by Don Ruhl

Read Proverbs 10--12 The Wisdom of Restrained Lips

Many there are who believe that what immediately enters their hearts when they hear something, they must comment on it. They want everyone to know where they stand, and they think it strange that others do not operate the same way. There is a time to speak and a time to remain silent. Often speaking too much gets us into trouble.

19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise. (Pro. 10:19, NKJV).

He who thinks silence is strange, implies that the Holy Spirit, who moved Solomon to write Proverbs 10:19, is strange. Therefore, we must learn when to speak and when to remain silent, and when it is the time to speak to do so with words that are appropriate.

Make an extra effort today to catch yourself before you speak, figuring out if it is profitable and edifying to speak, and if so, how shall you speak. This will make you operate a little slower, but later you may discover that it is better.

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100

by Don Ruhl

Read Proverbs 1 and 2

Why is the Book of Proverbs in the Bible? Proverbs 1:2-7 answers the question. Let me give you verse two,

for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; (Proverbs 1:2, NIV).

You will never meet a successful person who first did not recognize his or her need for wisdom, discipline, and insight. Do you need those? To whom then should you go but to the Lord? To what book then should you turn but Proverbs? Read a chapter of Proverbs every day that corresponds to the day. For example, on the twenty-third day of the month, read Proverbs 23. Do that for a year and see what happens to your wisdom, discipline, and insight. Do it for a lifetime and watch what happens!

by Don Ruhl

Read First Corinthians 14:21--40 Ignore, Be Ignored

 Paul writes to the church at Corinth, emphasizing that he is speaking the Lord's command. However, if someone refuses to believe this, by the Holy Spirit, Paul says, 

 38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored (1 Cor. 14:38, NIV). 

 What man or woman of God wants to be ignored by God? Yet, if we ignore what He says through His inspired writers, we are rejecting God Himself and in time He will reject us. Let us, therefore, give diligent attention to the things He has spoken. 

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100

by Don Ruhl

Read Psalms 140--142 Protect My Heart, O Lord

 If you love God, if He is your everything, if He is your all, it surely upsets you when you sin, knowing how it offends the One whom you love and who loves you. You will appreciate the words of Psalm 141:4, 

4 Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, To practice wicked works With men who work iniquity; And do not let me eat of their delicacies. (Psa. 141:4, NKJV).

 Pray the words of this verse and you will do better in your life-service to God. 

Don Ruhl 3535 Elk Lane Grants Pass, Oregon 97527

by Don Ruhl

Read Psalms 129--131

They Shall Not Prevail

 The church is in a similar position as ancient Israel, when Psalm 129 was written. 

1 "Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth," Let Israel now say-- 2 "Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth; Yet they have not prevailed against me." (Psa. 129:1, 2, NKJV).

 The Egyptians afflicted Israel after Joseph was gone. God delivered Israel, but several nations confronted her in the wilderness. Israel entered the land of Canaan, but there were wars for centuries during the times of the Judges and the Kings. Israel was oppressed in captivity. Yet, by the first century, those other nations were either gone or humbled greatly and Israel gave to the world the Savior of the world! 

 From the first century until now, various nations and groups have attempted to silence the church. Rome tried, but Rome is no more and the church is alive and well. Secularists in the "modern" nations are attempting to silence the church through various legislative actions, but, as in the past, so will it be now, the secularists will disappear and the church will prevail. 

 Do not grow discouraged, but keep pressing on, knowing that the Lord is fighting for us.

Don Ruhl 3535 Elk Lane Grants Pass, Oregon 97527