Proverbs 27 - A Man's Heart

27:19 As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.

I have spent most of my adult life trying to hide my heart. Not because it was bad, but because I was vulnerable. I look at my son and I see me as a child. I want so much for him to be able to go through life and remain the way he is: open, sensitive, warm, caring, unaffected, etc. I know that won't happen so I vow that he will know how to deal with it better due to my experiences. My father or mother were never there to talk to me, to help me understand what I was feeling, to help me deal with hurt and frustration. Sensitive people get hurt and learn to hide their heart. Eventually you become someone you don't even know, recognize, or like. I spent years running and hiding. I vow that my kids will not go through that. One thing that I have learned in life is that often the tougher the person acts typically the softer their heart.

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27:22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar, grinding him like grain with a pestle, you will not remove his folly from him.

It seems like there is little hope for the fool, that they are predestined to be fools. And maybe they are, but there is hope for them in Jesus Christ. All have the opportunity to be a new creation in Christ. I am living proof. I spent many years behaving like a fool. But the heart of a fool was not in me. The foundation for believing in Christ was laid in me as a child and though I turned away for many years, I came back, accepted Christ, and have spent the last 14 years turning things around. It has been extremely difficult. I have had to re-learn 20 years of bad behavior, of living one way. Never give up hope for anyone. God loves a wishes all to come to Christ. When you look at the world today, there is no reason that Christ does not come back this very minute other than He is being patient until the allotted number has been reached.

Proverbs 26 - Gross

26:11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.

Our propensity in life is to return to the sins of our past. I know that has always been true with me. Satan knows our weaknesses and he plays/preys upon them. He wants to make us ineffective for the kingdom. Every time I have slipped it has usually been from those sins that have dragged me down before. We need to be aware of what those sins are so that we can take special precaution not to allow ourselves to be overly tempted or drawn into them. As a dog returning to his own vomit, returning to our own past life is often gross and disgusting to us once there. How could I be so stupid, how could I even think to relive the past? I want only to move forward with my hand in God's.

Proverbs 25 - Refreshment

25:13 Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters.

Though this time of year is one of great stress, it is also one of great renewal. We think about the birth of Christ and what that means to us, what hope it gives us. Every year God brings us this great message. The message of His coming to earth to save us. As we reflect we renew our promises to God, renew our promises to each other, and renew our promises to ourselves.

Do you make New Year's resolutions? I do. I did not used to because I could never keep them, but then I figured that was a defeatist attitude. Even if I do not keep them, it is good to have a self-improvement goal for the year. At the end of the year you can look back and renew your goal. I strive harder and harder each year to meet my resolutions. Some I meet, others I don't. Above all, I strive to keep things in perspective. My goals this year are pretty much the same as last year. Spend more time with God is high on the list

Proverbs 24 - Bring the Rain

24:27 Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.

I don't need to say anything about this scripture. These videos and the scripture says it all. We need to prepare our fields for the Lord's blessing and quit questioning Him

Mercy Me "Jesus Bring the Rain"

Proverbs 23 - Are U Wearing Out

23:4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. 5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

Are you killing yourself to get rich or at least seem rich? How is Christmas shopping going for you? I know I have a difficult time at Christmas making ends meet and wanting to do so much for my kids and giving to charities. It seems that no matter how hard I try I am always broke this time of year. I have learned not to stress about it. Christmas is about Christ and Christ alone. I listened to a story on KKHT this week about a child on whose birthday everyone gave presents to everyone else but him, relatives came to visit but stayed at other places and never came to see him, celebrations occurred but they weren't celebrating his birthday. This is what Christ feels like as Christmas. I wish so much that our culture would turn this around. We, as Christians need to turn this around. I try, but I feel I sometimes am lacking. I have tried different things year after year to put the focus on Christ for myself and my children, but culture drags me down.

23:16 my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.

I made a big mistake with this just last night. I had a conversation with someone who was going through a difficult time and tried to bring some levity to the situation. It did not work right and I was disappointed that what I have learned from these lessons seemed naught. A rightful word spoken at the right time is like healing to a wound. I did not do this. I guess the good thing is, I realized the fact, but I wish I had said something different. It is very difficult to know what to say sometimes so if you don't know what to say, silence is golden

Proverbs 22 - Discipline

15 A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away.

Ever wonder why military school works? Why parents, judges, and court systems send kids to camp or military school to straighten them out? Here is the reason. Physical discipline keeps youngsters from creating mischief or getting into trouble. The saying, "idle hands are the devils workshop", is absolutely true. If I keep myself busy, I keep myself from getting involved in wrong things. It was this way when I grew up. Because my parents did not keep me involved enough in extra-curricular activities, I stayed in trouble. It is difficult on the parents. You get frustrated, tired, and just don't want to run from place to place acting as a chauffeur, but the altenerative is a troubled youth. I plan to keep my kids so busy they won't be able to think about trouble.

On the other hand, you cannot be so busy that you forget to spend time with God. Again this is another reason I think that a quiet time in the morning is the best solution. Spend your relaxed time with God first thing, then busy your day. Don't stop until you drop. Then do it all over again 6 days a week. Rest completely 1 day. It works!

Proverbs 21 - Learn from fools

21:11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge.

Even the wise learn things from fools. Fools are in trouble all the time, either with their relationships, with the jobs, with the law, or in the public eye. Wise people take note of this and gain wisdom from their folly. Did your parents ever tell you, "I want you to learn from the mistakes I made"? This is the principal behind this scripture. If we are wise we will learn from our own and other's mistakes.

21:16 A man who strays from the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead


Danny Way - Big Air Wipe Out

The use of common sense it not too common anymore it seems. With some of the extreme behavior today it is a surprise to me that there is not more tragedy. I am sure there is but it goes unpublished. Have you ever watched the X-Games? The stuff some of these guys do is insane. Coming down a 75 foot ramp on a skateboard, like ski jumping, doing double back flips on motocross bikes, etc. These things to me are just a window into the mind of people these days. They are extreme in everything, especially their personal lives. How the world is not dying from STDs is a mystery. Or is it? Superbugs, AIDs, Cancer, are all on the rise. Fallen economy, bankruptcy, excessive debt, are all spiraling out of control. It seems that common sense has left the building

Proverbs 20 - RU Pure

20:9 Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin"?

And the answer is.......NO ONE! I think this one scripture sums up the entire Old Testament and prefaces the coming of Jesus Christ. Very pertinent during this time of the year. How do you see your savior? I see mine as in the picture above. I do not believe that Christ was anything like we tend to picture Him. He was a rugged, strong, man's man. Yes He was very kind, courteous, compassionate, loving. But He also did not put up with any crap. He confronted sin, Satan, Sadducee's, and Pharisees head on. He turned over stone tables, He man-handled a demon possessed man who broke his chains, and he took 40 lashes on his back with a cat of 9 tails, not to mention bearing the cross on the road to Calvary. He was definitely no wimp. He did all of this knowing what the end would be like. Can you imagine? If you knew that you would be crucified for you children at the end of the road, after school, teen years, college, etc., would you choose a different path. Maybe not, but would you do the same for the person you consider vile, disgusting, degenerate? I sincerely doubt it. Christ died for ALL!

Proverbs 19 - Continued from Proverbs 18

19:2 It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.

Okay, did I read ahead? This verse it seems should come directly after Proverbs 18:2 as a continuation of airing your opinions. See my comments from 18.


19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

What is your picture of this scripture? What does it mean to you to be content and untouched by trouble? When I try to picture this in my mind I see myself lying in a tall field of grass, with blue skies, gentle breeze. A strand of grass in my mouth, arms folded behind my head, neatly pressed shirt, beautiful woman lying on my side, and a peaceful smile across my face. That is my peaceful place. Of course we all know that life cannot be like that always. Or can it? This verse at least tells us that if we have respect and awe for the Lord we can rest contently always. Nothing can touch us. Trouble will come, there is no doubt. But our faith and dependence on the Lord will give us a peace that surpasses understanding.

Proverbs 18 - Air it Out

18:2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.

Do you know people like this? Have you ever been like this? I know I have. I want to be less and less like this as I get older (and hopefully wiser). I find that a lot of people are just parrots. They repeat anything they hear or read without researching the matter. How many of you have gotten urban legend emails from friends claiming that they are true? How many times have you heard someone being so strongly opinionated about something that you just read on Yahoo? Sometimes it is ridiculous to think that we will spend such a great amount of effort blabbing on and on about something that we have not even researched or formed our own opinion about. I have resolved to understand before I speak. If I don't understand or care enough to research the matter, I need to be quiet and keep my opinion to myself.

Proverbs 17 - A time to be grateful

17:5 Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.

This time of year is the time we reflect on how fortunate we all are. If we have a roof over our head, food on the table, and clothes on our back, we are more fortunate than most of the world's population. It so very easy for us to get caught up in "our world" here in the states, in keeping up with the Jones', that we fail to remember that. No matter what you have, where you are, God made us all, and we are all equal in that regard. Whenever we mock someone, or make fun or someone, we are mocking God. That is a big statement and should keep us from ever making fun of anyone. Where does this tendency to make fun of others come from? I see it in my kids and I believe it is a learned behavior. Whether taught at home, at school, or just around others. It is also a very difficult behavior to unlearn and you have to make a conscious effort to control your thoughts first.

17:27 A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.

Are you a man of few words? How about and even temper? I would like to think I am but the truth of the matter is often I am not. I truck along at an even temper then I either want to blow a gasket, or I do. It also seems that these two verses go hand in hand. It seems that when I am even tempered, I am typically a man of few words, and visa-versa. Part of it for me is about realizing my mood and adjusting it. I am not one of those people who gets up every day and it is rosy. I have my days where I just want to kick everyone's butt. Those are the ones I have to be very careful and monitor my mouth and attitude. I often wonder does every one have days like this? I know that some do as you can tell by talking to them. Being a part of this study has given me additional insight and tools to fight the battle of the mind and mouth with.

Proverbs 16 - Godly Humor

16:9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

I heard a statement this week by Art Linkletter. He said that Phyllis Diller once told him, "You want to make God laugh", "Tell Him your plans". I think our lives are a lot like this. We make plans, we try to get ahead, etch out a good life for ourselves and our families, but no matter which way we go, God is going to move us down the path He intended for us. It may be an easy road if we stay in God's will, but more often it will be a winding road with intersections, dead-ends, construction, and unpaved paths. I think that I tend to make God laugh a lot. There are so many times that I have "felt" God's leading in my life, only to realize that it was not God's leading at all, but merely my strong desire. The best that I think I have learned is that God is patient and he deals with us patiently. If you feel a strong urgent, urge in your life, examine is carefully. You may find that it is your own desire and not the Lord's. When your desire lines up with God's, He will open doors and windows to make it happen

Proverbs 15 - The eyes of the Lord

15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.

Kind of spooky. Everything you do is seen by God. I think on the whole that I am a pretty good person, but knowing that God sees everything I do makes me want everything to stand up to scrutiny and in the light of God. If I feel that way h0w can evil people live with themselves. It is very obvious that they do not have the Holy Spirit in their life or even any conscience

15:23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!

Most of us are well versed in saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. How often do we say the right thing? Has there ever been a time in your life where you knew what to say but didn't for fear? Fear of seeming silly, or foolish, or too sappy? A good part of the book of Proverbs is about learning to keep our mouths shut and our minds open. Knowing what and when to speak are also a huge part of wisdom. The more we practice God's principles stated here, the more we will know when to speak, and the more open we will be to the Holy Spirit's leading us with what to say and when to say it. It is so easy to get off this path, to become just another jabber-wocky. That is why we need to keep these words in the forefront of our lives and minds.

Proverbs 14 - Forgiveness

14:30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.
Forgiveness. What a big word and task. Something each and every one of us needs to give in abundance. There is not one of us who have not been wronged or hurt at one time or another. There is not one of us who has not wronged or hurt another at one time or another. Christ told us that we will not be forgiven unless we forgive. I can speak from experience what it is like to hold a grudge, to not grant forgiveness. It tears you apart. I gives the other person power over you, and it ends up that your inability to forgive doesn't have the result you would like it to, but instead it has a grip on your life, and keeps you from moving forward. Forgiving others does not mean you forget. It does not mean that you trust that person again, it does not mean that you allow yourself to be put into the position to be hurt again by that person. What it means is that you relinquish the right to revenge, that you say "it's okay". You don't have to understand it, you just have to do it. God will help you to overcome, and maybe sometimes understand, but that is not what is important. Forgiveness frees you from the chains that bind you. I realized some several weeks ago that there were some people that I had never truly forgiven. Not from recent events but from 20+ years ago. Yes, I thought I had forgiven the parties, but I had not really confessed this forgiveness to God. When I did, there were some feelings that I did not know were there that surfaced and I was able to deal with them. Are there things in your past that you need to exhume? I have asked God to show me all. I want no unforgiven deeds in my life whether it be to me or against me.

Proverbs 13 - No coincidence

13:1 A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction.
13: 24 Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.


Okay, so this is absolutely no coincidence that the previous chapter and blog are confirmed by this chapter. What I am loving it that I seem to be learning! There is so much further to go that it is exciting. The concern that comes from the latter verse listed above is that I wonder how many parents must hate their children today. I remember some words that will stick with me forever by someone (that will go unmentioned), who told me "You don't want to break your child's spirit", when I was disciplining my daughter. Not physical discipline, but discipline well deserved and in a proper manner. My thoughts were "How absurd". If that spirit is a spirit of rebellion, disrespect, hatred, anger, or evil, then yes, I want to and will break that spirit. I see and hear of so many parents today that don't believe in corporal punishment. Granted spankings are not always the answer. There is a proper time, place, and method for using this type of discipline, but not using it at all, I can just not fathom. In my childhood, my grandmother/grandparents were not to be reckoned with, questioned, or sassed. I would have to go select the switch off the willow tree to bust my butt with. And I had better get a good one. But I have the utmost respect for my grandmother (God rest her soul and I long to see her again). She was also the most wonderful woman I have ever known. She allowed me to do things my parents would not, she trusted me when they didn't, and she came to my rescue when needed. But she did not spare the rod when I deserved it. I hate more than anything to discipline my kids, but I can't bare to think how they would be if I didn't.


I couldn't resist this picture because obviously what some of our political, financial, and corporate leaders need is a good strong dose of discipline

Proverbs 12 - Learn to love Discipline

12:1 To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.

Discipline has many meanings, most of which are deemed as negative to most people. But in truth discipline is good, good for life, good for learning, good for us in general. In order to be good at anything you must discipline yourself to learn, to practice, and to persevere. When I watch professional golfers I am so often in awe of their talent, but more so in the discipline it took for them to get to that level.

Additionally, in order to learn we often have to accept discipline in the form of correction sometimes even punishment. How many of us would drive the speed limit if it were not for the consequences of getting tickets. I know that God loves me when He disciplines me. He tells us in His word that He only disciplines those He loves. As painful as it may be, I have learned to love God's discipline and realize that it is making me a better, more Christ-like person. Our natural instinct is to hate discipline. Just look at your kids. But if you did not love your children you would not discipline them. I put my kids in Tae Kwon Do several years ago to mainly learn discipline. Discipline of mind and body. I have seen great results from this and know it will be something they will carry through life. The wonderful thing is to see is your children responding positively to your discipline, knowing that it is proper and teaching them to better themselves. That is how God feels when we respond to His discipline with gratefulness and understanding

Proverbs 11 - Built with God

8 The godly are rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.

Though this is not the best picture I have seen of Crystal Beach post-Ike, this scripture comes to mind every time I see the few houses remaining after the storm. In the middle of complete devastation, there are one or two homes remaining. It makes me wonder did the people that owned those homes have something different about them. Possibly, but more likely is there was something different about the construction. Our lives are like that. How we construct them determines how we will hold up in times of trouble. Jesus was very clear about building our house upon the rock (Himself) so that when times of trouble come we will prevail. Not so with the ungodly. They will be blown away with the wind. Believing in Jesus is not sufficient. Having Jesus as your savior is a good beginning. We need to build our lives one step at a time. Christ the foundation, the word of God are the beams or the pillars, prayer is the roof and the walls that protect us from the elements, but faith and complete dependence on God are the hurricane straps and ties downs that hold it all together when troubles come. And they will come

11:12 It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor; a sensible person keeps quiet. 13 A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

So many times it is very easy to want to speak bad about a neighbor you are at sorts with. I have one that I never talk to. Not that I haven't tried. It is just that this neighbor is very difficult to deal with. Yet I do my best to never talk badly about him. I usually just keep quiet, pray, and hope that one day things will be better. I guess that maybe I am blessed in this manner. I have never been one to gossip about others. I can't stand this sort of behavior. It is causing me problems with my job. I work in a group of people that always find it very easy to point fingers at everyone else. Not that they are always wrong, I just never see the point in this. When you take part in this kind of finger-pointing, you will be the victim of it as well. I don't want fingers pointed at me as it tends to be the wrong finger!

Proverbs 10 - Godly Remembrance

10:7 We have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away.

When you remember people who have come and gone who do you remember? What about famous people, who are those that come to mind? I find myself thinking about people like George Washington, John Wayne, Walter Payton, Art Monk. Strange mix I know but to me these people were heroes. Though John Wayne may not have been your typical Christian, He live with honor, dignity, strength, and integrity. We need people like him today. Walter Payton (Sweetness), was just that. He was a hero on and off the football field. He was a strong Christian and it showed in every part of his life. Art Monk's son - James Monk Jr's introduction speech for his dad's induction into the hall of fame, and the Art's speech was one of the most awesome things I have ever seen on TV. This man embodied the Christian walk and it flowed down to his family. These are the people I remember.

19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

Have you ever been around people who just talk and talk and talk. It seems that they really don't say a lot but the more they say the deeper the hole they dig. I have learned that it is best to be quiet, especially if what you say does not honor God. Funny, but people don't seem to like that. They always wonder what is wrong with you, why don't you talk. It is sometime funny in a way.

Proverbs 9 - Dinner Time

1 Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars; 2 She has slaughtered her meat, She has mixed her wine, She has also furnished her table. 3 She has sent out her maidens, She cries out from the highest places of the city, 4 “ Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, 5 “ Come, eat of my bread And drink of the wine I have mixed.

Wisdom (Christ) has set out His best for us. He is waiting for us to come to his banqueting table and rejoice with Him. Why is it we seem to be so stupid then? Why is our country run by fools and we as fools allow it. The text I have highlighted emphasizes the extent the Christ want us to join Him. The number seven is used throughout the bible as a number of perfection. To eat slaughtered meat with the host in biblical times was to be the honored guest. When a friend invites you over to eat steak, don't you feel honored. And then mixed wine. I am not sure how much you know about wine but the best most expensive wines are mixed from a variety of grapes. Cabernets, Syrahs, Zinfandels, are all made by mixing the choicest of grapes. And then Solomon tops it off by saying that wisdom (Christ) cries out from the highest places of the city. That is like making a public announcement over the television media to come join for the grandest, free feast of all time. Yet so many turn away. Are you ready to join Christ at his banqueting table? Are you dining with Him now? All you have to do is accept the invitation


Audio Adrenaline "Big, Big House

Proverbs 8

8:22 “ The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old. (NKJV)

8:22 "The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old; (NIV)

Sometimes I am so confused by scripture. I want God to enlighten me. I have read/heard many commentaries on Proverbs and these particular passages in general. It is common thought that Christ is wisdom, Christ is whom Solomon is talking about predominantly when he speaks about wisdom and he refers to wisdom in the female sense. I know that there are a couple of reasons for this. One, that we should love and embrace wisdom as a man does (or should) a woman. Two, many of the characteristics of wisdom are anthropomorphically like a woman. Like that word! I have waited a long time to use it! But I don't understand how the scholars who have translated this particular passage seem to have gone divergent ways. Solomon is again describing Christ in this passage. In fact the entire Proverb can be summarized as this: Christ is wisdom, seeking Christ is rewarding, Christ has always been. I am going to go to my Hebrew bible and translate this for myself and get back with you. Possessed me and brought forth are 2 very different meanings and neither seem to fit the whole. I know all that about "thought for thought" and "word for word" stuff, but I really want to know what the original Hebrew word is trying to convey so when someone asks me, I will know

Proverbs 7 - Perception is Reality

7:6 While I was at the window of my house, looking through the curtain, 7 I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense. 8 He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman, strolling down the path by her house. 9 It was at twilight, in the evening, as deep darkness fell. 10 The woman approached him, seductively dressed and sly of heart. 11 She was the brash, rebellious type, never content to stay at home. 12 She is often in the streets and markets, soliciting at every corner. 13 She threw her arms around him and kissed him, and with a brazen look she said, 14 “I’ve just made my peace offerings and fulfilled my vows. 15 You’re the one I was looking for! I came out to find you, and here you are!

Wow! I have often heard (obviously not always applied) the principle, "If you want to understand scripture, you need to try to visualize the scene, put your self in that place". I have read this scripture many times and always taken away that I need to beware of the seductress. But there is much more than that. The thing that stands out to me here is that this man was an easy mark. He was obviously hanging out in the wrong place, with the wrong people, doing wrong things. Solomon looked out his window and saw this man and immediately took him for one with no common sense. The picture that comes to mind for me is Mardi Gras and looking out of the window of a hotel. It is very obvious who the fools are. This scripture states that the woman came out specifically looking for this person, or at least this type of person. We need to make sure we are not perceived this way. Unfortunately, today, perception is often viewed are reality. Sometimes this is just, sometimes not. I would always suggest that we, as Christians, error on the side of caution. We need to always give the perception of a Christ follower

Proverbs 6 - Difficult Message

6:2 if you have trapped yourself by your agreement and are caught by what you said— 3 follow my advice and save yourself, for you have placed yourself at your friend’s mercy. Now swallow your pride; go and beg to have your name erased. 4 Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do. 5 Save yourself like a gazelle escaping from a hunter, like a bird fleeing from a net.

This scripture is somewhat difficult to understand and very difficult to explain. Does this mean that we are not supposed to enter into agreements with anyone. Surely not. What this does mean is that we are not supposed to enter into any agreement that we know would limit our ability to be all the we can be for God, for our careers, for our family, etc. I was recently discussing something of this sort with a friend of mine with regards to a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). With regards to this type of document it is very difficult to know when it is proper to sign one and when it is not. NDAs are generally a blanket statement saying that everything you do while working for a company becomes their property, that you cannot take contacts you make while working for them and use them elsewhere, that you cannot disclose any of this information or other information obtained, discovered, generated, etc while under the NDA contract. These contracts are typical in the banking industry as a bank will often not enter into a relationship with you from a corporate standpoint until you sign one. As a whole these agreements are not enforceable but as a Christian anything you sign you have put your name and integrity on and you are bound by that integrity to honor. That is what Solomon is trying to state here. When you enter into an agreement you must be sure that it will not ever cause you to undermine your integrity or your faith or you will have to beg the other party for release from this agreement

Proverbs 5 - Save Yourself

5:16 Why spill the water of your springs in the streets, having sex with just anyone? 17 You should reserve it for yourselves. Never share it with strangers

Never give yourself to an immoral woman it will only be to your demise, especially for a Christian man. How do people live with one night stands. They don't really. It is a very shallow existence and those you have been with rob you of your strength. John Eldredge even goes a step further in his book "Wild at Heart". He talks about how masturbation robs you of your strength. I have heard many different viewpoints on this subject. Some say it is immoral and site one scripture in the bible that they use to justify this. I have heard others (James Dobson) say that masturbation is acceptable in a non-marriage situation as long as you do not use visual stimulation during the act. I don't agree with James Dobson on this and tend to lean towards John Eldredge's interpretation. I think this scripture is clear. Don't waste your seed casually, don't share yourself with anyone. You should guard yourself, guard your heart, and guard the precious gift God has given us for marriage and procreation

Proverbs 4 - The Light

4:18 But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble.

Walking the path of the Lord is wonderful. It is full of illumination, sometimes painful illumination but that is part of our growth. God continually shows us things in our life that need to be trimmed or removed and he is constantly grooming us to be like Jesus. As we grow we learn to avoid those things that make us stumble and fall along the way and our walk becomes ever brighter. Not so with the wicked. They are walking in the darkness of this world and cannot see the things around them that cause them to stumble and fall. Have you ever been in pitch dark blackness? I mean completely no light at all? It is very disturbing. I think the closest I have ever been to this would be scuba diving at around 200 feet. It is pitch dark down there. Without my underwater light it was frightening. That is what a life without Christ is like. I am so glad to have Him in my life and I pray that He illuminates my life to more and more each day

DC Talk "In the Light"

Proverbs 3 - Mercy and Truth

3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart

Mercy and truth are a common theme with God. He talks about them in Psalms, Proverbs, the New Testament and throughout the entire bible God's message to us can be wrapped up into these 2 words.

Mercy - 1. Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one's power; clemency. 2. A disposition to be kind and forgiving:
Truth -(A) the state of being the case, the body of real things, events, and facts, a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality (B) a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or (C) the body of true statements and propositions

The promise for us to live with mercy and truth bound around our necks is not a burden. In fact, just the opposite is true. Scripture says that we will find favor with God and man. We will be esteemed. I am trying my best to be a merciful as possible. It is somewhat ironic that even before I embarked on this journey that my goal at the beginning of 2008 had an element of mercy. I wanted to see the good in everyone and everything and I wanted to make sure that I accentuated that to them. Edification. I guess you could consider this part of mercy. The fact is that mercy and truth are extremely hard to define in a few sentences. It is a way of life. It has to emanate out of us and that can only be done by the Holy Spirit. We were made in the image of God, and God's image is mercy and truth. Only by getting back to who God truly meant us to be can we reflect that image.

Okay, I have to give MJ some air time!

Proverbs 2 - Knowledge Store

2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright

There is no such thing as a free lunch right? Wrong. In God everything is free, but it does cost you your life. Now that sounds kind of funny. How can it be free if it cost you your life? Because God already owns your life anyway. What He is asking is that you direct your steps towards Him, turn your will over to Him. That His will becomes your will. The gifts that God gives you are absolutely free. Eternal life with him, wisdom, peace, understanding, patience, forbearance, perseverance, etc. Those are gifts you could not buy no matter how rich you are. In fact, this scripture even says that God gives wisdom, that He stores it for the upright. He is just waiting to give us wisdom. All we have to do is ask.

Proverbs 1 - Strong Tree

1:2 To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity; 4 To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion1:5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel

Reading the introduction to this passage reminds me of Psalms 1, one of my favorite pieces of scripture. It talks about the strong tree and how it will stand against tough times, drought, disease, etc. It is planted by the water so that it will bring forth fruit in its season, it shall not wither. To me these verses are tied together. We are the tree. Christ is the river of water. As long as we abide in Him, lean on Him, trust i n Him, we will prosper. There is nothing better we can do for our own souls or ourselves period than to stay close to Him. I know when things get tough in my life and I don't seem to be able to withstand them, it is usually because I am not leaning on Christ enough. I have tried to go it on my own. God wants us to be able to take steps of faith, but not without Him. Anything done without Him will fail to be fruitful. It is just chaff that will blow away with the wind. Do you have any chaff in your life? I know that I do and I want to do everything possible to remove the chaff and start over in those places.

Proverbs 30 - Not Today

32 If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, Or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth.

I work in a world where people are always exalting themselves. They point fingers, place blame, talk about how good they are. In fact, I just came back from a week long business trip where that is all everyone did. It makes me sick. I know that I have been guilty of this at times as well. Maybe not so much in work but in life. I want God to show me every moment when I am exalting myself unjustly. I should never exalt myself but need to exalt God.

Proverbs 29 - The Fork in the Road

29:16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.

This is obviously fitting for the world today. We are seeing sin abound and run rampant in society. Think back about 20 years ago to what was acceptable on TV, what was considered an R-rated movie, what language and behavior was tolerable in public. Now look at today. I don't think there is any doubt where we are headed. The verse immediately preceding this states that a child left to himself will bring shame upon his mother. Well I think society as a whole brings shame to God. Does that mean God has left us to ourselves. Maybe, in some ways. Those who choose not to acknowledge Him, spend time with Him, worship Him, yes. The problem is that there are more and more who are going down this path today. I thank God every day that I have been redeemed from this life of frivolity and destruction.

Proverbs 28 - Unheard Prayer

28:9 One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.

Do you every feel like your prayers bounce of the walls or dissipate into thin air? I know I have. I sometimes feel like I have prayed and prayed for so long for so many things but never receive a reply. Is God listening? Does He care? Why doesn't He answer me? I have had moments of intense despair, pain, emotional hurt when I cried out to God and seemed to have gotten no answer. Unfortunately, we don't always feel the presence of God. But that does not mean He is not there. In fact, He never leaves our side. "I will never forsake you", is His promise. But why does it feel like He does sometimes. I think back in my own journey and I think that many of these times is because I did not listen when He did speak and I was not following His will. I may have had un-confessed sin or been preoccupied with other things, but it is never God that does not listen or is not present. Most of the time it is us who are not present. God demands our undivided attention and it is during these times when you will truly feel God's presence. I am learning all over again (it seems) how to do this. Some days are better than others. Sometimes His word speaks to my heart as if He is right beside me (which He is). Other times I cannot seem to shut out the world to hear Him. Ask God to show you what is interfering with your communication. He will!


Barlow Girl "Never Alone"

Proverbs 27 - The Window to the Soul

27:20 Hell and Destruction are never full; So the eyes of man are never satisfied.


Casting Crowns "Slow Fade"

We must never forget that the evil one is out there lurking for us. He knows our weaknesses and he plays upon them. We need to constantly be on our guard and not give the devil a foothold. What we look at, what we listen to in our music, television programs, Internet, books, magazines, and other media communications. For a man it can be a very subliminal and sneaky attack. One day you take a double look at a pretty girl, the next you are watching some steamy movie on Dish, the next your surfing the Internet looking at stuff you shouldn't, then the next you are behaving immorally. I really love the above video and song above by Casting Crowns because it is right on the mark. Black and white slowly become grey and before you know it you are so far away from the man God intended you to be, and you are lost. We are not fighting a battle that is new to us just because of multi-media. Judah, Paul, Augustine, Origen, and many other great church fathers and Christians have fought the same battle. It is more pervasive today because of our lax morality and there are many more methods to explore the pleasures of the flesh. Don't give into the lusts of the flesh, no matter what they be. The reward and pleasure of walking with God are much more!

Proverbs 26 - The wisdom? of Fools

26:7 Like the legs of the lame that hang limp Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

I was watching a show the other day, I can't remember what it was, or who it was at this time, but the one thing I remember is that he attempted to quote some proverb and butchered it to the point that it did not make sense. His proverb was paralyzed. Of course I am sure there are some fools out there to whom it was immense wisdom but he completely lost me and I turned the channel. Don't let others turn the channel on you! God wants our words to be few, but the ones we choose need to be seasoned with wisdom, truth, love, and kindness. It takes a long time to gain wisdom, and a short time to become a fool. And this is most likely done with our mouths. It makes no difference how wise you actually are if you mouth spews only foolish words and advice

Proverbs 25 - Too much of a good thing

16 Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit.

Late Rich Mullins "Awesome God"

Honey in biblical days was like finding gold. It was probably the sweetest food source around and was not only eaten but was also used for medicinal purposes. But eating too much honey can make you sick. Sick to your stomach, diarrhea, acne, it could even cause an imbalance in your sugar levels which can lead to diabetes. Too much of anything is not good for us.

I guess you could call this the moderation verse but I like to look at it as someone who hordes. There are many people in this country who have been extremely blessed financially, yet they are some of the stingiest people I have ever heard of. Take Britney Spears as a good example. I read that she makes $750,000 a month without ever lifting a finger. That is how much she continues to bring in from all her music royalties. Last year she gave $500 to charity! I just cannot fathom that from someone who claims to be a Christian. There comes a point when you make so much money you can't use it all. It will overflow your life and everything you do. T. Boone Pickens said recently "I don't need anymore money", thus he gives a lot of his money away to worthy causes. Contrast those 2 lives. Her life is one big bag of vomit and out of control, and his is going strong with a happy marriage, successful business, successful philanthropy, etc. I don't know about you but I would choose the latter. Most of us are not blessed with this kind of wealth, but we are blessed in many areas of our life where we have abundance. It may be an abundance of time, talent, or treasure. It may be that you have a specific skill that can benefit someone right now. It may be that you have more clothes than you could ever wear or more toys than you can ever play with. Look around your life and see what you can share. I promise you God will provide more.

I write this blog a few days behind and today is Thanksgiving. I am reminded how much I am truly blessed. This has been a great year! It was not the best year financially or relationally, but it was a great year spiritually and I could not ask for a better blessing. I want each and every year to be a step forward in moving closer to Jesus and I thank Him immensely for His love, kindness, PATIENCE, and perseverance

Proverbs 24:10 - Praise in the Storm

24:10 If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small


Casting Crowns "Praise You In The Storm"

The past week (actually year) as been a real period of adversity for me, at least in the way of things going wrong. I have had vehicle repairs, septic system repairs, repairs to my kids 4-wheelers, lightening strike, Hurricane Ike, etc. You name it, it has broken or gone wrong. I have given thanks to God for all of these challenges and I have been amazed at the way I handled all these situations. I have been able to find ways to squeeze blood out of a turnip so to speak. This weekend, for instance, my truck started idling rough and I wasn't sure what the problem was. I figured it might be time for a tune up (it is due for its 100k service) but you don't really tune diesel engines. I decided to pop the hood and take a look. When I did I was shocked. There was oil/diesel all over the top of the engine and I knew something was terribly wrong. I feared the worst but to make a long story short my injectors we stuck and dumping diesel into the crankcase which in turn blew out the top where you add oil. My mechanic said that it could cost anywhere from $1000-$7000. I thank God for this mechanic as he is one of the most honest people I know. He told me to call the dealership to make sure that there wasn't a "campaign" for that problem. Turns out there was and it is only going to cost me for the oil change! During the entire time, I never got upset or angry, and only praised God during each moment of the trial and knew that whatever the outcome He would find a way. It was a good day after all. This may sound very simple to you but it is the simple things God works on that build the overall character. We need to be able to stand on faith that God is always present and working for us in little and big things. We need to be able to praise Him in good times and bad. Through this He can teach us so much and depend on us for bigger things

Proverbs - Wasted Life

23:29 Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? 30 It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks. 31 Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down. 32 For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper. 33 You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things. 34 You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast. 35 And you will say, “They hit me, but I didn’t feel it. I didn’t even know it when they beat me up. When will I wake up so I can look for another drink?”

Do you know people like this? I sure do. I see a lot of people where I live who spend their nights and days like this. Some are really good people who just don't know any other way. They blow their wealth, their health, and their time getting drunk. They have all kinds of problems. They get in trouble, they get in debt, they get in fights, they go through friends like water. It is very sad and I pray for them all the time because I can remember when my life was like this. I was very empty and could never fill the void so I partied to cover up the hole in my heart. I praise God every day for rescuing from this life. Unfortunately our country has a huge drinking problem. We also have some very hypocritical laws that support this drinking problem. Let's face it, there is big money in alcohol production, sales, and distribution. Do you know why people seem to have the need to get drunk? What is you opinion on the drinking problem in America. What are your opinions on social drinking, or drinking period? Additionally there are some denominations that send very mixed messages about drinking therefore negating the effect the church has on the alcohol abusing public.

Proverbs 22

22:2 The rich and poor have this in common: The Lord made them both

Have you ever been in situations where you are among wealthy, successful people and felt out of place? Like you didn't belong? Did it make you depressed because you felt inferior to them because they seem to have been either lucky or more fortunate than you? This scripture reminds us that when you boil it all down we are the same. We have the same maker, we are all the same in God's eyes, and we will all come before the Lord in the end. It is very easy to be envious of those more successful, more happy, more prosperous. God has set each and everyone of us on our own path and we need to constantly remind ourselves that we have our own special purpose. It is our destiny to find our purpose in the body of Christ but all Christians make up different parts of the body. We need to strive for unity in the body in order to achieve the full power we are intended to achieve

6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

I have seen this time and time again. It is true in my own life. Though for many years I went astray, God's presence was always there in my life, my mind, and my heart. I eventually came back to the Lord and dedicated my life to Him. We have an awesome and daunting responsibility as parents to introduce, educate, and nurture our children in God's word. The better we do, the stronger they will be to live out their faith.

Proverbs 21 - Do what is right

21:3 The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices

This picture depicts Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac on Mt. Moriah. This a great story. God did not want Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, but what He wanted was a willingness for him to do His will, no matter what the cost. He wanted to know if he would be faithful. I cannot imagine what went through Abraham's mind at this time. Having a son myself it would be hard to understand God's request, hard to believe it, and even harder to follow through. I guess part of the good thing was that God spoke directly with Abraham, not like He does today. Still God calls us to do things that often don't make sense. He asks us to step out in faith against all odds, against what seems logical, and definitely against what the world would do. Is God asking you to do something today? Is He asking you to step out in faith? What has he done for you when you have obeyed His calling?

Mercy Me "You Reign"

There is no questioning that God is everywhere and He see everything. Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in some of the terrible things that happen in this world. Why are there child molesters, murders, people who kill their kids, wars, terrorism, soldiers dying for freedom? For us, we can't understand why God lets the things occur and we sometimes wonder if He has just turned His back on us. Not so. There will come a day when all will kneel before the throne and give account for their lives. We may not live to see justice for the evil on this earth but we will see justice in that day.

Proverbs 20 - Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

24 The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?

Do you ever find yourself trying to make sense of things that just don't make sense? Ever wonder why this particular thing or that particular thing happened and what is it that God is trying to show you? I think that sometimes we just have to set back and let God. He is in control of all things and everything in our lives. He knows the decisions and actions we are going to take or make before they happen and He has already managed the outcome. We just need to walk by faith, accept life, and give thanks to God for all things and in all circumstances. Kids seem to be uniquely qualified for this mentality. They love life, they live life, they know have a very honest and sincere acceptance of God. We all need to have the faith and dependence of children. When I look back on some of the things in my life that I did not understand at the time, sometimes the answer if very clear as to what God was doing. One thing I am very content about is that I have learned to know that God is in control of my life and He is working things out for the best for me

Proverbs 19 - Gods immaculate gift

19:3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.

Have you ever known anyone in this situation. I know that I have been there. In fact, I live by the grace of God and nothing other because if I allowed myself to look at my past, I would say I ruined my life. But God looks at our present and our future, when we are in Christ He does not see our past. Praise Him for His grace and love. I posted a song by Brandon Heath a few blogs ago and I am just in awe of his gifts. His music is raw, it is honest, it is on the edge and different. His newest is about seeing the world from God's eyes and as my friend Andy said that is true wisdom. I want to see people as God sees them. I want to love as He does, and I want to let that flow through me like a river of life. There are so many people out there that are hurting, hiding, and empty. We need to be the arms, eyes, ears, legs, feet, and heart of Christ

Casting Crowns "If We are the Body"

19:14 Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife.

This week I was at a conference and talked to a bunch of people I don't see very often but enjoy being around. A couple of the women I was talking to both mentioned that they would never get married again. They did not see the need for it and they were content being on their own. The tables have basically turned from the way things used to be it seems. These women only wanted a man around to take care of their basic needs from time to time and for a little companionship. Then they wanted them to go away until next time. It is very odd to me that marriage has become somewhat outdated in our society. I guess I should not be surprised. I on the other hand would consider it to be the greatest blessing of all to have a woman to share my life with, one that understands me, really wants to know me for who I am, and will stay just the same. I know marriage is tough. I have failed at it before. But I am not willing to write it off. In some ways I think that these people (aforementioned) have given up on God, though they may not say. They are somewhat like the first scripture mentioned and may even be angry at God because their previous marriages failed. I know I felt that way for a long time but I know that was not God's fault. Things happen and for what we do not always understand why. But we need to know that God loves us, forgives us, and does what is best for us always

Proverbs 18 - Give me your Eyes

18: 4 Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.

My goal in this 2 year journey is summed up in this verse. I want wisdom to flow through my life and over my lips like water over rocks. I know that 2 years cannot accomplish this. It takes a lifetime of study and mostly practice. Controlling the tongue, controlling the thoughts, controlling what comes into the windows of your soul through your eyes and ears, and in the end controlling your heart. I have many reasons for wanting this but most of all I want my kids to be much wiser than I have been in life. I realize without this influence they won't. My dad checked out early and basically left me to the wolves. I will not do that with my kids. It is really paying off. I find very teachable moments every day with my kids. Just this morning my son started to get mad at my daughter and caught himself. He then politely asked her to stop doing what she was doing. I praised him and let him know that he showed extreme constraint and wisdom but controlling his emotions and asking in a polite manner. My daughter's response was that she was still wiser than him. I was then able to explain to her that wisdom and knowledge are not the same. Knowledge provides you with the answers or the things to say. Wisdom is knowing when/when not to say them and how to say them

18:19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.

Several years ago a friend offended me at a time in my life when I did not need or deserve the treatment that person dished out. Not only were their accusations completely off base and ridiculous but this was a person that I had been there time and time again when they needed me. Well this was a time when I really needed him but instead I got kicked. That friend has since tried to repair the damage but it will be a long road and I am not sure that things will ever be the same. I hope and pray that I have never been that way with anyone. Much of the lessons in these Proverbs are about what we say and how we treat others. We need to always make sure we are careful with our words and our intentions. We may never know what that other person is going through. Be slow to speak, slow to correct, but quick to listen, and quick to love.

Brandon Heath "Give Me Your Eyes"

Proverbs 17 - When the Levee Breaks

17:14 The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.

I think just about all of us are familiar with the Katrina, Rita, and Ike stories and photos. I have been blessed to have been a part of the recovery efforts for all 3, though I have been much more involved for Ike. With Katrina especially, most of the damage was caused by the levees giving way and allowing Lake Ponchatrain to flood most of New Orleans. There were not many homes that did not get some amount of water in them. Just a small amount of water breaching a levee will eventually create a huge hole. The Army Corp of Engineers know this and build them to withstand.

Our faith and wisdom are like a levee that holds back contention and strife. We need to build these up, layer by layer, so that there is a strong barrier against the trials of this life. They must hold firm against the continual onslaught of the media, our peers, the world, and even our churches. A small amount of strife in our lives can lead to great amounts of contention with everything and everyone. It is like a unclean sore that will fester and become infected. Take for instance the church. It is very easy to run from church to church spreading malcontent and then become disgruntled with organized "religion" altogether. If we have issues concerning our home church we need to take those to the leaders and have them addressed. We need to address those in the biblical manner. If not they will continue to fester within us until we either sew discord among our brothers and sisters or we leave to join another church. Some issues can never be resolved but by addressing them you have still applied a healing measure to the wound. You can then use your wisdom to decide whether the issue is something that is a large enough concern for you to move on. This is not only a process we must use in church but in our everyday life, especially with our spouses. Small scrapes can cause big nasty wounds if not dealt with quickly and properly. Take it from someone who has experienced the ugly and painful side. This is all very easy to say, but can sometimes be hard to do. Outside looking in is always much easier

Proverbs 16

16:19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Brandon Heath "Red Sky"

16:23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips.

Wow, if that don't back up what I wrote earlier in my previous blog. I promise I did not read ahead. Maybe I am learning something.

Proverbs 15

15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.

The all-seeing eye. We often wonder where the Lord is, why does He let such horrible things occur, does He see what is going on. This scripture lets us know that He sees everything. There is nothing that can be hidden and no one that can hide. All who don't have Christ will face God's wrath. All who do have Christ, will not. Christ endured God's wrath on the cross for us.

15:15b But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.

Have you ever noticed how those who seem to be happy all the time have goods things happen to them? People at work who are nice, personable, and get along with everyone else seem to be the ones that get ahead even though they are not the ones that produce more or work hardest. It is all about attitude and a good attitude can go a long way. Just as God does not want those who sacrifice or obey because they have to. He wants you to live out your faith because you desire to. In life people want to be around positive, cheerful people and those people will succeed. How is your attitude? I know mine can often use adjusting.

Proverbs 14 - Dear Prudence

14:3 In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, But the lips of the wise will preserve them.

What is up with all the piercings and tattoos these days? I never understood the desire for something like that. I understand that it is expression, but what are you expressing? Anyway I digress. I am not sure what the rod of pride might be in this scripture but I do know that loose lips sink ships and the lips of the wise are kept tightly sealed. Out of the overflow of our hearts, our mouth speaks. Does yours speak wisely, kindly, lovingly, or praiseworthy? I have been on a mission to make everything that comes out of my mouth be worthy of leaving it. This is extremely hard to do. The more you try, the more others seem to want to drag you into complaining, griping, and gossiping. I have found that being conscious of what you speak, makes you conscious of what you think, which makes you conscious of what it in your heart

Proverbs 13 - Keep Hoping in Hope

13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.
When you pray and pray and hope for something to happen and it doesn't it can become very disheartening. Especially when you cannot see how what you are hoping for and praying for cannot be something God wants. I heard someone say that God's wants and His will are not always the same. I had to really think about this for a moment and try to relate it to my life. The best example I could come up with was disciplining my children. I do not like to discipline them. Sending them to their room or taking away a privilege is one of my main methods of discipline. Well that also takes away from my being able to spend time with them. I don't want to do this, but I have to. That is how God's will is sometimes. We need to hang onto the fact that God knows and does what is best for His children. That is what we have to remember as we continue to hope for the future.

Chris Tomlin "Jesus Messiah"

13:25 The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul, But the stomach of the wicked shall be in want

When I was not a Christian, my life was empty. Sure I had a lot of stuff, a lot of friends, I was always on the go, has a stable of women, nice cars, a lot of things were very nice about living without rules, without authority, without accountability. But there was so much wrong with. I was always empty inside. I was missing purpose and inside I was missing fulfillment. In fact I was missing everything and trying to fill it up by staying busy and popular and wasted most of the time. Now that I am walking with Christ life is so different. Sure there are empty spaces but I feel so much better about myself, about life, and about my future. I no longer have the needs or desire those things of my past. Yes, right now, I do get lonely sometimes in an emotional and physical sense. But God has an answer for that too. The other day I was talking to God in the shower about my loneliness and He told me that He was lonely too. I was shocked and asked "How can you be lonely with all the saints and believers that are around your throne and in heaven with you"? His response to me was "You are not here". That was an extremely powerful feeling and I felt so much better. I knew I was in the presence of God. I did not want to leave. No God does not speak to me audibly, but He speaks to my heart. The wicked never know this feeling and we need to understand that so that we can have compassion for the lost

Proverbs 12 - The Root

12:1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid.

Sometimes I just absolutely love scripture! Mostly when it is so simple you go "Duh". One of my favorite passages is in Job 13:5 that reinforces a lot of what the Proverbs say about holding your tongue. I have always used this scripture to tell others to SHUT UP. It goes "Oh that you would be silent, for that would be your wisdom!"

12:3 A man is not established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous cannot be moved.

12:7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, But the house of the righteous will stand.

I get such encouragement from these passages of scripture. Though I, in and of myself, am not righteous, I make my stand on Christ and He is the root of my salvation, my life, and my hope.



Natalie Grant "I Will not be Moved"

Proverbs 11 - Responsibility of Wealth

11:4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death

In our day and age it seems like wealth is protection against everything. It can buy you the things you need or want, you an isolate yourself from most of the troubles in the world, whether they be financial, relational, or physical. You an hire body guards, publicists, lawyers, you can even own your an island and set your own rules. But none of this will protect you from God in the day of His wrath, when every one will see his triumphant return and the sheep will be separated from the goats. Mountains will be laid bare, oceans will boil, and the skies will darken then explode. In many ways, riches create a false sense of security. Those who depend on their riches are typically ruined by them.

11:16 A gracious woman retains honor, But ruthless men retain riches. 17 The merciful man does good for his own soul, But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh. 18 The wicked man does deceptive work, But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. 19 As righteousness ads to life

The greedy, ruthless, rich man will see their rewards on this earth and only for a short time. Riches are not evil. It is the heart and attitude of the rich that are often corrupted by the power and greediness that comes along with wealth. Have you ever know a righteous rich man? I have. Look around for some. They exist and they give away most of their wealth, yet God continues to increase it. I also know many wicked rich. They are to most vile and worthless people I ever had the displeasure of knowing. They hoard, they're gluttons, they are arrogant, and they think they own everyone. God will eventually level the playing field and the righteous will have their rewards in heaven. Can you imagine what those rewards will be like. Think of the best things you could ever have on earth and then think beyond that. My desire in life would be to go back to my high school years and redo life. I could be the scratch golfer I used to be, I could pursue a professional baseball career, etc. Do you think there is golf and baseball in heaven? There better be or I am not sure I want to go!

11:24 There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. 25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.

Funny how it all ties together. The rich who give it away will gain even more. The rich who hoard will be brought to poverty.