Blessed with wisdom having walked through the narrow gate (Matt 7:13, Rev 22:14, Prov 3:18)

Matthew 7:7-8) keep on asking = receive, keep on seeking = find, keep on knocking = "the door will be opened to you."

• What door? the narrow gate you enter into God's Kingdom. Matthew 7:13

Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life. Rev 22:14

Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy (blessed) are those who hold her tightly. Proverbs 3:18

This weekend we had wonderful time with family, celebrating life and birthdays and rekindled relationships. Lane, Chloe, and Roman are delightful as are Mike and Jeannie. My brothers and sisters got along, a great answer to prayer and I got quality time with all of them. 

Pastor Jeremy's son and graduating class was blessed with our the Word: "fan into flame the gift of God." 2 Tim 1:6

Sunday's sermon was on Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." As the pastor talked about a TV show to illustrate we have limited understanding - I kept reading through Proverbs 3. 

1-4) IF Never forget loyalty, kindness, store/write commands deep in your heart, THEN long satisfying life, favor God and people, good reputation. 

• 5-6) Trust (faith), depend, seek LORD, whole hearted, in everything, he shows which path to take (walk by faith)

7-8) IF Humbley fear LORD, turn from evil THEN healing Body, strengthen bones.

• 9-10) Honor LORD wealth, best part of everything produced, THEN he fill your barns with grain, vats overflow with good wine.
• 11) Don't reject the LORD's discipline, or be upset when HE corrects you...
• I had split hostas in a portable greenhouse and thought of giving them extra sun. The sun almost killed them, so now they are back in the shade and protected, receiving warmed at night and morning sun. Some relationships are like this. As I've been discovering: Jesus sermon concludes, defining what Loving Others Looks like (Matthew 7:1-29), I've rediscovered I never knew you explained in parable of virgins (Matthew 7:23, Matthew 25:12). 
• 12) for the LORD corrects those he loves, just a s father corrects a child in whom he delights
• I know God helped me explain that our thinking comes from influence we bring into our minds. I got to share this with my brother Monday at Punch: Tasteful, sunny disposition brings glory to God (Psalm 34:8, Matthew 5:13-16)

13) Joyful is the person who finds wisdom (Ask, Seek, Knock), understanding (Matthew 13:15)

• 14-17) Wisdom is precious, offers long-life, riches, honor, guidance down delightful paths, all ways are satisfying
• 18) Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.
• 19-20) By Wisdom, LORD founded earth, by understanding created heavens, by HIS knowledge deep fountains burst forth (geyser of living water, welling up to eternal life), dew settles beneath the night sky (gentle living water for the thirsty)

21) Don't lose sight of common sense and discernment, hand on to them.

• Seeking (with a salty thirst): His Kingdom and His Righteousness (Matt 5:6,13,6:33, Jer 29:13)
• 22-26) refresh you soul, safe on your way, sleep soundly without fear, unafraid, LORD secures and keeps us from being caught in a trap.

27-28) Use power to help those who deserve it (Lane, Chloe & Roman)

29-35) Be peaceful, trustworthy, godly, upright, humble and honorable.