have any and I will do my best to answer them!

Fall Workshop Registrations were mailed out to everyone on our mailing list. Please fill them out and send them back as soon as possible so you don't forget! If you need more, go ahead and make copies or you can click on the link from the post on July 6 and print out your own! We are looking forward to seeing MANY of you there!

Blessings on the rest of your summer vacation!

Join with me in praise!

Praise God for an INCREDIBLE conference at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, CO! We experienced GOD there and we had SO MUCH FUN! We were inspired and encouraged and we are READY to learn about WISDOM this year!

Fall Workshop Registration Form

Registration Forms for the Fall Workshop in September are being mailed this week! If you need an additional form, you can print it online! Please feel free to email or call if you have any questions about Fall Workshop or any trouble printing the registration form.

Fall Workshop Registration Form

Please pray!

Prayer request - over 480 women will be traveling to Fort Collins, CO this week for the annual GEMS leadership conference - please pray for safe travels, good health, blessings and peace for families that are left behind for many moms and for God's Presence and blessings to touch all our lives...we serve a mighty God!!

Our Wise Creator

In just over a week, approximately 500 GEMS Counselors from all over North America will travel to Ft. Collins, Colorado for the GEMS Leadership Conference. We are anticipating an amazing weekend surrounded by God’s amazing creation. This devotional, written by Lenae Bulthuis, GEMS Training Manager, reflects this anticipation. Please pray for every aspect of this event that is happening July 7-10.

 

By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.

Proverbs 3:19-20

Did you know that the Colorado Rockies are part of the North American Cordillera, which stretches 3,000 miles from Alaska, through western Canada and the United States, into northern Mexico? The peaks of the Colorado Rockies are over 14,000 feet and dubbed “Fourteeners” by those who climb them. There are 52 Fourteeners in Colorado.

Did you know that bald eagles, sand hill cranes, shore birds and water birds nest and migrate to Colorado? This state is the second in the nation for variety of birds.

Did you know that there are nearly 20 rivers whose headwaters begin in Colorado, with the Continental Divide directing each river’s course?

Did you know that the tallest sand dune in America is in Great Sand Dunes National Park outside of Alamosa, Colorado?

How did God create such majestic and awe-inspiring segments of creation within the state of Colorado and the place that you call home? By wisdom!

By wisdom the LORD founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens. By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky (Proverbs 3:19-20, NLT).

By wisdom, God made galaxies and grapevines, people and porcupines, oceans and orangutans, mountains and molehills. When you see, hear, touch, smell, and experience His creation are you overcome with awe and a divine wow of who God is?

It’s through creation that God has made Himself plain to all peoples. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse (Romans 1:20).

It’s through creation that God reveals Himself to us – His might, His power, His unfathomable bigness, His creativity, His strength, His supremacy, and His wisdom.

R.C. Sproul writes, “Men are never duly touched and impressed with the conviction of their insignificance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God.”

Wisdom Step: Take a walk, study a flower, watch cloud formations, worship and fear the all-wise God, creator of heaven and earth.

Whatever God’s reasons for such diversity, creativity, and sophistication, on earth, and in our own bodies, the point of it all is His glory. God’s art speaks of Himself, reflecting who He is and what He is like.

Francis Chan

Heart Devotional for Counselors by Lenae Bulthuis

WELCOME DISCIPLINE

My son (daughter), do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son (daughter) he delights in.

Proverbs 3:11-12

Last weekend when we were out with friends one of the dinner topics was discipline. I shared a thirty-five year old story about when I disobeyed my mother. Although I have no recollection today of the wrong I committed, I still remember what followed. My mom commanded me to stop; I ran. I dashed around the corner and was halfway up the stairs, when she grabbed my foot. A bit surprised that my mother was so fast, and mostly panicked at what was coming next, I screamed, “Child abuse!” There is no way on this planet that my mother is capable of abuse of any sort. Shocked by my reaction, she looked at me, I looked at her, and we sat on the steps and laughed.

Proverbs has a word for anyone who is running from God’s discipline, rather than stopping to receive His teaching and correction. My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights (Proverbs 3:11-12, NLT).

The word “discipline” within these verses of God’s Word primarily speaks to God’s teaching, correcting, and training, rather than His punishing His children. The single motive behind His fatherly discipline is love.

The Old Testament book of Hosea illustrates God’s love for His wayward, sinful children. Hosea 11:4 reads, I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them. The NIV commentators shed wisdom on this verse. “God’s discipline requires times of leading and times of feeding. Sometimes the rope is taut; sometimes it is slack. God’s discipline is always loving, and its object is always the well-being of the beloved.”

There’s a temptation to write off God’s loving discipline, rather than to welcome it. That’s what the foolish do and the book of Proverbs gives us repeated reminders of their destiny. He (She) will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his (her) own folly (Proverbs 5:23).

If the LORD is correcting you through His Word, Spirit, or the words of a brother or sister in Jesus, rejoice! God hasn’t written you off! His willingness to discipline us means He hasn’t given up on us. Accept His correction and receive its blessings. Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding (Proverbs 3:13, NLT).

Wisdom Step: What word of correction have you recently received from God? Be wise by welcoming and applying it to your life.

Be much with the solid teachings of God's word, and you will become solid and substantial men and women: drink them in, and feed upon them, and they shall produce in you a Christ-likeness, at which the world shall stand astonished.

C. H. Spurgeon

Search for Wisdom devotional

The following devotional was written by GEMS Training Manager, Lenae Bulthuis, to help us prepare for our theme next year.

Dear Sisters,

As the school year winds down or maybe is already complete in your area, keep vigilant in prayer for children. When you see them on the street, playing at the pool or in the park, at the mall or in your home, shoot arrow prayers of His blessings and favor on them. How’s that for a summer assignment that will change the world? Praying with you!

SEARCH FOR WISDOM

Search for it as for hidden treasure.

Proverbs 2:4b

One of my grandmother’s favorite stories about my dad was his high school study habit. She’d point to the kitchen chair by the front door. “Do you see that chair?” she’d ask. “When your dad came home from school he’d put his books on that chair and when he left the next day for school he’d pick them up again. I don’t know why he even bothered to take them home!”

Proverbs chapter one is an invitation to study: Take the books home. Chapter two is a call to begin: Open the books and study! Chapter one includes warnings to those who refuse the invitation; chapter two includes promises to those who accept the invite to search for wisdom.

Solomon, the primary author of Proverbs, understands that we always have a choice. In the first four verses of chapter two he uses the word “if” three times: IF you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and IF you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and IF you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure.

It’s an active, strenuous search. We must call out and cry aloud as if our lives depended on it! We must search for it like we do lost cell phones and car keys. It demands diligence and hard work. Jim Rohn said, “For every disciplined effort there is a multiple reward.” That certainly holds true for the search for wisdom.

Here are the promised rewards:

1. Brings one to “the fear of the LORD.” Wisdom goes beyond the practical life lessons in Proverbs. It’s about the relationship – knowing, fearing, and loving God! Then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God (2:5).

2. You will receive wisdom. Wisdom is a gift from God that’s only given to those who are persistent in the search. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding (2:6).

3. You will experience victory. Wisdom gives you the ability to live life well! You’ll successfully walk God’s way. He holds victory in store for the upright (2:7a).

4. You will receive protection to walk God’s way. Wisdom protects us by enabling us to say no to sinful choices. He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you (2:7b-8, 11).

Wisdom Step: How much effort have you put forth to search for God’s wisdom? God wants to be known and loved by you. Search for wisdom today. It’ll lead you straight to God!

What are our worst sins? They are chiefly our lost opportunities to grow in wisdom and in nobility of character. They lie in our failure to develop our fullest and best powers given to us by God.

Charles Shulman

Why Proverbs?

I know many of you have finished up your GEMS season and are just taking a break! I pray you find rest and peace and PASSION to start up again in the fall. If you are still considering attending conference, please sign up NOW! It is going to be amazing! I, for one, am VERY excited about hearing Ray VanderLaan AND about learning more about our new theme for next year. Conference is such a great opportunity to gather ideas for the upcoming year. Please prayerfully considering joining us in Colorado!

If you can't come to conference, your next best thing is our Fall Workshop. This year, we again will be in two different locations, so hopefully one of them will work for you. We will be in Olympia on September 10 and in Quincy on September 17. The workshop registration will hopefully begin at 9:30, a little later than in the past, to allow for travel time. We hope to end around 3:00 in the afternoon so everyone will have ample time to travel home again. If NEITHER of those workshop dates/locations work for you, please talk to me. I may have an additional option available.

To get you started thinking about next year, here's Lenae's devotional from this morning, discovering WHY we are studying this theme next year!

WHY PROVERBS?

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair.

Proverbs 1:1-3

Math is my most challenging subject. More often than not when a new concept was introduced in geometry or algebra and I was stumped, I’d groan to my parents, “Why do I need to learn this? I’ll never use it again in my life!”

For those who may question why it’s important to dedicate a year to studying the book of Proverbs, Solomon, the writer of the book, tells us. Within the first sentence of the first chapter, he lays out the purpose of the book (Proverbs 1:1-3).
Here’s Solomon’s purpose and God’s plan for you and me in the book of Proverbs.

1. To teach us to attain wisdom and discipline for understanding words of insight. We’re not born wise and we don’t automatically or magically become wise when we accept Christ as our Savior. True wisdom only comes from God (Proverbs 9:10). In order to live rightly we need to listen to God’s wisdom, discipline, instruction, and correction. Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise (Proverbs 19:20). It’s a continuous education program as we sit under the teaching of His Word and Spirit.

2. To teach us to acquire a disciplined and prudent life. Our culture calls the prudent killjoys, spoilsports, and wet blankets. It’s God who gives the true definition of being a prude. The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways (Proverbs 14:8a). The prudent make choices based on the knowledge of God and have a God-given understanding of where they are going.

3. To teach us to do what is right and just and fair. Righteousness, justice, and equity are attributes of God that He desires to see in our relationships with one another. Through His wisdom we will understand what is right and just and fair – every good path (Proverbs 2:9). These virtues are evidence of His wisdom at work in our lives.

The book of Proverbs is God’s handbook on how to live rightly. Studying and then habitually choosing to live by the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs will provide life-changing discipleship that will inspire us to walk wisely and live a life that goes beyond the gold.

Wisdom Step: How well have you been listening and obeying God’s advice and instruction in His Word? If a course correction is needed. Be wise and begin today.

The goal of Proverbs is to grow ever closer to the God who is Wisdom. Knowing God is the proper definition of the good life, and the highest goal of the Proverbs-driven life.

Anthony Selvaggio

As we end the "Feed the Fire" theme...

Most of us have participated in GEMS Sunday and are finishing up our GEMS year, or will be doing so within the month. This devotional, from the GEMS Service Center April Newsletter, gives us encouragement to keep that fire burning in our hearts, even when we are on a break from GEMS for the summer!

The Fire Must Be Kept Burning

They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

Luke 24:32

In the book of Leviticus God gives instructions to the priests about burnt offerings that still apply to us today. The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat of the fellowship offerings on it. The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out (Leviticus 6:12-13).

What was true for the altar remains true for our hearts: The fire on the altar of our hearts must not go out! Warren W. Wiersbe writes, “Let’s follow the example of the priest and each morning get rid of the old ashes, stir up the fire, and offer a burnt offering to the Lord.”

Daily we must fan into flame the gift of God (2 Timothy 1:6). Our lives are to be living sacrifices that must be kept burning. Therefore, I urge you, brothers (sisters), in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2).

Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu conformed and compromised God’s commands about how offerings were to be sacrificed. They took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command (Leviticus 10:1). How did God respond to their disobedience? Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD (v. 2).

When we conform and compromise God’s commands our hearts become lukewarm. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot, I wish you were either one or the other (Revelation 3:15). How does God respond to our disobedience? So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth (v 16).

Being a children’s ministry volunteer doesn’t necessarily mean that the fire within the altar of our hearts is burning brightly. For example, Children’s Ministry Magazine reported that the average children’s volunteer reads the Bible only once or twice a month when alone. Surely if the priests only attended to the altar’s flame once or twice a month, the flame would die out.

May we daily keep the fire burning so the words of the two believers on the road to Emmaus may be true of us, too. “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32)

PASSION Step: What will you do today to keep the fire stirred and burning within your heart?

Give me the love that leads the way, the faith that nothing can dismay, the hope no disappointments tire, the passion that will burn like fire; Let me not sink to be a clod:

Amy Carmichael, Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.

Get Wisdom Devotion

The theme for the upcoming GEMS season is Get Wisdom: Go beyond the Gold! It’s a theme topic that encourages girls and women to fear God and walk wisely on the highway of the upright. These are the verses that correspond to this theme: Proverbs 9:10 and Proverbs 16:16-17.

GET WISDOM: GO BEYOND THE GOLD!

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!

Proverbs 16:16

Recently I watched a Francis Chan video where he pointed out the difference between knowing God’s Word and obeying it. He used the example of telling his daughter to go clean her room. What if his daughter came to him and said things like, “Hey, dad, I memorized the phrase, ‘Go clean your room.’” Or, “I can say ‘Go clean your room’ in Greek.” Or, “My friends and I are going to get together once a week and study what it means to go clean my room.” Obviously, none of those things matter until she does what she was told – cleans her room!

God tells us in His Word, that it is better to get wisdom than wealth. But is that what we are doing? Are we obeying that command? According to a July 2010 Barna Group report, “No!” There’s been a shift in American’s priorities. Since a 2006 study, Americans (I’m assuming this is true for North America as a whole) have an increased emphasis on “wealth, financial stability, money, professional attainment, success, and paying bills. These types of priorities have nearly doubled over the past four years.” What’s lost ground is the percentage of Americans who say their top priority is family and faith. “Despite the fact that more than three-quarters of adults identify themselves as Christians and nearly nine out of 10 Americans believe in God, matters of ‘faith’ are surprisingly rare when Americans choose their highest priority in life.”

Proverbs 16:16 says, How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! We can memorize that verse, learn it in Greek, study it as counselor teams, and within small groups of girls, but none of those things matter until we do what we’ve been told – go get wisdom!

There’s nothing necessarily wrong with owning things like gold, silver, or other items on our wish list. What God wants us to understand in these verses is that if we must make a choice between getting wisdom or getting things, choose wisdom! It’s the best choice! The things of this world won’t help us walk wisely or give true joy, but wisdom will. Proverbs 8:10-11, Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

What is it that you most desire? If Barna contacted you and asked what your highest priority is today, what would you say? Would your answer be proven or falsified by your choices, credit card receipts, and checkbook register?

Wisdom Step: If getting wealth has trumped getting wisdom in your life, what course correction will you make today?

If you want wisdom, you must “seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures” (Proverbs 2:4). That means work! It means taking time to read, mediate, pray, and put truth into practice.

Warren W. Wiersbe

The Fear of the Lord

Many of you are finishing up your GEMS season and will be celebrating GEMS Sunday in the coming weeks after Easter, if you haven't already. Our "Feed the Fire" theme is coming to a close. I pray it has been exciting for you and your girls!

As you know, Tami & I recently attended a training workshop in Michigan to learn about the new theme (as well as other stuff) so that we can teach it to you at our next fall workshop. The theme is "Get Wisdom: Go Beyond the Gold" and I'm excited because I think there will be many ways you can implement the theme in your club. I hope to learn even more at conference in July!

Speaking of conference, are you coming to the 2011 conference in Colorado in July? It's not too late to sign up! It would be amazing to have a huge turnout from Area 3 and to experience the blessings of conference together! If you are wondering about signing up, let me know and I can help you out. I have a list of all the counselors from our Area who are registered, if you are looking for a roommate or anything.

Next year's theme will begin with trying to gather an understanding of the fear of the Lord. It says in Proverbs 9:10 that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." I think this is something that as counselors we will need to consider and study before we begin to explain it to our girls at GEMS. The following devotional is from Lenae Bulthuis, GEMS training manager, and is about this concept of the fear of the Lord. Let the Scriptures and thoughts begin to prepare your hearts.

THE FEAR OF THE LORD

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 9:10

On July 8, 1741 in Enfield, Connecticut, American theologian Jonathan Edwards preached the sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” I was in middle school when it was first introduced to me and I sat wide-eyed at the imagery of the fierceness of God’s wrath. I closed my eyes as our teacher talked about the dreadful pit and the lake of burning brimstone. I opened them again to watch my instructor hold an imaginary spider on a slender thread above a raging fire as he quoted Edwards. “The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider, or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you . . . it is nothing but His hand that holds you from falling into the fire every moment. Oh, sinner! Consider the fearful danger you are in.”

As I considered my personal peril, my heart sprinted into my loving Heavenly Father’s arms. I didn’t want to think on God’s burning anger. Instead I fixed my mind on the warmth of His grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness.

Looking back, I now realize that I mentally closed the door to the phrase, “the fear of the LORD.” Scripture and the Spirit have convicted me that we are not entitled to pick and choose who God is. He is both loving Heavenly Father and sovereign, righteous judge.

God is holy and perfect, almighty and absolute, and we must approach Him in a manner that is worthy of His name. To fear Him encapsulates a shrinking back in recognition of the holiness, power, and autonomy of God and a drawing close in awe, reverence, and worship. We don’t fear to be in His presence as much as we fear to be out of it!

Sadly, Romans 3:18 accurately describes our culture today. There is no fear of God before their eyes. Psalm 36 repeats the lament, I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked; There is no fear of God before their eyes. In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they have ceased to be wise and to do good (vs. 1-3, TNIV).

In neglecting to fear God and His judgment, the world has gone wild instead of wise. Studies indicate there is little difference between how Christians make major decisions and live day-to-day when compared to secular society.

Now is the time for us to get wisdom and it begins by rightly understanding and living out what it means to fear the LORD.

Wisdom Step: Do a Bible word study on “the fear of the LORD.” Ask God to let that reverential fear keep you from sin and help you get wisdom.

Until you fear God and have a deep desire to follow Him you won’t care much about wisdom.

Jan Boone

ACTS Training

Hello dear counselors! I am in Michigan, having just finished up my ACTS training to prepare for the 2011-2012 GEMS year! I know it's hard to think about next year because you're finishing up this year and working on GEMS Sunday and all that. I just wanted you to know that Tami & I enjoyed our training, learned lots, and that we are praying for you as you finish up this year. May God grant you energy and PASSION in abundance for the remainder of your GEMS year.

I personally would love to connect with the Club Coordinators that are in my part of WA state - maybe Mount Vernon and northward to start with? Anyone interested in getting together for breakfast or coffee to close out the year? Or would it be better to meet in the summer after a bit of a break and then join together to share ideas for the upcoming year? Please feel free to comment or shoot me an email and let me know what you think.

Tami & I are also praying that more of you will be able to come to the conference in Denver in July. It is NOT TOO LATE to register! We'd love to have you there and it is an awesome experience that you will not regret! Let me know if you're still interested!!

As we all finish up our GEMS season and the theme of "Feed the Fire", let's be intentional about praying for all the GEMS clubs in our area and for our own clubs. Pray for energy for counselors, good attitudes for the girls, and that our hearts will remain on fire for Jesus throughout the summer.

Lastly, a huge THANK YOU to all of the counselors in Area 3 for your commitment and dedication to GEMS Girls Clubs and to your girls. Your relationship with those girls is helping them build their relationship with Jesus Christ and that is a gift for eternity. Thank you.

Notice God in the Ordinary

Another Notice God in the Ordinary devotional from the GEMS Service Center!! I love this one!

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13

During the dark days of the judges, we might be tempted to think that God was not at work. Not so! Just check out these amazing God sightings from the book of Ruth

Fact: When Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi arrived in Bethlehem the barley harvest was beginning. Knowing the poor and alien were permitted to glean in the fields during the harvest (Leviticus 19:9-10), Ruth asked Naomi if she could pick up grain behind anyone who showed her favor(Ruth 2:2).

God sighting: Of all the available places to harvest in Bethlehem, God directed her to the field belonging to Boaz, a relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech (Ruth 2:3).

Fact: Ruth hoped to pick up leftover grain (Ruth 2:2).

God sighting: Ruth not only received leftover grain on her first day on the job, Boaz provided her a meal so large that she ate all she wanted and had some left over (Ruth 2:14), plus Boaz gave orders to his men, “Even if she gathers among the sheaves, don’t embarrass her. Rather, pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her” (Ruth 2:15-16).

Fact: When Noami told Ruth to wash, perfume herself, put on her best clothes, and go to the threshing floor at night to uncover Boaz’s feet and lie down, as a foreigner she could’ve rejected what may have seemed risky and odd advice (Ruth 2:3-5).

God sighting: Ruth listened and obeyed Noami who was older, wiser, and understood Israelite custom and law. Her obedience resulted in Boaz’s continued favor. He gave her six measures of barley and promised that in the morning he would go to the town gate to seek to redeem her (Ruth 3:13-15).

Fact: Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. She gave birth to a son (Ruth 4:13).

God sighting: Boaz and Ruth’s son was named Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David, in the genealogy of the Savior, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-17)!

Fact: God sightings are not unique to Ruth’s story. The same is true for you and me! If we want to find God in our story we must look for Him with all our heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

God sighting: Your turn. Where do you see Him in your story today? Feed the fire by being on watch for God in all places, at all times by noticing Him in the ordinary.

PASSION Step: The book of Ruth has more God-sightings. Read it and count how many you can find!

People see God every day. They just do not recognize Him.

L. James Harvey

Notice God in the Ordinary

Tonight at GEMS I led a devotional about Noticing God in the Ordinary, the last discipline in our PASSION acronym that helps fuel the fire in our hearts for God. I used the Object Lesson book that GEMS publishes every year that coordinates with the theme, and combined it with some materials from the "Threading the Theme Throughout the Year" workshop. I showed the girls some animal tracks and we talked about how even though we can't see the animals, we can see where they were by the tracks and signs that they leave behind. We talked about signs that the girls themselves leave behind so that their mom knows they've been there..clothes left on the bathroom floor after their shower, mud tracked in from the farm in the back hallway, etc. We also talked about other, non-physical signs, that they might leave behind...such as their kindness towards a mean girl at school, etc. Then we talked about how God gives us signs that He is there, so that even though we can't see Him physically, we can know for certain that He is with us. We mentioned the Bible...nature...kindnesses of strangers...all sorts of things.

I then gave each girl a cut-out shape of a highway road sign and asked them to write in some way that they have "Noticed God in the Ordinary" - a sign of God's presence to them. It was amazing. It was humbling. It was a blessing to read what all the girls wrote. Girls wrote about when someone from church brought them a meal, the sunset, the frost crystals they saw this morning, answered prayer, their mom's life changing for the better because of God...all kinds of things.

The most touching for me was what my 10 year old daughter wrote. She wrote a couple things, but one was "When my teacher called to see if I was okay." She had had a rough day at school. Her teacher had noticed. And my daughter noticed that her teacher noticed. And that was a sign of God's presence to her. How thankful I am for that teacher. And how humbled I am to be reminded that those girls (both my daughters and my GEMS) are watching. They are watching me in order to notice God.

Oh Lord, that I might be a sign of your presence to a child. I am not worthy. It must all come from You.

Questionnaire Reminder

Dear GEMS counselors,

If you haven't yet completed this survey, please do so as soon as possible! It will only take a couple minutes and it would be of great help to us as we begin to prepare for our 2011 Fall Workshop!

Thank you and blessings!
~Julie Ball & Tami Cleveringa

Questionnaire

Dear GEMS Counselors,


Are you still feeding that fire? Is your PASSION for loving Jesus and serving others heating up? We have been praying for you as you encourage your girls in their own heart's fires and pray also that your own heart is lit up as well! This has been a great theme, don't you think? Working through the PASSION acronym has given each of our GEMS meetings a specific focus and it all points to Feeding the Fire in our hearts for God.

As we continue to pray for you, we are also looking ahead to next year already! We will be going to our training in Michigan in April and will begin to plan our next Fall Workshop while we are there. In order to better serve our area, we would like each one of you to complete an online survey with questions about our upcoming Fall Workshop. We will use the responses as we plan times, dates, and places for our Fall Workshop. It is only a 10-question survey, so it shouldn't take you much time at all to answer and help us out. Your comments may be the most helpful to us, so please don't hesitate to make a quick comment in addition to answering the multiple choice questions.

Please also feel free to forward this link to other counselors in your club who may not have email addresses on file with the GEMS Service Center. We would love to have as many responses as possible.

Thank you so much in advance for your time and help. We desire for these training workshops to be a valuable tool for you as you lead your GEMS. Please click on the link below and fill out the survey by Feb. 28.

Fall Workshop Questionnaire

God bless,

Julie Ball & Tami Cleveringa
Area Coordinator, Leadership Trainer

Go Fishing

"Come follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

Matthew 4:19-20

One of my earliest Sunday School memories is singing the children’s song, “Fishers of Men.” We’d cast our imaginary poles and reel in our imaginary fish as we sang, “I will make you fishers of men, fishers of men, fishers of men. I will make you fishers of men, if you follow me.”

In his book, Fish! – The Call of The Master Fisher, Roger S. Greenway gives a convicting and compelling call to all people to go fishing – open up and talk about God!

Living in a small community where preschoolers still sing “Fishers of Men” and there are multi-layers of evangelism to children at home, church, and school, I was especially challenged by the chapter, There Aren’t Any Fish In This Pond. Greenway tells about a time that he attended a church that had very little outreach to the people in its neighborhood. He writes, “The members reasoned like this: Around here, most people already have a church, so it’s no use talking to them. The rest aren’t interested in church, so talking to them is a waste of time, too.”

When he and his wife were invited to the church’s annual picnic that took place on a farm with a large pond, he asked if there were any fish in the pond. He was told, “Just frogs and weeds.” An avid fisher of men and fish, Greenway went to his car, took out his fishing rod, and from the chuckles of the locals, knew they were probably all thinking he was a crazy missionary. After a couple of casts, the snickers stopped. Greenway landed a thirty-six-inch northern pike.

How often have you and I assumed there were no fish in the pond? How often have we assumed that friends, co-workers, and neighbors have a relationship with Jesus? How often have our clubs quit extending the invitation to come after the first few weeks of the season? Greenway said of this church family, to me, and maybe to you, “These were gracious, warmhearted Christians who meant well, but they had become so introverted that they’d lost the fisherman’s spirit of adventure and faith.”

In the Parable of the Wedding Feast the king sent the servants out “fishing.” They were to invite people to come to the wedding feast. He said, “Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find” (Matthew 22:9). And they did ­ finding both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests (Matthew 22:10b).

PASSION Step: The Master Fisher has called us to go fishing. Who will you open up and talk about God to today?

The Lord doesn’t call all of us to venture into unfamiliar places. He wants many of us to fish close to shore, which means in general North America where people have been familiar with Christianity for a long time.

Roger S. Greenway