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Start right and finish strong

Lee Yen and I are very fond of our children.  I will never forget the experience of holding Sharmaine for the first time when she was born.  I was alone in a waiting room with her while they did some post-delivery routines with Lee Yen.  It was an emotional time as I prayed over her.  It was the same with all our other children.  I pray daily for them.  Lee Yen and I are not perfect parents, but we do what we can.  We believe God has them in His hands.  They are richly blessed by His ever abiding presence in their lives.  We truly believe on this verse.

Proverbs 22:6, Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22 has many verses that I quote for my Character First training and times of sharing.  But today, I am going to look more deeply at verses that I have not often used.

Verse 2 says, "The rich and the poor have this in common, The Lord is the maker of them all."  We are no different whatever class of society we belong to.  I have been privileged to meet and discuss matters with some of the most senior leaders in my country in the political, public and private sectors.  Yes, we all are as human as it gets.  We have the same needs for friendship, prone to the same sicknesses and other issues of life, though different due to our circumstances.  All need a personal relationship with our loving heavenly Father, Almighty God.

Verse 11 says, "He who loves purity of heart. And has grace on his lips, The king will be his friend."  This verse seems simple enough, but I draw the message of being wise in our use of words with those in authority.  Many will not agree with me, but in reading His word it is clear we need to be graceful in our speech and pure in our intentions.  I am always reminded of the Malay saying, "Bukan you yang salah, tapi cara you yang salah."  It is not you that is wrong, but your ways are wrong.  Let us speak words of criticism and correction in the correct manner with those who are in authority over us.

Verse 29 says, "Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men."  Yes, do everything as unto to the Lord with excellence, and you will bring glory and honor to the Lord and you will be able to be a testimony to kings of His goodness.

Much to learn from this chapter.  Now to accept God's promises given.  The day will be blessed as we follow His precepts.  Father, into your plans do I commit myself.

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