An Antidote For Sin.

Proverbs 16b

“Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.” – Proverbs 16:6 NLT

The book of Proverbs is like a compendium of sins, providing a running list of character traits and actions that flow from a life lived apart from God. If we're not careful, we could read the book and simply walk away thinking that we have to choose a life of sin or a life of righteousness. It's up to us to make the right choices and not the wrong ones. But NOT sinning will NOT make us righteous any more than doing good things will make us righteous. We can try and live a life marked by righteous deeds. We can attempt to say no to sin. But if we leave God out of the equation, we will inevitably fail. Man is incapable of living a righteous life on his own, and any attempts he makes to sin less will produce less-than-positive results. As is the case throughout the book of Proverbs, the fear of the Lord is the key to avoiding sin and pleasing God. It all begins with our relationship with Him. In verse 6 above, we are told that if we want to avoid sin, we have to fear God. It is not about keeping a list of dos and don'ts. More good behavior and less bad behavior does not equal righteousness. That is the formula for living a truly righteous, God-honoring life. But in this verse we do get the answer or key to living a life that pleases God and allows us to avoid sin. "Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid sin."

But what does that mean? The NET Bible translates the first part of this verse, "Through loyal love and truth iniquity is appeased." The word translated "appeased or atoned for" in this verse means that God's anger against sin is turned away and man’s relation to God is as though he had not sinned. Our sin requires a righteous, holy God to punish it. He is required by law to deal justly with sin, and the penalty for sin is death. But this verse tells us that if we come to God, expressing unfailing love and faithfulness to Him, which is another way of saying that we are repentant of our sin, the anger of God is appeased. Genuine repentance, demonstrated by loyalty and truthfulness, appeases the anger of God against one’s sin. But there is not a person alive who can truly atone for their own sin. Without the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, any attempt to atone for our own sins would be incomplete and insufficient to satisfy the just demands of God. But because Jesus died in our place and took all our sins upon Himself, He was able to satisfy or appease God's righteous wrath, so that God is now able to see us as righteous and sinless. Our sins were credited to Christ's account and His righteousness was credited to ours.

Now, when we sin, we can repent by turning back to God in love and faithfulness, knowing that He will forgive any sin we commit because the debt has been paid in full by His Son on the cross. We can enjoy unbroken fellowship with God the Father simply by repenting of our sin and returning to Him. This attitude of humility and willing submission to Him is the fear of the Lord lived out in daily life, and it helps us avoid additional sin. Staying close to Him keeps us far from sin. It is when we stray from His presence that we get off the path and into the high weeds of sin. The Proverbs is not a list of righteous requirements we must keep to stay on good terms with God. It is a reminder that a life of holiness begins and ends with God. It begins and ends with a relationship with Him. He alone can make us holy. Recognizing our sins and repenting of them is how we show God we fear Him and acknowledge how much we need His help for staying on course. By fearing the Lord, people avoid sin. It all begins with God.

Father, keep me on course by helping me stay repentant and dependent on You. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

Words Of Wisdom.

Proverbs 15

“The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.” – Proverbs 15:2 NLT

Jesus once said, "But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a person. For out of the heart come evil ideas, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are the things that defile a person; it is not eating with unwashed hands that defiles a person" (Matthew 15:18-20 NLT). All this talk about wisdom in the book of Proverbs is really a heart issue when all is said and done. Verse 33 says, "Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom, humility precedes honor." Fear of the Lord is a matter of the heart, not the head. It is not about just a cognitive understanding of or knowledge about God. Fear of the Lord manifests itself in a heart that is changed by what it sees, hears, and learns about God. It produces humility because the heart is shaken by the magnitude and majesty of God. Fear of the Lord produces love because the heart is amazed that this great God would stoop down to show interest in the insignificant and unrighteous. Coming to grips with the reality of God changes our heart and produces a change in our behavior and our words. In the passage above, Jesus teaches us that one of the greatest indicators of the level of our fear of the Lord and of our wisdom is what comes out of our mouth. The Proverbs spend a great deal of time dealing with the role our words play in both our relationship with God and with others. Proverbs 15 talks about a gentle answer, harsh words, gentle words, evil words, the tongue, the mouth, lips, a fitting reply, saying the right thing, pure words, good news, and thinking carefully before speaking. What comes out of the mouth is so revealing. It indicates what's in the heart. It is a window into our soul. We can try and fake it, attempting to fool everyone into thinking we are filled with wisdom and righteousness, but unexpectedly, when the pressure is on or our guard is down, the wrong words can spew out before we can stop them. We can react in anger. We can curse unexpectedly. We can respond negatively. We can gossip, slander, shout, ridicule, and verbally respond in a variety of destructive ways. And when we do, it reveals the true condition of our hearts. It exposes that we are more foolish than we are wise.

We can try and blame our circumstances or the pressure of the moment for our words, but James makes it clear that the condition of our heart is responsible for the quality of our words. "Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produces olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can't draw fresh water from a salty spring." (James 3:11-12 NLT). Our words flow from an internal source. They are generated from within and they are simply a reflection of what is going on inside our heart. James goes on to say, "If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good words with the humility that comes from wisdom" (James 3:13 NLT). He goes on and differentiates between godly wisdom and earthly wisdom. "But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness" (James 3:17-18 NLT). Our words are a byproduct of our wisdom. Our wisdom is a reflection of our heart. Our heart is radically changed by a healthy fear of and humility before God. Watch what comes out of your mouth today. It will give you a good indication of just how wise you really are.

Father, I don't put enough stock in my words. I can say things that are foolish and even harmful, then simply write it off and blame it on my circumstances. But help me to understand that my words come from inside me. They are not caused by what happens to me. Give me an ability to listen to myself today so that I might hear my words the way You hear them. Then help me fear You more. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

Running Your Own Life Will Only Ruin It.

Proverbs 14

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

The book of Proverbs is all about two paths or ways of life. One is committed to living life according to God's terms, while the other is pictured by the self-made, self-reliant, self-directed individual who rejects God's way as the best way. The Proverbs are not presenting two equally viable alternatives to living life. You can't expect to choose either option and get the same results. In the end, it all goes back to the fear of God. "Those who follow the right path fear the Lord; those who take the wrong path despise him" (Proverbs 14:2 NLT). The fear of the Lord is all about humility in the face of God's glory. It is an awareness of His majesty, holiness, and power and our own inadequacy. Only a fool would look at God and decide to run his own life because he knows better. Only a self-consumed egomaniac would reject God's way for his own, arrogantly thumbing his nose in the face of God and stubbornly walking right into destruction. "The wise are cautious and avoid danger, fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence" (Proverbs 14:16 NLT).

Man is so prideful that he would rather suffer the consequences that come with self-rule than give up his precious autonomy. It reminds me of the lyrics to the song made famous by Frank Sinatra, "I Did It My Way." That song could be the official anthem of the human race. We stand before God and shout, "I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption. I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway. And more, much more than this, I did it my way." Doing it our way is more important to most of us than doing it the right way. We will stubbornly cling to our right to be wrong. We will painfully pound our heads against the wall of God's righteousness rather than submit to His will and accept His way as the only right way to live. And in doing so, we miss out on His love, mercy, grace, and divine plan for a better life. Our obsession with self-rule ends up in our own self-destruction.

The closing lines of the song, "I Did It My Way" are sobering and provide a very insightful look at the stubbornness of sin.

For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has naught To say the things he truly feels and not the words of one who kneels The record shows I took the blows and did it my way! Yes, it was my way

What a sad picture of the foolishness of man. Rather than kneel before God and admit His majesty and power, men would rather stand tall and take the blows – all so they could do it their way. They find God's way restrictive and stifling. His offer of peace, rest, and salvation from sin appears unattractive and even unnecessary to them. They are deceived by the offers of this world and the lies of the enemy. They choose compromise over conviction every time. Jesus told us it would be this way. He warned us that few would choose the path God offers. "You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it" (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT). The way God provides IS restrictive, narrow, and demanding. It demands that you abandon your own way and go His. It requires that you trust God's way as the right way. It unapologetically expects you to fear God and humbly, dependently follow Him, believing He knows what's best for your life. You can do it your way or you can kneel before God and do it His way.

Father, far too often in my life I have chosen to follow my way over Yours. Forgive me for that. I have no business ever thinking that I know what's best for my life. Doing things my way always ends up badly. Yet when I trust You and walk according to Your way, the results are always right. Even in the midst of difficulty, I am able to have peace because I know I can trust You. You know what's best for me. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

Choose Your Friends Wisely.

Proverbs 13b

“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” – Proverbs 13:20 NLT

What if you were to read the Proverbs as if our heavenly Father was writing these words specifically to us as His children? Consider the possibility that these are not really the words of Solomon to his son, but the counsel of God to His people. And they are far more than just simple maxims for life, but the divine advice of a wise and all-knowing God who is trying to equip His children to live life in this world. God knows there are two types of people in this world: Those who seek after Him and benefit from that relationship by gaining wisdom, knowledge, understanding, insight and common sense; and those who reject Him, living their lives as if He doesn't exist and attempting to navigate life on their own wits and wherewithal.

God seems to be telling us to choose our friends carefully because they will have a tremendous influence on our lives. Those with whom we choose to spend our lives will end up impacting our lives in a dramatic manner – either positively or negatively. So choose wisely. In fact, God tells us that if we walk with the wise we will become more wise. The Hebrew word for walk is halak, and it can mean "to live your life." It is as if God is saying, "If you want to increase in wisdom, as you go about your daily life, associate with wise people who love God." Who we choose to surround ourselves with will play a major part in whether we end up more godly or less. This is not a command to completely disassociate ourselves from ungodly people, but to recognize that there is a potential danger in making them the primary relationships in our lives. But I really think that God is warning us to stay away from those who claim to be Christ-followers but who live like fools, ignoring the wisdom of God and choosing to live as if He doesn't really exist. These people are a real danger to our faith walk. They appear to be like-minded, going to church and going through the motions of religious activity. But for all intents and purposes, they live as if God doesn't exist. They ignore His Word, they refuse to listen to His commands, they love the world more than they do Him, and they rely on the wisdom of this world more than they do the wisdom available through an intimate relationship with God the Father. The danger of surrounding ourselves with these kinds of "fools" is that we feel safe. They make us feel comfortable. They say all the right things. They go to church. They pray. They may even go to Bible study with us. But in the end, they are pretenders. They talk a good game, but don't walk the talk. They will slowly and subtly lull us into a sense of spiritual complacency. God warns us, "Associate with fools and get in trouble." These people are a bad influence. They want all the blessings that God has to offer, but are to lazy to seek them (Proverbs 13:4, 11). They leave behind a wake of shame and disgrace from their actions (Proverbs 13:5). They are too proud to take advice (Proverbs 13:10, 13, 18). They are dangerously impulsive and lack discernment (Proverbs 13:16). They never see their hopes and dreams come about because they refuse to turn from evil (Proverbs 13:12, 19). They seemed plagued by trouble (Proverbs 13:21).

Why would you associate with people like this? Because they seem pleasant enough. They are good-natured, fun-loving, easy-going, and lower the bar of expectation so that you feel good about yourself. They don't challenge you, correct you, push you, inspire you, or encourage you to greater things. They are content to live in spiritual mediocrity. But if you choose to surround yourself with the wise, you will inherently grow wiser. The wise are those who love God and who humbly live their lives in dependence upon Him. They are not perfect, but simply driven to know God better and better. They realize they can't live the Christian life without Him. These kind of people inspire us, encourage us, uphold us, and sometimes even admonish us. They refuse to accept second-best from us. They are the ones who are growing in their knowledge of the Word. They pray for us. They confess sin to us. They are humble, selfless, kind, encouraging, inspiring, and sometimes even intimidating. But when we're around them, we can't help but want more out of life. So who have you surrounded yourself with? What kind of people are having the greatest impact and influence on your life? Choose your friends wisely.

Father, thank You for placing wise, godly friends in my life. Continue to help me select my friends carefully. They will play a significant role in helping me stay steady and on course as I live my life in this fallen world. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

God's Way: A Blessing and A Curse.

Proverbs 10b

"The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked." – Proverbs 10:29 NLT

Whether you believe in God or not has nothing to do with whether He exists or not. He exists and He is consistently God. He has a way about Him that impacts the life of every human being, regardless of whether they worship or ignore Him. God's character is consistent and unchanging. He doesn't surprise you by acting differently on one day than He did the day before. His "way" is reliable. Think of it like gravity. Gravity has a "way" about it. It is consistently the same, always influencing the lives of men equally and equitably. As long as you understand the "way" of gravity, you'll do just fine. In fact, you will survive. But if you attempt to ignore gravity and act as it it doesn't exist or have any influence over you, it will probably not go well with you. Whether you admit it or like it, you are under the influence of gravity each and every day of your life. As you walk around, you are being controlled by gravity. If you attempt to fly off the side of a cliff, you will find out just how real and powerful gravity can be.

In the same way, men and women who refuse to believe in God, attempt to live their lives as if He does not exist. They refuse to acknowledge and obey His "way." They ignore His laws and commands. They want to act as if He is not even there. But like gravity, God does not go away. He is ALWAYS influencing the lives of men – both believing and non-believing. But there is real benefit to understanding God and His ways. When we learn to fear God for who He is and what He can do, we learn humility. We understand our powerlessness in the face of His infinite power. We learn to respect and appreciate Him for all that He does for us. For millenniums, mankind has tended to see gravity as restrictive. It kept us down and prevented us from soaring with the eagles. But in reality, it was the power that allowed us to survive on this planet. It literally kept us grounded. God is the same way. He is the power that keeps us grounded in life. In this chapter of Proverbs we have a long list of maxims and reminders of the benefits that come to those who recognize God for who He is, understand His ways and live according to them. We are told that they will not go hungry (10:3), they will be showered with blessings (10:6), they will be remembered well when they are gone (10:7), they accept instruction and discipline gladly (10:8, 17), walk safely (10:9), speak wisely (10:11, 13, 20-21, 31-32), treasure knowledge (10:14), enjoy the benefit of their labor (10:16), enjoy God's blessing (10:22), find pleasure in living wisely (10:23), have their hopes fulfilled (10:24), survive the storms of life (10:25), experience happiness (10:28), and live life with an unwavering confidence in God regardless of what happens to them (10:30). But what about the ungodly? You can go back and read what happens to them, but I think you already know. If you choose to ignore God's way, you will suffer the consequences. You can choose to believe He doesn't exist, but it doesn't make Him go away, and it doesn't free you from His influence.

Father, You have made Yourself known to mankind in so many ways, but yet the majority of us on this planet still refuse to acknowledge Your existence. There are still millions upon millions of people who want to act as if You don't exist or matter. But even more sadly, there are far too many of us who claim to believe in You who still refuse to live according to Your way. Open our eyes and help us see the tremendous benefits that come from living according to Your way. Amen

Ken Miller Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

The Folly Of False Advertising.

Proverbs 9b

"Stolen water is refreshing; food eaten in secret tastes the best!" – Proverbs 9:17 NLT

Prior to entering the ministry, I spent 29 years in the advertising industry as a graphic designer. I loved everything about advertising and marketing. I enjoyed the problem-solving aspect of the business and coming up with creative ways to market products to specific audiences in order to increase sales. But one of the dangers inherent in the industry is the temptation to present a product or service in a way that either obscures and ignores its faults or enhances and overly inflates its attributes. Sadly to say, it's a common practice because increased sales drive everything, including ethics, at times. But if you've ever been a victim of false advertising, you know how frustrating it can be. You buy a product on good faith, only to find out that it can't deliver on the promises made when you bought it. Your investment ends up being a big disappointment. The same could be said of sin. Satan is called the father of lies and he is an expert at manipulating the facts in order to present his product in the most favorable light. He is adept at advertising sin in such a way that it not only sounds appealing, but indispensable. Solomon was well aware of this fact. Over and over again in the Proverbs he warns of the dangers of false advertising. But he isn't dealing with products that fail to live up to their expectation. He's warning against the moral failure that inevitably comes as a result of our own lack of discernment in the face of the enemy's alluring offers. Solomon talks a lot about the promiscuous or adulterous woman. He describes her words as seductive. He says her lips are as sweet as honey, and her mouth as smoother than oil. She seduces with pretty speech and entices with flattery. And because they lack discernment, men fall prey to her tactics, taking the lure and reaping the results of their own stupidity. Solomon describes folly in a similar manner, describing it as a woman calling out to those who lack judgment, "Stolen water is refreshing; food eaten in secret tastes the best!" (Proverbs 9:17 NLT). It sounds so true, so appealing, so tantalizingly logical. But it's a lie. Temptation is always tempting, otherwise it would have no impact on us. And our enemy, Satan, knows our weaknesses. He is fully aware of the chinks in our armor. He knows what will tempt each of us and that is where he focuses his attention. He understands human nature and he appeals to our basest instincts and tries to take advantage of our sin natures. As in all advertising, Satan knows the key to success is figuring out how to appeal to our insatiable pride. So he flatters us, distracts us, manipulates and deceives us. He promises to give us what only God can provide. He offers us satisfaction, significance, and success. He guarantees us happiness. But the results are always the same: disappointment, disillusionment and, ultimately, death.

But wisdom calls out, "Come, eat my food, and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave you simple ways behind, and begin to live; learn to use good judgment" (Proverbs 9:6 NLT). God offers us true satisfaction, real success, and lasting significance – in Him. Don't buy the lie. Listen to God. Answer His call. You'll never be disappointed.

Father, give me the capacity to see through the subtle lies of the enemy. Don't let me fall prey to his false advertisements. Only You can deliver what I need. Teach me to trust You. Amen

Ken Miller Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

All You Need.

Proverbs 8

"I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment." – Proverbs 8:12 NLT

Wisdom, the very personification of God, calls out indiscriminately to anyone and everyone who will listen. Wisdom stands at the very crossroads of life, calling out to everyone who passes by. The simple and foolish get special attention. Their very nature prevents them from having good judgment and making wise choices. They are naive, incapable of seeing their own inadequacies and their vulnerability to danger because of their lack of wisdom. They pride themselves on their open-mindedness, unaware that this trait leaves them susceptible to all kinds of lies and deception. Wisdom offers them truth in place of falsehood, wholesome advice instead of the unhealthy counsel of this world. The benefits of God's wisdom are priceless and far more valuable in the end than any kind of earthly treasure man could pursue. And wisdom comes with a bonus offer. Get wisdom and you also get good judgment, knowledge, discernment, common sense and insight – all at no extra cost!

Wisdom is far more than just some kind of knowledge or ability we receive from God so we can live more successfully. It is the very essence of God. It is part of His nature. God used His wisdom to create the world. The wisdom of God was instrumental in forming the oceans, heavens, mountains, and even mankind. "I was the architect by his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence" (Proverbs 8:30 NLT). Wisdom and God are inseparable. One does not exist without the other. The wisdom talked about in these Proverbs is the very wisdom of God – eternal, divine, endless, complete, inexhaustible, and unavailable anywhere else. God is offering us His wisdom – the same wisdom He used to form the world and the universe. Find it and you have everything you need for life. "For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord" (Proverbs 8:35 NLT). God's wisdom calls to us from the pages of Scripture every day of our lives. He offers His divine wisdom through His inspired Word. As believers we have His Holy Spirit living within us, helping us understand and apply the wisdom of God to our everyday lives. But receiving the wisdom of God begins with a healthy awe for God and a willing obedience to do what He says simply because of who He is. If His wisdom resulted in the universe and all that's within it, surely it can help us navigate the affairs of everyday life. The wisdom of God is all we need. But are we truly convinced of that fact? Until we are, we will really never seek it or value it in our lives.

Father, Your wisdom is all I need, but I confess that there are far too many times when I think I need other things more. Whether it's pleasure, or money, or popularity, I can find a lot of things I value more than Your wisdom. I can find a lot of things to do rather than spend time in Your Word searching for Your truth and seeking Your wisdom. Help me understand that there is nothing else I need in this world than what I can get from You. Amen

Ken Miller Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

The Protective Power Of Wisdom.

Proverbs 7

"Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family. Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman, from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman." – Proverbs 7:4-5 NLT

Godly wisdom has its benefits. That may sound like an understatement or an extreme case of overstating the obvious, but in either case, it's true. When we seek God and follow His ways, we gain an extreme advantage in this life. Without Him, we are left vulnerable to the temptations that are guaranteed to come our way as we live our lives on this planet. Solomon knew that and so he went out of his way to teach his sons to seek the wisdom and insight God had to offer them. In this Proverb he warns his sons in very graphic detail about the one temptation that faces just about every member of the male side of the species: The adulterous woman. He uses a story to illustrate for his sons just how susceptible they will be without the wisdom and insight that God provides. He describes "some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense" (Proverbs 7:7 NLT). The Hebrew word translated "naive" here can also mean "open-minded, one easily persuaded or enticed." These young men lacked the capacity to defend themselves from temptation. They were naturally open-minded or, in a way, empty-headed, unable to say no to the tempting offers this world throws at every young man. One of the young men, who becomes the focus of Solomon's story, was "void of understanding" according to the King James version. He lacked common sense. He didn't have any wisdom from God that would warn him of the dangers that lie ahead. So when the adulterous woman spotted him walking by her house, she pounced. One of the first things that should jump out at us is the face that this young man was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It says, "He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman, strolling down the path by her house" (Proverbs 7:8 NLT). He had not business being there. Yet Solomon describes him as "strolling" along, completely unaware of just how much danger he was in. Without the wisdom of God, he was going to find himself defenseless to the temptations headed his way. He was going to buy into the flattering words from this woman's lips that to a wise man would have been obvious lies. "You're the one I was looking for!," she would say, and "like an ox going to the slaughter," he would believer her. He would be easily seduced by her "pretty speech" and suffer the devastating consequences of his mistake.

But he would not be alone. "For she has been the ruin of many; many men have been her victims" (Proverbs 7:26 NLT). The list of names of the men who have found themselves victims of this temptation is long and it continues to grow. All because men continue to reject the wisdom that God offers. Even so-called godly men fall prey to the adulterous woman because they reject the wisdom God offers them. They refuse to listen to His Word. Instead. hey choose to give in to their desires and satisfy their natural pleasures. They live for the moment and seek to meet the needs of their flesh, rather than live in the power of the Spirit. The wisdom of God could protect them, but they refuse to listen. Wisdom has its benefits, but only if we take advantage of all it has to offer. We have to want the wisdom of God more than we want the pleasures of this world.

Father, protect me and protect my sons through Your wisdom. Give us insight and understanding of the world in which we live. Give us the capacity to see through the subtle lies of the enemy that come against us each and every day as men. May we stand strong in Your power and equipped with Your wisdom. Amen

Ken Miller Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

Learning to Hate What God Hates.

Proverbs 6b

"There are six things the Lord hates — no, seven things he detests…" – Proverbs 6:16 NLT

There are many in our world who refuse to believe in God. There are others who believe in God, but their version of Him is of their own making. They have chosen attributes and qualities they find comforting and non-convicting. They worship a God who is nothing but love, all the time. They tend to reject the God of the Old Testament as some other God. He is too angry, vengeful, and barbaric for their tastes. The prefer the God of the New Testament who sends His Son to die for mankind as an expression of His love for them. But when we reject the God of the Old Testament, we diminish the One we say we believe in. God is loving, but He is righteous and just as well. He is holy and, because of that character, He is required to deal with all unholiness. He must judge sin justly and completely. And God hates sin – all sin. As uncomfortable as it may make us feel, our God hates. Multiple times in the book of Proverbs we are reminded of His divine hatred. But we must never confuse God's hatred with our own. His is perfect, holy, sinless, and completely justified. He understands the danger of sin and the damage it can produce in our lives. So Solomon tells us that there are six things the Lord hates – no seven things he detests. He hates them because they are an abomination to Him. He finds them shameful, unacceptable, and abhorrent.

We expect the list that follows this statement to be filled with some pretty horrible acts, like murder, rape, incest, genocide, etc. But instead, we read that God hates haughty or pride-filled eyes, lying, those who take life without cause, a heart that plans to do evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness, and one who stirs up trouble within a family. Interesting list, isn't it? Only one seems to be what we would classify as worthy of hate, because it involves the taking of an innocent person's life. But I think Solomon is showing us that, in God's eyes, all of these things are hated equally because they are all detestable to Him. He hates the pride in our lives as much as He does the taking of innocent an life. All of these things are in violation of God's law. He hates them because He is holy and righteous. His anger is His reaction to the breaking of His perfect law. As a just judge, He must deal with them rightly and righteously. Solomon is fully aware that his God hates sin and he wants his son to know it as well. So he warns him that these things are an abomination to God. They are not to be tolerated, played with, excused or minimized. When we see pride in our lives, we must remind ourselves that God hates it. When we lie, we must remember that God hates it. When we find ourselves thinking about doing anything that God deems wrong, or running ahead and doing it without even thinking, we must never forget that God hates it. God will not wink at it or ignore it like we do. His holy character will not allow it. He hates them because He knows their destructive quality and that each of them is really an assault on His sovereignty over our lives. He wants us to learn to hate what He hates and love what He loves. He wants us to know Him well enough that we share His heart. He wants us to get to the point in our relationship with Him that what He abhors, we abhor. Recognizing that God has high standards and a zero-tolerance for these things is key to wanting to work hand-in-hand with the Holy Spirit to see them removed from our lives. Our cry becomes the cry of David, "Create in my a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10 NLT).

Father, teach me to hate what You hate, to abhor what You find abhorrent. Don't let me become complacent with sin in my life or in the world around me. Let me know Your heart and learn to love what You love and hate what You hate. Amen

Ken Miller Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

The Delight of Discipline.

Proverbs 3b

"My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights." – Proverbs 3:11-12 NLT

The painful truth is, some of our most profitable times of learning have come through seasons of suffering. We tend to grow from our mistakes, learn valuable lessons from difficulties, and become stronger when we are at our weakest. As believers we have a unique advantage over those who have no faith in God. We, of all people, should understand that God loves us and is on a mission to transform us into the likeness of His Son. He is transforming us from the inside out, and the truth is that He uses trials and troubles in this life to accomplish His work in our lives. Being a believer does not exempt us from trouble. In fact, Jesus promised we would have trials and tribulations. Why? Because, like Him, we are aliens and strangers living in a land in which we no longer belong. We are not of this world anymore. Our differences will lead to difficulties and conflicts with the inhabitants of this world. There will be painful encounters as a result of trying to live for God in a godless environment.

But there will also be times when we suffer because of our own stupidity. We will do things that are not in line with God's will. Like stubborn children, we will disobey Him and attempt to live our lives according to our own standards. In other words, we will sin. And when we do, God, because He is righteous and just, will be forced to correct us. He will lovingly discipline us. And when He does, we need to see it for what it is: A loving Father correcting His child because He knows what is best. Solomon told his son the same thing. But whether our suffering is coming as a result of living in a fallen world or because of our own sin, we need to have a perspective that sees God right in the middle of our lives, lovingly protecting and correcting us – all because He cares for us. Solomon also told His son, "Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take" (Proverbs 3:6 NLT). Solomon was wise enough to know that the best way to avoid correction was to live obediently. Do things God's way. "Don't be impressed with your own wisdom" (Proverbs 3:7 NLT). Don't but the lie that you know what's best for your life. Apart from God, we are all fools, living our lives in arrogance and ignorance. But because God loves us, He will not tolerate our foolish behavior, but will step in and discipline and correct us. And when He does, we need to understand that it is an opportunity for us to grow in wisdom, knowledge and understanding. We truly can learn from our mistakes. Our own sins, if we are teachable, can end up making us wiser. Rather than waste our suffering, we can benefit from it. But it takes a perspective that sees God's hand of correction in it all and accepts His discipline as the best thing for us. The next time you find yourself in a season of suffering, ask God what He wants to teach you. Ask Him to show You what you don't know about Him, yourself, and life in general. Ask Him to reveal your ignorance and replace it with His wisdom. Times of trials can be great seasons of learning.

Father, You love me enough to correct me. You never take Your eyes off of me. You know my heart even when I don't have the capacity to understand what is motivating my behavior. Help me to see You even in the midst of difficulties. Help me to learn the lessons You have to teach me. I know I am going to make mistakes. I am going to sin against You. And I know You are going to correct me, but it will always be motivated by love, not anger. It will be corrective, not just punitive. Your goal will be to make me better, not to simply punish me. Thank You for that assurance. Amen

Ken Miller Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

The Benefits of Godliness.

Proverbs 2b

“For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.” – Proverbs 2:6-7 MSG

Proverb 1:7 tells us fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. The Message reads, "Start with God – the first step in learning is bowing down to GOD." And now, in Proverbs 2 we read the why. Because He grants wisdom. He is the source of all knowledge and understanding. Only God can give common sense. But all of these things are granted based on a relationship with Him. It says He grants common sense to the honest. He is s shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to Him. This is not talking about a performance-based relationship. In other words, Solomon is not telling us that we have to earn the right to receive wisdom by being honest, by living with integrity, being just and faithful. This is speaking of a reciprocal relationship in which, as followers of God, we receive His character and nature when we seek Him and serve Him. We become like the One we worship. Solomon begs his child to turn their ears to wisdom, concentrate on understanding, cry out for insight, ask for understanding, and to search for them as if they were silver and seek them like they were hidden treasures. But we have to seek them from the only source for them – God. Solomon says that when we make the pursuit of God our highest priority in order to receive wisdom, understanding and knowledge from God, THEN we will understand what it means to fear the Lord. In my desire to receive wisdom, understanding and knowledge from God, I will have to listen to Him. I will have to develop an intimate relationship with Him. His Word will teach me, convict me, reveal the truth about me, and clearly communicate His expectations of me. I will discover more and more about His holiness and my own sinfulness. I will learn to fear Him for who He is. The relationship will become the priority and wisdom, knowledge and understanding will become the byproduct of that relationship. We tend to want wisdom for our own selfish purposes. We desire knowledge so that we can benefit from it. We think greater understanding will somehow benefit us in this life. And they will, but the real point of it all is that we are receiving wisdom from God that will protect us from the foolishness of this world. We receive the understanding of God so that we have a clearer picture of life lived with Him as the center, not me. We get a healthy dose of godly knowledge so that we can see the world and our lives from His perspective, unhindered by the warped perspectives of sin.

When we seek God, we always benefit. When we make Him our highest priority, He gives us more than we could ever expect. We gain an understanding of what is right, just and fair. We inherently know the right way to go. Wisdom enters our hearts, knowledge fills us with joy, wise choices watch over us, and understanding keeps us safe. The life of godliness has its rewards. There are tremendous benefits from seeking and serving God. He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Start with God.

Father, thank You for all the benefits and blessings you give to those who make You the highest priority in their lives. We bring nothing to the table but our humble faith in You, but You give us so much in return. It pays to start with You. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

Start With God.

Proverbs 1

“Start with GOD -- the first step in learning is bowing down to GOD; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.” – Proverbs 1:7 MSG

Solomon makes it perfectly clear why he is taking the time to pen the Proverbs. "Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and knowledge, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young…" (Proverbs 1:2-4 NLT). It sounds as if Solomon is putting together a self-help manual aimed at teaching people how to get smarter so that they can be more successful in life. But then he qualifies his purpose statement with a non-negotiable requirement. It all begins with a healthy fear of God. The Proverbs are not just a collection of wise and pithy statements designed to increase our wisdom and improve our lives, they are a reminder to make God the focus of our lives. He is the sole source of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. He alone gives insight to the simple and knowledge and discernment to the young. The wisdom described in the Proverbs is a byproduct of a relationship with God. It cannot be achieved any other way. Ignoring God will leave us ignorant. When Solomon says that fools despise wisdom and discipline, he is describing those who reject God. By turning their back on God and refusing to live according to His terms, they reject the very things they need to succeed in this life. They miss out on the wisdom, knowledge and understanding He alone can provide. But it all begins with a fear of God. The NET Bible describes the fear of the Lord this way: "The fear of the Lord is the foundation for wisdom (9:10) and the discipline leading to wisdom (15:33). It is expressed in hatred of evil (8:13) and avoidance of sin (16:6), and so results in prolonged life (10:27; 19:23)." The fear of the Lord is marked by an understanding of who God is – His holiness, righteousness, wrath, justice, power, sovereignty, love, grace and mercy. To fear God is to show Him reverence and awe. It is an acknowledgement of His majesty and might. It is a recognition of His holiness and hatred of sin. A healthy fear of God prevents us from taking God for granted and treating Him with contempt.

Solomon describes those who refuse to fear God as simpleminded, mockers, and fools. "They hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord" (Proverbs 1:29 NLT). To refuse to fear God is to refuse all that God has to offer – including wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Those who reject God "must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes" (Proverbs 1:31 NLT). No one plans to live his life as a fool. Every person on the planet wants to live wisely and successfully. But unless they seek God and start with Him, they will never achieve their goal. "For simpletons turn away from me – to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm" (Proverbs 1:32-33 NLT). Wisdom is an attribute of God. He is all-knowing, all-wise. All that there is to know and understand is found in Him. Find Him and You will discover all you need to live a disciplined and successful life.

Father, all that I need for life is found in You. There is no wisdom available any other place. Understanding and knowledge are only available through a vibrant, submissive relationship with You. It all starts and ends with You. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

The Beauty of Character.

Proverbs 31

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” – Proverbs 31:30 NLT

In a society obsessed with outer beauty, it pays to be reminded that God looks at the heart. He is not impressed with externals. He does not measure our value based on our good looks or how impressive we may appear. God is all about inner character. He sees what others too often fail to see and what most of us even fail to look for. In this famous Proverb, King Lemuel describes a most impressive woman. She is industrious, a successful businesswoman, a loving mother, a highly disciplined worker, a caring friend, and a dedicated wife. In fact, this woman is almost too good to be true. But I don't think the point of this Proverb is to hold up this unnamed woman as a model for all women to follow. I think the point is to remind us that it is our character that counts. It is what's inside that gives us our value. This woman's industry and hard work are laudable, but they are not the point. Hard work can simply become another form of idol worship, leading to workaholism and self-sufficiency. While King Lemuel describes this woman as dressing in fine linen and purple gowns, he says, "She is clothed with dignity and strength" (Proverbs 31:25 NLT). Her inner character was outwardly visible in the manner in which she lived her life. She worked hard out of love for her family, not out of love for self. She was industrious because she cared for others more than she cared for herself. This woman feared God. She had a reverence for God that drove her actions and determined her attitude about everything. Verse 10 describes her as "virtuous." That word really has to do with inner strength. She was trustworthy, good, hard-working, discerning, compassionate, giving, humble, wise, kind, loving, and worthy of praise from both her children and her husband. Why? Because she had inner beauty that was far more than skin deep. It was the byproduct of time spent with God. If some of us, both men and women, spent more time in the Word and less time in the gym or in front of the mirror, we would exhibit more of the character qualities this woman possessed. If we cared more about the condition of our souls than we did about our bodies, we would be far more attractive to the world around us. "Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman [or man] who lives in the Fear-of-GOD" (Proverbs 31:30 MSG).

Father, we obsess over the outside. We spend far too much time worrying about how we appear when we should be thinking about who we really are on the inside. Renew our perspective. Give us a greater desire to be transformed from the inside out. Help us to fear You more and desire what is important to You. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

Knowing God.

Proverbs 30

“I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God.I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense.I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.” – Proverbs 30:1-3 NLT

In reading the book of Proverbs it would be easy to focus on what appear to be the main themes or topics of the book: Wisdom, knowledge and understanding. There is a natural tendency to make the gaining of these three things are sole or primary objective. After all, no one wants to be a fool, so it would only make sense to make the gaining of wisdom, knowledge and understanding our goal. But if we do that we miss the real objective of this book. If you recall, in the very first chapter of Solomon reminds us that "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7 NLT). In other words, while wisdom, knowledge and understanding are worthy objectives, they are only available through a right relationship with God. The Message paraphrases Proverbs 1:7 this way: "Start with God — the first step in learning is bowing down to God." We must start with God. It all begins with Him. In Proverbs 30, we read the words of Agur, who says, "I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One" (Proverbs 30:2-3 NLT). When we fail to start with God, and we neglect getting to truly know Him for who He is, we end up worn out, and lacking in the very things we need to survive and thrive in this world: wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

When we make getting to know God our objective, we discover the true source of all wisdom. He is the creator of all things. His wisdom and knowledge are beyond our comprehension, yet He makes Himself known to us when we seek Him. He gives us His Word and it is completely reliable and true. Growing in our knowledge of God gives us a greater understanding of ourselves – our weaknesses, limitations, sinful tendencies and our total dependence on Him. Getting to know God gives us a new perspective on life. It changes our priorities, which is why Agur could say, "O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me nether poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, 'Who is the Lord!' And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God's holy name" (Proverbs 30:7-9 NLT). Growing in our knowledge of who God is refocuses our priorities and puts Him at the center of our lives. When we begin to understand just how much God hates pride, we will no longer desire to see it in our own lives. When we see it in others, we are turned off by it. We understand the danger of pride, arrogance, and over-inflated self-worth in our children. A growing knowledge of God will expose the ever-present danger of gluttony in our lives – in all its forms. We are prone to discontentment and incessantly desire more and more of just about everything, including pleasure, food, attention, accolades, money, power, etc. Like the leech, we cry out, "More, more!" A person who has an intimate understanding of God is able to see through the facade of temptation and spot the dangers that lurk behind the lure. The fool is simply that person who doesn't know God and, as a result, lacks in wisdom, knowledge, understanding and basic common sense. Like Agur, they end up weary from trying to live life in this world with nothing but their own human understanding to rely on. That's why it pays to start with God. The first step in learning is bowing down to God. He is the key to life.

Father, I want to start with You. I want to bow down to You and make You my goal, not wisdom, knowledge and understanding. They are byproducts of a growing relationship with You. Don't let me make them my focus. Instead, help me keep my eyes on You. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

Cultivating True Community.

Proverbs 27

“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” – Proverbs 27:6 NLT

Let's face it. Relationships are messy. Living with others can be difficult at times. But there is a huge advantage to living in true biblical community. And the Proverbs have a lot to say about the impact of wisdom and foolishness on our relationships. A fool is self-centered and myopic, only thinking about himself and tends to live with a certain level of insensitivity. He doesn't think about how his words and actions will impact those around him. He doesn't even care. But a man or woman of wisdom understands their responsibility to care about and care for those around them and the live accordingly. Those who live in true community understand that words are powerful. They know that there will be times when words of encouragement are needed, but also times when a word of warning or rebuke is necessary. In a healthy relationship to withhold a much-deserved rebuke is as wrong as refusing to express our love verbally.  "An open rebuke is better than hidden love" (Proverbs 27:5 NLT). While correction and criticism is never easy to receive, a true friend will care enough about us to tell us the hard truth. "Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy" (Proverbs 27:6 NLT). Fools will tell us what we want to hear. They will tell us how wonderful we think we are, but overlook the faults in our lives that are preventing us from being who God wants us to be. False flattery is deadly. It puffs us up and gives us a false sense of confidence and feeds our self-righteousness. But a true friend will tell us the truth, even if it hurts. "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend" (Proverbs 27:17 NLT). Friendships should involve friction. But it should productive friction. As we rub up against one another in our relationships there should be a certain give-and-take that allows us to push, prod, and pull each other towards increasing righteousness.

Many of our relationships are shallow and dishonest. We refuse to speak truth into one another's lives. We openly tolerate godlessness and flatter one another with words of kindness when what we really need is a swift kick in the pants and a dose of reality. But many of us are afraid to play hardball in our relationships because we fear what others may say about how we live our lives. We're afraid that if we critique someone else's life, it will leave the door open for them to return the favor. And we're exactly right – it will. And we should welcome it. The truth is, most of us have no idea what we're really like. We can't see our faults and weaknesses. Our foolish friends will leave us thinking we don't have any. But a true friend will point them out in a loving, caring way, and help us take steps to correct them. They are able to look into our lives and see our heart, something we can't do on our own. "As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person" (Proverbs 27:19 NLT). We need one another. We need real relationships that produce real life change. True biblical community is messy. It involves transparency, accountability, honesty, humility, patience and love. It takes work, but it is worth it. Cultivating true community has long-term, real-life benefits. "Never abandon a friend – either yours or your father's. When disaster strikes, you won't have to ask your brother for assistance. It's better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away" (Proverbs 27:10 NLT).

Father, You designed us for community, but what most of us experience in our relationships isn't even close to what You had in mind. We are fake, shallow, dishonest and far too tolerant of ungodly behavior in one another. Give us a boldness to live in true community. Give us a desire to live in righteous relationships where we truly sharpen one another like iron sharpens iron. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

The Lazy Lying Fool.

Proverbs 26

“A proverb in the mouth of a fool is as useless as a paralyzed leg.” – Proverbs 26:7 NLT

When I think of the Proverbs I can't help but think about the fool. This collection of wise sayings from the pen of Solomon contains a large number of references to the fool and foolish behavior. It also mentions other behavior closely associated with the fool, such as laziness, lying, dishonesty, unreliability, and an uncontrolled tongue. Some of the things Solomon has to say about fools seem humorous when you read them, but they are meant to be taken seriously. "Honoring a fool is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot" (Proverbs 26:8 NLT). The image this Proverb conjures up is meant to be ridiculous and ludicrous. Nobody in their right mind would do something as silly as tying a stone to a sling. It makes no sense. It would serve no purpose. It would be a waste of time. And that's exactly Solomon's point. Showering honor on a fool is a useless exercise that will produce no beneficial results. As The Message paraphrases this verse, honoring a fool would be "like setting a mud brick on a marble column." Absolutely ridiculous.

So why does Solomon have it out for fools? Why does he have such strong words of warning against foolish people and foolish behavior? Because he understands the danger they pose to themselves and to society. In Solomon's mind, fools are the epitome of the person who lives their life as if there is no God. David, Solomon's father, had warned him early on in life, "Only fools say in their hearts, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good" (Psalm 53:1 NLT). In the minds of David and Solomon, the fool was not some innocent, bumbling buffoon who just happened to be a few bricks short of a full load. No, the fool was a danger to society because they failed to honor God with their lives. Fools were pariahs, a drain on society, because of their refusal to work and their tendency to excuse their laziness with lies. They didn't carry their load. Fools were not to be trusted or tolerated. Their words were worthless because they refused to listen to the wisdom of God.

Fools are just as prevalent today as they were in Solomon's day. But we have become so much more tolerant of them. We have fools in places of power and influence. We watch fools entertain us on TV and in the movies, then listen intently as they share their words of wisdom with us on everything from marriage to politics and religion. We idolize and envy them for their lifestyles of excess and hedonism. Our government is well-stocked with fools who use clever words and inspiring speeches to win over constituents and solidify their power base. Yet as Solomon warns, "Smooth words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot. They pretend to be kind, but don't believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils. While their hatred may be concealed by trickery, their wrongdoing will be exposed in public" (Proverbs 26:23-25 NLT). And fools populate the body of Christ as well. Yes, you can be a believer in Jesus Christ and still live like a fool. A fool is simply someone who actively spurns the ways and overtures of God. He lives his life as if there were no God in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. And the fool is one who hears God's call but refuses to listen. The Christian fool is the man or woman who is spiritually lazy, avoiding the effort demanded to live according to God's standards. They refuse to spend time in God's Word, making up all kinds of excuses. They want the benefits of godliness without putting in any effort. They learn to cover what is really in their hearts with "smooth words." They pretend to be something they're not. And they are a danger to the body of Christ. Foolishness is the opposite of wisdom. It is the natural and unavoidable consequence of a life lived apart from the life-changing wisdom of God found in His Word. Avoid the fool at all costs. Avoid foolishness at all costs.

Father, open my eyes to the presence of fools around me, including in my own home. But never let me assume that I am not fully capable of being a fool myself. Keep me in Your Word. Teach me the value of Your wisdom. Never let me live as if You don't exist and when I attempt to be my own god, knock me off my pedestal quickly. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

Some Convicting Comparisons.

Proverbs 25

“A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.” – Proverbs 25:28 NLT

While the Proverbs are about wisdom, knowledge and understanding, they are written in a fairly simple and easy-to-understand style. Contrasts and comparisons are used throughout and figures of speech like metaphors, similes and hyperbole help make them come alive. Sometimes the best way to make a point is by use of comparison. Even today we use terms like, "You're as stubborn as a mule!" or "He was as mad as a hornet!" While most of us have never been around a mule, we get the point and the visual image helps paint a picture that is hard to forget. In Proverbs 25, we find a number of similes used that compare one thing to another in order to make a point. Well-thought-out, well-crafted-words spoken at the right time are like apples made of gold placed in a silver receptacle. Those kinds of words are priceless, beautiful and valuable. Like an apple made of gold, well-timed, wise words are far more valuable than normal, everyday words. The words have value, but then so do the source from which they come. The person who speaks these kinds of words is like a silver basket – practical and priceless at the same time.

Another simile found in this Proverb compares the person who fails to keep their word regarding the promise of a gift to a cloud that brings no rain. The image is that of a rain cloud driven by the wind that is headed your way. You expect it to arrive any minute and bring with it much-needed rain. But it fails to deliver. That is what it is like when we promise to do something for someone or give something to someone – we get their hopes up, giving them false expectations that never get fulfilled. Imagine the farmer who is in desperate need of rain who spies what appears to be a rain crowd on the horizon headed his way. He gets excited. He begins to hope for deliverance from the drought he is suffering. He starts dreaming of relief, only to have his hopes dashed when the cloud arrives, but the rain is nowhere to be found. The result is disappointment, discouragement and despair.

One of the most graphic and memorable comparisons in this Proverb found in verse 19. "Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot." What a picture! The idea being conveyed is that of someone who has no choice. They have to eat, so they have to attempt to chew their food even with a broken tooth. They have to walk, so they have to try and do so with a broken or injured foot. The pain associated with these two situations is graphic. And the point is that there are times when we are forced to place our confidence in someone we KNOW will not come through for us. We have no choice or no other alternative, and the pain associated with that decision is real. But the real point of this saying is to encourage us NOT to be that unreliable person. When people can't count on us to come through, we do real damage and cause tremendous pain to those who are forced to trust us. We make even the simplest act painful because of our failure to come through.

The way we live our lives has implications – not just on us, but on all those around us. Our behavior has consequences. When we gossip it results in anger, as surely as the north wind results in rain. When we bring good news to someone who is struggling, it refreshes them like cold water to someone who is thirsty. When we sell out our spiritual integrity under pressure from godless people, it is like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring. The one thing we have to offer that could bring life – our integrity – gets polluted or destroyed. These comparisons are meant to be convicting. They are also meant to encourage a certain kind of behavior. As believers our lives are to be different. We are to live according to a different set of standards. Our words are to lift up, not tear down. Our promises are to be kept, regardless of the cost. Our integrity is to remain firm, in spite of pressure from the godless around us. Every day, we choose to become like God or like the world around us, and our choices always have consequences.

Father, I want my life to be a reflection of my relationship with You. I want to live differently. I want my speech and actions to be positive, encouraging, life-giving and God-honoring. May what others say of me always be a result of my relationship with You. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

A Dangerous Combination.

Proverbs 24

“I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense.” – Proverbs 24:30 NLT

One of the fallacies associated with the life of faith is that there is little we are responsible for in our Christian life. It is a life based solely upon grace and not merit. While it is true that we can't earn our salvation through effort or works, it is NOT true that grace eliminates effort altogether. Grace is opposed to earning, not effort. We can't earn favor with God. We can't earn out way into heaven. We can't earn godliness, but we are to strive for it. Paul said, "I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should" (1 Corinthians 9:27 NLT). Paul pursued the life of righteousness with a vengeance. While he knew that ultimately it is God's responsibility to produce the life of godliness within us, Paul also knew that he had a responsibility to pursue the things of God. God makes the crops grow, but the farmer still has to till the ground and plant the seed.

In the book of Proverbs you will see repeated mention of the sluggard or the lazy person. Sometimes he is referred to as the sloth. He is slow moving, sleep loving and work despising. In verse 30, Solomon combines the attribute of laziness with the lack of common sense. It presents a toxic blend of two character traits that are each bad enough alone, but devastating when combined. In reality, the lazy person probably always lacks common sense or understanding, because they fail to recognize that their failure to act and desire to avoid work will always produce the wrong results. Solomon's describes the visible outcome of the lifestyle of laziness and ignorance: "I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense. I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down" (Proverbs 24:30-31 NLT). This guy's field or vineyard is overgrown with weeds and the walls designed to protect it are in a shambles. In other words, due to this person's laziness and lack of common sense, his vineyard would fail to produce fruit. His ignorance and unwilling to work would result in fruitlessness. What a sad picture of the lives of so many Christians today. Due to spiritual apathy and laziness, their lives produce little in the way of fruit. They have neglected the spiritual disciplines of prayer, Scripture reading, meditation, and the study of God's Word. As a result, their spiritual walls are broken down and their lives have become fruitless. The lesson Solomon learned from seeing the field of the lazy person apply to us today. "A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest — then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber" (Proverbs 24:33-34 NLT). Our choice to take the lazy way will result in spiritual poverty. The apostle Paul challenges us, "let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God" (2 Corinthians 7:1 NLT). The godly life requires diligent effort and common sense. We must pursue the things of God with a vengeance. We must make the things of God our highest priority. He has placed His Spirit within us, but the Holy Spirit will not force Himself on us. We must make a choice to tap into His power and take full advantage of His presence in our lives. "But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live" (Romans 8:13 NLT). Laziness and a lack of common sense are a dangerous combination in the life of the believer. God has called us to work hard and think wisely, which is why Paul encourages us to "Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him" (Philippians 2:12-13 NLT).

Father, forgive me for my spiritual apathy and laziness. Forgive me for my lack of common sense when I have the wisdom of God available to me through the Word of God. I want to be "a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

Trust In the Lord.

Proverbs 23

“Don't envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord. You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed.” – Proverbs 23:17-18 NLT

Proverbs 23 contains a portion of the 30 wise sayings begun by Solomon in Proverbs 22. He prefaced his list with this explanation: "I am teaching you today – yes, you – so you will trust in the Lord. I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge. In this way, you may know the truth…" (Proverbs 22:19-21 NLT). The majority of what follows are warnings of what NOT to do. Don't rob the poor, don't befriend angry peo9ple, don't agree to guarantee another person's debt, etc. Solomon calls all these sayings "the words of the wise." He encourages us to "keep them in your heart and always ready on your lips." At first glance, they simply seem to be common sense sayings that are based on good moral judgment and proper ethics. But in reality, they express the heart of God and the life of the man who knows and fears God. There are warnings against taking advantage of the poor who God cares for and will defend. There are warnings about allowing anything other than God to become your source of provision or pleasure. That is why he brings up eating with the wealthy, powerful and influential. Are we doing so in order to gain favor, to be part of the in-crowd, or pave our way to success? He warns against becoming so obsessed with wealth that you wear yourself in the pursuit of it. You run the risk of making money your god, expecting it to do for you what only God Himself can do. Throughout Proverbs 23, Solomon warns us about our relationships. He talks about dining with rulers, eating with the stingy, cheating our neighbors, counseling fools, disciplining children, envying sinners, partying with drunks, and soliciting prostitutes. Our earthly relationships are a very clear indicator of the kind of relationship we have with God. The godly discipline their children; are content rather than envious of others; turn to God for assistance rather than the wealthy, powerful and influential of this earth; practice self-control and use discernment in living their lives.

Solomon began his list with the statement, "I am teaching you today – yes, you – so you will trust in the Lord." Many, if not all, of his warnings have to do with taking advantage of others in order to get ahead. They paint the picture of an individual who is obsessed with the people and things of this earth to satisfy his needs and desires. Solomon tells us to choose our relationships carefully – in the fear of the Lord. He tells us to control our physical appetites for food, wine and sex – in the fear of the Lord. He tells us to discipline our children – in the fear of the Lord. He tells us to commit ourselves to godly wisdom – in the fear of the Lord. At the heart of all our behavior should be a healthy fear of and respect for God. NOT doing these things will NOT produce godliness. We don't do these things because we are godly. We belong to God. We are His children. We represent Him on this earth. We don't live like the world. Over in the book of Titus, Paul writes, "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed" (Titus 2:11-13 NLT). We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God. That is exactly what Solomon is talking about. Our fear of, love for, and devotion to God should determine our behavior on this planet, and reflect that we are His children.

Father, continue to teach me to live my life for You and not me. I want my life to be devoted to You in such a way that everyone around me can see it. I don't want the things of this world to ever replace You in my life. Forgive me when I allow them to do so. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

The God-Directed Life.

Proverbs 20

“The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” – Proverbs 20:24 NLT

Those who say they are following Christ are really allowing God to lead their lives. To say I am following someone sounds like this is my decision and I am the one determining my own way. But when I follow Christ, I am walking the way of God, the path He has chosen for a righteous, godly life. That is the path that Christ took and when I get in line behind Him, that is the way I go. Only He knows the direction, so I must follow closely. If I choose to wander off the path and go my own way, it will not go well for me. The godly life is a God-directed life. It is allowing Him to direct my steps, determine my way, and then empower me as I take each step. Solomon seems to have known this truth, because it permeates the Proverbs. He realizes that the godly person is one who recognizes that God directs his life. But Solomon knows that, as human beings, we struggle with the seeming loss of control. In Proverbs 20 he asks us "the Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?" (Proverbs 20:24 NLT). We want to know where we are going and we want to know why we have to go there. Sometimes we find our circumstances difficult and we want God to explain what happened. At times we find ourselves going through a rough patch of life and we demand that God explain how He got us there. But God is not obligated to explain Himself to us. A prerequisite for following anyone is TRUST. Especially if we don't know where they are taking us. Along the way, we may encounter difficulties, but we have to trust that God knows what is best. But not only do we have to trust God for the direction of our lives, we have to trust him for strength for the journey. All along the way, we will have countless opportunities to stray and take the path of the drunkard, the fighter, the swindler, the sluggard, and the fool. Solomon deals with these individuals repeatedly. They illustrate the life of the person who has decided to follow their own path rather than God's. We can easily become self-deceived when we live self-directed lives. We can even think we are doing well, but Solomon warns us, "Who can say, 'I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin?'" (Proverbs 20:9 NLT). This is obviously a rhetorical question and the answer is "no one." Only God knows our heart and only God can cleanse it. Only God can direct our lives so that we end up living lives of integrity and wholeness. Only God's way will reveal a life marked by godly behavior. "The Lord's light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive" (Proverbs 20:27 NLT). As God directs our lives, He will use the activity of the journey to expose what is going on inside of us. He will reveal weaknesses and sinful habits that need to be repented of and removed from our lives. He will change our hearts and alter our behavior, and it is our God-directed behavior that will reveal to others that we are His. "Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right" (Proverbs 20:11 NLT). When we follow God, others will see our walk and know by our behavior and the direction of our lives that we are godly.

Following God requires trust for more than just direction. If somewhere along the path we are attacked and hurt by someone else, our natural tendency will be to strike back and seek revenge. But we are warned, "Don't say, 'I will get even for this wrong.' Wait for the Lord to handle the matter" (Proverbs 20:22 NLT). That requires trust. If things don't appear to be going well, trust God. If you find yourself feeling lost, trust God. If you begin to feel tired and weak, trust God. The purpose of the journey that God has us on is NOT just to get to the final destination. The journey is really about getting to know ourselves and getting to know Him. The path from Egypt to the Promised Land was designed to help the Israelites learn to trust God and not themselves. It was intended to build dependence and reveal weakness. They would have to learn to follow God even when things looked bleak and the journey seemed pointless and directionless. God knew what He was doing. As important as the destination might have been, the task of getting there was just as vital. We are on a journey too. We are following God. We have a final destination, but our time on this earth is designed to increase our dependence on God and reveal to those around us that we are on a different path, led by a God who loves us, guides us, protects us, and strengthens us all along the way.

Father, I want to learn to trust You more. Forgive me for demanding explanations and for wanting to "backseat drive" along the way. I know You don't need my help. Give me the peace to take the next step and trust You for strength along the way. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org