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The one who knows much says little;
an understanding person remains calm.

Proverbs 17:27 (The Message)

He who has knowledge spares his words,
And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.

Proverbs 17:27 (New King James Version)

A truly wise person uses few words;
a person with understanding is even-tempered.

Proverbs 17:27 (New Living Translation)

The generous will prosper;
those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25 (New Living Translation)

A generous man will prosper;
he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25 (New International Version)

The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed;
those who help others are helped.

Proverbs 11:25 (The Message)

The heartfelt counsel of a friend
is as sweet as perfume and incense.

Proverbs 27:9 (New Living Translation)

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel.

Proverbs 27:9 (New International Version)

Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight,
a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.

Proverbs 27:9 (The Message)

by Max Lucado

Homesickness is one of the burdens God doesn’t mind if we carry. God has “set eternity in the hearts of men” (Eccles. 3:11 NIV). Down deep you know you are not home yet.

This is not our forever house. It will serve for the time being. But there is nothing like the moment we enter his door.

Molly can tell you. After a month in our house she ran away. I came home one night to find the place unusually quiet. Molly was gone.

She’d slipped out unnoticed. The search began immediately. Within an hour we knew that she was far, far from home. Now, if you don’t like pets, what I’m about to say is going to sound strange. If you do like pets, you will understand.

You’ll understand why we walked up and down the street, calling her name. You’ll understand why I drove around the neighborhood at 10:30 P.M. You’ll understand why I put up a poster in the convenience store and convened the family for a prayer. (Honestly, I did.) You’ll understand why I sent e-mails to the staff, asking for prayers, and to her breeder, asking for advice. And you’ll understand why we were ready to toss the confetti and party when she showed up.

Here is what happened. The next morning Denalyn was on her way home from taking the girls to school when she saw the trash truck. She asked the workers to keep an eye out for Molly and then hurried home to host a moms’ prayer group. Soon after the ladies arrived, the trash truck pulled into our driveway, a worker opened the door, and out bounded our dog. She had been found.

When Denalyn called to tell me the news, I could barely hear her voice. It was Mardi Gras in the kitchen. The ladies were celebrating the return of Molly.

This story pops with symbolism. The master leaving his house, searching for the lost. Victories in the midst of prayer. Great things coming out of trash. But most of all: the celebration at the coming home. That’s something else you have in common with Molly—a party at your homecoming.

Those you love will shout. Those you know will applaud. But all the noise will cease when the Father cups your chin and says, “Welcome home.” And with scarred hand he’ll wipe every tear from your eye. And you will dwell in the house of your Lord—forever.

Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.

1 Timothy 4:8 (New Living Translation)

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

1 Timothy 4:8 (New International Version)

Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever.

1 Timothy 4:8 (The Message)

And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

Ephesians 4:26-27 (New Living Translation)

In your anger do not sin” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold.

Ephesians 4:26-27 (New International Version)

Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.

Ephesians 4:26-27 (The Message)

Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.

Galatians 6:5 (The Message)

For each one shall bear his own load.

Galatians 6:5 (New King James Version)

For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

Galatians 6:5 (New Living Translation)