January 2, 2014
The one who reads and studies Proverbs is promised wisdom. What is the foundation of this understanding? The fear of the Lord. In Matthew 10:28, Jesus said not to fear those who can only kill the body, but instead to fear the One who can send both body and soul to hell. For those who have received Jesus, the fear of judgment and hell is removed. Yet, the fear of God’s holy displeasure is not. As His children we want to please the Father. We “fear” (respect, honor) Him so much that we do not want to leave any sin unconfessed. The fool however, has not learned this healthy fear.
December 30, 2013
It is getting harder and harder to find one, but I did. How? I prayed like crazy and decided to look for a woman based on the “3 Ms.” What are the “3 Ms?” First, “Master” – make Christ your master and look for a woman that has done the same. Second, “Mission” – decide to know and follow the quest that God has given you (a godly woman soon tires of a man who makes her his mission rather than a God-sized dream). And finally, “Mate” – now that you have made Christ your Master and have answered His call to Mission, you are ready to find a mate. Just make sure she has the same Master and is excited to join you on His mission before you make her your Mate.
Following this strategy (Pray like crazy and Follow the “3Ms”) I found a little girl up in the hills of Virginia named Robin. I don’t know if they have any more up there. I may have gotten the last one.
December 11, 2013
Those with anger management problems cause trouble and sin everywhere they go. There is an appropriate emotional response of anger. God gets angry. But God’s anger is under His control. However, the “man of wrath” acts out of uncontrolled anger. Anger controls him. Ironically, “control” is often at the heart of the “one given to anger.” This person is continually angry because they want to be in control of every situation. They have no patience for others and their opinions. They want control. And anger and frustration is their constant state. Why? Because they cannot even gain control of themselves.
Are you angry today? Easily frustrated? Is it because you aren’t getting your way? Give your anger to God. Ask Him to give you patience and self-control. Trust Him with control of your life. Give him your relationships. And watch the boiling temp of your heart finally go calm.
November 29, 2013
Stingy – adj. ˈstin-jē : not generous, unwilling to give, miserly, close-fisted. The stingy man doesn’t understand where wealth comes from (God) and its proper use (to steward according to God’s economy). He lives the life of the closed-fisted hand, closed both to God and to others. He dams up the flow both upstream and downstream. It’s no surprise that misers are miserable.
November 24, 2013
Or as in Numbers 32:23, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Attempting to conceal sin never works. Eventually, it is revealed and the longer we try and hide it, the more it negatively affects us. Keep short accounts. Be quick to confess and repent. Likewise, be quick to forgive others.
November 7, 2013
The one who lives and acts in isolation lacks the sweet fragrance of a friend’s advice. Acting without counsel, we come under the cloud of our own stinkin’ thinkin’. We usually avoid counsel because we already know that we’re planning to do something questionable. And we don’t want a friend to point it out to us. Get counsel before acting.
November 4, 2013
Or as my parents and grandparents would say, “Lord willin’ we’ll do such and such tomorrow…” Although the “Lord willin” phrase sounded cliche, it still pointed to an awareness of God’s sovereignty over all things. Have we lost this awareness today?
October 13, 2013
Words have power. A thoughtful and well chosen word is like a beautiful and expensive gift to the hearer. It has the power to hang about the neck and wrist of its recipient as a continual reminder of encouraging grace. We have the power in Jesus’ name to bless others with such words.
October 7, 2013
Something we often get backwards in our world today… borrowing to build and furnish our house, before we’ve established our income. Proverbs instructs us in wisdom and wisdom says, build up your business first, then build your house. This might also apply to church planting. First minister to your community, rent space, meet in homes, disciple new believers… then look for a home. It may take 19 years, but it’ll be worth it!
October 3, 2013
Are you worried about increasing wickedness in the world? Do you envy the prosperity of the godless? Worry and envy won’t help! Entrust these things to God who holds the future. Then, live in such a way that the light of Christ within you shines in this darkness.