My Favorite Bible Verses Journal: Proverbs 4:23-27

I have a small journal that I write my favorite bible verses and quotes. I have had it since 2005 and have added the most meaningful (to me) bible verses and quotes over the years. It is nice to be able to flip through the book over the years and read these important bible passages. It really is like Yahweh speaking over me. This is also an alternative to highlighting in your bible, if you want to preserve it. I think I would like to spend some time going through these passages and reflecting on what they mean to me in this blog. To start in this post I am going to discuss my #1 favorite bible passage Proverbs 4:23-27.

Above is a picture of the cover of the journal and the inside title pages. Below I have posted the image of my journal entry where I wrote the verses. Below that picture is the type text of the verse. I have included the Restored Names King James Version (RNKJV) and the New Living Translation (NLT). I know some people have an aversion to the flowery language of the KJV but I really think it makes this verse bloom, and is my favorite version. I will also discuss the NLT and how that version evokes a different feeling.

Proverbs 4:23-27 RNKJV

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. 24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. 25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. 26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Proverbs 4:23–27 (NLT):

23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. 24 Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. 25 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

So what does this passage mean to me and why do I like it so much? Well in general the bible passage is talking about a person who is on a journey. A journey of life. And while they are on that journey, they should look straight ahead, focus on what is right in front of them. So in the journey of life, don't look back, keep going forward, focus on the next step. 

KJV says  in verse 23 "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established" but NLT says "26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path." So what I get from this is plan your direction in life. I looked up the Strong's definitions for this verse and the words "let all thy ways be established" means, "will be sure", stable, accomplished, prepared and ready. So if you are pondering your path, and planning it, it will be stable, prepared and accomplished. 

Proverbs 4:26 Strongs

Verse 27 KJV  "27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left," NLT "27 Don’t get sidetracked;" So don't get distracted, don't get sidetracked, don't look to the right or left. Walk the straight and narrow. And verse 27 "keep your feet from following evil." For me this means, focus on your goals. Focus on the righteous walk, don't walk down the path of evil. Don't walk down the path of temptation to sin. 

In my journey of life, I can relate to this. There have been times where I get side tracked. Especially when I am manic, I can find myself on walking around and everything catches my attention. I will get involved in other things and my path gets off track. I'll give a personal example. One time when I was hypomanic I had the simple task of getting my prescription filled. I was being proactive in going to the Dr. and getting treatment, but the simple task of getting the prescription filled had me on a distracting journey. I remember going to the pharmacy at the local hospital, why I was going to the hospital pharmacy I am unsure, I typically use Walmart. But it was an unfamiliar place. After parking in the parking lot we walked a long zig zagging bridge and path though the hospital, which felt like forever. We finally find where the pharmacy was inside the hospital. Well something was wrong with the process and they couldn't fill the prescription. So we went to the Walmart pharmacy. I went inside and waited for the prescription to be filled. While I was waiting I got distracted talking to another patron. I felt like we were having an anointed conversation, anointed by the Spirit. Well I finally walked out after who knows how long, and at the exit there was a donation location set up there called Red Heifer. Well I thought this was also a Spiritual event. Like the final red heifer that will lead us to the new kingdom of heaven. Well I was dancing with them and talking about who knows what. Well I finally left the pharmacy, but a simple task took literally all day. So I can relate to do not turn to the right or left, don't get sidetracked.

Now I can relate to "Mark out a straight path for your feet" Plan your path. Set up goals and plan out how you are going to carry out that goal. For me lately my goal is to go the gym to exercise 4 days a week. So each night I have to plan to pack my gym bag. It is a simple task, but was a huge barrier prior. The simple act of packing the bag the night before, prepared me to go the next day. I was in the right frame of mind and had everything planned to do it.  

If I apply this to other goals I have, I will accomplish so much. If you want to read more about my journey on my personal goals read by other blog Finding Excitement in the Mundane <- click="" here="">

So that covers Proverbs chapter 4 verses 25-27, but what about verses 23 and 24? I identify more with verses 25-27 but later realized verses 23 and 24 are also very important. Verse "23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (KJV)," "23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. (NLT)". So this verse is focusing on your heart, guard your heart or keep it will all diligence. The description from the Strong's (pictured below) is "preserve, guard from dangers". Be careful who you get involved with romantically or emotionally. previously in my life I have some relationships I regret, but I learned from them and now have a great relationship with my loving husband. Indeed, your heart determines the course of your life. I know my life would be completely different if I had married someone else. Yahweh saved me from those bad relationships and brought me someone I could trust with my heart and with my life. 

Proverbs 4:23 Strongs

Proverbs 4:24 "Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech" (NLT). What we say has a big impact in life. Watch what you say. Respect other's feelings with your words. Think how they will be received before saying them. I did a series on taming the tongue. It was helpful to see all the ways we should and shouldn't be speaking. Link to first post in 30 days to Taming Your Tongue

I hope this blog post was helpful to you. I know these verses have been close to my heart for many years, and maybe they can apply to your life too. Articulating what this passage means to me also helps me have more awareness about how it applies to my life. I think we can gain a lot of this passage. 

In our journey of life, keep these verses in mind and keep on the path with Yahshua.

Horizon

🌅The new horizon you can see it, yet you are far from it. When you get to it, it will be high in the sky. The horizon is always up ahead and never goes away. It is perpetually an end in sight, that never ends. We are always growing and reaching new goals. The horizon marks the edge of our sight where the sky meets the earth. Where the sun marks the beginning and end of a day. We can never reach the horizon, it can only be seen from a distance.  

So what is the difference between a new and old horizon? A new horizon is created by moving away from one point and looking forward to a new place where the sky meets the earth. It exposes a new area of land that you couldn't see before. 
So what is the difference between a new and old horizon? A new horizon is created by moving away from one point and looking forward to a new place where the sky meets the earth. It exposes a new area of land that you couldn't see before. 

A new horizon means you are farther away from the new horizon, but close to the old horizon. There is always a new horizon if you keep moving. 🌅

You must rule over it.

My testimony of being delivered from lust and finding the Sabbaths and my husband. 

This rainbow picture above is the phrase Tim-Sal-Bow in Hebrew, it means, "You must rule over it". (More on that later). I printed out this Hebrew phrase and focused on that verse to help me out of the pit of sin and lust. I carefully colored it all the colors of the rainbow, and reinforced that verse with others to battle the stronghold that lust had on me. This was around 2009-2010 when I was battling this. It is 2023 now. 

A relationship can be an idol when you are caught up in lust. You are caught up in the feeling that lust gives you and you put those feelings above Yahweh. I forsook Yahweh in seeking lust. But he brought be back with a strong hand. (I choose to obey my parents and Seek Yahweh's will for my life). I was in a lustful relationship and was tempted to marry a man that was possessed by a demon. (I don't say that lightly, but I am convinced based on his behavior, but I don't want to explain my reasoning for that because it is a long story). My parents didn't approve of the marriage so I relented and broke up with him. Even though I was deceived to think it was "God's will" for me to marry him, I was manic and had no discernment. But the Foundational Commandments Honor your father and mother stuck with me. And Yahweh was able to deliver me. 

If you also struggle to know what the Will of Yahweh (God) is in your life read this blog post: "What is the will of God".

"If you do well [believing Me and doing what is acceptable and pleasing to Me], will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well [but ignore My instruction], sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you [to overpower you], but you must master it." (Gen 4:7 Amplified Bible).

click image to enlarge

I printed this Hebrew phrase from Gen 4:7 "Tim Sal Bow" - You must rule over it (see highlighted in interlinear above picture). when I was battling the stronghold of lust back in 2009. I meditated on this phrase and backed it up with other scriptures to fight and be delivered from lust. 

"Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory. He said to him, 'I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.' Then Jesus said to him, 'Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, '‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’'  Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served him." (Matthew 4:8-11 WEBA)

In the end of Matthew 16 Yahshua revealed to his disciples that he would be killed and rise on the third day. But rejected this idea about Yahshua and see his reaction below:

"Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Never, Master! This must never happen to You!” But He turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind Me, satan! You are a stumbling block to Me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but the things of men.'" (Matthew 16:22-23 TLV)

Have you ever heard the phrase "Get behind me satan?" It is often said in Christian circles when you want to rebuke a statement someone says. Did you know it was from Matthew 16:23? Have you ever had someone rebuke you? Tell you, you couldn't do something? Something that was the Will of Yahweh, but they didn't have faith in you? That is when you say "Get behind me satan." Also when you have thoughts of doubt in yourself say, "Get behind me satan". When the sin is knocking on you door you say, "Get behind me satan," and repeat your reframing verses just like Yahshua did when he was tempted in the wildrenes (see above Matthew 4:8-11).

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." (Jos 1:8 RNKJV)

Find your verses that you relate to that you can repeat over and battle those temptations. For me it was Chapter 5 of Ephesians. and 

(James 4:7-10 RNKJV)  "Submit yourselves therefore to YHWH. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  (8)  Draw nigh to YHWH, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.  (9)  Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.  (10)  Humble yourselves in the sight of YHWH, and he shall lift you up."

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Shortly after conquering the stronghold that lust had on me, I discovered the importance of observing the Sabbath and sought the Master and Yahweh's will for my life. After reading the prophets. I saw the importance that Sabbath was to Yahweh in that time. And fasted and prayed to see if it was His will for me today to keep the Sabbath. Yahweh told me his will was for me to keep his Sabbaths, after I searched for every occurance of the word Sabbath in scripture. Soon after I discovered the name of Yahweh and Yahshua, and learned about the feast days. (With the help of eliyah.com ministry). 

I was created pure and was immersed in the Rouach in the name of Yahweh and Yahushua. This was in 2010. It is 2023 now. *If you want to hear about my baptism story comment below.* 

After many fruitless searching for a spouse....Chris Morgan came into my life. A man of Yahweh that was looking for his forever love and life partner. Chris was an answered prayer. Our love and purity sustained our courtship and betrothal. And we were married April 7, 2019. 

I tell this testimony to be an inspiration to all those who have ever struggled with lust or were looking for a spouse in all the wrong ways. Battle those demons, remove the strongholds, see the Will of Yawheh and in His perfect timing you will get an answer to your prayers!

Ephesians 3:14-21 RNKJV  (14)  For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Master Yahushua the Messiah,  (15)  Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,  (16)  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;  (17)  That the Messiah may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,  (18)  May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;  (19)  And to know the love of the Messiah, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of YHWH.  (20)  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,  (21)  Unto him be glory in the assembly by the Messiah Yahushua throughout all ages, world without end. amein.

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#deliverance #lust #myexodus #redeemed #newlife #love #marriage #searching #found #willofgod #willofyah #Sabbath #baptism #torahkeepeer #marriage #singles #manic #temptation

The Tactless Tongue - Day 17 "30 Days to Taming Your Tongue"

I am doing a study on "30 Days to Taming Your Tongue". Come along with me as we look at how we can honor Yahushua with the words we say.

This study is based on the book "30 Days to Taming you Tongue" by Deborah Smith Pegues
Read Reviews and Links to buy the book at Good Reads.

What I will be writing here is notes I have from when I read the book. It is designed to give you an overview of major points in that day's lesson. And other commentary from my own reflection.

So far we have done: The Harsh Tongue, The Know It All Tongue, The Belittling Tongue, The Betraying Tongue, The Meddling Tongue, The Gossiping Tongue, The Slandering Tongue, The Self-Depreciating Tongue - Day 9, The Boasting Tongue, The Manipulating Tongue,  The Argumentative Tongue Day 6, The Divisive Tongue Day 5, The Hasty Tongue Day 4, Temptations Strategy Day 3, The Flattering Tongue Day 2, and The Lying Tongue Day 1. Click on the links to catch up.

The Tactless Tongue - Day 17 "30 Days to Taming Your Tongue"

Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone (Col 4:6)

• Daniel tactfully requested permission to eat kosher
• Speak with sensitivity and not offensively in difficult or problematic situations
• "How painful are honest words" - Job 6:25
• Yahshua was gracious in telling the truth
• Is there a mean spirit or anger or frustration disappointment or retaliation even when saying the truth
• "A truth told with bad intent beats all the lies you can invent"- William Blake
• Apologize for tactlessness  
• Delay speaking to evaluate how our words will impact a person and seek the Rouach Kodesh (Holy Spirit) to lead you
• Develop emotional discipline to control tact
• "My words are seasoned with grace as I speak truth in love"

The Harsh Tongue - Day 16 "30 Days to Taming Young Tongue"

I am doing a study on "30 Days to Taming Your Tongue". Come along with me as we look at how we can honor Yahushua with the words we say.

This study is based on the book "30 Days to Taming you Tongue" by Deborah Smith Pegues
Read Reviews and Links to buy the book at Good Reads.

What I will be writing here is notes I have from when I read the book. It is designed to give you an overview of major points in that day's lesson. And other commentary from my own reflection.

So far we have done: The Know It All Tongue, The Belittling Tongue, The Betraying Tongue, The Meddling Tongue, The Gossiping Tongue, The Slandering Tongue, The Self-Depreciating Tongue - Day 9, The Boasting Tongue, The Manipulating Tongue,  The Argumentative Tongue Day 6, The Divisive Tongue Day 5, The Hasty Tongue Day 4, Temptations Strategy Day 3, The Flattering Tongue Day 2, and The Lying Tongue Day 1. Click on the links to catch up.

The Harsh Tongue - Day 16 "30 Days to Taming Young Tongue" 

A gentile answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
The ideal woman in proverbs "She opens her mouth with wisdom and on her tongue is the law of kindness" (Proverbs 21:26)

• There is no justification for harsh or unkind talk 
• Deliberately choose words that are warmhearted, understanding, and sympathetic 
• Make a habit of speaking kindly
• Before approaching anyone go to Yahweh and get his words
• We cannot achieve Yahweh's purpose while being harsh
• Harsh words never die, they can impact a person for life
• Seek Yahweh for deliverance from speaking harshly when angry  

As the saying goes, you get more flies with honey than with vinegar. A kind word goes much farther than a harsh word. If you ask someone for correction in a kind manner rather than in a harsh critique you will get a better response, and you will be more favorable in their eyes. Also speaking kindly will also make you more happy. No one is ever happy after they yell. 

Come back tomorrow for The Tactless Tongue http://alyse2232.blogspot.com/ (bookmark it)

The Know It All Tongue - Day 15 "30 Days to Taming Your Tongue"

I am doing a study on "30 Days to Taming Your Tongue". Come along with me as we look at how we can honor Yahushua with the words we say.

This study is based on the book "30 Days to Taming you Tongue" by Deborah Smith Pegues
Read Reviews and Links to buy the book at Good Reads.

What I will be writing here is notes I have from when I read the book. It is designed to give you an overview of major points in that day's lesson. And other commentary from my own reflection.

So far we have done: The Belittling Tongue, The Betraying Tongue, The Meddling Tongue, The Gossiping Tongue, The Slandering Tongue, The Self-Depreciating Tongue - Day 9, The Boasting Tongue, The Manipulating Tongue,  The Argumentative Tongue Day 6, The Divisive Tongue Day 5, The Hasty Tongue Day 4, Temptations Strategy Day 3, The Flattering Tongue Day 2, and The Lying Tongue Day 1. Click on the links to catch up.

The Know It All Tongue - Day 15 "30 Days to Taming Your Tongue"

• A prudent man conceals his knowledge (Proverbs 12:23)
• Instead of saying "you should" say "have you considered"
• Wise people don't make a show of their knowledge (Proverbs 12:23)
• Assuming the role of arrogant expert is an indication of pride
• Allow someone to tell you something without saying "I already knew that"
• Do not always question the validity of someone's statement
• Don't be the person to always looks it up on google to disprove them
• Displaying intellectual superiority will alienate others making them feel inferior 
• Listen to others, resist correcting or contradicting others, limit input to one or two points
• - mutual sharing of ideas
• Consider the possibly that you may be wrong

(Proverbs 3:7 HRB)  Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear YAHWEH and depart from evil.

(Proverbs 13:10 HRB)  Arguing only comes by pride, but wisdom is with those who take advice.

 Come back tomorrow for The Harsh Tongue http://alyse2232.blogspot.com/ (bookmark it) 

The Belittling Tongue - Day 14 "30 Days to Taming Your Tongue"

I am doing a study on "30 Days to Taming Your Tongue". Come along with me as we look at how we can honor Yahushua with the words we say.

This study is based on the book "30 Days to Taming you Tongue" by Deborah Smith Pegues
Read Reviews and Links to buy the book at Good Reads.

What I will be writing here is notes I have from when I read the book. It is designed to give you an overview of major points in that day's lesson. And other commentary from my own reflection.

So far we have done: The Betraying Tongue, The Meddling Tongue, The Gossiping Tongue, The Slandering Tongue, The Self-Depreciating Tongue - Day 9, The Boasting Tongue, The Manipulating Tongue,  The Argumentative Tongue Day 6, The Divisive Tongue Day 5, The Hasty Tongue Day 4, Temptations Strategy Day 3, The Flattering Tongue Day 2, and The Lying Tongue Day 1. Click on the links to catch up.

The Belittling Tongue - Day 14 "30 Days to Taming Your Tongue"

• Aim to make people feel better about themselves after spending time with you
• A belitter...
• - focuses on the shortcomings rather than assets 
• - makes themselves feel better by degrading others
• Act like a cheerleader or coach
• Helping someone and lots of communication will often yield productivity and loyalty 
• Affirm people, reassure them 
• Resist the temptation to constantly "fix" something about them 

(Ephesians 4:29 The Scriptures 1998+)  Let no corrupt word come out of your mouth, but only such as is good for the use of building up, so as to impart what is pleasant to the hearers.

(1 Thessalonians 5:11 The Scriptures 1998+)  Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, as indeed you do.

It is easy to find faults in someone, but resist. Instead focus on their strengths. Encourage them to do well, instead of pointing out how they did wrong. This is especially important for the relationship with our spouses and children. These are the the most important relationships we have, it would be extremely hurtful to be belittled by someone you care so much about. If yo don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all.