Avoid Violence
Robbery always claims the life of the robber -- this is what happens to anyone who lives by violence. Proverbs 1:19 (GNT) It's not only robbery and murder that are the only forms of violence but every time we take matters into our hands that's violence because we end up hurting and harming others as well as ourselves. Every time we choose to do things our own way instead of trusting God's way that's violence. When Adam chose his way against God's way he introduced violence into the world. When you choose to hit back, refuse to forgive, insist on your own way, that's violence. When you choose violence, it claims you. It takes over your mind, attitude, actions and life. This is what Jesus meant when He told Peter that all who use the sword die by the sword - Matthew 26:52. Avoid being harsh and rude to others even those contrary to you, even those who have wronged you. That's violence. Choose and submit to God's way. Trust him. Don't get even, where you're wronged let God vindicate you. That's how you avoid violence. That's how Jesus triumphed over violence.
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Crowned with Grace and Honor
My son, give ear to the training of your father, and do not give up the teaching of your mother: For they will be a crown of grace for your head, and chain-ornaments about your neck. Proverbs 1:8-9 (BBE) The training of the father and the teaching of the mother refer to instructions of life based on and rooted in God's ways or Word. God is a God of Grace and honor. When we live and walk according to His Word we live and walk in Grace and honor. The Word of God is called the Word of His Grace – Acts 20:32. Where Grace is, struggling and frustration ceases, giving way to rest, effectiveness, and fruitfulness. God has magnified or honored His Word above all – Psalms 138:2. When we give ear to and conduct our affairs according to the Word, we are held up high in the place of honor above all situations.
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The Beginning of Knowledge
The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge, [But] fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV) The fear of the Lord is to honor and obey Him. It is also to agree with and yield to Him. When we are in agreement with the Lord we will think as He thinks, see as He sees, talk as He talks, act as He acts. This is the knowledge that makes life possible and easy. Jesus says "come, learn from me, my yoke is easy and my burden light" - Matthew 11:28-30. His yoke and burden refer to the knowledge we learn from Him and act upon. To walk in this knowledge is to follow instructions that cause one to overcome and turn out successful in life. This knowledge starts with getting acquainted with the Lord, having a close intimate relationship and fellowship with Him, where you become one with Him in thought, intent and purpose.
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