Thursday, April 2, 2015

April Scripture Memory Challenge

The Treasure of Wisdom
By Shelly Burke, Editor

How much better to get wisdom than gold!
To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 
Proverbs 16:16

In our society, success is often (if not usually) measured in material goods and money. The Scripture Memory Challenge Verse for April, however, tells us that wisdom and understanding are better than gold and silver (money or any earthly possessions). 



How are wisdom and understanding better than gold and silver? 

1. No one can take away your wisdom and understanding. You will always have it. Gold and silver can be lost in many different ways—through misuse, the stock market crashing, or even others stealing your possessions. 
2. Wisdom and understanding can only improve our lives by guiding us through everyday life as well as difficult situations. Earthly possessions have the potential to be a detriment in our lives if not used correctly, or if they are emphasized above the Lord or others. 
3. Wisdom and understanding can only enhance our relationship with the Lord by helping us understand Him and His will for us and drawing us closer to Him. Earthly possessions can get in the way of our relationship with the Lord and others when we place the love of them, or striving for them, above all else. 

How can you gain wisdom and understanding? 

1. First, of course, by reading, learning and understanding God’s Word, the greatest source of wisdom and understanding. “All Scripture is…profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training…” (2 Timothy 3:16) in other words, gaining wisdom and understanding. 
2. Pray for God to help you understand His words about wisdom and understanding. 
3. Worship and attend Bible classes. Hearing others teach and talk about the Bible will increase your understanding. 
4. Consult advisers as you make plans (Prov. 15:22)—parents, pastors, experts, Christian counselors. Just remember that all who claim to be “experts” are not; be discerning in the advice that you take and act upon. 
5. Underline or highlight in your Bible and/or write out on notecards verses about wisdom and understanding (look up the words “wisdom” and “understanding” in the concordance in the back of your Bible and you’ll find a list of all the verses that contain these words). Refer to these verses when you need wisdom and understanding. 
6. Ask Him  to guide and lead you to make wise decisions. Seek his leading in your life through prayer, worship, and Bible study. Listen for His still small voice as you are making decisions. 

To receive your FREE Scripture Memory Verse Cards, see the Scripture Memory Challenge information on this page. 

Read more by Shelly at Nebraska Family Times







A to Z Blogging Challenge

B is for...10 Best Things to say when you Don't know What to Say
by Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher of the "Nebraska Family Times" newspaper

 "I just do not know what to say." How often have you said or thought that when faced with a difficult situation?  First of all, know that when a friend or acquaintance is faced with the death of a child, the ending of a marriage, a devastating diagnosis, job loss, or other tragedy, there are no "magic" words, no words that will "make it all better." What is important is that you acknowledge their heartache and show them that they are not alone. 



No matter what the situation or circumstance, one or more of these statements 
are the ‘right’ thing to say. 

“I’m so sorry!”

“You are in my thoughts and prayers”

“What can I do for you?”

“It’s OK to cry/scream/laugh.”

“It’s OK to be mad/sad/upset/confused.”

“There are many people who love and support you”

“This is a terrible time for you, but I know you can do what you have to do.”

“I am here any time you want to talk/e-mail/cry.”

“I am your friend and I will support you and be here for you no matter what!”

NOTHING--just give a hug or sit quietly and listen. 

“Do not be anxious about…what you ought to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:12


 (The post for next Thursday, April 9th, will cover "The Holy Spirit; Asking Him to Guide Your Words." Click "Follow by email" in the right sidebar to receive notification of
all new posts.)

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This post is an excerpt from 
“What Should I Say? The Right (and Wrong!) Words and Deeds for Life’s Sticky, Tricky Uncomfortable Situations” by Shelly Burke, RN. 
Coming soon! Download “What Should I Say” and be prepared for any of life’s sticky, tricky uncomfortable situations!
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I am also taking the Blogging A to Z Challenge at 
where the theme is "Lifehacks for Christian Moms"