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.