Words of Wisdom – Part I.

Proverbs 22-23

I am teaching you today -- yes, you -- so you will trust in the LORD. 20 I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge. ­– Proverbs 22:19-20 NLT

In chapters 22-24 we are given a series of wise saying – 30 of them to be exact. These are short, memorable, and highly practical truths that are timeless and priceless. They could make great teaching material for middle school or high school age kids, but they also apply to those of us in the upper age brackets. Following the wisdom in these sayings will not make you a righteous person, but they should reflect the behavior of someone who is a child of God. They are the characteristics of Christ-likeness. In fact, the only way you can successfully follow the advice in these 30 sayings is with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit. A quick review of what they have to say may be a great indicator of just how much we are under the Spirit's control. Check out the first few of these timeless truths from chapters 22-23.

1. Don't take advantage of the helpless or exploit those who can't defend themselves.
2. If you hang around with angry people, you'll end up becoming just like them.
3. Don't put yourself at risk by co-signing on a loan for someone else. Your guarantee could come back to bite you.
4. Don't use deception to try and get an advantage.
5. Follow the example of those who work hard and well. They'll be in high demand from the best employers.
6. When you have dinner with a person of power and influence, don't talk too much, eat too much, or show yourself to have no restraint.
7. Don't spend all your time, energy, and resources trying to get rich. Wealth doesn't last and it can't deliver.
8. Learn to recognize the motives of the stingy host who shows you hospitality, but doesn't mean it.
9. Don't waste your time trying to get a fool to understand, he'll only laugh at your words.
10. Don't try to steal someone's inheritance or means of livelihood from someone who's lost their dad, because God is their protector.
11. Learn to love godly instruction and to listen to knowledge that comes from experience.
12. Don't be afraid to spank your kids. It won't kill, but in reality, may save their life in the long run.
13. A wise child makes a parent happy. A child who speaks truth makes the hearts of his parents glad.
14. Instead of being jealous of what sinners have, be zealous in your awe and fear of God. That's where your true hope is.
15. Don't hang around with those who can't control their appetites, physically or sexually. All their wanting will leave them wanting.
16. Respect your parents and listen to them. Do you want to make them proud of you? Then spend all your resources to acquire truth, wisdom, instruction and insight.
17. Stay away from a promiscuous woman or an unfaithful wife. Both seem to offer a lot, but will only lead to disappointment and disaster.
18. Anyone who can't control their alcohol will end up suffering emotionally, physically and psychologically. The alcohol that started out as so appealing will leave them staggering, hallucinating, numb, forgetful, and addicted.

Father, some of these are really easy for me. But others are hard. Some I have had to learn the hard way – because of my stubbornness and hardheadedness. They all make so much sense, yet we seem to struggle with obeying them. Make these more than just sayings. Allow them to become characteristics of my life. May I live out the truths they portray each day of my life. Amen





Let Justice Reign and Rain.

Proverbs 21

The LORD is more pleased when we do what is just and right than when we give him sacrifices. ­– Proverbs 21:3 NLT

This verse jumped out at me this morning. It fit in with a lot I had been reading the last few days. And it ended up convicting me of an area of weakness in my life. That of doing the just and right thing. Don't get me wrong. I try to live my life according to God's will and in step with His Word, but this verse has to do with my relationship with those who are suffering – those who are weak and defenseless. All throughout the Bible God talks about His care for widows and orphans, two of the most abused and neglected people groups during both the Old and New Testament periods. Listen to what He says, "The LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and takes no bribes. He gives justice to orphans and widows. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing. You, too, must show love to foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt" (Deuteronomy 10:17-19 NLT). Psalm 68:5 says God is a "Father to the fatherless, defender of widows." He cares for those who can't care for themselves. There is something about God's character as a just and righteous sovereign that drives Him to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. He cannot and will not tolerate the mistreatment of the defenseless, the poor, the downtrodden, the powerless and the weak. And He expects us to do the same thing. This is where I think I am weak. Do I really care for those around me who can't take care of themselves? Do I have a heart of compassion for those who find themselves in a tough spot, unable to meet their own needs or dig themselves out of the hole in which they find themselves. The truth is, I can find myself judging them and rationalizing that they are where they are because they deserve it. I end up judging them unjustly. I don't know their story, but I draw conclusions anyway.

In this verse in Proverbs the writer uses a word that is translated "justice." It is the Hebrew word tsĕdaqah. As is true with most Hebrew words, its meaning is far greater and deeper than one English word can convey. We tend to think of justice as a response or punishment to some negative action. We want justice to be done. But in the Hebrew it can also mean righteousness or charity. In his book, The Gospel According to Jesus, Chris Seay puts it this way, "Justice – righteousness – is about putting yourself and the societal values to one side and trying hard to live in the God values that the prophets and Jesus have revealed, about the healing of the world."  He goes on to say, "God wants us to be righteous – which means God wants us to be holy, healing, gathering, defending, and rescuing." God wants us to do what is right and just – in regards to those around us. In fact, God prefers that over our sacrifices. Which might include our quiet times, prayers, and other Christian activities. It is not that those things are wrong or shouldn't be done. But if we go through the religious motions and leave out showing justice to those in need, it becomes empty. James said it well. "Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us" (James 1:27 NLT). Justice and righteousness. They go hand in hand. You can't have one without the other.

Solomon goes on to warn us, "Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need" (Proverbs 21:13 NLT). But he also encourages us, "Justice is a joy to the godly" (Proverbs 21:15 NLT). We should love doing the right thing. We should find joy in helping the helpless and giving hope to the hopeless. Because that is the heart of God Himself.

Father, give me a heart for the hopeless and helpless. Forgive me for all the times I have ignored them and walked right by them, unaware that they were even there. They are everywhere in our society. They are preyed upon, taking advantage of, abused, and neglected. And You have called us as Your people to express Your love and compassion to them. We are to care for them. Show me how. Open my eyes. Let Your justice reign through me and rain down all around me. Amen





Protect Yourself With Love.

Proverbs 19-20

Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love. ­– Proverbs 20:28 NLT

As you read through the Proverbs, most of them seem pretty logical and make perfect common sense. For instance, if you don't work, you don't eat. If you lie, it's going to catch up to you. If you're rich, you've got more friends than you know what to do with. If you're poor, friends are few and far between. If you live with a nagging wife, it's like listening to the constant drip of a faucet you can't stop – ultimately, it will drive you crazy. These are like maxims or truisms that when you read them, you find yourself nodding your head in agreement. But then occasionally you'll stumble across one that seems more like a riddle than a proverb. It seems to make no sense. It's meaning either escapes you or it appears illogical. It goes against common sense. In fact, it seems to make no sense at all. Proverbs 20:28 falls into that category for me. Right in the middle of all the talk of fools, sluggards, unfaithful friends, liars, swindlers, and mockers there appears this surprising bit of advice for kings. Now you have to understand that the king audience did not represent a large market segment for Solomon. Among the people of Israel there were no other kings. So he is writing this to his son – the king to be. In fact, most of what we are reading as we work our way through the Proverbs was written for Solomon's son. Over and over again, he says, "My son, listen when your father corrects you," "My son, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them," "My son, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands."  So this note about kings was written for one person and one person only – Solomon's son – the heir to the throne of Israel. And he gives his young son some really interesting advice. "Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love."

Love and faithfulness? Really? Are you telling me that if a king wants to keep his throne secure, all it takes is love? That sounds so naive, so simplistic and out of touch with reality. What about strong armies, alliances, impenetrable walls, the latest advances in military technology, offensive strategies and spy networks? Can you imagine the President of the United States giving this advice to his successor? But what is Solomon trying to say? What's his point? That a king who loves his people will be loved in return. A king who provides protection for his people because he loves them will be a lot less likely to face a coup or potential takeover of his government. As I write this blog, things in Egypt are heating up. Riots are taking place in the streets of Cairo. The people are demanding the resignation of their president, Hosni Mubarak. According to a recent New York Times article, conditions under President Mubarek's 30-year rule have been less than loving. "The police are brutal. Elections are rigged. Corruption is rampant. Life gets harder for the masses as the rich grow richer and the poor grow poorer. Even as Egypt’s economy enjoyed record growth in recent years, the number of people living in poverty actually grew."

Mr. Mubarek could have learned from Solomon's advice. If he had loved his people, he would have made sure that they were well-fed, well-cared-for, and protected. His love would have been practical and measurable. People know when they are being used and will not tolerate being abused. At least not for long. But Solomon's advice is not just for kings and presidents. It applies to parents, employers, supervisors, teachers, pastors and elders. In fact, Paul shared similar advice to his fellow elders, "…this is my appeal to you: Care for the flock of God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly -- not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your good example" (1 Peter 5:1-3 NLT). God had a stern warning for the religious leadership in Ezekiel's day. "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds, the leaders of Israel. Give them this message from the Sovereign LORD: Destruction is certain for you shepherds who feed yourselves instead of your flocks. Shouldn't shepherds feed their sheep? You drink the milk, wear the wool, and butcher the best animals, but you let your flocks starve. You have not taken care of the weak. You have not tended the sick or bound up the broken bones. You have not gone looking for those who have wandered away and are lost. Instead, you have ruled them with force and cruelty. So my sheep have been scattered without a shepherd. They are easy prey for any wild animal. They have wandered through the mountains and hills, across the face of the earth, yet no one has gone to search for them" (Ezekiel 34:2-6 NLT). Paul warns fathers, "Don't make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4 NLT).

Love really is the best protection against rebellion. Weapons, walls, power and might are no match for unfailing love and faithfulness. Our children will excuse and overlook a lot of our shortcomings as parents when they know we love them. They will tolerate our inconsistencies and inadequacies as long as they feel like we are doing the best we can – out of love for them. Demanding compliance, defending our rights as parents, shouting "Because I said so," and expecting our kids to keep in step with our wishes, while failing to show them love is a recipe for rebellion. Remember the words of Paul? "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Love will last forever" (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NLT). That kind of love is the best protection we can provide ourselves against rejection and rebellion. No, it's not a guarantee. Because even Jesus ended up being rejected when He showed us how much He loved us by dying on the cross. But love is still the best defense. In fact, I wonder what things would be like in Egypt had President Mubarek taken the advice of Solomon. I wonder what our homes, businesses, churches and marriages would be like if we did the same thing.

Father, what a timely reminder of the power of love. It is the best offense and the best defense. Love really is the answer to all of life's problems. But not the sentimental, sappy kind of love we see portrayed in movies and on Hallmark cards. We're talking the selfless, sacrificial, lay-it-all-on-the-line kind of love that You showed toward us on Calvary. Your Son gave His life out of love for us. He loved us selflessly and sacrificially. He gave, expecting nothing in return. May we learn to love one another that way. Amen





A Word to the Wise and the Not-So-Wise.

Proverbs 17-18

"he name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. The rich think of their wealth as an impregnable defense; they imagine it is a high wall of safety. ­– Proverbs 18:10-11 NLT

These two chapters address the fool, those who take bribes, evildoers, gossips, mockers, parents, children, the unfriendly, quarrelers, the wicked, the wealthy, the discerning, the lazy, the eloquent, the talkative, the prudent, and, of course, the wise. It is a gallery hung with the portraits of a wide range of characters. Some are flattering. Some are not. But all are extremely life-like. In fact, as you read these two chapters, images of someone you know probably come into your mind. You may even see a reflection of your own face. Or that of a child or loved one. These are realistic portrayals of real life. But even as Solomon paints the portraits of the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the unrighteous, he is contrasting two ways of life. This has little to do with wealth and poverty, power and weakness, intelligence and stupidity. It has to do with godliness and a fear of the Lord. This is all about living a God-centered, God-focused life where His will and His way are primary. What makes someone wise is not their position in life or the number of degrees on their wall. It is their relationship with the living God. It is whether they are willing to live in submission to and dependence on the God of the universe.

Wisdom is not related to the well-educated or wealthy. It is just as easily accessible to the poor. God's wisdom is non-discriminatory – available to all who will seek it from the hand of the one who offers it – God Himself. But so much of what Solomon has to say is in regards to what happens when we refuse to turn to God for wisdom, help, direction, provision, protection, insight and, ultimately, salvation. We turn to our wealth. We rely on our own resources. And we end up becoming gossips, quarrelers, revengeful, mockers, spiritually lazy, and moral paupers. We act like fools and we find ourselves raising fools. We end up surrounded by fools. All because we refuse to submit ourselves to God. Rather than turn to God, we seek for comfort, wisdom, help, and happiness elsewhere. We live as if there is no God or we attempt to make our own gods. We find substitutes for God. And we end up as fools. Solomon puts it so simply, yet profoundly is verses 10-11 of chapter 18: "The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. The rich think of their wealth as an impregnable defense; they imagine it is a high wall of safety." The godly learn to trust in God and in Him only. They discover that He alone is reliable. He alone delivers what He promises. The wealthy, just like the poor and the middle class, turn to something else. The rich just happen to have more to turn to. They have more resources and so are more tempted to lean on their abundance for sustenance. But the poor can end up finding substitutes for God just as easily. Whether it's the comfort and security of a welfare state, the tantalizing hope of a lottery prize, or the mind-numbing pleasure of a television set, those who have little have a lot of choices for stand-ins for God. It's not that any of these things are inherently evil or wrong, it's just that they were never to act as replacements for God. They can't measure up. They can't deliver. They always disappoint. But because mankind can't seem to keep from turning to anything and everything but God, we see a growing gallery of portraits featuring foolish, angry, argumentative, self-focused, addictive, lazy, quarrelsome, naive, and unhappy individuals. Yet, there is a room filled with those who have learned to turn to God. Their portraits feature faces filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and a surprising sense of calmness and contentment, in spite of all that is going on around them.

Where do you run in times of trouble? Where do you turn when times are tough? What are the God-substitutes in your life? The godly run to one place and one place only for safety and security – God Himself. Is He your strong fortress today?

Father, forgive me for all the God-substitutes I have had in my life over the years. They never deliver, but I keep turning to them. They always disappoint, but they continue to sucker me into believing it will be different this time. You have never let me down. You have never failed to deliver on a single one of Your promises. May I grow increasingly more dependent on You. Amen





Older and Wiser.

Proverbs 16

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life. ­– Proverbs 16:31 NLT

I love this verse. And if you've seen me lately, you understand why. What hair I have that has not turned gray has simply turned loose. But I still have plenty left and any hint that it used to be brown is long gone. So when I read this verse I am comforted. I sometimes blame my gray hair on my kids. But now I know that it is because of godly living! Wow! Why in the world would I even consider covering it up with Grecian Formula? I should wear it proudly like a badge of honor. Go ahead, you young whipper snappers, fling your full head of amber-colored locks in my face, but just don't forget that my gray head is proof of my godliness! And godliness trumps good looks any day.

Don't I wish it was that easy? Wouldn't it be nice if I could just rest on the fact that growing old was a guarantee for growing in godliness? But we all know it's not. We know plenty of gray-haired men and women who are anything but icons of virtue and fountains of faith. No, Solomon is not telling us that gray-headedness is proof of godliness. He is letting us know that a life of godliness can lead to long life. It is not a guarantee, but it can help prolong our life through wise living and the blessings of God. All the way back in Proverbs 3 he tells us that living a wise and righteous life will "give you a long and satisfying life" (Proverbs 3:2 NLT). Elsewhere he tells us that "Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life" (Proverbs 9:11 NLT). "Fear of the LORD lengthens one's life…" (Proverbs 10:27 NLT). So gray hair is not proof of our godliness, but we are a whole lot more likely to live long enough to experience it if we choose to live our life according to God's terms and not our own.

The truth is, the longer we live the more we should realize just how blessed we are. We should learn from life's experiences and recognize just how true God's Word is. Living life should prove to us once and for all just how ill-equipped we are to live it righteously. The older I get, the more easily I admit that I can't defeat sin or discover contentment on my own. I am not smart enough, strong enough, brave enough, or determined enough to make this thing called life work. I need God. Learning to depend on Him seems to get easier with age. Oh, don't get me wrong. I still have plenty of strength to say no to His callings and promptings, but I seem to be learning from my mistakes quicker than before. I may stray off His path just like when I was younger, but I don't seem to go as far as I used to. Experience is a great teacher. I sometimes joke that I am in God's remedial school for slow learners. He keeps taking me through the same lessons over and over again, but I am starting to learn. Repetition makes the brain grow stronger!

I have a full head of gray hair. Sometimes I miss the brown ones. Sometimes I wish I had that full head of long flowing locks again. But I would not trade where I am for anything. I have made it to where I am because of the grace and mercy of God. I am wiser than I used to be. Not because I am older, but because God has been my constant companion over the years and I have tried to seek Him and listen to Him. No, I have not done so perfectly, but I have tried to do so persistently. God is not calling me to be perfect, but to have purity of purpose. He wants my intent to be a life of godliness. He knows I will never be completely godly this side of heaven. Until He glorifies me, I will continue to struggle with my sin nature. But as I grow older I am growing more willing to submit to His will for my life.

Father, thank You for my gray hairs. May they always remind me of You. They are a crown of righteousness. They help me remember that I would never have made it this far without Your help. Amen





I Did It My Way!

Proverbs 14-15

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. ­– Proverbs 14:12 NLT

There is a way that seems right to a man. There are choices in life that seem to make all the sense in the world – at the time. Each day we are faced with options to go one way or another. And as Christians, we have the choice to live our lives God's way or our own. We can wisely follow His directions or foolishly choose to listen to our own counsel. And so often, our way seems like the right one. Everything seems to indicate that if we do what we want to do, it will all turn out for the best. But Solomon warns us that nothing could be farther from the truth. All throughout the Proverbs, he has been contrasting wisdom and folly. He has been showing us the difference between living a life according to God's terms or our own. The fool is that individual who has determined that his way is best. He rejects direction and despises discipline. He never seeks counsel, or if he does, he ignores it and listens to his own advice. But living our lives apart from the wisdom of God never turns out well. That way is never the right way. No matter how good it may look or profitable it may appear to be. Yet just think how often we choose our way over God's. For most of us it's a daily occurance. It could be something as simple as what we watch on TV. Do we stop and consider whether or not the show we are about to watch is something God would find redeeming and profitable for promoting righteousness in our lives? No, we watch it because we think it's entertaining. It will make us laugh. It will distract us from the cares of the day. It brings us pleasure. So it MUST be good. Our way seems right to us. Maybe it's the choice to sit and watch 2-3 hours of sports on TV after a hard day at the office, rather than interact with our wife or children. Do we check with God? Do we ask Him what would be best? Or do we go with our own will in the matter, determining that we deserve a break. We give and give all day long, now it's our turn to kick back and relax.

From our choices in friends to the way we dress, how we use our time to the way we treat others, if we're not careful, we could end up living our lives our way and choosing the wrong way. And Solomon says that way does not end well. According to Solomon, the wise person seeks counsel, asks for wisdom, considers his steps carefully, deliberates before he decides, considers the will of God and tries to follow it. This doesn't mean that the foolish person is miserable and never enjoys life. No, when they live life on their own terms, they actually seem to benefit from their choices. Solomon even admits it. "Foolishness brings joy to those who have no sense…" But then he reminds us that in spite of this, "a sensible person stays on the right path" (Proverbs 15:21 NLT). The wise person doesn't look at the short-term gain, but the long-term rewards. In the end, the life of the fool is a dangerous pursuit. It ends in death and destruction. The life of the wise or the righteous ends in life. It reminds me of the Israelites wandering through the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land. All throughout that journey, they wanted to stop, turn around, go home, or basically, live life on their own terms. They complained about everything. They were driven by their desires and gave in to them. They were looking for short-term fixes and quick solutions. But God was attempting to lead them to a place of promise. He had something far greater in store for them. He wanted to bless them, but they kept coming up with ways that seemed right to them. But as Solomon warns, their way was going to lead to destruction. Their lack of fear for God and refusal to follow His leading would end up in their deaths in the wilderness. When they arrived at the boundaries of the Promised Land, they refused to go in because they didn't trust God to deliver them from the people who occupied the land. They feared and chose to go with their own way instead of God's. And every one of them would spend the next 40 years wandering in the wilderness, dying off one at a time, never seeing the land that God had promised.

Could you be missing out on the promises of God? Could your stubborn will be standing in the way of God's blessings for your life? Choose wisely and choose well. Listen to His voice and choose His path. You won't be disappointed. "The path of the wise leads to life above…" (Proverbs 15:24 NLT).

Father, forgive me for choosing my own way so often. I am so prone to go with the quick fix, the solution that seems to offer the most immediate benefits, rather than trusting You for what is best for my life. I have so many of the characteristics of the fool in my life. But I want to live the life of the wise. I want righteousness to characterize my life. Give me the strength to seek Your path and stay on it – for the long haul. Amen





Godliness Pays.

Proverbs 13

Godliness helps people all through life… ­– Proverbs 13:6 NLT

To a certain degree, we have bought into the idea that the life of godliness is costly. That the kind of discipline that is necessary for us to live a godly life can require extreme sacrifice. And all that is true. But if we're not careful we can end up viewing the godly life as a one-side affair. We can find ourselves viewing it is as all "give" and no "get." Oh sure, we get eternal life in the end, but in the mean time we just have to give up all our favorite habits and vices, we have to give up all our dreams and die to our desires. We have to give God all our time, money and talents. It can all end up sounding and feeling so lopsided, as if it's an investment with no real return for our money. Kind of like buying life insurance. You keep paying the premiums, but you never really get to enjoy the benefits of your investment.

But the truth is, while godliness can be costly, it is far from stingy in terms of its payback. The Proverbs remind us over and over again that those who choose to live godly lives find themselves greatly rewarded – in this life, not just the one to come. As we have seen before, the godly, or those who seek to live righteous lives receive wisdom, discernment, fruitfulness, protection, provision, direction, and so much more. They have a resource and reservoir of power available to them that others know nothing about. It's kind of like insider trading – but fully legal. God makes available His wisdom. He gives complete access to His power. He lets us tap into His vast bank of limitless resources. They are complete at our disposal, 24-7, 365. God is like a bank that never closes, and His assets never run out.

Godliness really does pay. Sure, it may cost us a little time to seek to know God by reading His Word. It may require a little sacrifice as we give up some of the trinkets and trash this world offers in order to give all our time and attention to Him. But God gives a great return on our investment. He makes it worth our while. There is the old adage, "You can't out-give God." That is so true. There is nothing He might require of me that is more costly than what He has already given me. He gave me the life of His own Son in my place on the cross. He sacrificed that which was most precious to Him in order that I might have life – abundant life – not just in heaven, but right here on earth. He has given me His Holy Spirit as a constant companion. He has given me His inheritance – undeserved and without limits. This all reminds me of the old hymn I grew up singing in my father's church on Long Island: "He Giveth More Grace." Read the lyrics, then reconsider just how much a life of godliness pays.

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength as our labors increase; To added afflictions He addeth His mercy, To multiplied trials he multiplies peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed ere the day is half done, When we reach the end of our hoarded resources Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

Father, You just keep giving. And while I may complain sometimes about how hard this life of godliness seems to be, the truth is, I get back far more than I give. I have already received more than I deserve and far more than I could ever repay. The wisdom, understanding, discernment, peace, provision, and protection I get is simply icing on the cake. If You never gave me anything more than the salvation I have already received, it would be more than enough. But as the song says, You giveth, and giveth, and giveth again. Thank You. Amen





The Righteous Vs the Wicked.

Proverbs 11-12

In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality. ­– Proverbs 12:28 NIV

In a later Proverb Solomon says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 14:12 NIV). In another one of his Proverbs, he tells us, "The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day" (Proverbs 4:18 NIV). Along the same lines, the prophet Isaiah said, "The way of the righteous is level, the path of the righteous that You make is straight" (Isaiah 26:7 NIV). There is a path that each of us must take. Actually, there are two paths. One leads to disappointment, destruction and ultimately, death. The other leads to blessing and life. And it's not just the final destination these paths lead to that is important. It's the journey itself. The path so often referred to in the Old Testament carries with it the idea of a journey or way. It often refers to a manner of life. The manner in which one conducts his life. It is the day-to-day act of living out our lives as we follow the path before us. Throughout these two Proverbs Solomon contrasts the "way" of the righteous and the "way" of the wicked. He compares and contrasts them, using simple illustrations to set apart these two approaches to life. Solomon gives us unmistakable characteristics of each, easily recognized in daily life. The righteous are characterized by honesty, integrity, discretion, diligence, compassion, humility, trustworthiness, and generosity. The wicked are selfish, self-centered, deceptive, lazy, prideful, arrogant, unfaithful, hateful, cruel, lacking in discretion, corrupt, and foolish.

The promises offered to those who choose the way of righteousness are many. And they aren't just waiting out there somewhere in the future. Solomon talks of blessings to be had in this life for those who choose to walk the way that God has established. His way is the way of righteousness or right living. It is the way that leads to joy and fulfillment, blessing and abundance, peace and prosperity. But this is where we have to be careful. Solomon is not saying and God is not promising that His way is all health, wealth, and prosperity. He is offering us so much more than money and material things. He is promising so much more than just a long life free from sickness. He is offering an antidote for anxiety, a rest in the midst of the pressures of life, a peace right in the middle of chaos, a joy in spite of sorrow. God is offering us direction when we find ourselves lost, comfort when we find ourselves sad, community when we feel like we are all alone, rescue when we find ourselves in trouble. God is offering us a relationship. He is offering to light the path on which we walk and give us companionship for the journey. He is not just telling where we need to go, He is walking alongside us the entire way, teaching us, encouraging us, providing for us, and protecting us. It reminds me of the journey the Israelites took through the wilderness. God was with them every step of the way. He led them. He fed them. He protected them. He provided for them. He talked to them. He gave them rules to live by. He did miracles for them. He revealed Himself to them. Yes, they were headed to the Promised Land, but a big part of God's plan for them was the journey on which they found themselves. He could have easily transported them right to the land of Canaan the minute He delivered them out of Egypt. But He had another plan. He had a journey in store for them. They were going to learn just who God was as they walked with Him day by day. They were going to see His power on display. They were going to learn about His holiness and hatred of sin. They were going to see His deliverance first-hand. This was their opportunity to see their God at work in their lives – each and every day. But many of them chose to take the path of the wicked. They wanted to return to Egypt. They complained. They whined. They refused to listen to God. They let their desires rule their decisions. They gave in to their urges. And they sinned. The result was death. They turned their backs on God's way and chose their own. And the results were devastating and deadly.

What about us? What path are we choosing? Even as believers who are walking the path that God has established for us, we can choose to turn around or take detour. We can refuse to follow His path and take our own. And before we know it, we find ourselves in the high weeds. Oh sure, it may go well for a while. We may find ourselves living the high life and enjoying all the pleasures we were seeking, but that path will never get us where we really need to go. The way of the righteous is God's way. It is a narrow way. It is not the popular way. But it is the only way that leads to life. I love the way The Message paraphrases the words of Jesus: "Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life--to God!--is vigorous and requires total attention" (Matthew 7:13-14 MSG).

Father, Your way is best. But sometimes it is so tempting to take another way, to follow another path. But keep me on the path of righteousness. Help me to see You as I walk each and every day. I know that there will be difficult days, but that is where I can see Your power on display and Your compassion first-hand. Walking Your path requires trust and faith. It requires diligence and determination. But You make the journey well worth the effort. Amen





The Folly of Fools.

Proverbs 10

Doing wrong is fun for a fool, while wise conduct is a pleasure to the wise. ­– Proverbs 10:23 NLT

"I pity the fool…!" Those are the memorable words of "Clubber" Lang, the character played by Mr. T in the film classic, Rocky III. Okay, so I'm being a tad bit sarcastic. Any movie that features Mr. T in a starring role is destined for a life in the discount bins at the video rental store. But the line itself is a classic. And I think Solomon himself would have thoroughly agreed with it. In fact, Solomon did pity the fool and spent a great deal of time and energy addressing this particular individual. What he had to say about the fool was far from flattering, but it was driven by a concern for his well-being. It seems that Solomon understood that each and every one of us comes into this world a full-blow, card-carrying fool. The problem is, many of us never grow out of it. Our children, like us, are born fools. They lack wisdom, insight, understanding, and knowledge. So we spend countless hours trying to fill them with all four. And according to Solomon, we have our work cut out for us. Listen to how he describes the average fool:

… a foolish child brings grief to a mother – Vs 1

… babbling fools fall flat on their faces – Vs 8

… fools will be punished with a rod – Vs 13

… the babbling of a fool invites trouble – Vs 14

… to slander is to be a fool – Vs 18

… the heart of a fool is worthless – Vs 20

… fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense – Vs 21

… Doing wrong is fun for a fool – Vs 23

Fools are directly associated with the wicked, the evil and the lazy. The Proverbs tell us that the person who denies, ignores, or neglects God is not only acting foolishly, but is characterized by a kind of godlessness. They act as if God does not exist – even while claiming to believe in Him. The fool has certain unmistakable characteristics:

He is thoughtless: not applying his thoughts about God; not thinking through the truth about God

He is dull: not being sharp in his thoughts about God. He is being sleepy-minded, slow, and sluggish toward God.

He is senseless: not using good common sense about God. He is acting contrary to good common sense. He is deficient in his thoughts about God.

He is without understanding: he does not grasp or comprehend God; he does not have the right ideas or thoughts about God.

He is ignorant of God: he does not know God. He has not learned God – has not looked at, thought about, studied, nor met, walked and fellowshipped with God.

He is unwise: he is acting contrary to wisdom; he is acting dangerously and foolishly.

But how do you know if you are a fool? How do we recognize the characteristics of a fool in the lives of our children, friends, work associates? Here are a few probing questions that might give us some insight. If the answers to any of these is "Yes," then they may be pointing to someone who is exhibiting fool-like symptoms. Go ahead, take the test yourself. And remember, if you score high, the solution is to seek wisdom. And you can find it right in the Word of God.

1.  Do you feel like your life is characterized more by righteousness or unrighteousness?

2.  Do you feel your life has been characterized by wisdom or a lack of wisdom?

3.  Do you feel you are realistic…about yourself?…about business?…about life?…about relationships?

4.  Do you consider yourself as highly disciplined or undisciplined?

5.  Do you have a temper?

6.  How does your temper manifest itself?

7.  Are you reliable…in your work?…with your words?

8.  Are you teachable?

9.  Do you struggle with any sexual sins?

10.  Would you say you are truthful?

11.  Do you tend to repeat past mistakes?

Father, sometimes we laugh at the foolishness we see around us. Rather than pity the fool, we smile about their behavior. Give us a desire to see our children move from foolishness to wisdom. Help us to recognize the characteristics of foolishness in our own lives, then come to You for wisdom. Father, foolishness is no laughing matter to You. Give us the same soberness of mind so that we might take it seriously and deal with it soberly. Amen





Wise Enough To Know Better.

Proverbs 8-9

All who fear the LORD will hate evil. That is why I hate pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverted speech. ­– Proverbs 8:13 NLT

Do you hate what God hates? Do the things that cause Him to become angry stir you up as well? Solomon says that the wisdom that God offers us causes us to despise the things that God despises. As we gain wisdom from God, it provides us with insight and discernment, and diminishes the foolishness and gullibility that plagues most of mankind. We end up seeing more clearly the truth about God's plan and the lies of the enemy. We begin to understand that our own pride, arrogance and self-absorption are actually evil. Our constant focus on us is wrong. It keeps us from loving God because we are too busy loving ourselves. Only wisdom gives us the ability to see that. Without the wisdom of God, we are blinded to the destructive nature of our own pride, instead thinking that our self-interest is some kind of self-preservation. Wisdom helps us see the truth. It shows us that the way of evil is the wrong way. The New Living Translation renders this phrase into a single word, "corruption." But in the Hebrew is it actually two words and they can be translated "the evil way," "the wrong way of life," "evil behavior," or "a life marked by wrong choices." Wisdom helps us learn to despise the kind of life that the world offers up as normal. We are able to see that what the world tries to convince us of as good and acceptable behavior is actually wrong and destructive. It leads to no good. It offers up pleasure, but delivers misery. It sounds and looks so good, but in the end only disappoints. Wisdom alone can help us see this. Otherwise we end up buying the lie and experiencing the pain and suffering that comes from a life marked by wrong choices. Wisdom says, "those who miss me have injured themselves" (Proverbs 8:36 NLT).

Wisdom also gives us a healthy hatred for "perverted speech." The word rendered "perverted" here comes from another Hebrew word that conveys the idea of twisted or turned around. It is convoluted, backwards, confusing, saying what is right is wrong and what is wrong is right. It is not just referring to inappropriate speech or using bad words. This has more to do with words that confuse the truth and cause us to go against the Word of God. They allows us to justify our behavior and rationalize our actions. The prophet Isaiah described it this way, "Destruction is certain for those who say that evil is good and good is evil; that dark is light and light is dark; that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter" (Isaiah 5:20 NLT). The Psalmist put it this way, "You love evil more than good, you call black white" (Psalm 52:3 MSG). Wisdom gives us the ability to see the twisted words and upside down thinking that pervades our culture, bombarding us with lies from the radio and TV, through music, movies and the media. We learn to discern that it is really twisting the truth of God and rejecting His way for another one. And we learn to hate it.

Wisdom hates all these things, because wisdom is of God. As we grow closer in our relationship to God, we see what He sees, we hate what He hates, we see truth more clearly with each passing day. The wisdom God offers cries out to me. It pleads with me to "Leave your foolish ways behind, and begin to live; learn how to be wise" (Proverbs 9:6 NLT). It's calling to you too. Do you hear it?

Father, I want to really live. I want to see with Your eyes, hear with Your ears, understand with Your mind. Give me Your wisdom Father. Help me to seek it like a lost treasure, to value it more than anything else in the world. I know that it is available to me if I search for it in Your Word. You will not just hand it to me. I must pursue it. Give me the determination and discipline to do so. Amen





The Complexities of Simplemindedness.

Proverbs 7

I was looking out the window of my house one day and saw a simpleminded young man who lacked common sense. ­– Proverbs 7:6-7 NLT

The character described in this Proverb is a familiar one. We can all think of someone just like him. Naive and simple, unaware of the danger that lurks around him, highly gullible and easily tempted to give in to the temptations of life. He's like the character you watch in a movie that is about to open a door, behind which lurks certain death, but he is oblivious that any danger exists. You want to scream at the TV, warning him to run. You wonder how he could be so unaware of what is really going on, when you see it so clearly.

But if the truth were known, there are times in every day where we take on the same characteristics. We become simpleminded. Open-minded. Naive. Gullible. The word used by Solomon to describe this young man is from a root word that means "spacious, open, wide." You might say it means "empty-headed" – someone lacking in sense, or to use a more up-to-date term, an airhead. He is easily enticed into danger, because he is oblivious to the danger surrounding him. He lacks the discernment to see that what looks so tempting and enticing is really deadly. Like a fish drawn to a tempting lure, this young man is drawn to the seductive appeal of a woman. She paints a highly attractive picture of the pleasure he can have if he will only give in to her message. Everything sounds so attractive. She appeals to his senses. She takes advantage of his unbridled sexual drive. She calls to his base, animal instincts. She is an expert at what she does. She knows exactly how to get to this young man. But her offer is all pleasure with no pain. Like Satan, she only presents the promise of satisfaction and enjoyment. She fails to give the young man the bad news. But Solomon knows the other side to this story. "He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter or like a trapped stag, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life" (Proverbs 7:22-23 NLT). This was not going to turn out well. Sin seldom does. The lies of the enemy never deliver what they promise. They disappoint and destroy. They damage lives, reputations, and relationships. They leave behind a wake of regrets, guilt, and shame. They harden the heart and soften the resolve of men so that it becomes increasingly harder to say no the next time.

So Solomon calls out. He cries out. He warns this young man and generations of other men to come, that this danger is a reality. It is out there for all of us. We face it every day of our lives. And it is so easy to approach life in the same simpleminded manner. We reject the warnings of Scripture. We ignore the reality of an enemy who is out to destroy us. We think we can handle the temptations of life on our own. We listen to the seductive calls of the enemy and the world, hearing only what we want to hear – the tempting offers of pleasure with no pain, satisfaction at no cost. And in the end, we pay the price. Simplemindedness is costly and wisdom is the cure. The wisdom that God offers through His Word. Discernment comes from one source – God. And He makes it available to each and every one of us through the pages of the Bible.

Father, drive me to Your Word so that I am not so easily driven by my desires. Give me discernment so that I am not so easily susceptible to the temptations of life. Help me reject the life of the simpleminded and live the life of the wise. Amen





Lessons Learned the Hard Way.

Proverbs 5-6

How I hated discipline! If only I had not demanded my own way! ­– Proverbs 5:12 NLT

They say hindsight is 20-20. There is something powerful about the ability to look back at our mistakes and learn from them. Those lessons can be extremely clear in retrospect. As we look back on decisions we have made and see the trail of consequences, we tend to learn valuable lessons. We see our mistakes with greater clarity than we did living them out in real time. In the heat of the moment, we thought our decisions made sense. They felt right at the moment we made them. Our plan sounded so good. We just knew that everything was going to turn out well. Then given enough time, distance and pain, we discover the reality of blunder. "How I hated discipline! If only I had not demanded my own way!" It's in looking back that we see just how stubborn we had been. We refused to do things God's way, and instead determined that our way was better. We demanded to follow our own counsel and rejected God's. And the results were less than perfect.

So Solomon warns his son, and us, to learn from his mistakes. He begs us to listen to his counsel and not go through the same painful lessons. Yet those of us who have kids know that our children have this unique ability to refuse our advice. What we say seems to go in one ear and out the other. They roll their eyes and shake their heads, patiently putting up with our sage wisdom, but rejecting it in the end as antiquated, illogical, and out-of-touch with reality. They determine that they know better. They don't need our advice. And so they refuse to listen to our counsel, making their own decisions, living life on their own terms. And they learn the hard way.

As I read these Proverbs again, I can't help but hear the voice of God calling to me, begging me to listen to Him, to heed His counsel. He wants me to seek His wisdom and to pursue His understanding like a priceless treasure. But I refuse to listen. Like a stubborn teenager, I convince myself that I know best. My way is better than God's. And it is only in hindsight that I learn the folly of my ways. God patiently and lovingly allows me to reject His will for my own. He lets me learn from my mistakes. And as I grow older, the lessons finally begin to sink in. I start to learn that obedience is a lot less painful. Doing it His way really does work better. Learning doesn't have to hurt! God's way is the best way. I can trust Him on that.

Father, thank You for all the times You have patiently allowed me to do things my way. You have let me make my decisions and reap the results. But You have always been there to pick me up and set me back on my feet. You have never walked away from me in disgust, but have continue to patiently love me and instruct me, waiting for me to wake up and realize that Your way really is the best way. May I grow increasingly more aware of the truth of that reality. Amen





Wisdom at any Cost!

Proverbs 4

Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. ­– Proverbs 4:5 NASB

What kinds of things do we spend our money on? Movies and music, the latest electronic gadgets, lattes and lunches, golf clubs and hunting rifles, handbags and hairstyling – the list goes on and on. The bottom line for most of us is if we want something bad enough, we figure out a way to get our hands on it. Even if it means going in debt to do it. Which makes the verse above so interesting. Here Solomon tells his son to acquire wisdom and understanding. That word can actually be translated "buy" or "purchase." It seems to carry the thought, "to possess at any cost." He is telling his son, and us, to make it our mission to get our hands on wisdom and understanding. They are both that valuable. He's not saying, "Son, you have got to have the latest iPhone or iPad." He is not telling his son to "acquire stock" in some Fortune 500 company. He is not telling him to spend his hard-earned money on good, reliabletransportation. No, he is pleading with his son to make it his mission in life to possess these two priceless commodities: wisdom and understanding.

But how do we obtain these two qualities or attributes. By using the term "acquire," Solomon is indicating that they will cost us something. There is a price involved. Both are only available from one source: God. And they do not come cheap. As Solomon tells us elsewhere, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10 NASB). So both of these valuable commodities begin and end with God. He is the source and the seller. Which means I have to deal with Him if I want to get my hands on them. The price? A healthy fear of God and a growing knowledge or understanding of Him. I grow in my fear of God as I spend time with Him. And my fear changes from a simple-minded dread based on ignorance to a multifaceted awe and reverence based on a growing knowledge of just how holy, powerful, and majestic God really is. But I don't acquire this understanding easily. The wisdom that God offers doesn't come cheap. It requires that I spend countless hours pursuing a relationship with Him. As I do, I will find myself wiser and more understanding. And the side benefits are pretty significant as well: God's provision and protection, guidance in the way of righteousness, life, health, and integrity. So it pays to purchase wisdom and understanding. It makes good fiscal sense to acquire them both. But to do so, I will have to make them a priority in my life. I will have to want them bad enough to spend what it takes to get them. I will need to give God my time, my undivided attention, my affection and devotion, my obedience and trust, and ultimately, my life. But it will be well worth the cost. Solomon put it this way: "The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day." (Proverbs 4:18 NLT).

Father, I spend my time, money, and resources on a lot of things. And none of them can deliver what they promise, let alone what it is I really need. Which is wisdom and understanding. Only You can provide those two things and they do not come cheaply. They come from time spent with You. They are only available through effort spent in seeking an intimate relationship with You. You are the key to both. Never let me forget that. There is no other way. There is no discount for acquiring wisdom and understanding. Amen





Then you will…

Proverbs 2-3

Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. ­– Proverbs 2:9 NLT

Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD…

Then you will what is right, just, and fair…

Then you will know how to find the right course of action every time…

Then you will find favor with both God and people…

Then you will gain a good reputation…

Then you will gain renewed health and vitality…

Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine…

There are some pretty significant promises in these two chapters, and they are all linked to our pursuit of and desire for wisdom. But not just any wisdom – the wisdom of God. Only God can grant it. So it would only make sense that we seek it from Him through His Word. The promises when we do are staggering. They sound almost too good to be true – much like the advertising claims for a new product or service. But these promises are far from empty. They are the commitments of a faithful God to His children. When we seek His wisdom, His will, and His way, we are blessed beyond belief. He will guard and guide us. He will protect and provide for us. He will help and heal us. He will give us an increasing awareness of His greatness and a growing appreciation for His kindness. The wisdom of God is essential to life in this fallen world and it is ours for the asking. He freely gives it to all those who seek it. But we must desire it enough to pursue it. We must need it enough to obey it. We must recognize its worth and rely on its direction. But where do we find this wisdom? On the pages of Scripture. In the words of the prophets, apostles, poets, and from the lips of Jesus Himself. To read God's Word is to hear from God Himself. He has filled the pages of the Bible with His revealed will and matchless character. He shows us His power, might, mercy, grace, love, holiness, righteousness, justice, and faithfulness – over and over again. He gives us a glimpse of His expectations as well as His exhortations. He speaks to us, encourages us, admonishes us, directs us, convicts us, comforts us, and reminds us of His unfailing love and unending mercy. All we need we find in His Word. So why don't we spend more time in it? Why don't we obey it? Why aren't we more passionate about it? The enemy, the flesh, and the world. They all three conspire to draw us away from the wisdom of God and attempt to replace it with a hollow alternative. The Proverbs are a call for us to remember where true wisdom comes from – from the lips of God Himself. Seek it and then you will …

Father, everything I need I can find in You. Your wisdom is sufficient to meet every need that comes my way. Yet I seek so many other things than You. I listen to so many other voices than Yours. Give me an increasing desire to hear Your Word and to obey it. May I grow in my ability to discern right from wrong as I grow in my knowledge of Your Word and Your will. Amen





Killed By Complacency.

Proverbs 1

That is why they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way. They must experience the full terror of the path they have chosen. For they are simpletons who turn away from me -- to death. They are fools, and their own complacency will destroy them. ­– Proverbs 1:31-32 NLT

We're all familiar with the verse in this proverb that says, "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7 NLT). But it goes on and reminds us, "Only fools despise wisdom and discipline." It seems clear when reading this proverb and virtually every other one, that to live without a fear of God is to reject the wisdom He offers through His Word. It is to live the life of a fool. I used to think the fool was some poor soul whose elevator didn't go all the way to the top floor, who was a few bricks short of a full load. He was the guy who just couldn't help doing foolish things. In most cases, I thought the fool was describing the typical non-believer. He was lost and without God in his life, so he ended up doing foolish things. But the more I read and studied Proverbs, the more convinced I became that the fool can just as easily be describing the typical believer. Essentially, a fool is someone who lives his life as if there is no God. I can believe in God and still live as if He doesn't exist. I can act in ways that are contrary to His commands and do so with a belief that He doesn't see what I am doing. I can say things that are offensive to His ears, but do so as if I believe He doesn't hear me. To live as if God doesn't see me or hear me is to live the life of a fool. To ignore His teaching, reject His discipline, or to fail to seek His counsel is to live like a fool.

You can have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ and still eat the bitter fruit of living your own way. You can choose to ignore what Christ taught. You can decide to live your life according to your own terms. You can neglect the reading of your Bible and miss out on hearing from God, and end up experiencing the full terror of the path you have chosen. Solomon puts it this way: "Their own complacency will destroy them." That word translated "complacency" is rich in meaning. Positively, it can mean quietness, ease, or prosperity. But in this context, Solomon seems to be using its more negative meaning, which refers to a smugness, self-sufficiency, complacency or even careless security that can take over our lives when we think we have everything we need without God. In his commentary on Proverbs, C. H. Toy describes it as a “repose gained by ignoring or neglecting the serious responsibilities of life.” Our complacency as Christians can end up killing us. It can lull us into a dangerous sense of well-being. We can get so satisfied with our lives as they are, that we end up neglecting God's Word. We spend little or no time in it. And if we don't readGod's Word it is impossible to hear from the one who wrote it. And if we don't hear from Him, how are we supposed to obey Him? Our self-sufficiency ends up being self-destructive.

I reminds me of what God had to say to the church in Laodicea in the book of Revelation. "You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. I advise you to buy gold from me -- gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. And also buy white garments so you will not be shamed by your nakedness. And buy ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from your indifference" (Revelation 3:17-19 NLT). Indifference. Complacency. Self-sufficiency. Smugness. They are all characteristics of the fool. That individual who has decided that he has no need of God's wisdom as revealed in His Word, no awareness of God's constant presence, no desire to hear what God may think of his plans, and no concept that his self-sufficiency is actually destroying him. "…they are simpletons who turn away from me -- to death. They are fools, and their own complacency will destroy them" (Proverbs 1:32 NLT).

Father, I have lived the life of the fool so often it's embarrassing. I have rejected or even ignored Your Word altogether. I have acted as if You don't even exist. I have become satisfied with my life as it was and unwilling to make the changes You have lovingly suggested. I have become complacent, smug, and self-sufficient far too often. Yet I know that Your wisdom is worth pursuing. It is more valuable than anything else I can pursue in life. Give me an increasing desire to seek Your wisdom. May Your Word become increasingly more satisfying to me. Amen





Love.

Song of Solomon

Place me like a seal over your heart, or like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, and its jealousy is as enduring as the grave. Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame. ­– Song of Solomon 8:6 NLT

This is probably one of the most hotly debated books in the Bible. The interpretations of its meaning are countless and questions regarding its purpose are endless. Some see it as an allegory with deeper spiritual meaning. Others read it as an actual autobiographical story featuring events from the life of Solomon himself. There is little debate that it is a love poem. That is clear from a cursory reading of the eight short chapters. But why is it in the Bible? If all Scripture is profitable for teaching, reproof and training in righteousness, why is this book included? What is it attempting to teach us? As I read through it this morning I was struck by the many times that it caused me to reflect on the love of God. It seems to reveal the kind of love God has for His people and that He longs for them to have for Him. It is the same kind of love that Christ has for His bride, the Church, and that He desires to receive in return. And finally, it is the kind of love that any husband should feel for his wife and she willingly returns to Him.

It is indeed a book about love. Whether it is about real people and real events, I can't say. But it IS about love. And a faithful, eyes-for-you-only kind of love that God illustrates in His love for those He calls His own. It is the kind of love that caused Christ to take on human flesh and die a sinner's death in our place on the cross. This kind of love is selfless and sacrificial. It is passionate and powerful. It is intimate and intense. I cant help but read this book and be reminded of my Father's love for me. I am blown away by the way in which Christ expresses His love for me each and every day. God the Father and God the Son call out to me daily, longing to have a love relationship with me that is two-way, not one-way. But so often I am more than willing to accept their love, but refuse to return it. The Song of Solomon shows love that is given and received. Neither character can live without the other. There is a level of infatuation in the poem that borders on embarassing. The words these two use to describe their love for one another are syrupy and saccharine. The almost feel a little bit over the top and uncomfortable to read – like you're looking at someone's private love letters. But the love expressed here is genuine and sincere. It is intimate and personal. There is a sense of infatuation and focused quality behind the love expressed in these eight chapters that reflect the way we are loved by God and the manner in which we should return that love to Him.

Father, may my love for You and Your Son grow to such a degree that it is almost embarrassing for others to listen to me express it out loud. May I discover the intense kind of love for my heavenly Father and His Son that they have expressed to me so often. Help me to learn to love as I have been loved. And help me to recognize just how loved I really am. Amen





The Desire For Discernment.

Psalm 119:141-146

O LORD, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised. ­– Psalm 119:169 NLT

The psalmist longed for the ability to discern right from wrong. He desired wisdom and he knew it could only come from one place: God. So he prayed and asked God for it. Remember Solomon's dream? In it, Solomon was asked by God, "What do you want? Ask and I will give it to you." Wow! What an opportunity. Here was the God of the universe handing Solomon a blank check and telling him to fill in the amount. He could have asked for anything, but I think God knew Solomon's heart. God knew what Solomon was going to ask for. And what was it? Wisdom. "I am like a little child who doesn't know his way around. And here I am among your own chosen people, a nation so great they are too numerous to count! Give me an understanding mind so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great nation of yours?" (1 Kings 3:7-9 NLT). Solomon asked for discernment – the ability to discern right from wrong. And God gave it.

The writer of Psalm 119 was anxious for God to give him the same thing. He knew the key was his ability to understand the commands and decrees of God. "Your decrees are always fair; help me to understand them, that I may live" (Psalm 119:144 NLT). He wasn't content with a blind obedience. He wanted to understand the intentbehind the commands of God, because he knew that they were the source of life. Like children who obey without understanding, we can go through the motions, but as soon as we get the chance, we stop obeying because we have never really understood the real reason behind the need for obedience. To understand the commands of God is to understand the heart of God. There is method to His seeming madness and there are reasons behind His rules. The psalmist longed to know what they were. Do you long for the same thing? Do you want to understand the heart of God? Do you desire a discerning mind that can tell the difference between right from wrong, good from evil? Rules are great. But they are really intended for those who can't discern right from wrong. Rules are for the unruly. But if we all knew right from wrong, if we all knew the heart of God and how to please Him, no rules would be necessary. Even the Ten Commandments can become burdensome and laborious if we never get to know the God who gave them. What was His intent? What was His real desire behind them? That is what the psalmist wanted to know. Do you?

Father, I want a discerning mind, but more than that, I want to know You. Open my eyes so that I might see the way You see. Give me a heart that is similar to Yours. May I see the world the way You see it. Don't ever let Your Word just become a list of dos and don'ts to me. I want to grasp the meaning behind them and get to know the God who gave them. Amen





A Confession of Obsession.

Psalm 119:89-140

Oh, how I love your law! I think about it all day long. ­– Psalm 119:97 NLT

What kinds of things do you find yourself thinking about during the day? For most of us it probably varies. When we're at work, we probably think about work-related things, or we may think about going home. If we're at home, our minds may dwell on the myriad of things we need to accomplish around the house, or again, we may find ourselves wishing we were at work. All throughout the day we find ourselves thinking about a lot of different things. Some good. Some not so good. And occasionally we may find ourselves thinking about a single thing so much that it borders on an obsession. It could be someone we are deeply in love with and we just can't get them off our mind. It could be an event that is coming up of extreme significance in our lives, and we can't stop thinking about it. It could be a particular item we long for, like a new car, and we find ourselves daydreaming about it throughout the day. But how many of us find ourselves obsessing about the Word of God? How many of us would dare to claim that we're obsessed with God's Word? The psalmist did. He said he couldn't stop thinking about it. He claimed that the words of God were sweeter than honey. They were his treasure, his heart's delight. He meditated and thought on them constantly. He considered them so wonderful he couldn't get enough of them. He literally cried because there were those who chose to reject and disobey God's Word. He found himself filled with rage over those who disregard what God has to say. He loved the Word of God and couldn't understand why everyone else didn't feel the same way. He had found God's Word to be fulfilling, comforting, directing, encouraging, convicting, and restoring. He went to bed at night thinking about it and woke up with it on his mind first thing in the morning. To the psalmist, the Word was life.

But what about me? Am I even remotely obsessed with the Word of God? Is it always on my mind? Do I think about it constantly? The honest answer is no. And yet I truly believe that I love God's Word. I read it, study it, teach it, believe it, and try to live my life according to it. But I think the difference between the psalmist and myself is that he viewed the Word of God as equal to God Himself. The laws, decrees, principles, precepts, and written expressions of God's expectations for man were to the psalmist a direct extension of God Himself. To read God's written Word was to speak with God. It was to hear directly from God. It was like having intimate communication with God. For many of us, we have disconnected the Scriptures from the One who wrote them. We look at the Bible as some kind of self-help guide or a manual for living, with helpful tips and techniques on everything from child-rearing to marriage. And while the Bible can and does address life issues, it is really the revelation of God. It is the written Word of God that shows us who God is and how He wants to relate to mankind. The psalmist seemed to understand this. He didn't look at it as a document to be studied and applied. It was the direct communication of God to man and was to be obeyed. And what he had found was that the Word of God brought life. It brought joy, peace, contentment, wisdom, well-being, direction, it made meaning out of the difficulties of life, gave insight into the day-to-day decisions we all face, and provided answers to all of life's questions. The psalmist was obsessed with God's Word because He was obsessed with the God who spoke it to begin with. It was his lifeline to God. And he held onto it relentlessly and faithfully.

Father, may I grow ever more obsessed with Your Word. May it permeate every area of my life. May I grow deeper and deeper in love with it as I realize just how powerful and life-changing it really is. May I see it as more than just a document to be read and studied, but as a revelation of who You are. May I search for You in it and find You. May it fill my mind and fulfill the desires of my life. Amen





An Instrument of Thy Peace.

2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 72

Bless the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does such wonderful things. Bless his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen! ­– Psalm 72:18-19 NLT

Solomon had God-given wisdom and blessings beyond belief – also directly provided by the hand of God. He reigned over a powerful kingdom that was hand-picked by God as the people group upon which He would shower His grace and mercy. God dwelt in their midst, directed their paths, and protected their borders. Solomon's wisdom and the nation's wealth were gifts from God and Solomon knew it. He also knew just how dependent he was on God's continued presence and provision. He was nothing without God. And his song recorded in Psalm 72 is a clear indication of his's comprehension of his need for God. Everything he had and all that he was as a man was directly attributable to God. He knew he could not judge well without God's help. He knew he could not rule fairly without God's direction. He knew his reign could end up destroying the lives of those he ruled if God was not on his side. Solomon knew that his kingdom would be a blessing only as long as God continued to bless his leadership. His kingdom was simply a conduit through which God could bless the people of Israel and the nations around them.

What a healthy perspective for all of us to embrace. To recognize that I am nothing without God could have a powerful impact on how I live my life. It would puteverything in perspective. My role as a husband, father, employee or even employer takes on new meaning when I realize that I have been placed where I am by God Himself and that I am nothing without Him. Solomon longed to do what was right. He wanted to rule righteously and lead his people justly. He knew that he had been given authority and responsibility by God to care for the people of God. He took that role seriously. He longed to rule well and represent God faithfully. What about us? Do we see ourselves as God's conduits through which He wants to pour out His grace and mercy to those under our care? Do we long to lead well and administer our daily responsibilities righteously so that those around us are blessed by God through us? Take a close look at this Psalm. It is actually a prayer – a request from an earthly king to his heavenly Father – that his life would make a difference in the world. Solomon wanted to leave the world a better place than he had found it. He wanted to be used by God. Do you?

This all reminds me of the prayer of St. Francis of Assissi:

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Father, my life and ministry are nothing without You. I cannot accomplish anything of value without You. I want my life to leave a lasting impact on those around me. But I can only do it because You graciously choose to use me. Make me a willing vessel through which Your blessings might be poured out on those around me.  Amen





The Little Foxes.

1 Kings 3-4

Solomon had four thousand stalls for his chariot horses and twelve thousand horses. ­– 1 Kings 4:26 NLT

A quick read through chapters three and four of 1 Kings and you immediately see a picture of success and blessing. Solomon is not king of Israel. He has inherited a powerful and secure kingdom from his father David. He is enjoying an unprecedented period of peace. He is blessed with tremendous wealth and unparalleled wisdom. Both gifts from God. His kingdom is the envy of other nations who send their dignitaries to investigate first-hand if all that they hear about Israel is true. When it comes to wisdom, Solomon was without peer. He was an author and composer. He was a botanist, biologist, herpetologist, ichthyologist, zoologist, and ornithologist. He was powerful, erudite and one of the most influential leaders in the known world. He seemed to have everything going for himself, including the blessing of God. But in this glowing picture of success there is a dark mark, a flaw. It is small and seemingly insignificant. But it's there. Solomon had a love affair with "stuff." He was enamored with material things and all the trappings of success and power that came with his position. He was obsessed with knowing. Intelligence and learning were like an addiction to him. And when we come to the book of Ecclesiastes, we'll discover just how much all this accumulation of wealth and wisdom ended up meaning to him.

But you catch a glimpse of what is to come in one small verse nestled within these two chapters. It simply states that Solomon had 4,000 stalls in which he maintained and cared for 12,000 chariot horses. Wow! That's some stable. Just another example of Solomon's vast wealth. But there's more. It's also a not-so-subtle reminder of Solomon's struggle with the trappings of his position. You see, Solomon knew better. He would have known that God had warned His people that when they choose a king for themselves, there was going to be stipulations and requirements. God's king would rule according to a different set of standards. While the people would demand a king like all the other nations, God was going to make sure that the man to lead His people would march to a different drummer and lead according to a separate set of standards. All the way back in the book of Deuteronomy, God had communicated His terms:

"You will soon arrive in the land the LORD your God is giving you, and you will conquer it and settle there. Then you may begin to think, 'We ought to have a king like the other nations around us.' If this happens, be sure that you select as king the man the LORD your God chooses. You must appoint a fellow Israelite, not a foreigner. The king must not build up a large stable of horses for himself, and he must never send his people to Egypt to buy horses there, for the LORD has told you, 'You must never return to Egypt.' The king must not take many wives for himself, because they will lead him away from the LORD. And he must not accumulate vast amounts of wealth in silver and gold for himself. – Deuteronomy 17:14-17 NLT

We read later in 1 Kings 11 that "Solomon loved many foreign women. Besides Pharaoh's daughter, he married women from Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and from among the Hittites. The LORD had clearly instructed his people not to intermarry with those nations, because the women they married would lead them to worship their gods. Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway. He had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. And sure enough, they led his heart away from the LORD" (1 Kings 11:1-3 NLT). Solomon had wives and lots of them. He had horses by the thousands, and his wealth was immeasurable. Now it can be argued that Solomon's wealth was give to him by God. Yet even the blessings of God can become stumbling blocks if we lose sight of their intent or allow them to take significance over the one who gave them. Solomon's wealth would become an obsession. His wisdom would leave him with more questions than answers. His wives would turn him away from the very one who had given him all he enjoyed.

There is a little saying or proverb that Solomon wrote. It speaks of the very problem Solomon would experience as a result of his tendency to ignore the commands of God. It's found in the Songs of Solomon and reads, "Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom" (Song of Solomon 2:15 NIV). This saying speaks of the little things that sneak in and destroy what is of real value. They are subtle and seemingly insignificant, but if left unattended, they can wreak destruction. It's the small areas of disobedience, the little sins that can do so much harm if left unconfessed and unaddressed. Like small foxes in a vineyard, they will end up doing harm that cannot be repaired. Solomon had it all. His kingdom was fruitful and flourishing, but he had allowed the "little foxes" of disobedience and compromise to infiltrate his vineyard. And the effects would be serious. No amount of wealth or wisdom can replace willing submission to the commands of God. Compromise is subtle and creeps in slowly, causing us to cut corners spiritually and water down our commitments to God. It happened to Solomon and it can happen to us. Even the blessings of God can end up turning us from God – unless we continually remember the one from whom the blessings come.

Father, keep me more in love with You than with Your blessings. Continually convict me when I stray from the path You have established for me as Your child. Keep me in Your Word and give me the strength and determination to obey it. Open my eyes so that I might see the "little foxes" that lurk in my life, ready to destroy what You have blessed me with. Amen