How To Be Wise (Part 14)

I can't believe it's Friday already. I've decided that I blog about as well as I do exercise regiments; I start strong; however, it's not long before I begin to get a little lackadaisical and my motivation wavers. Why is that? I guess it's like a lot of different things that you try to do on a regular basis, such as, praying or reading your Bible or even going to church. The effects are gradual instead of instantaneous. It takes time to see what affect you're having. Only after a couple of months of steady discipline do you realize the change.

Anyway, there's just a couple of verses I want to point out from this chapter:

• Verse 4, "An empty stable stays clean, but no income comes from an empty stable." Have you ever been to a church that is spotless, but has very little people, specifically young people. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all for organization and keeping things clean, but not at the extreme where we turn people away because they are messy. Let's face it, kids are messy: they mess up walls; they poke holes in chairs (which drives me insane); they think the floor of the church van is their personal trash can. My son James makes messes all the time, but there's no way I would trade him for a perfectly clean house. I love him too much. Maybe that's what it boils down to. Maybe some people love their building more than they love souls. (OUCH! Did I just say that?) Thank the Lord that's not the case at my church. Even though our students can be "messy" at times, I love them too much to turn them away. (Our students are the best in the world by the way! I'm not trying to put them down by any means. ) Moreover, God loves them just as they are and has sent them here to be shown His love. I just pray He finds us reliable stewards of all He has given us.
• Verse 12, "There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death." Not only are there obvious eternal implications in this verse, but I believe there is also temporal significance. How many of us make choices regularly based on our personal feelings. Generally it's the path of least resistance we decide must be the right one. So often, however, it's the struggle or the uphill climb of a different direction that brings the most reward and satisfaction. How many times have we settled for "good enough" when "great" was just over the next mountain?

May you choose the mess over an empty house. May you never settle for "good enough." May you never choose the path of least resistance just so you don't have get your hands dirty. Why not be great!? Why not go all the way to the top? It's at the top we have the best view of what God has brought us through and accomplished because we were willing do all He has asked of us.

Great Quote

I had to write about this quote. It comes from the movie Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium.

"Life is an occasion, rise to it!"

How many of us get so busy with the mundane and monotonous aspects of life that we forget to truly seize the moments we're given. Erwin McManus, in his book, Chasing Daylight, states, "I am convinced the great tragedy is not the sins we commit, but the life that we fail to live...There are few things more inspiring than a life lived with passionate clarity." Am I rising to the occasion or am I satisfied with the mundane? I want my life to count for something. I want to live passionately instead of passively.

So much of life is wasted on repetitious reactions to societies suggestion of what it means to be truly alive. All the while, we remain passive to the true purpose for which we were put here on the earth. God wants to interrupt our average everyday existence longing for something more and give us a life we could only dream of: a life of passion, a life of purpose, a life of meaning. It's time for me to stop sleepwalking through life. It's time to wake up! It's time for me to rise to the occasion of life before I miss the God-given opportunities set before me.

How To Be Wise (Part 13)

This last week has been pretty hectic. I've gotten pretty far behind on doing this daily blog on the Proverbs, but instead of trying to cram all the chapters from the 13-18 into one day, I'm just going to pick up where I left off.

(At the expense that this may sound self-loathing, here goes nothing.)

Chapter 13 has several verses that I would like to highlight. Verse 7, "One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth." verse 11, "...he who gathers money little by little makes it grow." and verse 22, "A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children." are all verses dealing with finances. The wisdom in these verses seem simple, yet are so profound. I think it is amazing how God deals with every aspect of life in His Word. He not only tells us of His wonderful plan of salvation from sin and living an eternal life with Him, but he also shows us how we are to live abundantly while we are temporal beings. It's laid out plain and simple if we will just follow it, however, there in lies most people's problem. We simply fail to stick to the plan. Why is that? If I'm brutally honest with you and myself, this is one of the areas of life where I struggle most. I could make excuse after excuse, but what it all boils down to is that I, over and over again, fail to do what God's Word advises. I want my own way no matter what the cost. All the while, I'm not only affecting my life, but also the lives of my children and their children. How selfish am I? I have to ask myself, "When will I wake up? When will I step up and be the man God desires for me to be? How much more could I do for God's kingdom if I wasn't in bondage to debt? When will I begin to lead by example?," or, will I continue to make excuses to the detriment of those I love?

GOD HELP ME!!! Help me make wise decisions and follow what your word teaches. Don't let my desires for earthly pleasures keep me from fulfilling your will and calling upon my life. Help me be content in all things.

How To Be Wise (Part 12)

When I was a kid I loved to get a "spankin.'" It was probably the most enjoyable part of young life. I received one just about every other day, if not every day. I would do anything I could to get them because I loved them so much...YEAH RIGHT!

No kid likes to be disciplined, but it's a natural part of life that teaches us right from wrong. If I had not got a spankin' for some of the things I did I would have probably burned the house down three or four times over. Discipline and correction showed me there was consequences for my actions, as well as, the right way to go about life. They must go together. To be disciplined without knowing what I did wrong and what I should do in the future is like a test without questions; how am I supposed to provide the answer if I can't even perceive the question. Proverbs 12:1 states, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is stupid." Now given, correction isn't always fun, in fact I will go as far to say, it never is, but it is necessary if we are to grow and mature. So, I say, "BRING IT ON!!!" I want to grow. I want to know when what I am doing is not in God's plan for my life.

One other verse I want to examine is verse 11 which declares, "The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense." God has given each one of us a work to do. We need to be satisfied with what we have. Don't get me wrong, I believe we should strive to better ourselves and prosper in all areas of life, but too many want the quick fix. We have a microwave mentality; we want it and we want it now. However, it's the journey that brings joy and meaning to life. God will supply for all our needs. We need to trust Him, being diligent to "bloom where we've been planted," not always looking for greener pastures.

May you learn to love discipline and correction so you can grow and mature. May you learn to be content in all situations realizing God is in control of them all and He will help you.

Acuire the Fire Report

(From Saturday, April 12)
I have been at Acquire the Fire all day today. It's been awesome!!! The theme this year was "Let Your Voice Be Heard."
They were encouraging everyone to speak out and shape the culture in which they live. A startling statistic was given that 98% of people are culture followers. 2% are culture shapers. How many of us allow the culture to tell us what we should wear, what we should eat, how we should talk, and even what to think? "The world has an agenda to shape our values. We need to, not only, defend our faith, but creatively compel others!" John 12:49 affirms, "For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it." There was also a powerful drama presentation called "The Bema." It compelled us all to remember the impact we make on those around us. We will all give account one day for what we chose to do with this one life we were given on this earth. Through the lives of seven high school students, we were able to see pieces of ourselves. Our eyes were opened to their failures and successes and we were challenged to live differently. My sincere hope is that the drama along with the messages of the speakers and the intimate times of unreserved worship impacted our students in such a way that they were forever changed.

How To Be Wise (Part 11)

(From Friday, April 10)
There are two verses I want to drawl from this chapter. The first is verse 14, "Where there is no guidance, the people fall, but in the abundance of counselors there is victory." As I thought about this verse, I had to ask myself, "How many times have I plunged ahead without counsel only to fail in my endeavors?" If I had only paused long enough to seek advise from those who have gone before, what a difference it would have made. Instead of defeat, I would have found triumph. Instead of failure, I would have achieved success. Instead of floundering in frustration, I would have the ability to thrive. But, because of my impetuous abandonment of astute admonishment the dreams implanted in me are forced to miscarry.

Why is this? I think it's hard to admit sometimes that I need help. Maybe I'm afraid it will expose to everyone my weaknesses. However, the truth of the matter is, we all need help. We all have weaknesses. It's when we are able to acknowledge those weaknesses and work together that we find success. I'm so thankful for the people God has brought into my life to assist in the birthing of God's dreams. Lord, help me to utilize those whom you brought along side me to bring dreams into reality.

The second verse I would like to single out is verse 30, particularly the second half. "...And he who is wise wins souls." This implies, if your not winning souls, you are not wise. How many people have you or I led into a relationship with Jesus this month, this year, in the last five years? I could very easily let myself off the hook and say, "Well, I'm a youth pastor. I speak to lots of teenagers on a weekly basis in our youth gatherings. I've seen several come to know Jesus through that." That would be an easy out for me, but the truth is, I haven't personally shared Christ with a non-believer outside the church walls very often. All my friends are Christians. Most of the places I go are with Christians. However, as I look at Jesus example, that's not at all what He did. Every place He went was to hang out with sinners, to show them God's love wasn't only for the "good," but for all people willing to believe. Lord, help me to abandon my comfort zone and reach out to people with a sense of urgency not taking one day for granted. Give me wisdom to know how to meet them at their point of need.

May you seek counsel in every aspect of life to achieve success. May God open your eyes to see everyone as a soul in need of knowing Christ and the wisdom to know how to reach them.

How To Be Wise (Part 10)

(This is from Thursday, April 10th)
We had some friends stay the night with us last night due to the severe weather in the area. Where they live is not exactly ideal for weathering severe storms. The Weston's are great! They have become some of our closest friends here in Berryville. James loves their son Isaac and wants to play with him all the time. It's hilarious to watch them interact with one another. It gives me a good idea of what having two boys will be like.

I bring this up because this morning James and I were sitting on the couch and I was reading the Bible the Proverb of the day to him. He's usually very cuddly in the mornings and will be still enough for me to read to him. So, there we were sitting there reading when Isaac comes out of the guest bedroom. My time with James was over. James was so excited to see his friend. He looked at me with a huge grin on his face and then darted from my lap to play. It was nice while it lasted.

I began thinking about how much I love those times with my son. He seems to fit perfectly in my arms all snug and warm. It's there he feels safe and I am able keep him warm and protected. I soon began to reflect on the fact that this won't last forever. Before I know it, he will want to do other things besides hang out with his dear old dad. I think that's why God says to come to Him as a child, looking to Him for peace and protection. So often, however, we choose to do our own thing and go our own way.

The very first verse of chapter 10 is the one I want to focus on. It states, "A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother." I hope to train up my children in such a way that there wisdom of right and wrong bring me joy. I am so thankful for parents who raised me to know right from wrong, who exemplified what loving and Godly parents should be. I sincerely hope, when they think of me, I bring them joy instead of grief.

May you bring joy to your heavenly Father as you live a life of character and integrity.

How To Be Wise (Part 9)

(This is from Wednesday, April 9th)
Wednesdays are the days that I am super busy. There is so much to do to prepare for our youth gathering: setting up the room, getting the song list ready, power point, food, the list goes on and on. Moreover, I go to schools for there lunches on Wednesday to be with the students in A.C.T.S. and Youth Alive (these are Christian clubs on campus). We also have an after school program that picks the students up from school and brings them here for the rest of the evening leading up to the time for our youth gathering. It's pretty hectic! However, right in the middle of the day, between A.C.T.S. and Youth Alive, I take a breather. Mo, James and I along with a great youth pastor friend of mine, Ricky, go eat together. Most of the time we end up at a Chinese buffet called Hong Kong Inn. The food is good and the waitress, Gale, has our drinks memorized. It never fails, when she brings out the check, she always says, "Here's the fun part!" And, like most Chinese restaurants, sitting on top of the check is the world famous fortune cookie. I always enjoy reading my "fortune" just for kicks, but today's fortune cookie pertains to my recent topic of discussion. Here's what it said, "Wise men learn more from fools than fools from the wise."

That brings me to the chapter of today. At the start of this one, I must give a shout out to my former mentor and pastor Mike Sanders. The first verse was the central verse for our church's statement of purpose. I still remember it, "Our purpose at Lakeview is to build the house of the Lord. Proverbs 9:1 'Wisdom has built her house, she has set up her seven pillars.' The seven pillars of purpose that we are building this house with are worship, fellowship, discipleship, relationship, stewardship, Spirit infilling, ministry and evangelism." Pastor Mike was and is one of the greatest preachers I know. He and his wife, Andrea make a great team.

Okay, that being said, chapter 9 is the final contrast between wisdom and foolishness. Both of them are personified as someone throwing a party, one leading to life (vs 1-6) and one leading to death (verse 13-18). The commentary from the Nelson Study Bible explains verse 1 this way, "The number seven represents completeness, as it often does in Semitic (Jewish) poetry. That is, it is not that there were precisely seven pillars so much as that the house of wisdom was solidly built and substantial in character." A life built on the foundations of God's Word and upon His son Jesus is the only way to be strong against all the storms that come our way. Otherwise, we constantly live in "damage control" mode hoping to make it from day to day. A life built on God's Word is a life of peace. Sure the storms are still going to come, but you can rest assured that God will help you through and bring you out on the other side.

May you build your life of God's firm foundation.

How To Be Wise (Part 8)

Happy Tuesday everyone! I've got to acknowledge Kansas for winning the NCAA basketball championship last night. It was a very exciting game. Memphis had the lead toward the end of regulation, but choked when it came to shooting free throws. (OUCH!) Kansas took advantage of the opportunity and tied the game to force it into overtime. They then profited from their momentum in overtime and won the game.

It's raining again. Imagine that! This has been one of the wettest years I can ever remember. It will make for some good floating in a couple of weeks. Although, right now I could float down the ditch and have a pretty fun trip.

Alright, to chapter 8. These 36 verses speak again of wisdom and our need for it to truly live a life worth living. Verse 4 declares that wisdom "calls out" and "raises her voice to all mankind." That means wisdom is available to anyone who will seek after it. Verse 32-35 discloses the promise of blessing to those who find it, "whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord." What a position to be in, in the favor of God.

Another verse worth noting is verse 13. "To fear the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way, and the perverted mouth, I hate." The "fear of the Lord" was previously mentioned in chapter 1 and this verse continues the thought what that means. The Full Life Study Bible comments on this verse this way, "A deep sense of awe and reverence for God and his right judgements should cause us not only to avoid evil, but to hate whatever displeases God and destroys people's lives."

May you live your life in the favor of God seeking after wisdom. May you hate the evils of this world that seek to consume the compromising and dispel the dreamers.

How To Be Wise (Part 7)

Chapter 7 continues the theme of overcoming temptation. The Message Bible states plainly, "Do what I say and you'll live well. My teaching is as precious as your eyesight--guard it!" Sight is a precious gift, but how many people walk around spiritually blind to the truth of God's Word? God gives us directives to live by so that we may live a life worth living, yet the world tells us life is better without rules. Ask the teenage mom who's had her dreams crushed by unwed pregnancy if life without rules is best. Ask the promising young athlete who's future hopes of becoming a star has been dashed by a night of drunken pleasure culminating in a career ending automobile accident if it was worth the moment of "freedom."

Verse 20 is a prominent portrayal of what the deceiver tries to get us to believe. "My husband's not home, he's away on business, and he won't be back for a month." This reminds me of a passage of scripture I spoke about last Wednesday in our youth gathering. II Peter 3:3,4 says of our final days on earth, "...In the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following there own evil desires. They will say, 'Where is the 'coming' he promised?...Everything goes on as it has since the beginning..." We're persuaded to believe there is no harm in "sin for a season." We can always ask for forgiveness later. Besides, you're young, you can get serious about life when you get older. But, before we know it, we're ensnared in sin's grasp and what we thought was freedom really becomes imprisonment.

May you have eyes to see the truth, as well as, the wisdom and insight to flee from the path of destructive behavior.

How To Be Wise (Part 6)

Chapter 6 has much to add to my previous ponderings on chapter 5. I encourage you to read through verses 20-35 and let them really sink in. However, what I wish to reflect on in this chapter comes from the first 11 verses. Proverbs has a lot of wise teachings about financial matters. Even someone who does not believe in God would do well to follow the advice of the financial model laid out in this book of wisdom. These verses are the first of many on the subject.

Verses 1-5 implores us to stay away from debt. In a society where a very large percentage of people, including Christian people, are in debt up to their eyeballs, these words are relevant, if not critical, to our futures. How many people fall prey to the "I want it now" mentality? We want the latest and greatest in an atmosphere where keeping up with the Jones' reigns supreme. With this microwave mentality, we're willing to become slaves to creditors in order to get what we want. Yet, what are the results? The things that we think we can't live without are soon faded into antiquity and we're left struggling with overwhelming mounds of debt resulting in fear and regret. It then effects everything you do.

Verse 6-10 contrasts the previous verses by considering the wisdom of working hard and saving for the future. What a concept! It seems simple, but how many of us put it into practice? I have to ask myself, "What would I be able to do if I had no debt? How much more would I be able to give to help those in need? In what areas could I sacrifice now to make sure my children's children are successful and free from worry of financial matters?" These are the real questions we all need to be asking ourselves.

May you consider for yourselves the wisdom in living a debt free life.

How To Be Wise (Part 5)

I must say before I get started, "Go Kansas!!!" I was really hoping it would be Kansas and Texas in the championship to show the strength of the Big 12, but I believe that is evident, none the less.

Okay, it's been a couple of days and I'm a little behind. Malinda's sister had my nephew, Markus, dedicated yesterday and we were down there all weekend. However, I did spend some time reading over chapters 5 and 6 while I was away. Hopefully you read them as well. So here we go with chapter 5.

I believe this whole chapter can be summed up by verses 18-20. I like the way The Message Bible articulates the point. It's pretty "in your face," none the less, it speaks volumes to anyone who will listen. "Enjoy the wife you married as a young man! Lovely as an angel, beautiful as a rose--don't ever quit taking delight in her body. Never take her love for granted! Why would you trade enduring intimacies for cheap thrills with a whore?..."

Not only can we apply this at face value to our marriage relationship, but we can also apply this to our relationship with Jesus. The New Testament refers to Christ followers (the Church) as His bride. He is forever faithful to us and loves us completely. He demonstrated His love for us by dying for us, even while we were separated from Him by our sin, so that our original designed love affair could be restored. We should "enjoy" that relationship and "take delight" in Him; however, many times we "take His love for granted" and "trade enduring intimacies for cheap thrills" with what the world has to offer.

Verse 3-6 tell of the temptation and seduction, of how they seem enticing for a moment, but, in the end, lead to bitterness, pain and ultimately in destruction. How many precious years have been wasted in foolish pursuits? How many dreams have been crushed by bad choices? How many relationships have been destroyed because of cheap thrills? How many Christians have turned there back on Christ because of flirtation with the world? How many young people have squandered their vitality in search of popularity and pleasure?

May you be so in love with Jesus that nothing else turns you away from Him!

How To Be Wise (Part 4)

Have you ever known someone that knew everything there was to know but was dumber than an door? There are a lot of people who can spout out so much information on so many different topics, but when it comes to actually living life, they are clueless. I think that's what verse 5 talks about when it says, "Acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding." We can have all the knowledge in the world, but if we aren't able to apply it to how we live and react with other people, what good is it?

Verse 14 and 15 is where a lot of people mess up. It urges, "Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way." Nevertheless, instead of avoiding and turning away, many take chances with it trying to get as close as they can without slipping in all together. The truth is, however, the closer we get, the easier it is to be trapped by it. Later scriptures tell us to run from it and stay as far away as you can. What the enemy, the devil, tries to get us to believe is the same as he did with Eve in the very beginning. He entices us by trying to get us to believe we're missing out on something. But, God knows that the path leads to destruction and harm. That's why he tells us to stay as far away as possible. He's looking out for us. (refer to Part 3)

Finally, verse 23, another great one to memorize, declares, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Whatever you let in to your heart is what is going to eventually come out. If you put in good things, good comes out. Likewise, if you put in bad things, bad comes out. It sounds simple I know, but do we put it into practice. Ask yourself:
What kind of music am I listening to?
What am I watching on TV?
What kind of relationships do I have?
What sites am I going to on the Internet?
Are these things helping you develop into the person God created you to be or are they, at the very least, distracting you from your purpose, if not leading you down the wrong path?

I try to ask these things of myself on a regular basis. Because, if I'm not careful, as I travel this journey through life, I let things slip in that get me closer and closer to the wrong path. It's a daily walk, a daily choice, that we make to live for or against God. I for one, do not want to be against God who loves me and has my best interest at heart.

Have a great weekend!

How To Be Wise (Part 3)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight...It will be healing to your body, and refreshment to your bones." (vs 5-8)

"Do not be afraid of sudden fear, nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught." (vs 25-26)

What a promise from God! If we will just trust Him with our whole selves, with all our worries, fears, insecurities, etc. He will lead us down the path we are to follow. When bad things come along, He may or may not deliver us, but we can be confident that He will be with us every step of the way so that we will not be trapped by them.

Here in the Ozarks it's been storming like crazy the last couple of weeks. There have been nights when the thunder was so loud that the whole house shook on its foundations. During those times my young son, James has had moments of fear and insecurity. However, no matter how afraid he is, as soon as he gets into my arms he settles down and is no longer afraid. He feels safe with me and confident that I will not let anything bad happen to him. I think that's what our heavenly Father wants to and is willing to be for us if we will just come to Him with that childlike faith such as that of my son. Whenever I get afraid of what the future holds for me, I look to God and trust 10that He holds me secure and knows my tomorrows. He will not let me be ensnared by the troubles of this life.

Hopefully, this will help someone who reads this to understand what God wants to do and be for them. Have a blessed day!

How To Be Wise (Part 2)

The chapter again contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of the wicked. The first few verses speak of a father teaching his son. He says things like, "receive my sayings, treasure my commandments, turn your ear, incline your heart, call out, lift your voice, seek, search." All of these seem to be a progressive process to me. It goes from receiving instruction and wisdom from the father to discovering truth for himself.
Verse 5 brings the promise of what will happen when we do these things. We "will discern the fear of the Lord, and discover the knowledge of God.." The rest of the chapter goes on to tell us what wisdom will guard, deliver and protect us from.

Lord, help me to be desperate for you in such a way that nothing else will satisfy. Help me to incline my heart, to call out and search for you with everything that I am. I desire wisdom to discern what roads to take in life. Guard me and protect me from evil things. I love You, Lord.

How To Be Wise (Part 1)

Okay, for the next 31 days I am going to be taking you through the book of Proverbs. There are 31 chapters which makes it great for daily reading. My Pastor's wife says, "A Proverb a day will keep the devil away!" In the Proverbs you will find godly wisdom and counsel concerning both practical and philosophical issues of life. According to the Full Life Study Bible, "Its wisdom is unique in that is based on respect for God and his righteous standards for his people." My plan is to just take a few of the "wise sayings" in each chapter and share my thoughts on them. If anyone wants to jump in and share something as well, please do. That being said, here we go.

The first chapter sets up the theme for the remainder of the book and the foundation from which wisdom comes.

• Verse 5 says, "A wise man will hear and increase in learning..." So many people hear, but few unearth its applications to life. I think we allow so much useless information to pass through our minds that what is useful has no place to take pause in us to be meditated upon, much less be put into sensible practice. Maybe it's time to step back and assess all the interruptions we allow into our lives that drag us away from what we were designed to be.
• Verse 7 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge..." What does it mean to fear the Lord? I believe it is to have a deep respect for the awesomeness of God in all that He is. He is the creator of everything and has authority over all. Yet, He allows us the option to accept Him or reject Him. Both choices have eternal consequences.
• Finally, verse 33 instills in us, "...whoever listens to me (wisdom) will live securely, and be at ease, without fear of harm." What an assurance we have when we put our faith and trust in God. If we will listen God's voice spoken to us through the scriptures, we can be at peace knowing that He is in control and wisdom comes by exercising what we hear.