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.

Proverbs 10 - Zip the Lip

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

Did your parents ever tell you "if you don't have something good to say, don't say anything at all"? Do you practice this? Most of us need to season our words with kindness and positivity. And sometimes it is better to just keep our mouths shut. I have done this and you would be surprised how effective it can be. It makes other be reflective and introspective often correcting themselves. When you have something good to say also do not withhold it. People need to be built up, encouraged, and sometimes corrected

26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy man to those who send him

Have you ever had to work around a lazy person? How horrible is that? You would rather that person go away, get out of the way, and let you just get on with your work. There is a big difference between being a lazy person and having a lazy day. We all need lazy days to recuperate from our tough ones. Lazy people have all lazy days.

Proverbs 9 - Don't waste your time

8 Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

Do not cast your pearls to the swine. Fools, idiots, scoffing unbelievers will not listen. They are know it alls. They think they have the answers for everything and they trust in themselves and wealth. They look at us as the fools, as weak. Correcting these arrogant people is a waste of your breath. Not until the almighty falls upon them and takes away their pride will they ever seek and listen. On the other hand, a wise person will listen to instruction that comes from a wise ,person. In fact they will welcome it. It is all about attitude. A wise man knows he has much to learn and willing accepts guidance and instruction whereas a scoffer does not need anyone to teach him anything. Is there a time in your life when you have been a scoffer? It seems like the teen years are full of scoffers

Proverbs 8 - The Whole Package

8:3 She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors:

8:34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors.

Proverbs 8 seems to encompass all the discussion about wisdom in Proverbs and if you had to read just 1 chapter, this would be it. I find it very appropriate that the beginning of the chapter has wisdom waiting at the city gates and the entry to the city shouting to all who will listen, and the end of the chapter has the blessed man waiting at the city gates and the entry to the city for her. Do you seek out wisdom in this way? I know that I have been doing this much more since starting this journey and that is what its all about. I have always known that you should read a Proverb a day, but writing out your thoughts on each seems to be a very effective communications tool from God to us. I also have been trying to find the tidbit of truth or wisdom in everything I do and also trying to impart wisdom to my kids. This will be the greatest benefit

8:11b And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.

How much do you want to succeed in life? What would it be like to be famous? What about wealthy enough to live life like a constant vacation? What if you could do all the ministry work you every wanted to do? Take everything you want in life, all your aspirations, all your physical, spiritual, and emotional desires, and all of these lumped together are not as desirable as wisdom. When God granted Solomon one wish, he asked for wisdom. God was so impressed with his decision and his honesty that he gave him boundless wisdom and knowledge, but he also gave him the ability to do all the things I mentioned before. What if we sought wisdom on such a scale? How powerful of a nation of Christ-followers could we be?

8:17 I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me.

diligent - characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort, i.e. painstaking.

Are you diligent about anything? Your family, your wife, your kids, your work , your hobbies? I could probably name a couple of things I am diligent about. I want to be diligent about wisdom. I want to come to a point where wisdom flows out of my being and off my tongue without preponderance. Right now I am trying to keep my thoughts focused on 2 things: God and wisdom. I want to really take time to investigate at everything, search out every meaning and morsel of true. Wisdom and knowledge are not the same thing. I have know desire to know everything. Wisdom is realizing that you won't or can't.

Proverbs 7 - The Enticement

Another story! Or is it? Many times when I read these stories in Proverbs about the Harlot, the adulteress, I see our lives in the "world". The "world" is a gigantic black hole, enticing us with all kinds of empty promises. There are promises of riches, promises of fame, success, reward and all the amenities that go with them. Nice houses, nice cars, pretty women, boats, vacations to exotic places, etc. It is not wrong to "like" some of these things or to have a decent living but many have gone overboard. This cannot be our priority, nor can we let it interfere with our relationship with God. That is a huge downward spiral. Christ is our Bridegroom and the "world" is the adulteress. It is not only fame and fortune that take us away from our true relationship. It is also responsibility, our jobs, our activities, and sometimes our religion. Many of us settle for something less because we don't have the courage or confidence to step out in faith and be who we are truly called to be. Do you need to step out in faith? I know I do. What would you do/be if you could do/be anything in the world? Don't ask "how". "How" cuts the legs right out from under the "what". Our responsibility is to determine the "what" and let God worry about the "how". We need to ask ourselves "what makes me come alive" and go out and do that thing. I know I have spent most of my life being what everyone else expected or wanted me to be. So much to the point that I don't know who I am anymore. "What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul". Remember: You don't have to die to lose your soul.

7:16 I have spread my bed with tapestry, Colored coverings of Egyptian linen. 17 I have perfumed my bed With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; Let us delight ourselves with love. 19 For my husband is not at home; He has gone on a long journey; 20 He has taken a bag of money with him, And will come home on the appointed day.”

I am convinced at the duplicity of this scripture. This is how the "world" entices us. It makes its bed beautiful and its promises sweet. It will be okay, the Master is away and won't be back for a long time.

7:22 Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, 23 Till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, He did not know it would cost his life.

But the truth is that the end result is death. Spiritual, emotional, relational, and yes physical death. In this illustration an arrow has pierced the liver. A fatal wound. How many of us suffer wounds fatal to our spirit, our soul, our lives, by the lives we lead. The Master does not have to return for you to lose your soul, but you can be assured that no one knows when He will return, but you can be assured if you are caught with the harlot when He does, you will lose for sure

Proverbs 6 - Sign of the Times

27 Can a man take fire to his bosom, And his clothes not be burned? 28 Can one walk on hot coals, And his feet not be seared? 29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; Whoever touches her shall not be innocent. 30 People do not despise a thief If he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving. 31 Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; He may have to give up all the substance of his house. 32 Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul. 33 Wounds and dishonor he will get, And his reproach will not be wiped away. 34 For jealousy is a husband’s fury; Therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. 35 He will accept no recompense, Nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts.

I find it very appropriate that verse 30-31 seem to be stuck in the middle of this adultery passage. Most would look at that and think the author has gotten off the subject. Not so. Committing adultery is the absolute mother of all thievery. You are stealing another man's (or woman's) possession. You are trespassing on the holy of holys of marriage and covenant. Throughout the ages there has always been some sort of punishment for adultery. Ranging from death to public embarrassment, every age, except for the present age, has made adultery one of the worst crimes that could be committed both by the adulterer and the adulteress. Today, we do nothing. Adultery is not even a good offense of defense in divorce court. Judges just overlook it, and ask what else. Adultery is even glamorized on TV, in books, and in movies. Even our own Presidents have committed adultery and we have turned the other way. In the economy you can look at certain indicators and determine where we are headed. GNP, GDP, T-bill to Libor interest spread, unemployment, etc. The same is true with society. There are certain indicators that give us a good idea of where we are in God's great plan. Divorce rate, adultery, fornication, abortion, crime & justice, hatred, disaster, famine, war, etc. People get ready, Jesus is coming!

Proverbs 5 - Not to mention

5:3 For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, And her mouth is smoother than oil; 4 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death,

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Gross. I almost made myself barf looking for a picture I could use to show Syphilis. One of the oldest STDs known to man. It has been around as long as prostitution. For many years there was no cure. Until Penicillin. Today we have better STDs. Ones that are more stealth, more deadly, and incurable. Anyone taking their chances today is like playing Russian Roulette. You could end up with a lot more than you bargained for.

3:16 Should your fountains be dispersed abroad, Streams of water in the streets? 17 Let them be only your own, And not for strangers with you. 18 Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice with the wife of your youth. 19 As a loving deer and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; And always be enraptured with her love.

Temptation for the Christian man (and woman) is difficult. Everything in our lives around us points to sex, promiscuity, adultery, perversion, etc. It is especially difficult if you have been to the well and sampled the water. Being divorced, for me, has been more sexually difficult than being single. I think there is an added level of frustration. I was geared up for being enraptured and I got robbed. I have to be especially careful now with my eyes, my thoughts, and my heart. I want that life. I want don't want to grow old, but I sure don't want to grow old alone. Hence there is more temptation for me to do things on my own. The Internet is a great dating tool these days but it also has a dark side to it. Sites like MySpace, Tagged, Facebook, etc. are not always very careful about what they allow on the site. Little eyes need to be careful what they see.

Proverbs 4 - Wisdom Personified

4:5 Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. 6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you

I have always wondered why the author of Proverbs personified wisdom and understanding as a woman. Was it something about women that made them wiser? Though they sometimes are, I don't think that was the reason. Was it because women are pretty and attractive? Maybe. After reading this chapter I think it was more because that is what men seek after most when they become adults. Then when they get married they care for and nurture their wife (until death). This is a father giving instruction to his son. Fatherly advice. He knows that the boy likes girls. He has been there himself. He realizes what power they can have over a man. He, wisely, personifies wisdom as a woman so that his son will understand just how earnestly he is supposed to seek out wisdom.

4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

How many times have you heard the phrase "Guard your heart"? I wish my father would have told me this. In fact I wish that we had the Godly instruction in my day that kids have today. Still, I wonder if many even listen. Maybe we did have it in my day and I just didn't listen. I tell my kids this all the time. We need to guard our hearts from the things in this life that can hurt us. The heart in a physical sense is what keeps the blood flowing through our veins and keeps the body alive. In a spiritual sense it is what keeps Christ flowing through our spirit and keeps us spiritually alive. Everything we do needs to be brought before the light of scripture, especially when it comes to something that could break our hearts and quench the fire of the Holy Spirit. There are many things in this life that can creep in and take control of us. We need to be on guard. The evil one is constantly looking for an opportunity and he knows our weaknesses. He will throw things in your face constantly when you are walking the right path.

Proverbs 3 - Love Hurts

Do you like being corrected? I don't think that any of us do. But without correction there would be no improvement. Most of us don't have the discipline for self improvement. We would just sit around and watch TV. I have always said that if things were going too well, I was worried. I always took that to mean I was probably not walking on the right side. I have long since left that kind of thinking, but I must have gotten that from this verse

3:11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction; 12 For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

I have realized that correction comes in all forms. It is not always in the form of discipline. What we learn about correction typically comes from those who have corrected us here on earth. That can be a good thing or a bad thing. How do you receive correction from the Lord? How do you react when you receive it.

3:15 She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor.

Do I have a choice? Let's see length of days, or riches and honor? Doesn't sound like a bad choice. Of course with wisdom you can have both.

Proverbs 2 -

Have you ever considered the complicated intricacies of the ear? There are many fascinating parts of the body but the eyes and ears have to be 2 of the most amazing. Basically all the parts of the hear work like a small set of drums or reeds. Sound waves wash over the tympanic membrane and the ossicles and are received by the cochlear nerve. The brain can then interpret those into words, sounds, etc. It is really pretty simple for us to understand today, but what about 100 years ago? Do you think they had any concept on how the ear works? What God created in the blink of an eye it has taken us millenia to understand and even begin to replicate.

2:1 My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; 3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.

When you listen intently to someone or something, you turn your head towards and lean towards the speaker. God is calling us to lean towards wisdom. He wants to be attune to it all the time. Desperately seeking and listening for Him. He wants us to seek after wisdom and understanding as Michael Phelps sought after gold medals. How many of us put that kind of effort into seeking wisdom? Into anything? I may start off good, but then somewhere along the line get derailed and end up back off track. I want God to give me a yearning for wisdom every day. I want to be conscious of every moment as an opportunity to seek and apply wisdom.

Proverbs 1 - Like a Storm

The more I read these Proverbs, the more I believe that we are in our last days. A lot of people say that but none ever give a very concrete answer as to what that means in terms of days, months, or even years. Truth is no one knows, but when you look at scripture like this one can only see that it can't be too long.

22 "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? 23 If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you. 24 But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand, 25 since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, 26 I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you- 27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. 28 "Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me.

I can only read these scriptures and see that this is happening right now under our very eyes. It is a bit scary, but also something that we should welcome. We, as a country, as a people, have shaken our fist in the face of God. Even though there are many believers, we have not gone to battle against the forces of evil. We have allowed it to run rampant. It is like a child repeatedly telling you how sorry they are to have committed the offense, yet they keep doing it.

Proverbs 31 - The Forgotten Part

The first part of Proverbs 31 goes overlooked. Yes, I know it is the consummate chapter about the ultimate woman but there are very few who have been blessed to find women like this. I know I haven't so I tend to want to ignore this part of the chapter.

31:3 Do not give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings (NKJV)
31:3 Do not give your strength to women, Or your ways to that which destroys kings.
31:3 do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings. (NLT)
31:3 do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings (NIV)
Okay I hope that I am not the only one who interprets these translations differently. From what I have learned over the years, the KJV (NKJV) and the ASB (NASB) are work for word translations. NIV and NLT are supposedly thought for thought or meaning for meaning translations. The first 2 translations state not to give your strength to women nor your WAYS to that which destroys kings. The latter 2 seem to say not to give your strength to women, on those who ruin kinds. Bold italics added for clarity and emphasis. These have 2 different inferences. This is poignant to me when the last half of this chapter discusses the virtues of a Godly woman.

31:6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart. (NKJV)
31:6 Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress (NLT)
31:6 Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish (NIV)

I think that the bottom line here is that the scripture is telling us not to give ourselves to chasing after women (skirts) or to ways (playboy lifestyle) that destroy you. There are good women, there are good uses for alcohol, but both can be easily abused

31:14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
Merchant ships bring to us the many necessities of life. Considering that we import about 75% of our goods (especially oil), our lives would become drastically different and much curtailed without them. Today we have phones, satellites, schedules, etc. that let us know when merchant ships are arriving. Use to be that lookouts would scan the horizon for the merchant ships coming. Not know when they would be there but earnestly seeking them. When spotted there would be a huge celebration and everyone would prepare for their arrival. Men look for a good woman in this way. Many of us spend a lifetime scanning the horizon looking for that woman of gold with anticipation and yearning. When she is found there is a great celebration.