This Sunday we kicked off a new discussion series "Wisdom For Living" based on the book of Proverbs.
At the end of the morning I placed a church-wide challenge to search, seek, cry out, read and explore one Proverb per day for the next 31 days. It has been really exciting to hear people's reaction to the challenge and their desire to seek more of God's wisdom rather than man's wisdom. Several people are journaling on face-book about their daily readings.
The biggest challenge that see for life transformation is allowing Wisdom (God) to move from the head to the heart. Only 12 inches... but it's so tough for so many to allow to happen. Why is that? If Wisdom is worth chasing after, why don't we let it get to our heart and really change us. Could it because we do believe that change will come and that's the very reason we keep the heart locked up. We are afraid of God size change.
But why fear a loving father, with all that wisdom for life?
12 inches... is that what's keep me and you from really being transformed and experiencing a better life?
12 inches.... what waste of space.
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19 comments:
Excited about this new series. Enjoying the 'challenge' as the wisdom inches it's way downward.
Bill
Proverbs 5 focus on sexual temptation. As a very visual geared guy... this one hot home. Not that I hard sexual issues on my life, but rather the description, struggles and path laid out for destruction through improper sexual behavior looks all to real for me.
Men we can be idiots in this area. Face it, God created women in away that catches our eyes and races our engines. That was God's design.
We however, don't respect an on that beauty. No instead we simply want to conquer it for our own self-seeking pleasure.
What a trap!
It's like a mouse that sees and smells cheese that sits on top the the most deadliest of mouse traps. THe mouse sees danger, but the sense over take, the selfish desire to eat over takes and the mouse dives forward... believing that he can be faster than the jaws of the trap.
Even the fastest of mice, eventually gets caught dead in the trap. The mouse my be full of "good cheese", but he's still dying.
Men stick to your own cheese Solomon says and we'll live longer healthier lives.
On a side note, last night I heard that one of the most sexual driven men, Hugh Hefer, wants to know more about the real Jesus, not just the "Sunday School teacher" version. Now that's a conversation that I would love to have. Proverbs 5 would be a great place to start such a dialogue.
Today is Proverbs 6....
Verse 16-19 stick out at me.
Seven things that God "hates"
1 - Haughty Eyes
2 - Lying Tongue
3 - Hands that kill the innocent
4 - Heart that plots evil
5 - Feet that race to wrong
6 - False witness
7 - sowing discord in a family
Wow what a list. I mean a list that is not wide, but narrow and focused on the individual person. This is not a list for an organizations, tribe, nation, or people group. But a list for Me... personal one on one with God.
These are events, actions that effect people's relationships one-on -one. God cares so much about us personal, and yet we don't care enough back to listen to him and his wise advice.
It's strange but #1 and #5 drive me crazy.
I really struggle when I see attitudes and ego in peoples eyes. Eyes are the gate way to the soul it has been said. To show haughty eyes... shows a messed up soul.
But I maybe even more frustrated when people run toward wrong. Why do people take their lives and run them right into the wall. Can't you see the train wreck coming. Common sense disappears and nothing that you say or do seems to snap people out of running into a ugly mess.
The lasting side effects of a life like that is almost to much to bare and stand with.
If these frustrate me... oh how they must anger God at times. I know that I personal work to do in these area. I really don't want to tick off my father God.
Today is day 7 of the 31 day challenge.
I have to admit this is a Proverb that I like.
Now as you read Proverbs Chapter 7 my statement may surprise you... "I like it."
I like it because it is so real and relevant.
I can see these events being played out in real life.
Men are stupid and driven my flattery, praise and sexual pleasure. In spite of the danger all around us, we often believe we won't get burned.
Men (and ladies) we're not wise at all when it comes to situation like Proverbs 7.
I'm glad that Solomon is so graphic with his word pictures.. I can see the bed, the lady, the guy and his friends and the death trap that awaits him. If you ever doubt that the scriptures are relevant any more just read and re-read Proverbs 7. It's Desperate House Wives, daytime soaps, the Playboy channel, the young singles life and much more.
This is life lesson to listen to. Take in the word pictures and don't get tangled up in these sorts of self -pleasure experiences. (I almost said relationship right there, but we all know that's a lie).
So today I say thank you God for inspiring these blunt, real, sexual words in story form. May it help many,many people stay on the right path and not go down the road that leads to their grave (vs 27)
I see that you added some additional thoughts. GOOD STUFF!
Day 8... "Wisdom's Call"
I must let you know that another posting from Bill B. inspired me to explore this proverb deeper. (Thanks Bill)
Wisdom is seen calling out from the street... a theme and scene that has been described in Proverbs before. But I have to ask myself... "if wisdom is everywhere all around us, calling out to us, why don't we hear Wisdom? Why don't we respond to the valuable lesson wisdom is telling us?"
Answer - because so much "Human/ earthly wisdom" is shouting in the streets as well.
Proverbs 2 say to "tune wisdom in"... that means we must choose to tune out other "wisdom".
Man that is hard sometimes!
Plus, this other wisdom looks so wide open, limitless and God's wisdom seems so limiting.
But the truth is it. the other way around.
I love verses 22-31... what a great picture of God/ Jesus and the truth that he always was and always will be. Solomon did know all that we know about God and the incarnation (God with us in human form through Jesus), yet he describes it as if he had know Jesus.
That speaks volumes to the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. That same Spirit still is alive and working in me and other Jesus followers today. That same Spirit is calling out and declaring this timeless wisdom.
Man I wish I could hear it much better than I do.
Day 9
I love the image that Wisdom (God/ Jesus) has built the house, the foundation, etc. not me or someone else. I also love the picture of being invited to come in. It takes me the Great Banquet parable that Jesus spoke of. All is ready, all we must do is accept the invite and join the celebration with God.
How simple... yet so many find accepting that invite so hard.
Once again Solomon reminds us, that there is a real benefit to allowing wisdom to guide you. Real Benefit, not some made up, have-baked, or limited benefit. But a real benefit that radically effects our lives.
Solomon wraps up with another illustration about following our selfish, sinful, sexual nature. "Folly" is the name of this young lady. For some reason as I get to verse 18, "But little do they know the dead are there. Her guests are in the depths of the grave." I hear the song... Hotel California in my head. "YOU CAN CHECK IN, BUT NEEVER CHECK OUT.
What a reminder about making wise choices. Live on the foundation of faith and life, create by God or you might suffer forever... in this life and the next.
Day 10...
Tuesdays LIFE Group added a lot of inights and idea on this variety of Godly Wisdom from Solomon.
If you explore this chapter you'll see how the KIng keeps coming back to matter of the mouth.
I won't say much more on that because he warns against "babbling of a fool" (vs 14)
Verse 25 about the storms of life seemed to hit home with many. I find it interesting that Solomon presents the idea of storms in our lives a given. IT WILL HAPPEN. Yet there are so many well meaning christians that teach, once you believe... life will be smoother and easier. Just watch the Weather Channel, storms with distriction of rich, poor, black, white... they simply hit everyone!
But the impact of these storms is lessed so often by the foundation of the home, business, school that was laid before hand.
You can never, over do reviewing, inspecting and protecting your foundation.
Jumping to day 14....
The wisdom continues to come and I find myself read and re-reading several verses in Chapter 14.
Verse 4.... "Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest"
I love this verse! I can see some real teaching wrapped around this. Churches often want people and ministries to be sweaky clean. We ask people to volunteer and serve, invest in the mission and vision of the church... only if they have their act together. Our mind set is nothing good can from a bunch of unclean, stinking animals.
But look at the the people that Jesus used and so often made a big impact in the Kingdom of God.
By human standards men like Peter, Matthew, Zacchaeus, Saul, the poor widow and the leapers all lived lives in the unclean, stinking stables. Yet... as God invited them into mission to "go" thousands and thousands were drawn to them because they saw the power of God in their lives and the radical commitment to serve. The largest harvest, can come from the foulest of transformed lives.
Next Verse 10 - "Each heart knows it's own bitterness, and no one else can fully share it's joy."
There are times in my life, that I feel a pain, bitterness, dark day for no apparent reason. It can not explained. It just is. It's a private thing to wrestle with and over come. Others may see the outward effects of those days. But nothing can really explain it in such away to give it clarity or understanding. (I just had one of those days this week)
On the flip side, sometimes the heart flies so high... and it can't be explained. It just must be lived out and that often freaks people out.
Verse 31 hit me like a shoot to head- "Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors Him."
It has always bothered me when people trash talk the poor, needy, down on the luck people. Our words and actions limit their potential. Limit their divine uniqueness created and breathed in by God.
How dare were dishonor one of God's best creations juts because they have no job, are seeking a hand out, a leg up, or smell because they haven't had a shower in days.
Maybe this links back to verse 4.
Maybe we the harvest would greater, richer, more fulfilling if we helped those in need, love, served and showed them how amazing they really are. Maybe there are some great harvest workers just waiting to emerge in the smelliest, darkest, stickiest of places.
Maybe by our lack of love, lack willingness to go to the "unclean stables" of our world... we are limited the Harvest that awaits.
I like your thoughts concerning Proverbs 14:4. Oxen are not the most graceful of animals. As you wrote, sometimes the churches maybe looking for the wrong 'type' of people? As you have discussed before, God doesn't look at the exterior. He looks into the heart.
Just think what would happen in the churches if they ACTUALLY reached out into the 'back alleys' of communities? ACTUALLY, sought out the 'least of these' in our society?
Bill B
Day 21...
Day 21 fell on Mothers day so we jumped a head and explored Proverbs 31 at our morning gatherings.
But on our personal readings we are supposed to read Proverbs 21. In this one I see a theme of Justice appearing. Verse 12 really sticks out at me.
"The Righteous One knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; he will bring disaster on them."
We live in a world right now were "reality TV rules".
We seem to believe that we have the right or that it's normal to peek into everyones privates lives.
We a curious people.... buy is that always a good thing. Especially if we believe someone is doing wrong. Why am I so concerned about knowing the dirt on my neighbor? Why do I want have to make sure others get what is coming to them?
Maybe we should al relax, stop being so curious about other peoples dirty deeds and let God be God! God knows and sees all. God is loving an compassionate, yet he does not tolerate sin.
Is my faith strong enough to let God do a he pleases, when he wants to?
Why don't we all back away from the reality TV, live life in a fish bowl mind set and just let people live out their lives. Love the more than we judge them and pray that thy succeed in life... not fail.
Man's justice can never be God's justice.
Half way through the book of Proverbs and today I read a very comforting and thought provoking verse. Verse 11 says.... "Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord. How much more does he know the human heart!"
Ouch. darkest
That's really deep stuff.
There is of course great comfort in knowing that even in the most darkest of times, death, destruction, job lose, burned down home, miscarriage, etc... God is not surprised or caught off guard. It's comforting that God is not caught off guard, because we are. We spin and spin asking, "Why", "what next", "How do move on?" and much much more.
The comfort comes flooding as I once again recognize that I must trust God and not my own limited understanding or human view point. God knows it all, and at the times when my head and heart are racing... taking comfort in God's sovereign knowledge, wisdom and love is enough to help me press on.
But the second half the verse scares the day lights out of me.
If God is the God of no surprises in life... then he is also the God of no surprises of my heart, my private thoughts, ideas, opinions, cravings and selfish, sinful idea.
How much more does God know about my heart?
Answer: I'm an open book to Him.
That's a bit overwhelming if you are trying to hide from God, keep a mask on and do your own thing. But there is also comfort in these words. God knows the times when I have risked, invested, given of myself and it seems like nothing really happened.
He knows when my heart is really at peace and when it's torn up inside.
The times when words are not coming out... he know, really knows what is being said.
Verse 15 challenges me to keep an open, honest, humble heart as I live each day.
I need not fear death or destruction, if I know my heart has nothing to fear or hide from God. There is so much peace in a free heart
Proverbs 18...
Today verse 14 really jumps out at me.
"The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?"
It's amazing how much the human body and endure. Pain, loss of body parts, heat, lack of food, water and sleep... yet it bounces back. An athlete can push his or her body to the max, and it often be stronger for it.
Not true for the spirit.
Our heart, passions, dreams and spirit can be so easily crushed that they never want to dare dream or try again. Having a crushed spirit often causes us to make horrible choices, bad mistakes that have life long lasting side effects. Having a crushed spirit leads us into depression and a darkness that eats us and cries out for death. No it's not rational, but when the spirit has kicked to the curb... remaining rational really isn't on the radar of our minds.
We live and serve in a city that deals with sickness, death and disease daily. Yet there is a strong hope that is felt even in the worse of medical cases.
Not so as I sit and listen to story after story of crushed spirit. The pain is so real, so deep... but finding a cure is soooooo hard.
As much as I would love to see medical "miracle" healing. I think that I long to healing of the broken hearted more and more. Because if you the spirit is not healthy and whole... and yet your body is fine... you're living life like just a zombie.
What a waste and sad place to be.
Today we explore another of Solomon's gems of wisdom. Proverbs 19
In light of several conversations that I have had this week regarding the In His Name ministry that we actively support and the ongoing hardship of the people living in St. Charles, I find myself drawn to verse 17.
"If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord - and He will repay you!"
Last month the In His Name Ministry provided 80 food boxes to families that worked for the NORTH STAR FOOD PLANT. The request came in just two days after the deadline to order food. Yet the TEAM Rochester leadership jumped on the phone, ordered extra food, then got three local churches to cut checks and cover the extra expense of the boxes. Almost all of the $800 that was needed to purchase the food was freely donated.
This month, NORTH-STAR is requesting 45 boxes, and is willing to pay for 30 of them. That leaves 15 boxes, $150 not covered. As that information was shared with me and a few other leaders of TEAM, I didn't even hesitate and I said... "Journey will pay for those extra 15 boxes" Keep in mind, we already pay for 5 boxes ($50) no matter what each month.
So that's $200 to IHN!
Money is tight for everyone right now. Church giving is down the last few weeks. Yet, I must lead a church to give generously and believe that God will provide and "repay" us along the way. It's really all God's money and resources anyway... we must always be wise stewards of what he has given us. Yes, this type of attitude and heart condition will and must require sacrifice of all of us.
But can we do no less when God calls us to serve and help those in need.
How much do you trust the lending system of God verses the financial system / wisdom of this world. Personally, I'll bank on God and faith any day.
Before I start on day 23 of our 31 day adventure I must say that this weekend was a blast. Celebrating with Alex and MaryAnne on their wedding day was such a pleasure. Seeing so many of their friends and family pull together to make an amazing day was fantastic!
Congrats Ale and MA!
Now on to Proverbs 23.
This section seems to have pretty clear common theme running through it. SOCIAL LIFE.
It starts out setting you a the Kings table (someone of high value in your community) and laying out some wise social standards and principles.
It has a section on children listening to parents on social issues like drinking and dating.
Verses 29-35 ;paint a picture of the modern day night club party hound. Blood shot eyes, not being able to remember what happened the night before... but looking to do it again. Verse 32 packs a punch for those living out this social scene life. "For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stinks like a viper."
Far too many of our your people believe that they can live it up night after night and not get bitten. Yet the studies and life experience say other wise.
Once again wisdom has been give, a clear picture has been painted... but will we listen?
Remember drinking itself is not wrong, eating with important person is not wrong. But our social life verses God's life of wisdom don't always match up.
Proverbs 24
I must admit that I have a strong reaction at times when just curl up and sit on the butt. So much potential and opportunity is missed when people are simply lazy. Plus, it's often the lazy that are the ones yelling at the government, church and friends about how bad they life is and that they never catch a break.
Now I'm not saying that there isn't a need for rest and relaxation. Because there is, and it's even biblical to simply chill out.
But at the end of Proverbs 24... there is a sad picture of state of many of today's generation live life. Look at what verses 30-34 say about being lazy.
30 I walked by the field of a lazy person,
the vineyard of one with no common sense.
31 I saw that it was overgrown with nettles.
It was covered with weeds,
and its walls were broken down.
32 Then, as I looked and thought about it,
I learned this lesson:
33 A little extra sleep, a little more slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest—
34 then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit;
scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.
Notice that they have a vineyard, a place to work, serve, make an impact, have resources for the family to live on... and they don't care enough to work it. They ignore it.
"Just a little more sleep, rest, me tim, etc."
"Just a little extra, grows to become a way of life and destroys your view of reality. It gets easier and easier to sit on the bench and do noting.
The lesson learned... so often we have what we want right in front of us... and then we put our feet up and coast. We don't care. And yet we scream,. yell and wonder why life is so hard.
Time to wake up people, grab some common sense, look at what is right in front of us and work it.
"The field are ripe, but the labors are few", Jesus said. This applies to our personal life and church life. WAKE UP before it's too late.
Day 25.
More Proverbs of Solomon.
This collection of wisdom was put together by King Hezekiah's advisors. Some of theme directly are linked to leadership, respect, advise and honor.
Verse 26 sticks out at me today.
"If the godly give in to the wicked, it's like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring."
We live in a "GREEN AGE". Saving and protecting the environment at all cost. To go "green" is cool.
It makes sense not to trash our natural resources, God's creation. Yet, why do we allow the wicked to trash and destroy our churches and lives. We have become such PC people, that we have allowed false teaching, immoral leaders, and teachers to remain in our churches and faith communities. Our rivers may be healthier, but our places of faith, love, hope ... are getting more and more muddy.
What if had a movement to go "green" in our churches? What if we got back to original word of God, his original plan to live in a deep relationship with, follow his teaches and not want to crave sinful things. How much healthier would we be.
There are absolutes. There is right and wrong. There is sin and righteousness. Yes, people will be offended by such a stance. But it will be a clear, pure one. One on which people can make a solid choice... rather than a mixed up muddy one.
Proverbs 26.... fools
This section is packed with proverb after proverb on fools. Those that make the same mistake or take the same action over and over again only to have the same negative response.
The other theme that I see is the damage of our words on relationship. Verse 20 nails it on GOSSIP.
"Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops."
Gossip is the fuel for so much pain and destruction in terms of our relationships. The whispers, the behind closed doors comments, only help fuel anger, bitterness, separation and so much more.
Just stand in the check out counter of any supermarket and look at how many different magazines feature "stories" on the same people. Yet the stories are in conflict of one another. Gossip is driving all of that, and we love to buy it. We love to hear the rumors of others lives. Yet, when we hear about a rumor regarding ourselves... we go crazy. Anger grows and we explode on whoever may have started the rumor.
In churches, gossips is like TNT. When it goes off churches, ministries, mission focus and plans are destroyed. Sometimes beyond repair.
Take the wisdom and challenge in this Proverb seriously. Instead of fueling the fire of gossip, remove a log, a rumor, a story. Help to get the fire under control. Guard and protect the integrity of one another as your own.
Make no mistake Gossip kills.
Proverbs 27 hits me on two personal levels... friendship and ministry.
For me the two are so intertwined that I find it very interesting that Solomon put these two themes together in this collection of wisdom.
Come Sunday to Journey and I'll be sharing some thoughts on friendship, but right now my thoughts are on verses 23-27.
For a pastor these words are both encouraging and discouraging. Really!
Read these and see if you can tell what I mean...
23 Know the state of your flocks,
and put your heart into caring for your herds,
24 for riches don’t last forever,
and the crown might not be passed to the next generation.
25 After the hay is harvested and the new crop appears
and the mountain grasses are gathered in,
26 your sheep will provide wool for clothing,
and your goats will provide the price of a field.
27 And you will have enough goats’ milk for yourself,
your family, and your servant girls.
It's really helpful that God wanted his people to clearly understand what should happen in a church leader, faith community setting. Pastors/ leaders must care for those that they have been given responsibility to watch over. This is a deeply intense care type thing. This care extends in both the good and bad times of those that I am called to serve.... not just when I feel like it.
It's a care built on God's heart for people not always my natural love and care.
My heart must beat with God's heart, or I am no good to my church family.
I must invest and risk FIRST trusting and believing that God will provide for me and my family through those that we serve. I must believe that my family will have enough because those in the church family understand their role and responsibility as much as I know mine.
Honestly... really.... I have the faith in God to provide, but not always in my church family to play their role. Sorry, but it's true.
It is very disheartening sometimes when you have to skip a pay check or two because the weekly giving is not there.
It is very disheartening at times that many who have been in our church family still do not tithe and support the ministry that is supporting them.
It is very disheartening at times that after 5 years I am serving a growing church only on housing allowance and a real salary.
God created a system of natural / mutual investment.... yet why do so many pastors struggle to make ends meet, burn out and stop caring for their flock? Is it because so often the system of God has broken down. Is it because it is not mutual... it's one way?
Yes it's true that sometimes pastors have abused this system and left faithful church family members hurt and burnt.
But it's just as true and often that people simply neglect there part in this system
I did not want to read this part of the proverb. Because I love living a faith walk with God.
I love adventure. Yet, again it's clear that I maybe risking more than what may ever come back and really should (Biblically) be providing for my family. I don't like thinking that my flock isn't always invested as it should be.
I challenge you to read and re-read this. Look for the wisdom in how this is supposed to work and ask yourself... how is it really working for you?
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