1/01/00 Proverbs 1:7
Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
People count. We need to listen to others. Wisdom and learning do not begin and end with us. You may know a lot of what is written in books and be leading an empty life. Listen. The words you hear may be from the Lord.
1/02/00 Proverbs 1:8 -9
Listen to what your father teaches you. Don’t neglect your mother’s teaching. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and clothe you with honor. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
Actions imbed themselves in our heart. Our parents teach us by the way that they live. Be careful what you despise. Learn from those that love you.
1/03/99 Proverbs 1:10
My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
Sin is fun for a season but makes our appetites our masters. Be careful who you follow and what you do. Bad choices and inattention let bad habits gain a strong control over our lives. Sin is always deadly and is constantly seeking to be our master.
1/04/00 Proverbs 2:2-5
Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
Christ comes to those that seek Him. You and I must set aside the time and devotion in our daily life to be with the Lord. If we are too busy for God, we will seldom hear His voice. If we are too distracted by the world we will never develop a sense of the eternal. Choose it or lose it.
1/05/00 Proverbs 2:6-7
For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
Am I who I say I am? When I profess Christ as Lord and Savior of my life am I permitting Him to be Lord and Savior? God is not concerned with what we have. The Father is concerned about who we are. If I am the Lords, everything I say and do will be affected by Him. If I am controlled by me, then everything I say and do will be tainted by sin and failure.
1/06/00 Proverbs 2:11
Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
Do the next right thing. When this is the watchword of my life, God will be honored. If my life is focused on honoring the Lord, wisdom will be the result. Our relationship with the Father is not a mystery. We reap what we sow.
1/07/00 Proverbs 2:20-22
Follow the steps of good men instead, and stay on the paths of the righteous. For only the upright will live in the land, and those who have integrity will remain in it. But the wicked will be removed from the land, and the treacherous will be destroyed. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
The seeds of destruction have been sown in our land. The fruit of Godless living is all around us. If you find yourself overwhelmed by life, look at the way you are living. Are you following the god of this world, Satan or are you following the Lord of All, Jesus Christ. You choose. Be careful that you don’t lose by making the wrong choice.
1/08/00 Proverbs 3:3 -4
Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
Loyalty and kindness both involve actions as well as attitudes. When we are loyal we act responsibly. When we are kind, we insure justice for the powerless. Our actions are a measure of the strength of our heart. A heart that is strong in the Lord deals with others in a Godly manner. People count.
1/09/001 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 direct your paths. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
Go to God for good decisions. Don’t think that you won’t like what the Lord says. He is interested in your best good. Decisions made without the Lord’s involvement exclude God from your life.
1/10/00 Proverbs 3:7-8
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn your back on evil. Then you will gain renewed health and vitality. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
We feel eternal and live with a deep seated awareness of our frailty. We must learn to lean on the wisdom of God. No matter what the current situation looks like we can trust the Lord. He deals with us with loving kindness and understanding. He knows what is best for us. He will not direct us to do anything that would destroy our future.
1/11/00 Proverbs 3:9-10
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything your land produces. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
When are you the most alert? Mark out time for God then. What do you do that is superb? Invite God to use that gift as He sees fit. You are what God created you to be. You have what God gives you. Give the best you have to Him.
1/12/00 Proverbs 3:11-12
My child, don’t ignore it when the LORD disciplines you, and don’t be discouraged when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
We are not here by ourselves. Our Father in heaven is carefully scrutinizing our coming in and going out. We are responsible for what we say and what we do with our hands and feet. The Lord will quickly discipline us when we stray from the right way. We need to be quick to recognize Fatherly discipline. It will keep us from a multitude of sin.
1/13/00 Proverbs 3:21-26
My child, don’t lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
Pray hard, and work hard. Our close relationship with the Father should spur us to be faithful, diligent servants. Laziness is ungodly. The Father encourages careful living.
1/14/00 Proverbs 3:27
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
Be careful how you live. Think about the needs of those around you. Be as quick to give good as you are to receive good.
1/15/00 Proverbs 3:31-32
Do not envy violent people; don’t copy their ways. Such wicked people are an abomination to the LORD, but he offers his friendship to the godly. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
Peace is a gift from God. When God is involved, peace reigns. When we are in charge, chaos is the motif. A warring spirit is a sure sign that we need to get before the Father and pray for peace in our heart.
1/16/00 Proverbs 3:34
The LORD mocks at mockers, but he shows favor to the humble. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
Humility is a difficult trait for hardhearted, judgmental mankind to develop. We recognize our limitations but live as if we were all knowing. We pontificate in the most outrageous ways, listing outcomes that seldom come true and fearing events that will never happen. Our lives should be governed with the realization of “as the Lord wills.” Humility is a trait that is developed by focusing our lives on God. The almighty, loving, all powerful Father who knows all things and can do all things. He is in control. I will never be in charge.
1/17/00 Proverbs 4:23 –27
Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do. Avoid all perverse talk; stay far from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
You are responsible for what your hands do. Where your feet walk is under your control. Guard your mouth for your sharp wit is a veritable cancer that can destroy others. Our job is to connect our relationship with the Father so that it controls our actions.
1/18/00 Proverbs 5:21-23
For the LORD sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes. An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his incredible folly. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
Evil habits are hard to break. Only by the power of God can we change our lives from darkness to light. Pray hard. Pay attention to how you act. God knows everything you do. You can fool me but you can’t fool the Father.
1/19/00 Proverbs 6:6-8
Take a lesson from the ants. Learn from their ways and be wise! Even though they have no prince, governor, or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
Prepare for each day. Evil is active and seeking you. Put on the full armor of God and be busy about the Lord’s work. What is His work you say? Caring for His creation. You are a co-laborer together with the Lord.
1/20/00 Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things the LORD hates – no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord among brothers. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
This is straightforward. Are you practicing any of these things? If you are, you are sinning and the Lord hates it. Stop it. Do better.
1/21/00 Proverbs 6:20-23
My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s teaching. Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. Wherever you walk, their counsel can lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up in the morning, they will advise you. For these commands and this teaching are a lamp to light the way ahead of you. The correction of discipline is the way to life. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
Do not turn a deaf ear to good advice. Life is hard enough when we do the right things. Be careful what you do and remember what your parents say. Our heavenly parent is very concerned about us everyday. Listen.
1/22/00 Proverbs 6:30-33
Excuses might be found for a thief who steals because he is starving. But if he is caught, he will be fined seven times as much as he stole, even if it means selling everything in his house to pay it back. But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys his own soul. Wounds and constant disgrace are his lot. His shame will never be erased. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
God’s Word gives us clear direction for living. When we violate His law, we will reap the consequences of our sin. Be sure that your sin will find you out. God’s law seeks to protect us from stupidity and foolishness.
1/23/00 Proverbs 9:7-8
Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get a smart retort. Anyone who rebukes the wicked will get hurt. So don’t bother rebuking mockers; they will only hate you. But the wise, when rebuked, will love you all the more. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
I am too quick with a retort when criticized. Sometimes I can profit from insightful criticism. I need to listen and think when others offer their view. The Lord will give me insight as to the appropriate response if I will ask Him. Sometimes, a response is not necessary.
1/24/00 Proverbs 9:10-12
Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding. Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
Wisdom means “practical discernment.” When we are wise we are able to make good decisions in difficult circumstances. Whenever I need to make a good decision I can ask the Father for His direction to guide my actions.
1/25/00 Proverbs 10:2
Ill-gotten gain has no lasting value, but right living can save your life. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
Feelings get us into trouble. They are transitory in nature and are always changing. However, the Lord gives us principles to live by. They help us to establish long-range behavior that is based on our best good and not subject to the whim of the moment. Right living creates a foundation for eternal happiness.
1/26/00 Proverbs 10:3
The LORD will not let the godly starve to death, but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
The life of the person who seeks God is better than the life of the person that is controlled by wickedness. You have one life to live. Choose whom you follow carefully.
1/27/00 Proverbs 10:5
A wise youth works hard all summer; a youth who sleeps away the hour of opportunity brings shame. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
A wasted life is built upon wasted minutes. Be attentive to what you are doing with your life. Watching TV three or four hours every day will result in a life that is easily overrun in the time of trial and tribulation. Be careful how you spend your minutes.
1/28/00 Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love covers all offenses. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Forgive, listen, care, help, and understand. You are a representative of the Lord. Deal with others the way the Lord deals with you.
1/29/00 Proverbs 10:16
The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
Look at how you spend your money. Are you investing in eternal things? Have you thought through your use of the resources that the Lord has given you? We can make a difference in our life by how we spend our money.
1/30/00 Proverbs 10:17
People who accept correction are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore it will lead others astray. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
We can acquire wisdom by asking the Lord. Sometimes that wisdom is in the form of another person sent to help us grow. Listen carefully to those Godly mentors in your life and it will save you much pain and disappointment.
1/31/00 Proverbs 11:1
The LORD hates cheating, but he delights in honesty. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.
“The Lord hates” is a strong statement. I must submit myself to His scrutiny and understand that when I cheat anyone I am doing something that God hates. That sends cold chills up my spine.
