All the secrets to life, you will ever need to know, is in Proverbs 3:1-15. The first and second verse states, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, ² for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.” Bang! Right off the bat, all you have to do is keep Gods commands in your heart and you’ll prosper. It doesn’t say you can’t fail at them; it just says keep them in your heart. By the way, His commands are the 10 Commandments in case you are wondering. The 10 Commandments encompasses everything that is talked about in the Bible. Don’t try to make it too hard, just follow those 10. Let love and faithfulness never leave you, is the next scripture in Proverbs. This promises a reward of good favor in the sight of God and man. This one falls under Commandment #2. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will make your paths straight is the next verse. My favorite out of all these is verse 9 & 10. “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first-fruits of all your crops; ¹⁰ then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” My Dad, even though he was not a good Christian, knew the power of tithing. It appeared everything my Dad touched made money, including a few business’s that you would not think a Christian should own. He told me he always tithed, even though he did not attend church. He made my five siblings and myself go with my Grandmother to church, but he never went. I know he always gave all six of us a dollar each, to put in the offering, and I guess he gave the rest to my Grandmother to put in? My Dad was a very colorful man, and I often wondered why God would bless him, yet He did. God will stand on His word, no matter what. A lot of people think nothing bad should happen to them if they are doing what God says, but that is just not the case. Look at Jacob. His brothers sold him, his masters wife had him put in jail, etc., but he always found favor with those around him. The secret was that he knew God was in control no matter what happened to him. He had a good attitude and tried to please those around him, in all that he did. God blessed him for that. Jesus was a servant to all and God expects no less of us. Try pleasing people instead of being selfish, and watch how God will make Proverbs 3:3-4 let you find good favor in the sight of God and man.

 

Karen Y. Stevens, Founder

Orange County Christian Writers Guild