Wow! Solomon has some pretty strong thoughts on "fools."
He spends so much of this passage referring to fools, I think we need to first define what the word fool means. When the Bible refers to foolishness, it is not generally focused on intelligence. Just because someone is slow-witted does not mean that they fit the criteria for being called a fool. When you consider the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus said anyone who calls another man a fool is in danger of the fires of hell,,,you know the word has to carry more weight than simply being a synonym with "idiot." Most often in the Bible the fool is the person who is spiritually blind. It has nothing to do with raw intellect and is centered around a person's response to God with their lives. Jesus himself called the religious leaders in his community "fools" in Matthew 23:17 because they could not see through their own pride to what was important. They were blinded by ambition and selfishness, and could not see that the God they claimed to serve was walking around in the flesh amongst them (Jesus) - they were fools. So a truly foolish person is someone who is blind to the work of God in the world...does not acknowledge the existence of the Creator...does not humble themselves before God...is too prideful to understand their need for salvation. That is the kind of person that Solomon is referring to, and it really fits with his words of wisdom.
Verse 4 - Solomon instructs us to stay away from useless conversations with the spiritually blind. Don't get drawn into arguments that are going to descend into bitterness and hate...if you allow yourself to do that, you are acting foolishly. Honor God with your words...stand up for your faith...but when a person who is spiritually blind seeks to draw you in to verbal confrontation - walk away. Nothing positive comes from arguments with fools. Remain consistent in your love and remain consistent in your words/deeds...let that be your argument.
Verse 11 - One of the most famous and graphic descriptions of spiritual blindness in scripture. "Like a dog returns to his vomit, is a fool who repeats his folly." Dogs are such simple creatures...they are driven by appetite...and they can't help themselves. Even when staring a pool of their own vomit...they see "tempting" morsels within and cannot help but eat the food they just threw up. I know that is a disturbing image, but Solomon equates it to the life of a fool...and I think it is very accurate. A person who live in rebellion against God...a person who refuses to see the work of God in the world...they will continually go back to the foolish choices that have always plagued them. Without an anchor of unshakable truth provided by God, there is nothing to keep people from making the same mistakes over and over again. No matter how many times material possessions/other human beings/achievement/etc have let people down...they will continue to return to those things for fulfillment when they live in foolishness. It is heartbreaking. Do you see areas in your life where foolishness has crept in? Where you continue to seek out the stupid things that have brought pain and destruction into your life before? What do you need to do about that? What needs to change so that you do not continue to go back to the same pile of vomit believing that this time it will taste better?
Showing posts with label Proverbs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Proverbs. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Proverbs 3:5-12
Wow! Good stuff from Proverbs...
v.5 - What does it look like to trust in the Lord with all of your heart? It is followed up by "lean not on your understanding," so I am guessing that trusting the Lord is about having a healthy distrust of your sinful human nature. There is a part of every one of us that is utterly focused on selfishness...a part of us that is whispering lies in our heart that lead us away from God. To trust God with my whole heart, I need to let go of those dark corners of idolatry in my heart that distrust God because they want to be worshipped. See, there is a part of me that wants to be worshipped...that wants to sit on the throne...that wants to be constantly served...that part of me does not like submission to God. That part does not like trusting God, because it knows that God's plans are not always centered around what is easiest for Brandon. Today God, please help me to offer every part of myself to You...please help me to remove myself from the throne that belongs to You. You ways are higher and better and perfect, and I want to have the freedom to trust you completely...please help me get there.
v. 9 - So often we focus on using whatever wealth we have to honor ourselves, don't we? I mean, do you really think of it like this? Do you really think to yourself on a regular basis...how can I use the money I am making to honor God in the most significant way? When promotions and money making opportunities come up, are we saying,."Wow, this will enable me to serve God and help others even more effectively."? Let's be honest - that's not what we are thinking...we are thinking, "Now I can get that bigger house...now I can get that newer car...SHOPPING SPREE!" How much would ours pending habits change if we chose to view our wealth as seed money that God had given us to impact His kingdom? For Christians that really is what it is, isn't it? We get so possessive of our money and possessions...but in reality, they are not really ours and they are not eternal - why are we so obsessed with them? We need to be asking ourselves every time we pay bills...every time we budget...every time we are about to spend money - how can I honor God with what I have been given?
v.5 - What does it look like to trust in the Lord with all of your heart? It is followed up by "lean not on your understanding," so I am guessing that trusting the Lord is about having a healthy distrust of your sinful human nature. There is a part of every one of us that is utterly focused on selfishness...a part of us that is whispering lies in our heart that lead us away from God. To trust God with my whole heart, I need to let go of those dark corners of idolatry in my heart that distrust God because they want to be worshipped. See, there is a part of me that wants to be worshipped...that wants to sit on the throne...that wants to be constantly served...that part of me does not like submission to God. That part does not like trusting God, because it knows that God's plans are not always centered around what is easiest for Brandon. Today God, please help me to offer every part of myself to You...please help me to remove myself from the throne that belongs to You. You ways are higher and better and perfect, and I want to have the freedom to trust you completely...please help me get there.
v. 9 - So often we focus on using whatever wealth we have to honor ourselves, don't we? I mean, do you really think of it like this? Do you really think to yourself on a regular basis...how can I use the money I am making to honor God in the most significant way? When promotions and money making opportunities come up, are we saying,."Wow, this will enable me to serve God and help others even more effectively."? Let's be honest - that's not what we are thinking...we are thinking, "Now I can get that bigger house...now I can get that newer car...SHOPPING SPREE!" How much would ours pending habits change if we chose to view our wealth as seed money that God had given us to impact His kingdom? For Christians that really is what it is, isn't it? We get so possessive of our money and possessions...but in reality, they are not really ours and they are not eternal - why are we so obsessed with them? We need to be asking ourselves every time we pay bills...every time we budget...every time we are about to spend money - how can I honor God with what I have been given?
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Proverbs Chapters 28-31
28:1 - When I read this verse and see that the righteous are "bold as lions," I wonder at the lack of boldness in my own life. How do I so easily convince myself to keep quiet about the faith, "so I don't make anybody uncomfortable (especially myself)" or "step on any toes?" Do I truly accept the righteousness that has come to me through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ? Do I live that out? Do I really believe what I say I believe? Because if I do, then I should be unashamed and bold with my faith...not annoying, bible-thumping, better-than-you bold - but bold with truth and love.
28:13 - It is beneficial to our lives for us to be truly honest...to be willing to understand our own faults and confess those to others. As we confess our sins and failures to people we trust, we lay the groundwork for accountability and assistance in forsaking sin in the future.
28:23 - We have talked alot throughout the book of Proverbs about the importance of being about to accept rebukes out of love, but it is also important for Christians to be bold enough to rebuke the ones they love. If we are truly going to be friends and keep the best interest of our loved ones in mind, we will speak the tough truth when the situation demands it...even if it isn't fun (It almost never is!).
29:1 - Stubbornness does not usually end well...see the problem with holding your ground, stiffening up and pushing back against everything anybody says in the belief that you are the first person on earth to be constantly right about everything...is that you will eventually be broken - it is the only way for the stubborn to fall.
29:11 - This verse reminds me of the "dust" man Paul describes in I Corinthians chapter 15. Only fools let their dust/sinful/fallen human nature run wild in their lives. It is wise to seek to subdue the dust man, so that the spirit man within us can thrive.
29:25 - When we spend our lives consumed by fear of what other people could think or say or do...we allow them to ensnare us in a trap. Fears about things we cannot control freeze us in our place and keep us from being about the Lord's business. Don't let other peoples' choices determine who God is calling you to be.
30:4 - Agur asks rhetorically - "Who has done these things? Who has gone into heaven and come down to show us how the world works?" Well, Jesus did that. Jesus literally came to earth as God made flesh. He lived out the wisdom of the Lord in human form and showed us exactly what humanity is supposed to look like. He showed us the path to walk and gave us hope for the future.
30:8 - We are given some great steps for living a godly life: be honest (with yourself and others), live moderately and take only what you need. Too often lies and selfishness drive us away from the way of God and turn us into ungracious jerks.
30:18-20 - What are the weird animal references all about? Well, the eagle is at home in the air...the snake is at home on the rock and the ship is at home on the sea. The snake doesn't try to fly in the air...the eagle cannot survive in the sea...the ship isn't too effective on land. Each of these things has its natural place, just as sex belongs only in the union of marriage. Allowing it to take place outside of marriage (a.k.a. adultery) is unnatural.
30:24-28 - How about these weird example - what do they mean? Ants are so tiny and insignificant, but they plan for the future...badgers may not be the most powerful creature, but they build their dens where predators cannot get them...locusts have no leader but they work together to wreak havoc on crops...lizards can be picked up by hand they are so tiny, but they live in the palaces of kings. Interestingly enough the book of Proverbs primarily written by a king, comes to a close with an encouragement to people that you don't need a king to prosper if you seek out wisdom as a community.
31:10-31 - What else needs to be said? I love this passage. Every time I read it I am reminded of my sweet, hard-working, patient, awesome wife. Thank you God for bringing a goober like me, a wife who is worth more than any amount of precious gems. For those of you not yet married - Guys: seek out a woman of noble character - she will be the treasure of your life. Gals: seek to be women of noble character and remember, as daughters of the most high God you should not settle for anything less than a man who is truly a selfless servant and a disciple of Jesus Christ.
28:13 - It is beneficial to our lives for us to be truly honest...to be willing to understand our own faults and confess those to others. As we confess our sins and failures to people we trust, we lay the groundwork for accountability and assistance in forsaking sin in the future.
28:23 - We have talked alot throughout the book of Proverbs about the importance of being about to accept rebukes out of love, but it is also important for Christians to be bold enough to rebuke the ones they love. If we are truly going to be friends and keep the best interest of our loved ones in mind, we will speak the tough truth when the situation demands it...even if it isn't fun (It almost never is!).
29:1 - Stubbornness does not usually end well...see the problem with holding your ground, stiffening up and pushing back against everything anybody says in the belief that you are the first person on earth to be constantly right about everything...is that you will eventually be broken - it is the only way for the stubborn to fall.
29:11 - This verse reminds me of the "dust" man Paul describes in I Corinthians chapter 15. Only fools let their dust/sinful/fallen human nature run wild in their lives. It is wise to seek to subdue the dust man, so that the spirit man within us can thrive.
29:25 - When we spend our lives consumed by fear of what other people could think or say or do...we allow them to ensnare us in a trap. Fears about things we cannot control freeze us in our place and keep us from being about the Lord's business. Don't let other peoples' choices determine who God is calling you to be.
30:4 - Agur asks rhetorically - "Who has done these things? Who has gone into heaven and come down to show us how the world works?" Well, Jesus did that. Jesus literally came to earth as God made flesh. He lived out the wisdom of the Lord in human form and showed us exactly what humanity is supposed to look like. He showed us the path to walk and gave us hope for the future.
30:8 - We are given some great steps for living a godly life: be honest (with yourself and others), live moderately and take only what you need. Too often lies and selfishness drive us away from the way of God and turn us into ungracious jerks.
30:18-20 - What are the weird animal references all about? Well, the eagle is at home in the air...the snake is at home on the rock and the ship is at home on the sea. The snake doesn't try to fly in the air...the eagle cannot survive in the sea...the ship isn't too effective on land. Each of these things has its natural place, just as sex belongs only in the union of marriage. Allowing it to take place outside of marriage (a.k.a. adultery) is unnatural.
30:24-28 - How about these weird example - what do they mean? Ants are so tiny and insignificant, but they plan for the future...badgers may not be the most powerful creature, but they build their dens where predators cannot get them...locusts have no leader but they work together to wreak havoc on crops...lizards can be picked up by hand they are so tiny, but they live in the palaces of kings. Interestingly enough the book of Proverbs primarily written by a king, comes to a close with an encouragement to people that you don't need a king to prosper if you seek out wisdom as a community.
31:10-31 - What else needs to be said? I love this passage. Every time I read it I am reminded of my sweet, hard-working, patient, awesome wife. Thank you God for bringing a goober like me, a wife who is worth more than any amount of precious gems. For those of you not yet married - Guys: seek out a woman of noble character - she will be the treasure of your life. Gals: seek to be women of noble character and remember, as daughters of the most high God you should not settle for anything less than a man who is truly a selfless servant and a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Proverbs Chapters 25-27
25:2 - I know we don't always have the highest opinion of kings today, but int he time this was written...kings were considered the best of men. This passage is telling us that men of character and honor find delight in the search for God's truth. The journey...the pursuit of godliness...is the incredible adventure we should seek out every day.
25:12 - Having a person in your life who you trust and will listen to, who will speak uncomfortable truths to you and call you on the carpet in love - is priceless (And hard to find).
25:21-22 - Your enemies expect hatred and revenge from you, but you show them what true power and strength is when you choose instead to treat them with undeserved mercy. We were once the enemies of God and He was willing to die for us. We honor and emulate the character of God when we treat our enemies kindly.
25:26 - A righteous man who gives in to temptation and falls into sin brings corruption into his life. Why do we so often choose to bring filth into the clear, clean waters of righteousness that Jesus brings us?
26:4 - Don't argue with idiots - it only drags you into the idiocy of your opponent...nothing good comes of it and you end up looking foolish in the end.
26:7 - All the scripture and knowledge in the world is meaningless if we do not actually take it to heart.
26:11 - Over and over the fool returns to the folly that has brought disaster upon his life - why do I remain so foolish? Why do you? Why do we dine on the disgusting corruption that has brought nothing but vileness to our lives in the past...why do we keep return to eat the vomit of sin?
26:15 - I love this verse! This is hilarious! The lazy person digs his hand so deeply into the food dish, that he does not have the strength to actually bring it up to his mouth! Is that not the ultimate picture of laziness! This rings so true in our culture...we want as much as we can have with as little effort as possible.
26:18-19 - This is a good reminder for me because I love to joke around like this with people - but it is a dangerous game to "joke" with the truth (Joking like that is also called "lying" in some circles).
26:22 - The gossip whispered in corners and behind backs sounds so enticing...so intriguing, but it seeps into the soul and brings nothing but corruption.
27:1 - Never forget that every day is a gift from God...nothing is guaranteed...we must live each day humbly before our creator and offer ourselves fully to Him.
27:7 - Interesting verse...if you have found satisfaction and fulfillment in God, then you will not long constantly for more and more, but the spiritually empty crave everything and will fill themselves with poison to fill the void even temporarily.
27:17 - We must have sword brothers (or sisters for you ladies out there) - men and women who will hold us accountable...push us...challenge us and help us to keep that spiritual edge.
27:20 - Just as death and the destroyer are never satisfied...they always want more destruction and more death...human beings wallow in their selfishness and allow it to corrupt their lives. Selfishness is the seed of every sinful thing I do...it is the sickness that I go to war with every day...it is the anti-Christ.
25:12 - Having a person in your life who you trust and will listen to, who will speak uncomfortable truths to you and call you on the carpet in love - is priceless (And hard to find).
25:21-22 - Your enemies expect hatred and revenge from you, but you show them what true power and strength is when you choose instead to treat them with undeserved mercy. We were once the enemies of God and He was willing to die for us. We honor and emulate the character of God when we treat our enemies kindly.
25:26 - A righteous man who gives in to temptation and falls into sin brings corruption into his life. Why do we so often choose to bring filth into the clear, clean waters of righteousness that Jesus brings us?
26:4 - Don't argue with idiots - it only drags you into the idiocy of your opponent...nothing good comes of it and you end up looking foolish in the end.
26:7 - All the scripture and knowledge in the world is meaningless if we do not actually take it to heart.
26:11 - Over and over the fool returns to the folly that has brought disaster upon his life - why do I remain so foolish? Why do you? Why do we dine on the disgusting corruption that has brought nothing but vileness to our lives in the past...why do we keep return to eat the vomit of sin?
26:15 - I love this verse! This is hilarious! The lazy person digs his hand so deeply into the food dish, that he does not have the strength to actually bring it up to his mouth! Is that not the ultimate picture of laziness! This rings so true in our culture...we want as much as we can have with as little effort as possible.
26:18-19 - This is a good reminder for me because I love to joke around like this with people - but it is a dangerous game to "joke" with the truth (Joking like that is also called "lying" in some circles).
26:22 - The gossip whispered in corners and behind backs sounds so enticing...so intriguing, but it seeps into the soul and brings nothing but corruption.
27:1 - Never forget that every day is a gift from God...nothing is guaranteed...we must live each day humbly before our creator and offer ourselves fully to Him.
27:7 - Interesting verse...if you have found satisfaction and fulfillment in God, then you will not long constantly for more and more, but the spiritually empty crave everything and will fill themselves with poison to fill the void even temporarily.
27:17 - We must have sword brothers (or sisters for you ladies out there) - men and women who will hold us accountable...push us...challenge us and help us to keep that spiritual edge.
27:20 - Just as death and the destroyer are never satisfied...they always want more destruction and more death...human beings wallow in their selfishness and allow it to corrupt their lives. Selfishness is the seed of every sinful thing I do...it is the sickness that I go to war with every day...it is the anti-Christ.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Proverbs Chapters 22-24
22:2 - All men and women are God's children - material wealth and worldly power mean nothing with regards to actual worth, yet we find that so hard to really accept. I believe the disrupted connection with God caused by sin and the inherent selfishness of man leads us to base our own worth on the faulty standards of the world. No matter the reasons, these feelings are ungodly and must be fought at every turn.
22:6 - This is a great parenting verse...this should be the driving force behind the words and actions of every Christian parent.
22:24-25 - When you surround yourself with people who live in opposition to God - why should it surprise you that you start to look/talk/act like they do? We will always be shaped ad influenced by the people we surround ourselves with...never forget that!
23:15-16 - Another great verse for parents here...more than anything I want my kids to grow up to be God-fearers and wise. It brings the greatest sense of pride and joy to the heart when you watch our children do the right thing without prompting...it is beautiful!
23:32-33 - Solomon paints a picture f the consequences involved with giving in to the lure of alcohol. Alcohol makes all these promises - relaxation/fun/warmth/comfort/fitting in, etc...but the deeper you sink into dependence on alcohol the more it only offers twisted perception and unfulfillment.
24:8-9 - People who allow thoughts of vengeance to overwhelm them and who take time to plan out the evil they are going to partake in, are an abomination to the family of man...pretty strong terminology there, huh? This speaks to the difference between sins of commission and sins of omission. We all sin (not an excuse, but a fact), but some of those sins happen int he moment when we let our guard down...while these sins are still SIN, they do not speak to the corruption of heart and soul represented by sins that are coldly planned out ahead of time.
24:17 - This is very difficult advice for me to follow. It is hard not to revel in the failure of one's enemies...sometimes it seems like justice has been served when the people we dislike fall, but finding joy in anothers' destruction is always wrong. It is not a godly attitude and therefore it should have no place in my life as a follower of God.
22:6 - This is a great parenting verse...this should be the driving force behind the words and actions of every Christian parent.
22:24-25 - When you surround yourself with people who live in opposition to God - why should it surprise you that you start to look/talk/act like they do? We will always be shaped ad influenced by the people we surround ourselves with...never forget that!
23:15-16 - Another great verse for parents here...more than anything I want my kids to grow up to be God-fearers and wise. It brings the greatest sense of pride and joy to the heart when you watch our children do the right thing without prompting...it is beautiful!
23:32-33 - Solomon paints a picture f the consequences involved with giving in to the lure of alcohol. Alcohol makes all these promises - relaxation/fun/warmth/comfort/fitting in, etc...but the deeper you sink into dependence on alcohol the more it only offers twisted perception and unfulfillment.
24:8-9 - People who allow thoughts of vengeance to overwhelm them and who take time to plan out the evil they are going to partake in, are an abomination to the family of man...pretty strong terminology there, huh? This speaks to the difference between sins of commission and sins of omission. We all sin (not an excuse, but a fact), but some of those sins happen int he moment when we let our guard down...while these sins are still SIN, they do not speak to the corruption of heart and soul represented by sins that are coldly planned out ahead of time.
24:17 - This is very difficult advice for me to follow. It is hard not to revel in the failure of one's enemies...sometimes it seems like justice has been served when the people we dislike fall, but finding joy in anothers' destruction is always wrong. It is not a godly attitude and therefore it should have no place in my life as a follower of God.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Proverbs Chapters 19-21
19:3 - Often, people blame God for the consequences of their own sinful actions. Probably not the best way to deal with the fallout...just sayin'.
19:8 - It is imperative that we take good care of our soul. We usually spend all our time worrying about our physical needs and totally neglect our spiritual needs, which are the more important of the two by far.
19:13 - LOL! I just imagine the irritation of a slow drip of water that just keeps falling over and over until it drives you absolutely insane.
19:18 - Alright, hold on for a second...before you go crazy and strangle (overstatement) your insubordinate child (teenager probably)...don't forget - there is still hope. Discipline them out of love and you may find that redemption you have been looking for.
19:21 - All of us, in our arrogance, have big plans and expectations for how the world is supposed to work. The world according to Brandon sounds like a great place in my head, but it would be as twisted as I am. The only thing that is certain about the future is the will of the Lord...and we know that will be the perfect plan of the one and only perfect God.
19:26 - Another great verse for dealing with rebellious teenagers.
20:5 - It may not always be easy to find the purpose for your life, but a wise man will keep on digging and searching for it. Like a deep water well, you keep working with God to drill into your innermost being and you will find the purpose.
20:7 - Make it a point to live as a person of integrity and you and the people close to you will be blessed by that choice.
20:22 - Vengance is the Lord's...it is not our place as petty, sinful human beings to seek out revenge for the wrongs that have been done against us. One of the aspects of trusting God, is having the faith that He will make all things right eventually.
20:27 - We have a spiritual nature and a flesh nature. The flesh is bent on satisfying itself at all times...the spirit within us is what God uses to plumb the depths of our soul. Build the spirit man up and wage war against the flesh.
20:29 - The older I get, the more true this verse gets...
21:3 - God cares ALOT more about me fighting for justice in this world than He does about me practcing religious rituals as a means of somehow earning my salvation (But how can a free gift be earned? It can't).
21:21 - This verse encourages me to keep pushing forward in the spiritual disciplines. If you pursue righteousness...you will find life!
21:26 - Generosity is a sign of righteousness - and as we saw in verse 21, righteousness leads to life...the selfish man only desires more and more - he is never content.
19:8 - It is imperative that we take good care of our soul. We usually spend all our time worrying about our physical needs and totally neglect our spiritual needs, which are the more important of the two by far.
19:13 - LOL! I just imagine the irritation of a slow drip of water that just keeps falling over and over until it drives you absolutely insane.
19:18 - Alright, hold on for a second...before you go crazy and strangle (overstatement) your insubordinate child (teenager probably)...don't forget - there is still hope. Discipline them out of love and you may find that redemption you have been looking for.
19:21 - All of us, in our arrogance, have big plans and expectations for how the world is supposed to work. The world according to Brandon sounds like a great place in my head, but it would be as twisted as I am. The only thing that is certain about the future is the will of the Lord...and we know that will be the perfect plan of the one and only perfect God.
19:26 - Another great verse for dealing with rebellious teenagers.
20:5 - It may not always be easy to find the purpose for your life, but a wise man will keep on digging and searching for it. Like a deep water well, you keep working with God to drill into your innermost being and you will find the purpose.
20:7 - Make it a point to live as a person of integrity and you and the people close to you will be blessed by that choice.
20:22 - Vengance is the Lord's...it is not our place as petty, sinful human beings to seek out revenge for the wrongs that have been done against us. One of the aspects of trusting God, is having the faith that He will make all things right eventually.
20:27 - We have a spiritual nature and a flesh nature. The flesh is bent on satisfying itself at all times...the spirit within us is what God uses to plumb the depths of our soul. Build the spirit man up and wage war against the flesh.
20:29 - The older I get, the more true this verse gets...
21:3 - God cares ALOT more about me fighting for justice in this world than He does about me practcing religious rituals as a means of somehow earning my salvation (But how can a free gift be earned? It can't).
21:21 - This verse encourages me to keep pushing forward in the spiritual disciplines. If you pursue righteousness...you will find life!
21:26 - Generosity is a sign of righteousness - and as we saw in verse 21, righteousness leads to life...the selfish man only desires more and more - he is never content.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Proverbs Chapters 16-18
16:2 - Every person can justify everything they do. We can all make excuses for why we had to do something...or how it was really somebody else fault that we messed up, but there are absolutes in the world. Right and wrong exist, and God knows the motivations of our heart. Stop making excuses and live to bring honor to God.
16:8 - It is always better to have nothing and be focused on godliness than it is to have riches because of selfishness. Being content in the midst of a lack of material possessions is a beautiful picture of faithfully following God. Doing everything you can to hoard as much wealth as possible in your life, is a sign an extreme lack of faith.
16:17 - I live in the Houston area and my mind instantly connected with the highway imagery the writer uses here (We have a lot of highways). Make sure in your life that you take the loop that goes around Evil Town, because that is not where you need to be! If we all pay attention to what is going on around us and keep our eyes open for the things that could cause us to crash into sin, we will be able to avoid trouble.
16:18 - How many times have you heard, "Pride comes before the fall."? I would guess, alot. I really like the ESV's version of this famous text. It says - pride comes before destruction. This conveys a much more serious message to me and that is important. Pride is the root of every human sin...we believe that we can reject God and make our own way...and the arrogance of that prideful sin will lead us to destruction. Never forget that.
16:20 - The ESV says, "Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good." I like that translation, because if you take the time to study God's scripture and to write it on your heart...you will find true wisdom. Trusting that God's way is better is a huge step in faith and the beginning of the road to a better more fulfilling life.
16:27 - People who sit around and try to figure out how to make other peoples' lives miserable and drag other people into sin with them are evil. Their thoughts are twisted and their words are destructive...don't allow people like this to influence you.
16:31 - A little shout out for all the old people of the world...Wes Vance this verse is for you my friend (He has had silver hair since his 20's). If you live long enough to get gray hair...then you probably learned something in the process.
17:5 - When you discount and mistreat the poor you are actually disrespecting God. Those are His children just like you are. A proliferation of material wealth does not make a human being more valuable. Remember that you are a part of the brotherhood of man and honor God by respecting ALL His children.
17:10 - Even when an idiot is being repeatedly shown the truth...being hit over the head with the 4x4 of reality over and over, he does not see it! The moral of this proverb...don't be an idiot! Listen to the words of trusted friends, even if they are hard for you to hear...because loving rebukes put us on the path to understanding.
17:17 - Get in the trenches with your brothers and sisters in Christ. It is in the midst of hard times that we truly become family. Friends love all the time, but the person who becomes like a brother is the one who is there for you in the darkest hour...the one who's got your back. Do you have brothers/sisters like that?
18:1 - I don't ever want to hear "Christians" spouting off again about how they have a personal relationship with God and they don't need church to be saved. Of course you don't need church to be saved...only Jesus saves...but after that you need to be plugged into a community of people that are gonna hold you accountable and challenge you to grow! We are made for community not solitude.
18:2 - All an idiot cares about is that his opinion gets heard...a fool always wants the last word. They don't care that what they have to say makes no sense - they just want to be heard. It is the epitome of arrogance and the opposite of wisdom.
18:10 - What is the name of the Lord? It denotes His character...His strength...His personality...the name of the Lord is to be praised. We must connect ourselves to the person and character of God. In Him is the only place we will find peace and shelter.
18:24 - It is far better to have just one true friend, then it is to have tons of friends who you cannot trust...who don't know the real you...who don't have your back.
16:8 - It is always better to have nothing and be focused on godliness than it is to have riches because of selfishness. Being content in the midst of a lack of material possessions is a beautiful picture of faithfully following God. Doing everything you can to hoard as much wealth as possible in your life, is a sign an extreme lack of faith.
16:17 - I live in the Houston area and my mind instantly connected with the highway imagery the writer uses here (We have a lot of highways). Make sure in your life that you take the loop that goes around Evil Town, because that is not where you need to be! If we all pay attention to what is going on around us and keep our eyes open for the things that could cause us to crash into sin, we will be able to avoid trouble.
16:18 - How many times have you heard, "Pride comes before the fall."? I would guess, alot. I really like the ESV's version of this famous text. It says - pride comes before destruction. This conveys a much more serious message to me and that is important. Pride is the root of every human sin...we believe that we can reject God and make our own way...and the arrogance of that prideful sin will lead us to destruction. Never forget that.
16:20 - The ESV says, "Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good." I like that translation, because if you take the time to study God's scripture and to write it on your heart...you will find true wisdom. Trusting that God's way is better is a huge step in faith and the beginning of the road to a better more fulfilling life.
16:27 - People who sit around and try to figure out how to make other peoples' lives miserable and drag other people into sin with them are evil. Their thoughts are twisted and their words are destructive...don't allow people like this to influence you.
16:31 - A little shout out for all the old people of the world...Wes Vance this verse is for you my friend (He has had silver hair since his 20's). If you live long enough to get gray hair...then you probably learned something in the process.
17:5 - When you discount and mistreat the poor you are actually disrespecting God. Those are His children just like you are. A proliferation of material wealth does not make a human being more valuable. Remember that you are a part of the brotherhood of man and honor God by respecting ALL His children.
17:10 - Even when an idiot is being repeatedly shown the truth...being hit over the head with the 4x4 of reality over and over, he does not see it! The moral of this proverb...don't be an idiot! Listen to the words of trusted friends, even if they are hard for you to hear...because loving rebukes put us on the path to understanding.
17:17 - Get in the trenches with your brothers and sisters in Christ. It is in the midst of hard times that we truly become family. Friends love all the time, but the person who becomes like a brother is the one who is there for you in the darkest hour...the one who's got your back. Do you have brothers/sisters like that?
18:1 - I don't ever want to hear "Christians" spouting off again about how they have a personal relationship with God and they don't need church to be saved. Of course you don't need church to be saved...only Jesus saves...but after that you need to be plugged into a community of people that are gonna hold you accountable and challenge you to grow! We are made for community not solitude.
18:2 - All an idiot cares about is that his opinion gets heard...a fool always wants the last word. They don't care that what they have to say makes no sense - they just want to be heard. It is the epitome of arrogance and the opposite of wisdom.
18:10 - What is the name of the Lord? It denotes His character...His strength...His personality...the name of the Lord is to be praised. We must connect ourselves to the person and character of God. In Him is the only place we will find peace and shelter.
18:24 - It is far better to have just one true friend, then it is to have tons of friends who you cannot trust...who don't know the real you...who don't have your back.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Proverbs Chapters 13-15
13:1 - Take heed Dane and Aidan...this is your new life verse! (Those are my sons)
13:3 - The wisdom of Solomon is so simple, yet for some reason we find it hard to live out. Life is truly better when you watch what you say and carefully consider your words. It is all the times when we just open our mouths and let the words just pour out unbidden that we bring pain/hurt/ruin/destruction/etc.
13:13 - This passage is really very clear...those who have respect for the Word of God will be rewarded: with wisdom, understanding, guidance, strength, hope, peace and much more. Those who refuse to accept the validity of God's Word heap destruction on their own lives.
13:20 - This is important truth for every person to consider - the company you keep will shape who you are. How are your friends influenecing you? It is a lot easy to get dragged away from God then it is to drag people towards God.
13:24 - Can't tell you how many times I heard this verse growing up. Parents who refuse to discipline their kids and just try to be firends with the children are doing them no favors...my translation says that the parenst actually hate their kids if they do that. Why? Because trying to keep your kids happy and be their friend is about you...not them...it is about your kids liking you - it is selfish. Forget about your kids liking you...if you train them up in the way they should go through godly disicpline, they will one day love you because of how you have helped shape them.
14:6 - Those who spend all their time destroying people and tearing people down will never actually gain wisdom. How could you learn anything about life when all you do is try to mock people and show that you are better than others? Those who are gracious and understanding of the situations going on in other peoples' lives are the ones who will be able to find wisdom.
14:19/15:25 - In the end the tables will be turned and the evil strong will be brought to their knees. God is just and justice will be served. The humble will rise to places of honor at God's side and the arrogant wicked will be brought low.
14:21 - Again, very simple...greed and selfishness are sinful. Not caring about the lives of those around you is sinful. The people of God are generous and loving...they are true neighbors.
14:30 - The contented, peaceful heart brings life to you and the people around you...but the envious heart, that is never satisfied only brings destruction for you and others.
15:4 - If you allow perversity to inbfiltrate your speech, it will spread on to impact all areas of your life negatively.
15:15 - This is such a sad truth. There are no good days for the malcontent. For the ungrateful, every day is a miserable experience...they see the bad in everything. Yet for those who seek the joy of the Lord, every day is a feast of blessings and love.
13:3 - The wisdom of Solomon is so simple, yet for some reason we find it hard to live out. Life is truly better when you watch what you say and carefully consider your words. It is all the times when we just open our mouths and let the words just pour out unbidden that we bring pain/hurt/ruin/destruction/etc.
13:13 - This passage is really very clear...those who have respect for the Word of God will be rewarded: with wisdom, understanding, guidance, strength, hope, peace and much more. Those who refuse to accept the validity of God's Word heap destruction on their own lives.
13:20 - This is important truth for every person to consider - the company you keep will shape who you are. How are your friends influenecing you? It is a lot easy to get dragged away from God then it is to drag people towards God.
13:24 - Can't tell you how many times I heard this verse growing up. Parents who refuse to discipline their kids and just try to be firends with the children are doing them no favors...my translation says that the parenst actually hate their kids if they do that. Why? Because trying to keep your kids happy and be their friend is about you...not them...it is about your kids liking you - it is selfish. Forget about your kids liking you...if you train them up in the way they should go through godly disicpline, they will one day love you because of how you have helped shape them.
14:6 - Those who spend all their time destroying people and tearing people down will never actually gain wisdom. How could you learn anything about life when all you do is try to mock people and show that you are better than others? Those who are gracious and understanding of the situations going on in other peoples' lives are the ones who will be able to find wisdom.
14:19/15:25 - In the end the tables will be turned and the evil strong will be brought to their knees. God is just and justice will be served. The humble will rise to places of honor at God's side and the arrogant wicked will be brought low.
14:21 - Again, very simple...greed and selfishness are sinful. Not caring about the lives of those around you is sinful. The people of God are generous and loving...they are true neighbors.
14:30 - The contented, peaceful heart brings life to you and the people around you...but the envious heart, that is never satisfied only brings destruction for you and others.
15:4 - If you allow perversity to inbfiltrate your speech, it will spread on to impact all areas of your life negatively.
15:15 - This is such a sad truth. There are no good days for the malcontent. For the ungrateful, every day is a miserable experience...they see the bad in everything. Yet for those who seek the joy of the Lord, every day is a feast of blessings and love.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Proverbs Chapters 10-12
Wow! There are a lot of proverbs in those three chapters and every one of those little bits of wisdom is gold...this blog post could be huge! So instead, read through the chapters and comment on a couple of the proverbs that really jumped out at you.
10:8 - This is a theme that runs all through the book of Proverbs. If you are someone who seeks to be wise (Which I hope we all are!), you will listen to what the Words of God and the words of godly people. You will find the path to righteousness through these words. But for those of us who are too busy spouting off our own opinions and meaningless blather to listen - we will only find ruin (And probably not have many friends).
10:11 - The words of God-fearing men and women bring life...they bring hope, fulfillment, guidance, truth and they quench thirst. But the words of the wicked only bring destruction to the lives they touch? We all need to ask ourselves - what are my words bringing? Life or death? Creation or destruction?
10:25 - When hard/tragic times come, the lives of the people who have no faith are absolutely shattered (You can see this first hand at the funeral of a non-believer). Yet, those who stand firm in their faith can find hope even in the worst of times.
11:1 and 20 - Wow - abomination...that is a strong word! I think it is really important for us to focus in on the things that God absolutely abhors, so that we can understand more deeply the character of God. What does He consider an abomination in these passages? People who try to take advantage of other. God cares about His children and He cares when the weak are wronged...He cares when evil people seek gain at the expense of others. Don't let yourself fall into this category.
11:14 - I think this proverb makes a strong case for making sure that you have mentors in your life. We need people who we respect that we allow to speak into our lives. Without guidance and accountability, we will be lost...we will fall. But we will find safety and integrity when we surround ourselves with trusted God-loving advisers.
11:21 - We must never forget that God's justice will be met out in the end. There are some things that are so sick and wrong in this world, that it just makes you want to take vengeance into your own hands...we scream out to God wondering where He is when evil runs rampant in the world. We always have to remember that God is just and He will make things right in the end...and it is actually His patience with us that allowed us to find the redemption He offers to all.
11:22 - This is a great verse for young ladies of the world to remember (I am going to be bringing this up with my baby girls when the teenage years come around)...you would never take a precious gold ring and put it in the nose of a pig, so don't take the precious beauty of your youth and wallow in the depths of impurity and indiscretion. Don't let your purity wallow in the mud with the pigs...you are the daughters of the most high God!
12:1 - If you can't take a critique...you are an idiot. Never forget that Brandon!
12:4 - What does a crown do for a man? It turns a normal man into a king among men. A godly wife will make her husband a better man...that is what my wife has done for me and that is one of the many reasons I love her.
12:11 - I think this proverb applies to all facets of life - especially spiritual disciplines. If we take the time and effort to till the land of our own spirituality...to make it fertile, then we will reap great rewards...we will get closer to God, grow in faith, grow in wisdom, etc. If we choose to spend all our time pursuing meaningless things...we will gain nothing.
12:22 - Here we go again with that "abomination" word...this time we find that God totally despises lying. I am starting to get the clear picture that God does not appreciate it when people deceive one another and tear one another down. He created us for community with Him and with each other and ever act of our lives that brings destruction to those relationships is an utter attack on the fabric of creation.
12:26 - We must remember that our lives are always preaching to somebody...somebody is always watching. Are you leading people towards God through your life or away from God?
10:8 - This is a theme that runs all through the book of Proverbs. If you are someone who seeks to be wise (Which I hope we all are!), you will listen to what the Words of God and the words of godly people. You will find the path to righteousness through these words. But for those of us who are too busy spouting off our own opinions and meaningless blather to listen - we will only find ruin (And probably not have many friends).
10:11 - The words of God-fearing men and women bring life...they bring hope, fulfillment, guidance, truth and they quench thirst. But the words of the wicked only bring destruction to the lives they touch? We all need to ask ourselves - what are my words bringing? Life or death? Creation or destruction?
10:25 - When hard/tragic times come, the lives of the people who have no faith are absolutely shattered (You can see this first hand at the funeral of a non-believer). Yet, those who stand firm in their faith can find hope even in the worst of times.
11:1 and 20 - Wow - abomination...that is a strong word! I think it is really important for us to focus in on the things that God absolutely abhors, so that we can understand more deeply the character of God. What does He consider an abomination in these passages? People who try to take advantage of other. God cares about His children and He cares when the weak are wronged...He cares when evil people seek gain at the expense of others. Don't let yourself fall into this category.
11:14 - I think this proverb makes a strong case for making sure that you have mentors in your life. We need people who we respect that we allow to speak into our lives. Without guidance and accountability, we will be lost...we will fall. But we will find safety and integrity when we surround ourselves with trusted God-loving advisers.
11:21 - We must never forget that God's justice will be met out in the end. There are some things that are so sick and wrong in this world, that it just makes you want to take vengeance into your own hands...we scream out to God wondering where He is when evil runs rampant in the world. We always have to remember that God is just and He will make things right in the end...and it is actually His patience with us that allowed us to find the redemption He offers to all.
11:22 - This is a great verse for young ladies of the world to remember (I am going to be bringing this up with my baby girls when the teenage years come around)...you would never take a precious gold ring and put it in the nose of a pig, so don't take the precious beauty of your youth and wallow in the depths of impurity and indiscretion. Don't let your purity wallow in the mud with the pigs...you are the daughters of the most high God!
12:1 - If you can't take a critique...you are an idiot. Never forget that Brandon!
12:4 - What does a crown do for a man? It turns a normal man into a king among men. A godly wife will make her husband a better man...that is what my wife has done for me and that is one of the many reasons I love her.
12:11 - I think this proverb applies to all facets of life - especially spiritual disciplines. If we take the time and effort to till the land of our own spirituality...to make it fertile, then we will reap great rewards...we will get closer to God, grow in faith, grow in wisdom, etc. If we choose to spend all our time pursuing meaningless things...we will gain nothing.
12:22 - Here we go again with that "abomination" word...this time we find that God totally despises lying. I am starting to get the clear picture that God does not appreciate it when people deceive one another and tear one another down. He created us for community with Him and with each other and ever act of our lives that brings destruction to those relationships is an utter attack on the fabric of creation.
12:26 - We must remember that our lives are always preaching to somebody...somebody is always watching. Are you leading people towards God through your life or away from God?
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Proverbs Chapters 7-9
7:22-23 - Solomon continues on with his warning about adultery. In my experience, it seems that people often rail against the things that were a plague on their own lives. And all you have to do is take a look at the wives and the harem of Solomon and you know he had some issues with sexual overindulgence. By the end of his reign, he was following his pagan wives into their idol worship...he was giving in to the call of the adulteress. Solomon is speaking from experience when he says that the man who follows the adulterous woman is like an ox being led to slaughter. We should all listen closely to Solomon, because he had everything any man could ever want and in vast quantities...and it never brought him satisfaction.
8:11 - I look at this and I feel guilty. There are so many things that I desire more than wisdom...if fact, it is a very rare occasion when I even give the thought of acquiring wisdom a moment of my mind's time. The reality of the situation is that wisdom is more valuable than any of the things I seek in this world and through the acquisition of wisdom all the areas of our life become better.
8:13 - I appreciate the literary skill in which Solomon contrasts the cries of the world to prostitute ourselves to her evil ways and the righteous call of wisdom to follow her towards fulfillment. Wisdom is absolutely opposite to the temptations of the world. The world tempts with arrogance, deception, perversion, self-worship and wisdom hates all of those things...wisdom knows that all of those things lead to death.
8:22ff - Solomon changes tracks here, but still gives wisdom a persona. It is nice that he rewards the audience with creative ways of describing wisdom. In this instance, wisdom speaks as if it were a living being that assisted God int he creation of the universe. The point this drives home for me is that wisdom, like love, emanates from God...it is a staple of His character. If we desire to live in this world as the people of God, then we need to seek wisdom with everything we have because...read verse 35.
9:8 - There it is...I have seen it played out in youth ministry countless times. If anyone tries to instruct or hold accountable the arrogant/self-server, their words will always fall on deaf ears and the only response thy will receive is one of hatred. There is nothing that rebellious believers despise more than being called out on their rebellion. (F.Y.I. - Christians must always be weary about becoming "righteous" judgmental jerks, but there is a place for accountability in the midst of loving Christian community) When a person who seeks wisdom is called on the carpet, they respond with humility and life change. You can learn a lot about a person by speaking tough truths to them out of love.
9:17-18 - The way of folly constantly tries to convince us that rebellion and selfishness is better..."No seriously, the woman you don't have is far more desireable." "The car you don't drive is better." "If it is done in secret and nobody knows about it...who is it going to hurt?" Folly calls to us...call us to turn from God and live the "better" life...the only thing is, that the way of folly is not better - it is bitter.
8:11 - I look at this and I feel guilty. There are so many things that I desire more than wisdom...if fact, it is a very rare occasion when I even give the thought of acquiring wisdom a moment of my mind's time. The reality of the situation is that wisdom is more valuable than any of the things I seek in this world and through the acquisition of wisdom all the areas of our life become better.
8:13 - I appreciate the literary skill in which Solomon contrasts the cries of the world to prostitute ourselves to her evil ways and the righteous call of wisdom to follow her towards fulfillment. Wisdom is absolutely opposite to the temptations of the world. The world tempts with arrogance, deception, perversion, self-worship and wisdom hates all of those things...wisdom knows that all of those things lead to death.
8:22ff - Solomon changes tracks here, but still gives wisdom a persona. It is nice that he rewards the audience with creative ways of describing wisdom. In this instance, wisdom speaks as if it were a living being that assisted God int he creation of the universe. The point this drives home for me is that wisdom, like love, emanates from God...it is a staple of His character. If we desire to live in this world as the people of God, then we need to seek wisdom with everything we have because...read verse 35.
9:8 - There it is...I have seen it played out in youth ministry countless times. If anyone tries to instruct or hold accountable the arrogant/self-server, their words will always fall on deaf ears and the only response thy will receive is one of hatred. There is nothing that rebellious believers despise more than being called out on their rebellion. (F.Y.I. - Christians must always be weary about becoming "righteous" judgmental jerks, but there is a place for accountability in the midst of loving Christian community) When a person who seeks wisdom is called on the carpet, they respond with humility and life change. You can learn a lot about a person by speaking tough truths to them out of love.
9:17-18 - The way of folly constantly tries to convince us that rebellion and selfishness is better..."No seriously, the woman you don't have is far more desireable." "The car you don't drive is better." "If it is done in secret and nobody knows about it...who is it going to hurt?" Folly calls to us...call us to turn from God and live the "better" life...the only thing is, that the way of folly is not better - it is bitter.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Proverbs Chapters 4-6
4:18 - The path towards righteousness is like a sun rise...the longer you walk the path, the brighter and brighter it gets. This is a beautiful picture of the main point that Solomon is trying to get across throughout the Book of Proverbs...when you seek out a righteous life, you will be blessed with wisdom and understanding. For the Christian...we understand that righteousness comes through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ - but we honor that sacrifice and live out our faith by walking the path of righteousness.
4:23 - This was a verse that we used as a covenant on on mission trip to Thailand. We knew the trip was going to be hard and that dark forces were at work in the country which is crippled by polytheism, idolatry and demonic influence...so we covenanted together to keep vigilant watch over our hearts. At our times in our lives it is essential to watch the state of our hearts, because it is from the heart that who we are flows.
4:26 - Think thoroughly about where you go, what you are doing and why you are doing it, so that you will make the right choices. This seems like common sense, but I really don't think we take the time to actually contemplate the things we do.
5:3-4 - The temptations of the flesh bring bold promises of pleasure and fulfillment and only bring guilt and bitterness. In Solomon's time the common arenas for adultery would come through prostitution and illicit affairs, but today, adultery can is always waiting on a computer screen...a movie channel...a chat room...a phone call. We must be wary of the lies that these temptations spew.
5:15-20 - (verse 20) Why...why do so many people become intoxicated with what they do not have - why do we chase after the forbidden? The grass is not greener on the other side! True value lies in the commitment of the godly wife...the God sanctioned woman that brings guiltless joy and pleasure...don't let yourself be led astray from the reality of things.
6:1-2, 5 - Do not let yourself get into debt...that is Solomon's advice. He says, "Do everything within your power do get out from under the thumb of debt." If you can, it is like the prey escaping the hunter...it is an experience of freedom. One of the easiest ways to avoid debt is to live within your means.
6:17-19 - In all the lists of things that God abhors and hates throughout the bible, it is always shocking (and sobering) to come across things that are fairly common in the midst of Christian communities. God absolutely abhors lying, yet it is something that happens frequently int he lives of Christians...we have all the excuses down for why we justify our lies but that changes nothing about the fact that God hates it (And usually you don't want to spend time doing stuff that God hates - not good for your life or the future). I work at a church and we frequently see people within our church body that actually sow the seeds of discord among brothers and sisters of Christ...do we all understand that God finds that absolutely detestable? God's people being so self-centered and self-absorbed that they are willing to cause rifts in the community of God's people - that is sick!
6:32 - Another very clear point here from the Solomon...you are an idiot if you choose to live an adulterous lifestyle! Whether you are a physical or mental adulterer the end is the same...adultery brings destruction on your life - stay away from it...guard yourself.
4:23 - This was a verse that we used as a covenant on on mission trip to Thailand. We knew the trip was going to be hard and that dark forces were at work in the country which is crippled by polytheism, idolatry and demonic influence...so we covenanted together to keep vigilant watch over our hearts. At our times in our lives it is essential to watch the state of our hearts, because it is from the heart that who we are flows.
4:26 - Think thoroughly about where you go, what you are doing and why you are doing it, so that you will make the right choices. This seems like common sense, but I really don't think we take the time to actually contemplate the things we do.
5:3-4 - The temptations of the flesh bring bold promises of pleasure and fulfillment and only bring guilt and bitterness. In Solomon's time the common arenas for adultery would come through prostitution and illicit affairs, but today, adultery can is always waiting on a computer screen...a movie channel...a chat room...a phone call. We must be wary of the lies that these temptations spew.
5:15-20 - (verse 20) Why...why do so many people become intoxicated with what they do not have - why do we chase after the forbidden? The grass is not greener on the other side! True value lies in the commitment of the godly wife...the God sanctioned woman that brings guiltless joy and pleasure...don't let yourself be led astray from the reality of things.
6:1-2, 5 - Do not let yourself get into debt...that is Solomon's advice. He says, "Do everything within your power do get out from under the thumb of debt." If you can, it is like the prey escaping the hunter...it is an experience of freedom. One of the easiest ways to avoid debt is to live within your means.
6:17-19 - In all the lists of things that God abhors and hates throughout the bible, it is always shocking (and sobering) to come across things that are fairly common in the midst of Christian communities. God absolutely abhors lying, yet it is something that happens frequently int he lives of Christians...we have all the excuses down for why we justify our lies but that changes nothing about the fact that God hates it (And usually you don't want to spend time doing stuff that God hates - not good for your life or the future). I work at a church and we frequently see people within our church body that actually sow the seeds of discord among brothers and sisters of Christ...do we all understand that God finds that absolutely detestable? God's people being so self-centered and self-absorbed that they are willing to cause rifts in the community of God's people - that is sick!
6:32 - Another very clear point here from the Solomon...you are an idiot if you choose to live an adulterous lifestyle! Whether you are a physical or mental adulterer the end is the same...adultery brings destruction on your life - stay away from it...guard yourself.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Proverbs Chapters 1-3
1:7 - Humbly understanding the power and perfection of God (i.e. fear) is the starting point of wisdom. Why? Because, before a man can start the process of truly becoming wise, he must understand that before God he knows nothing. This beginning place of humility is the fertile ground in which God will plant the seeds of wisdom.
1:17-18 - Evil, selfish, greedy people like to set traps for others. They like to try to take advantage of the weaker...they like to prove their "superiority" by earthly standards - all the while smugly believing the have really won...conquered another person. What they do not know is that the only trap they are truly setting is for themselves. They are tightening the snare of destruction around themselves. Their supposed victory is a precursor to utter defeat.
1:22 - How long will we continue to do the same stupid things...remain in the same destructive patterns that have never truly brought us satisfaction before? Have you ever asked yourself this question? I have...a million times...why do human beings continue to go through the same cycles that have brought nothing but pain in the past?
2:1-5 - If you humbly seek out wisdom...if you chase after it with everything you have...you will understand what it means to fear God. You will understand that fearing God leads to worship of God, which is what we were made for. And in the midst of worshipping God...as you seek His face...He will give you the wisdom that you are looking for. He will write His character and nature on your heart.
2:7 - I like this description of wisdom...wisdom is like a shield that protects you from the fallout of idiotic living. As you grow in wisdom you will be more and more protected.
2:16 - Wisdom will give you the vision to see the lies and the unfulfilled promises of the flesh...wisdom will help you see the destructive, selfish, toxic nature of lust and adultery.
3:3 - Make sure that love and faithfulness are written all over the core of your being and on every aspect of your life - then all aspects of your life will be successful. Does this mean that you will be rich and everything will be perfect? No. It means that you will understand what true success is...it means that you will understand the richness of loving relationship and knowing that God is in control.
3:9 - When we give to God first from our wealth, we are living out our trust of Him and our humility before Him...and these things are essential ingredients to an wisdom seeker's life.
3:11-12 - Do not be angry and resentful when God allows you to wallow in the consequences of your own sin choices. I know this is easier to say than to live out, but it is through these consequences that God disciplines and instructs us. Through the pain we are experiencing, God wants us to return to Him...God's discipline is a sign of His love for us.
3:19-20 - I love this beauty picture of wisdom...Solomon writes that the Lord created the entire universe through His wisdom and understanding. Wisdom is the brush with which God created all things. What can you and I create in your lives by seeking wisdom? Better lives? Better relationships? Peace? Joy? A better world? Yes - I believe we can.
3:30 - This hits very close to home with me. Why do I feel the need to compete and contend with everyone around me? Why do I constantly feel the need to try to prove myself "better" than another? Am I that insecure...am I that fearful? The need to contend over mundane/meaningless events is a sign of arrogant selfishness...not the mark of a wise person.
3:35 - Pretty cut and dry - the life spent seeking Godly wisdom is honorable...the life spent rejecting God and His wisdom is a heartbreaking disgrace.
1:17-18 - Evil, selfish, greedy people like to set traps for others. They like to try to take advantage of the weaker...they like to prove their "superiority" by earthly standards - all the while smugly believing the have really won...conquered another person. What they do not know is that the only trap they are truly setting is for themselves. They are tightening the snare of destruction around themselves. Their supposed victory is a precursor to utter defeat.
1:22 - How long will we continue to do the same stupid things...remain in the same destructive patterns that have never truly brought us satisfaction before? Have you ever asked yourself this question? I have...a million times...why do human beings continue to go through the same cycles that have brought nothing but pain in the past?
2:1-5 - If you humbly seek out wisdom...if you chase after it with everything you have...you will understand what it means to fear God. You will understand that fearing God leads to worship of God, which is what we were made for. And in the midst of worshipping God...as you seek His face...He will give you the wisdom that you are looking for. He will write His character and nature on your heart.
2:7 - I like this description of wisdom...wisdom is like a shield that protects you from the fallout of idiotic living. As you grow in wisdom you will be more and more protected.
2:16 - Wisdom will give you the vision to see the lies and the unfulfilled promises of the flesh...wisdom will help you see the destructive, selfish, toxic nature of lust and adultery.
3:3 - Make sure that love and faithfulness are written all over the core of your being and on every aspect of your life - then all aspects of your life will be successful. Does this mean that you will be rich and everything will be perfect? No. It means that you will understand what true success is...it means that you will understand the richness of loving relationship and knowing that God is in control.
3:9 - When we give to God first from our wealth, we are living out our trust of Him and our humility before Him...and these things are essential ingredients to an wisdom seeker's life.
3:11-12 - Do not be angry and resentful when God allows you to wallow in the consequences of your own sin choices. I know this is easier to say than to live out, but it is through these consequences that God disciplines and instructs us. Through the pain we are experiencing, God wants us to return to Him...God's discipline is a sign of His love for us.
3:19-20 - I love this beauty picture of wisdom...Solomon writes that the Lord created the entire universe through His wisdom and understanding. Wisdom is the brush with which God created all things. What can you and I create in your lives by seeking wisdom? Better lives? Better relationships? Peace? Joy? A better world? Yes - I believe we can.
3:30 - This hits very close to home with me. Why do I feel the need to compete and contend with everyone around me? Why do I constantly feel the need to try to prove myself "better" than another? Am I that insecure...am I that fearful? The need to contend over mundane/meaningless events is a sign of arrogant selfishness...not the mark of a wise person.
3:35 - Pretty cut and dry - the life spent seeking Godly wisdom is honorable...the life spent rejecting God and His wisdom is a heartbreaking disgrace.
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