Zoe Dallas

Words matter. With the significant amount of words we speak, text, and type on a daily basis, we are often unaware that each and every word can hold immense power and have significant effects, and we are accountable for every word we speak. If we want to live better, we need to get better at speaking: what we decide to say, how we choose to say it, and when to speak at all.

Our pursuit of wisdom includes getting better at relationships with others, especially when it comes to our friendships. If you've ever had trouble making friends, or are unhappy with the relationships you have, what does wisdom say to us in the book of Proverbs to instruct us regarding friendship, its definition, and its importance?

Fear is both a response and a powerful motivator, so if we are to live rightly, it is crucial that our fear be rightly placed. Proverbs says, "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." In our pursuit of wisdom, we must start with understanding this fear of God and why it must characterize every Christian. What does it actually mean to fear God, and why is it of critical importance?

Note: Though the Bible mostly commands God's people to not fear men, Leviticus 19:3 does use the Hebrew word "yare" (fear) to refer to one's honoring and obeying of mother and father. This does not mean parents hold the same place as the Lord in a person's life. However, it does show that a child's relationship to his or her earthly parents often lays the groundwork for proper fear of the Lord.

As we kick off our summer series in Proverbs, we are introduced to Wisdom herself. What is true wisdom, what is it for, and why is it worth seeking diligently? Pursuing wisdom is worthwhile when we come to understand that however we choose to live life, what we sow we will also reap.

When we disobey God, sometimes we might try to explain our actions by citing the best of intentions or giving the best of excuses. In the case of Saul, the Bible is clear: God regrets making Saul king. In this study of divine regret, we come to see that God values our simple obedience over our greatest religious ambitions.

In another chapter that highlights Saul's folly, this time his actions are contrasted with those of his son, Jonathan. Jonathan's faith leads us to ask ourselves: who are we living for, and do we have the right perspective?

In our lives, we all will encounter situations where what appears to be the only option, or perhaps the most desirable option, is actually the way of disobedience. Despite all our excuses and reasons, there are no small sins in God's eyes. God requires and he blesses obedience.

If God's word seems repetitive at times, it's because there is something important we need to hear. The entire life of the believer is to be a life of repentance, and our God is a forbearing God who still stands willing to forgive.

Psalm 111 commands us to respond in praise and worship of God when we look back and consider all of his great works, which reveals the greatness of God himself. On Zoe's 5th anniversary, we reflect together on God's goodness and look to what lies ahead.

What does it look like to be powerfully used by God? Saul's reign begins with an impressive victory over Israel's enemies. But the Bible is clear: this deliverance came only by the power of God and the Spirit of God.