31 in 31 - First Thursday

Good Morning Ladies!

Today marks the kickoff of “31 in 31 – Thirty-One Days to a Wiser You!”

Not only is today the official launch of our month long reading program but it also just happens to be “31 Thursday”. What that means is every Thursday we will be hopping on the blog or facebook or grabbing a friend and telling each other about what God is teaching us in our time with Him as we journey through Proverbs together. We will be seeking to answer the question “How has God made you smarter this week?” You can share an insight, understanding, direction or just the verse that brought ministry to you. This is all about you and God and we want to hear from you. It is kind of like taking what we do in our small groups but expanding it to a wider audience with those who follow us only on facebook and through the blog. You ladies have such great insights and I can wait to hear how God is speaking to you through His word. If you are one of those who only follow us on the blog or facebook we can’t wait to hear from you as well. You are absolutely welcome to join us in sharing. That is what this project is all about… “iron sharpening iron”.

Proverbs is a book that is rich in wisdom but there is something that sets this wisdom apart. It comes from God and it is meant to shape Godly character. There are all kinds of ways for wisdom to seep into our consciousness whether it be through books, magazine articles, newspapers, seminars and more. But what primarily sets this type of wisdom apart from what we find in this particular book in the Bible is that those offers of wisdom are generally centered on self while the wisdom we find in scripture is centered on God. Take the familiar adage “honesty is the best policy”. If you run a business and follow this mindset, you probably will develop a good reputation which will add to your success. However, that is wisdom set apart from God. The way that the wisdom from God differs is that I desire to run an honest business because I love God and it is what He says for me to do. It isn’t primarily to achieve success, although that could very well be the fruit of following His wisdom, but it is because we love and trust Him and His ways. To put it plainly, we don’t do things honestly because then we will be successful, we do it because it is Godly character and Godly character pleases God.

I am on the edge of my seat with anticipation as I await what new things God will be teaching me as I work through these next thirty-one days with you. Whenever there is this kind of response (at least 40 of us now) I know God is about to do something stunning. It is His drawing and our responding that activates this kind of enthusiasm. I can’t wait to hear your insights and what God is speaking to you. I believe He is all over this.

So here is your opportunity. Leave a comment below that answers the question “How has God made you smarter this week?” and if you like, there is a new feature that you can reply to each others comments as well. Let’s encourage one another as we dive into these next 31 days together. If you are new to Bible study, don’t be shy. You will never find a more gracious and encouraging group of women then in this group.

Thank you so much for participating in this program of study. Just love serving you in this venue. You make it such fun. You are truly the coolest bunch of women.

May God bless you abundantly as you study His wisdom.