Week 1 of Proverbs Summer Read-Aong

"My child, never forget the things I have taught you.  Store my commands in your heart, for they will give you a long and satisfying life."  Proverbs 3:1-2


Have you accepted the challenge of reading a chapter of Proverbs a day?  I hope you have!  These first few chapters are encouraging and generally easy to understand. (They can be a little confusing later.)  Sometimes I find it hard to stop at just one chapter a day.  If you find yourself wanting to read ahead, that's okay.  There will probably be a day or two a week that are so busy, you forget, so it all works out in the end!  Don't forget to use your hands as well as your eyes, when you sit down to read.  Whether you prefer to highlight, underline and/or write in a journal, do it.  You will gain even more wisdom when you spend time in the word, reading it, writing it, consuming it, and using it.

This week we will read chapters 1-7.  These chapters are jam-packed with information and advice on living.  Everything from our relationship with ourselves, our parents, & God to financial matters and avoiding immoral women (shouldn't that have been updated to say 'immoral people'?).  I found it interesting that Solomon says, "listen to me" quite often.  That makes me feel a little less frustrated with my own children, knowing that Solomon had to tell his readers to listen, over and over again!  So, it's not just my kids - thank goodness!  That's a parenting lesson right there - children need to be told repeatedly to listen to their parents.  Don't fight it, just keep plugging away!  It's not you - it's not them - it's human nature!

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." P4:23.  With all the talk on Wisdom in these first few chapters, I was surprised to see this reference to 'the heart'.  In this change from 'wisdom' to 'heart' Solomon recognizes that although we may pursue & acquire wisdom we will always find time to do the things we love, to follow our heart and our desires.  My study Bible notes explain it well, "...making sure we concentrate on those desires that will keep us on the right path.  Make sure your affections lead you in the right direction.  Put boundaries on your desires.  Don't go after everything you see....keep your eyes fixed on your goal, and don't get sidetracked on detours (that lead to sin.)"  This can be applied to all aspects of our lives: from teaching young children to share, to advising teens to 'curb their enthusiasm' in many things, to our struggle of knowing I shouldn't eat the sticky bun sitting on the counter, but wanting to so badly I can hear it call my name!  Putting boundaries on our desires can keep us out of all sorts of trouble!

As you read, don't forget about all the studies we've done prior to this.  Everything is connected in some way.  Do you recognize characteristics of any of the great women of the Bible we studied?  Do any of them come to mind as you read?  What divine truths are revealed through Proverbs?   Maybe there are some truths that we talked about in It's No Secret and perhaps there are some new ones that you are discovering on your own.  Write them down, write them on your heart, and share them (in your life & here on the blog).  Finally, how does Your One Word fit into the book of Proverbs?  How does one enhance the meaning & use of the other?

I know, you're probably saying, "These are a lot of questions!  Can't I just read!?  Do I have to think so much?!"  Well, 'Yes' & 'No'.  If you've taken notes or written in your books and your Bible, some of these ideas may already be right in front of you.  Some of you have read this before and the connections are obvious.  If all else fails, sit in silence and meditate on a  passage or a word and see what comes to Light.  It's amazing what God will reveal when we stop trying so hard - let go & let God!

Enjoy your reading this week!

Your Partner in Ministry,

Shelly - honey

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24

 

Ooops & Inspiration!

This is a follow up of yesterday's post...

I see that I wrote "July 14" when I actually wanted to write "June 14"!  Whoops!  Time goes by fast enough, I don't need to help it along with typos!

A few weeks ago, my dear friends gave me a beautiful book, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.  I can't thank you enough for all the gifts, truly I love them all!  But this book!!!  It speaks to my soul every day.  If you don't have it, treat yourself to it or put it at the top of your wish list.

Today's note (because that's what I think of them as, notes from God) ties in too perfectly with the post from yesterday that I have to share it with you.  Please indulge the long quote...

Directly from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young 

"June 15
When you approach me in stillness and in trust, you are strengthened.  You need a buffer zone of silence around you in order to focus on things that are unseen.  Since I am invisible, you must not let your senses dominate your thinking.  The curse of this age is over stimulation of the senses, which blocks out awareness of the unseen world.
The tangible world still reflects My Glory, to those who have eyes that see and ears that hear.  Spending time alone with Me is the best way to develop seeing eyes and hearing ears.  The goal is to be aware of unseen things even as you live out your life in the visible world.
2 Corinthians 4:18; Isaiah 6:3; Psalm 130:5"

I could go on & on about needing silence and over stimulation of the modern age!  Just ask my kids - I actually like when we lose power for a few days because the only things that are affected in our house is anything that runs on electricity - we still have hot water, flushing toilets, heat (wood-burning fireplace) & food (gas stove).  But the hum of electronics and the "call" of them on our time and energy are gone!  I love the peace & quiet!  Unfortunately, I am a slave to them and have to work on carving out time to spend in that buffer zone with the God of the Universe who cares about me.  It sounds ridiculous that I would choose e-mail over time spent with my Lord, but I know I do it.  Writing it out makes it more obvious! 

Will you join me in praying that we each carve out time to spend with the Almighty?  I'm going to get my journal today - you know, the one we were suppose to have started during My One Word?!  Guilty - I haven't started mine yet.  But holy cow, how can I not after reading the note from God today?!


Your Partner in Ministry,

Shelly - honey

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24

July 14 - Summer Read-Along

"The purpose of these proverbs is to teach people wisdom and discipline, and to help them understand wise sayings."  Proverbs 1:2

How many times have you said "I wish there was an instruction book for... (fill in the blank)."  For me it usually came up in the early years of raising children.  But it also comes up in dealing with parents, friends, associates & acquaintances, finances, and big life decisions!

Good News! (Pun intended)  There is an instruction book!  The Bible.  The Bible is filled with history, fantastical stories of the 'super natural' (miracles, angels, etc.), poetry, epic love stories, great battles, and The Greatest Story Ever Told.  It also contains an entire book dedicated to wisdom!  There are some who say religion and knowledge are opposites - that only fools and ignorant people take refuge in religion; that somehow seeking knowledge negates religion.  This is a foolish argument!

While good advice can be found throughout the Bible, there is one book, 31 chapters long, wholly dedicated to teaching wisdom, discipline, and seeking knowledge.  Did you know that ? or is this news to you?  I "discovered" Proverbs a few years ago and fell in love with it last summer.  I started reading it and writing down my favorite verses.  And, although I didn't get through the entire book (still working on my discipline of daily reading), I have absorbed many proverbs into my life. 

For the summer I'd like to offer the reading of the book of Proverbs as a Summer Read-Along!  The chapters are very short!  Reading one chapter a day, we can get through the book in 31 days.  I know, it's a challenge in the summer, but I think we can do it!  Our official start date will be Monday, June 17th, but you can start reading now, if you like.

In these first few chapters notice how many times the word 'wisdom' is used.  Notice, too, the relationship between those who seek wisdom & knowledge and their relationship with God.  It reminds me of musterion: a sacred hidden truth that is naturally unknown to human reason but is made known by revelation of God, the term Rachel Olsen talks about in It's No Secret.  She goes on to say, "... drawing close to Him over time - develops our ability to recognize His still, small voice... enabling us to understand His meaning when that used to float right over our heads." (INS, 21).

Another theme in these chapters is how often we should seek knowledge & wisdom.  What do you notice?  In My One Word, Mike Ashcraft writes, "Yet God calls us to use our days to develop a heart of wisdom."  Yep, I think he got that idea from reading Proverbs!  While the MOW book suggests post-it notes and other creative ways of keeping your one word in front of you, Proverbs 3:3 suggests wearing "them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart."  How are you keeping your one word as a daily reminder of who you are in Christ?  I hope reading Proverbs every day will help you along the journey.

Your assignment, should you choose to accept it is:

1)  Read one chapter a day in the Book of Proverbs. 

2)  As you read journal, underline, or highlight your favorite verses, verses that are confusing, connections and revelations.

3)  Visit the blog and leave a comment about what you are reading!  You can do this as many times during the week as you like.  It can be anything from #2 or questions and general comments.  I can't wait to read your thoughts on this!  Hey, I'd love to know what your necklace from P3:3 looks like!

I miss meeting with you all in person, but knowing that you are reading along with me in Proverbs and seeing your comments on the blog will be a great substitute for the summer!  Stay in the Word and stay connected.

Your Partner in Ministry,

Shelly (honey)

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24

Week 3 "Called to Love as God Loves - Unconditionally!"

"Why are you trying to do all this alone?..."This is not good!" his father-in-law exclaimed. "You're going to wear yourself out-and the people, too.  This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.... They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you.  If you follow this advice, and if God directs you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace."  Exodus 18: 14b, 17, 22b-23

Our final week in this series is called "Supporting one another".  What a wonderful way to wrap up this study of learning to love as God loves. 

Have you ever taken on a task, job, project, or life-stage alone?  Take a minute to really recall that time and your mental, physical & emotional state during and afterwards.  How did it work out for you? 

In this lesson we look at how Moses was trying to be teacher, leader, jury & judge for all of the Israelites.  I am often that for my three children and I find it tiring - I can't imagine doing it for an entire nation!  He must have been exhausted and not had much time for his family or himself.  Thank goodness God sent him some wise advice through his father-in-law, Jethro.  Wise advice not only for Moses, but for all of us. 

As you read 'empowering others' and 'biblical reflection' based on Exodus 18: 13-26 think about all the different areas of your life where Jethro's advice would be helpful.  I'm sure you've heard the saying, "if you want something done right, do it yourself".  I tried this and found it counter productive to the way I want to live my life - with some time to do something other than housework!  And while things aren't always done 'my way', at least they are done and I can do something else.  Don't get me wrong, there are some things that I insist on doing myself, like folding laundry even though my finger is jammed and in much pain!  But, choosing a few things to 'do myself' is better than trying to do it ALL!  There just aren't enough hours in the day! 

We are called to live in community, and when we do this we need to offer support to each other.  Creating an environment where we empower, rather than undercut, one another is part of loving our neighbor and ourselves (have you ever realized you sabotaged yourself? I have!).  As you read the passages in 'for further reflection' you will find several people who were embraced in an empowering environment.  Consider the varied ways this environment was created.  We are all individuals and require different styles of encouragement & support.  And offer it in our own unique way, too.

This final lesson offers lots of food for thought as we bring to a close our Spring Bible study session.  Thank you for joining me over the last 5 months of growing closer to who we are in Christ.  Supporting one another and loving as God loves brings together all we have revealed over this time together.  Although this Friday is our last in-person meeting of the Spring, I will continue to post over the summer months.  I hope you will engage in a conversation, in person and via this blog, to keep the community we have created alive & vibrant!   I plan to revisit the two books we have read, "It's No Secret" and "My One Word", so keep them handy.  Keep your One Word in front of you and share how you are doing with it.  I am going to ask, you know!  I can't wait to hear (read) how your word is having an impact on your life.

Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly (honey)

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24

Week 2 of "Called to Love as God Loves"

"Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you.  Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.  And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love.  Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony.  And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.  For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace.  And always be thankful."  Colossians 3:12-15

This week's lesson is subtitled "Loving my Neighbor".  If you ask a small child who her neighbor is, she'll probably tell you 'the people who live next door', she might include the family across the street, and maybe even those who live in her entire neighborhood.  But rarely does it include 'the whole world' unless she's been specifically taught that idea.

As adults we recognize that "neighbor" includes anyone who is not considered family or close friend, though it includes them,too.  And if we thought last week's message of loving ourselves was difficult (it is), loving our neighbor, may be just as tough.  I'm not just talking about the "group" at church, the nice lady in the neighborhood who bakes delicious cookies, the hungry, the homeless, or the names on the Christmas Giving-tree.  I'm also referring to the co-worker who gets on your nerves, that woman on the PTA who thinks she has all the best ideas, the guy in church who is always asking "how are we gonna pay for that?", and that kid down the street who plays his music WAY too loud.  Yep, they are our neighbors, too.  And Jesus commands us to, "love your neighbor as yourself".

Once again, the author approaches this by looking through the lens of spiritual gifts.  Even if we don't know what our own spiritual gift is, we recognize that everyone has different gifts and uses them differently.  It is this God-created diversity that we will discuss in the lesson.

Diversity can cause strife, but that is not what God intended.  God created diversity for a reason.  Spend time in the scripture exploring God's creation and then do your best to answer questions 1-3.  Continue with all the questions, up to #10 and the summary statement.  Question #9 refers to the passage quoted at the beginning of the blog.  In it Paul is urging us to "clothe ourselves...", so I'm wondering, if you had to design clothing that reflected this passage, what would it look like?  If you're not much into designing, what clothes would you buy or choose from your own closet?  Share you thoughts in the Comment Section :)  I can't wait to see what what you imagine it looks like!!

And while we are trying to understand & accept diversity and love our neighbor, don't forget that we must first love ourselves!

Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly (honey)

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24

Week 1 -"Called to Love as God Loves - Unconditionally"

"The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' "  Mark 12:31


Welcome to our next study!  From Women of the ELCA, we are going to briefly explore how we are "Called to Love as God Loves - Unconditionally".

Session 1 looks at Mark 12:28-31, Luke 10:25-28, Matthew 22:37-40, and Leviticus 19:18.  These verses are included in the hand outs, but I encourage you to also read them in a different translation.
Loving ourselves is probably one of the more difficult things we are called to do!  This short study will give us the opportunity to break down these verses and explore how we feel about them.

In 'for further reflection' Romans 12:3-8 touches on our spiritual gifts.  If you have not done a spiritual gifts assessment or aren't sure what spiritual gifts are, this is a nice first step into thinking about them.  This is not, however, an exercise to discern what they are.  If you completed "My One Word" and have started your journal, this is a great opportunity to journal!  Write about the things you do well, the things others affirm in you, and things you love to do.  More than likely, these are your spiritual gifts!

Take time to digest the verses in this week's reading and spend time reflecting on the questions.  While some of them are short & obvious, pulling answers directly from Scripture, others require deeper consideration.  In our fast paced lives we are often tempted to write down the first thing that pops into our head - which is often very helpful.  But it is also a good exercise to allow the questions (and our initial answers) to sit in our hearts & minds for a time and see what else there is to see (via your own writing).

Have a wonderful week!  Check-in with your friends here on the blog.  Discuss this week's session and or how you are doing with your one word!

Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly (honey)

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24

Mid-week check-in

"I was in the Spirit of the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, saying, "Write in a book what you see..."  Revelation 1:10-11 (NASB)

Ok, so mid-week is a bit of a stretch!  It is Thursday, after all.  Hopefully you have read chapters 9, 10, 11, and 12.   It is quite a journey from chapter 1 to chapter 12!  And to think we've covered it in 4 short weeks.  But, this is not the end - it is a beginning.  Some people take these 4 weeks to choose their word; it doesn't come to everyone at the same pace.  Keep reading and, as Mike suggests in chapter 10, "write your guts out"! 

What he says in chapter 10 is a great testament for journaling.  I know not everyone likes to write or reflect on their day, but your journal can also include lists, drawings, and stream of conscience writing.  Everything Mike says journaling can do for you is true!  If you struggle with journaling, refer to page 140 for some ideas of things to write about.  Most importantly, don't let anything hold you back!  Start now and you will begin to see "the voice of God whispering to me, encouraging me, convicting me, and guiding me to be the person that I was created to be."  (Ashcraft, MOW, p 142).

"Wait for it" here is not a line from a sitcom.  In this instance, "wait for it" (chapter 11) refers to our prayer life, "waiting on God.  Waiting to discern his plans.  Waiting for him to form our hearts and transform our desires." (Ashcraft, MOW, p. 149).  It's not easy!  We live in a fast paced world, a world of short cuts and ways to avoid the wait.  Yet, this is what we are called to do.  There is no "Fast Pass" to the front of Heaven's line!  And don't be fooled into thinking it is a passive time!  Waiting is an important activity in God's world and the life of a Christian.

Finally, Mike talks to us about numbering our days (Psalm 90) and the trap of "destination thinking" in the final chapter.  As you finish the reading, take note of what stood out for you.  Was there an 'Aha moment'?  Is there a burning question in your mind?  Do you need to go back to a chapter, idea, or question?  I know I do!  I may even read the entire book again.  Bring those thoughts to the blog in the comment section.  I'd love to know what you thought of this practice!  How are you doing with your One Word?  Tell me, becuase I'd really like to know :)

I have been a fan of this book, the process, and the idea of My One Word since the beginning, but now...  Well, I think my feelings have morphed from just liking it to a level where I feel I want to gift it (and a journal) to my friends and family.  All the things Mike writes about we already know, because God has been telling us through His word for centuries, and  Jesus taught us through the writings of his disciples.  My One Word is a tool to help us focus our lives, to aid us in moving towards being the person God created us to be. 

Remain daily in the Word (through your one word).

THE BEGINNING

Remember, "Change is possible.  Focus is required. Dependence on God is absolutely fundamental." (Ashcraft, MOW)

Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly (honey)

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24

Week 4 - My One Word

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is."  Romans 12:2 (NLT)

To the wonderful group of women who gathered Friday morning for our in-person discussion: Thank you for a great morning!  And keep the comments on the blog coming!  They are fantastic; I love reading them throughout the week.  Posting as you read is like talking about a movie with a friend right after you've seen it.  Sometimes, as I'm reading I want to turn to someone and say, "holy cow!  that was great!" or "I have no idea what the author means by that." or "Ouch, that truth hurt." or "WOW!  What did you think about that?"  I hope you come to see the comment section of the blog as a week long conversation, a place to react, question, and make requests.  It 's also a dynamic tool for those of us who cannot attend on Friday mornings or need to miss a session or two.   I love you all and am so grateful that you have chosen to share this journey with our small group.

Last week's session taught us that "resistance builds strength".  We know this about our physical life (working out, lifting weights), but it's also true in our spiritual formation. Mike talked about the 'unrealistic expectations' we have for our lives; his example of the person who chooses "patience" as their one word and then assumes God will remove all the slow people from their path, is both pointed and funny.  The point being that, when 'patience' is our one word, we should expect that our patience will be tested, because resistance (resisting the urge to grumble about the slow person in our check-out line) builds strength.  We should not "measure our progress by the absence of struggle", but remember that "character is developed by how well we deal with the struggles we face, not by how well we avoid them" (Ashcraft, MOW video).

Just as Mike concludes the video session by telling us to embrace the struggle, we move into chapter 9, where we read, "If Satan can control our thoughts, he can control our behaviors." (MOW, p 120).  Talk about a struggle!  

I don't know about you, but my mind is where I fight my toughest battles.  'Why is this?', I often wonder.  Is it because I'm a woman, because my mom was a perfectionist and passed that mindset on to me, because the media & the world tell me I'm not good enough, because I have a history (family & personal) of depression?  Why am I my own worse enemy?  Does everyone think like this?  Will I pass this negativity on to my children and how can I stop it?!  I need only to search Scripture to find my answers (one of them opens this post).  Chapter 9 is filled with Scripture that tell us how God wants us to think.  And what happens when we "fix our eyes on Jesus" and the Scriptures and God's truths.

I love chapter 9!  I could spend hours talking about it, but I won't :)  Let me urge you to spend some time with it.  Besides reminding us of God's truths and pointing out Scripture to help us with our thoughts, Mike gives us some helpful ways to make the changes we want to make.

I am looking forward to reading your reactions to chapters 9, 10, 11, & 12 (our reading for this week).  Although this will bring us to the end of the book,  remember that My One Word is a year long project. 

Keep your word in front of you daily, memorize your associated Scripture and practice your one small action.  Keep your journal and your book handy, as you may want to refer back to them throughout the year.

"Change is possible.  Focus is required.  Dependence on God is absolutely necessary."  (Mike Ashcraft, MOW)

Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly (honey)

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24

Week 3 of "My One Word"

"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts... Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads."  Deuteronomy 6:6,8

Have you ever "lost" your car in the parking lot?  I have a terrible memory for things like this!  I can be in a store for only half an hour and not be too sure where I parked.  In an attempt to make life less stressful, I try to park in the same area at the mall, park under light fixtures, and take note of where the car is in relation to the store.  Even with all this, I can still misremember where I left my car!  If the kids are with me, I usually ask one of them to remember where we parked! 

With an lost car incident only an hour old, I sat down to read chapter 5 the other day.  Should I be surprised that the chapter was all about how forgetful we can be!?  That's why Mike urges us to 'Keep It In Front Of You', "it" being our one word.  Like my attempt to park in a location I will remember, in order to remember our one word, it should be placed where we can see, hear, feel, or touch it every day.  How will you keep your word in front of you?  Share in the comment section ways you plan to keep your word front and center in your life over the course of the year.

If you haven't yet chosen your word, keep with the process.  List, research, pray, look for Scripture that supports your word.  Once you have your word, commit to one small action that you will take in regards to moving you towards that person you want to become, in Christ, through your word.  For example, my word is honey and my action is be nice! . 

Most importantly, keep reading!  Mike's stories are funny and relate-able, inspiring and comforting.  This week we are reading chapters 5, 6, 7, and 8.  They are short, generally less than 10 pages, so I know you can do it! 

I look forward to reading your reaction to any of the chapters we're reading this week.  And don't forget to tell us how you will keep your word in front of you!  I have been eating a spoonful of honey to remind me that "Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24

Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly (honey)

Week 2 - My One Word follow-up

"So don't get tired of doing what is good.  Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time."  Galatians 6:9


Change is a process.  Process takes time.  Don't get discouraged.  Don't give up!  We will reap a harvest of blessing!  God tells us this through Paul's words to the church in Galatia.  They needed the encouragement and so do we. 

Have you chosen your one word?  Remember, it is a process.  Follow the suggested process in chapter 3 of My One Word.  For more encouragement and a more simplified version of the process (and if you don't yet have a book), visit www.myoneword.org, under the tab "Pick Your Word"and follow the instructions.  Remember, this is not about change born of regret.  This is about "moving forward with vision" (MOW, pg. 45), towards the kind of person you want to be.

This morning in small group we shared our One Word and the one small action we are making this week, in regard to our one word.  Here they are:

Love  -relinquish (control) through prayer
Honey - be nice!
Connect - stay (with Bible study/church/community to make deep connections)
Listen - stop more
Peace - (she's still thinking about this as of this morning)

And yes, there were some of us who did not yet have a word.  That's ok!  I hope they were inspired and encouraged by our discussion.  I look forward to learning about your One Word, why you chose it, what it means to you, and what small action you will take this week.  And don't forget to find a verse that connects to your word, one that you can memorize so that it becomes a part of you this year.

For even more inspiration, there are Words & their reasons sprinkled throughout each chapter (in red ink) and there are lots of them on the MyOneWord website, too.  Go there, you can't help but be encouraged!

This week keep your word in front of you!   And follow through with the one small action you committed to making.

Read chapters 5-8, too :)

"Change is possible.  Focus is required.  Dependence on God is absolutely fundamental" (M.Ashcraft, MOW)

Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly (honey)

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24