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

The Simple Life Of Integrity.

Proverbs 19

“Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool.” – Proverbs 19:1 NLT

What does a person of integrity look like? In our modern culture, we have diluted integrity down into the one-dimensional idea of honesty. If you tell the truth or keep your word, you're referred to as a man of integrity. But the biblical view of integrity is so much deeper, fuller and all-inclusive. And the Proverbs help us see what the life of a person of integrity looks like. Using comparisons and contrasts, it paints simple word pictures of what the person of integrity does and doesn't do. The biblical concept of integrity is wholeness. It carries the idea of soundness and completeness and illustrates a life that is non-compartmentalized. It is a life lived entirely for God with no parts held back. It is giving God of my life, not just the convenient parts, and it is allowing God to transform every area of my life, including my speech, attitudes, and actions. Solomon tells us over and over again that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. God is the source of all we need to live a godly, whole and complete life. The person who refuses to acknowledge this reality is designated as a fool in the Proverbs, and a fool is simply one who actively spurns the ways and overtures of God. The fool says there is no God or 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. As a result his or her life is incomplete, lacking in wholeness, and spiritually unhealthy.

Integrity is righteousness lived out. It is visible to the eye. It is when the wisdom, knowledge and understanding we receive from God begins to influence our behavior and speech so that others can see it and be influenced by it. Integrity makes us willing to do the right thing and suffer loss rather than lie in order to get ahead (Proverbs 19:1). Without integrity, we tend to rush headlong into decisions, letting our enthusiasm drive our choices rather than wisdom (Proverbs 19:2). People of integrity still make mistakes, but when they do they refuse to blame God for the consequences (Proverbs 19:3). They don't practice "fake" friendships, pursuing relationships purely for what they can get out of them (Proverbs 19:4, 6, 7). Instead, they view others through God's eyes, loving the helpless and hopeless the same way He does (Proverbs 19:17). The integral life is marked by honesty and truth-telling at all times and at any cost (Proverbs 19:5, 9). The life of integrity is the only acceptable form of self-love because it ends up rewarding those who practice it with great benefits (Proverbs 19:8). A person of integrity lives their entire life for God, so they are less likely to get angry when offended or when things don't go their way. They have a greater capacity to overlook a wrong committed because they understand the fallen nature of man. This God-given patience provides them with respect and protects them from harm (Proverbs 19:11, 12, 19). Integrity understands that ultimately God is in control, and His will will be done (Proverbs 19:14, 21). The integral life is marked by obedience to God, hard work, the constant pursuit of wisdom, and a fear of the Lord (Proverbs 19:15, 16, 20, 23, 24). Integrity encourages parents to create an atmosphere in their home where instruction is God-centered, and discipline is practiced in order to raise children who are God-fearing (Proverbs 19:18, 25, 26, 27, 29.

In the very first chapter of this book, Solomon gives us the reason he is writing them down. "Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, 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" (Proverbs 1:2-3 NLT). But then he adds, "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge" (Proverbs 19:7 NLT). It all starts with God. We must understand that only He can provide us the wisdom, insight, understanding, and discipline we need to live lives of integrity. We can't manufacture these things on our own. But when we put Him first and allow Him to change us from the inside-out, others will see the change in our lives – in every area of our lives. Our integrity will be visible all those around us.

Father, make us a people of integrity. Change us completely, wholly and make us holy. May our lives reflect that we belong to you and that You are transforming every area of our lives. Let the world see our holiness through our actions and speech. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

In A Word.

Proverbs 18

“Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.” – Proverbs 18:20 NLT

Let's face it, the tongue is the most powerful muscle in the human body. It's relatively small and unseen most of the time, but it can really pack a punch when it comes to influence. Sometimes the human tongue seem to have a mind of its own. From it can come words that offend others and shock the one from whose mouth the words came. James, the half brother of Jesus, put had some disturbing insights into the tongue: "People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!" (James 3:7-10 NLT).

Of course, James is simply using the tongue as a symbol of our words or speech. And speech, like our conduct or behavior, is directly linked to our hearts. What comes out of our mouths is tied to the condition of our hearts. And the heart is simply another metaphor for the inner man or the soul. Jesus put it this way: "But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you" (Matthew 15:18-20 NLT). On another occasion, Jesus stated the relationship between the tongue and the heart this way: "A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart" (Luke 6:45 NLT). It all starts within. What's inside has to come out, and it shows up in our actions, attitudes, and words. Solomon knew this all too well. In Proverbs 18, he seems to group a whole series of statements about words and speech together. He juxtaposes the difference between the words of a fool and those of a wise person. One simply wants to air their own opinion, regardless of its worth. The other speaks words that are profound and a source of satisfaction to others. The words of fools lead them into conflict and get them into trouble. They gossip and complain, more often than not, speaking before they have all the facts about a person or a matter. They offend friends and enemies alike. But the words of the wise satisfy like a good meal, the right words spoken at the right time bring satisfaction.

Our words are powerful. Our tongues are highly influential. As James said, with them we can praise God and then turn around and curse those made in the image of God. I love the advice Solomon gave in an earlier Proverb: "Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut" (Proverbs 10:19 NLT). It would profitable for us to think before we speak. It would pay for us to consider the condition of our hearts before we open our mouths. And if we speak, we need to listen to what we say and examine the content. It will be a great barometer of the condition of our soul.

Father, the tongue can be hard to control. But while it can seem to have a mind of its own, it doesn't. It simply reflects what is going on inside of us. It reveals the condition of our spiritual lives. It makes the inward man visible to the outside world. And in the course of doing so, it can do either tremendous good or a lot of damage. Continue to change my heart so that my words may be honoring to You and a blessing to those around me. May my words be wise and not worthless. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

It Starts In the Heart.

Proverbs 17

“Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.” – Proverbs 17:3 NLT

At first glance, the Proverbs seem to be all about good behavior versus bad behavior. It contrasts the life of a wise person against that of the foolish person, and it would appear that we are to choose one over the other. We must make the decision as to which behaviors will characterize our lives. But there is an underlying assumption that Solomon goes back to time and time again. There is a important ingredient required, without which none of us will ever be able to enjoy a life marked by consistently good behavior. He hints at it in verse 3: "Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart." The source for ALL behavior, good or bad, is the heart. In the Hebrew mind, the heart referred to the inner man. It was the seat of his mind, will, desires, and emotions. The heart is what drives us. Our behavior is a direct reflection of our heart. But here's the problem. “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve” (Jeremiah 17:9-10 NLT). Our hearts are wicked. Our desires are naturally skewed toward evil, all as a result of the fall. Good behavior is achievable, but it is impossible to maintain long-term. It is not natural for us to do what is good because our hearts are bad. So any good behavior we attempt is short-lived because it is manufactured in the flesh. Yes, we may fool one another with our acts of compassion and deeds of apparent righteousness, but God knows our hearts. God warned Samuel the prophet,  “The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7 NLT). We may even be able to fool ourselves into thinking we are good, because of all the "good things" we do. But Solomon gives us the bad news: "People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices" (Proverbs 21:2-3 NLT).

Good behavior is only possible when our hearts are good. And none of us can produce a good heart apart from the intervention of God in our lives. He must change our hearts before we can see a change in our behavior. Jesus Himself said, "A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart" (Matthew 12:35 NLT). A good heart is the work of God, not man. It is not a case of behavior modification, but heart transformation, which only God can accomplish. So when Solomon describes wrong-doers, liars, mockers, fools, the wicked, the unjust, quarrelers, crooked and deceivers, he is simply listing characteristics that naturally flow from a heart that remains unchanged. Wisdom, love, common sense, understanding, friendship – these are all the characteristics of a heart committed to and under the control of God. Paul described it this way: "So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 5:15-18 NLT). He told the Galatian Christians, "So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires" (Galatians 5:16-17 NLT). And then he described what the fruit of a life lived under God's control looks like: "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT). It all starts in the heart. It all flows from the heart. And only God can transform the heart. Reading the book of Proverbs should remind us that the behavior God desires from us is unnatural and impossible for us. We can't do it without Him. And because of what Christ accomplished on the cross, we can live new lives because we have new hearts that are being transformed daily by the power of the Holy Spirit.  The Word of God reveals our need for God. "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires" (Hebrews 4:12 NLT). If you find your life more characterized by the negative characteristics outlined in the Proverbs, thank God for showing you the true condition of your heart and ask Him to renew His work of transformation. Confess that you can't change your behavior without His help. Submit to His Spirit's control. Let Him produce in you what you can't produce on your own.

Father, I can't change my heart and because I can't change my heart, I find it impossible to change my behavior. I need You. Continue to keep me in Your Word and under the control of Your Spirit. Keep revealing to me my weaknesses so that I might turn to You for help. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

Word and Deed.

Proverbs 16

“We make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” – Proverbs 16:9 NLT

While this Proverb appears to be a collection of disjointed one-liners that cover a variety of topics; on closer examination, there are two themes that seem to run throughout the entire Proverb. One has to do with "the path" of our life and the plans we make to get where we think we're supposed to go. The other theme has to do with our speech or the words that come out of our mouths, and their impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. The direction of our lives has a huge impact on our speech and conduct. Throughout the Proverbs, life is pictures as a journey. It has a beginning and an end. There is a destination to life. And we are always thinking about where we're going, how we're going to get there, and why are journey is not turning out quite like we expected. We make plans for our lives and those plans are ALWAYS influenced by something going on in the inside as well as outside of ourselves. Jealousy, pride, self-centeredness, and the longing for power, possessions, and prominence can lead us down the wrong path. And life lived on that path will have a huge impact on the way we live and the words we say. It will influence our words and deeds. This Proverb talks about wise speech, kind words, gossip, destructive words, righteous lips and honest speech. The content of our speech is directly related to the conduct of our lives. Where we go will influence what we say. Foolish living will result in foolish words. Following the wise path will result in wise words.

So who gets to decide the path for our lives? According to Solomon, we spend a lot of time trying to make arrangements and plans for the direction of our lives, but at the end of the day, God is the one who determines our steps. "A man may make designs for his way, but the Lord is the guide of his steps" (Proverbs 16:9 BBE). We may think we know what's best for our lives, but only God truly knows how to get where we really need to go. In verse one, we read, "The intentions of the heartbelong to a man,but the answer of the tonguecomes fromthe Lord." This verse reminds us that we may arrange the contents of our mind and plan out all our thoughts, it is God who gives us the capacity to put our thoughts into words. Plans become deeds. Thoughts become words. And both are related to the path we have chosen for our lives. We can choose to live our way or we can decide to live God's way, to follow His path for our lives. "Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed" (Proverbs 16:3 NLT). Give God the direction of your life. Allow Him to direct your path and you will discover it always leads in the right direction. Following His path not only leads to the right destination, it produces a life marked by godliness, wisdom, and righteousness. When it comes to choosing the right path for our lives, most of us have a lousy sense of direction. "There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death" (Proverbs 16:25 NLT). We need a GPS system. We need direction. And only God can provide it. Our way may seem right, but it will always turn out wrong. God's way is the best way. "The highway of the upright is to turnaway from evil; the one who guardshis way safeguards his life" (Proverbs 16:17 NET).

Father, keep me on the right path. Don't let me stray or follow my own sense of direction. I have no idea what is best for me and stopping to ask for directions from this world can be a dangerous thing to do. It will never get me where I truly need to go. Your way is the best way. Following Your will for my life will result in wise words and righteous deeds.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

The Rewards of Godliness.

Proverbs 13

“Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin.” – Proverbs 13:6 NLT

As we saw in Proverbs 12, godliness is the byproduct of a vibrant and intimate relationship with God. The more time we spend with Him, the more often we obey Him, the more dependent we become on Him, the more like Him we will become. Because of what Christ accomplished on the cross, and due to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, we have the capacity to live godly lives – lives that are pleasing to and honoring of God. And the godly life not only has evidence that others can see, it comes with rewards. Godliness acts as a guard on our lives, providing us with wisdom for making good decisions, giving us the right words to say at the right time, and the insight when to say nothing at all. Godliness gives us a hatred for lies and deception, a love for justice and truth, and a life filled with light and joy. Godliness gives us the insight to know that we are nothing without God, making us less prone to pride and more willing to seek advice and accept correction. The godly have a strong work ethic, not living with some sense of entitlement, expecting everything to be handed to them on a silver platter. And their hard work not only satisfies their hunger, it fulfills their dreams. The godly have the innate ability to think before they act, protecting them from foolish acts, harmful words, and dangerous decisions. And while their life will not be free from trouble and strife, those things well be less likely the result of their own stupidity, rashness and foolhardiness. Godliness brings wisdom and wisdom is both protective and attractive. The wise live lives according to God’s ways and, a as a result, they attract the attention of others who long to have what they have.

Godliness isn’t some kind of unrealistic objective designed to make our lives miserable because it is unachievable. Godliness is attainable, enjoyable, laudable, and highly possible, not because of anything we do, but because of what Christ has already done. His death on the cross makes the life of godliness possible for all who place their faith in Him and Him alone. And not only do we get eternal life in return, complete with an irrevocable guarantee of a place in heaven some day; we get the promise of the rewards that come with a life of godliness lived out here in this earth.

Father, sometimes we think the life of godliness is some kind of penance or punishment until we get to be with You in heaven. But nothing could be farther from the truth. As we live according to Your terms, supplied by Your strength, we get to enjoy the rewards of Your grace, goodness and mercy. We receive wisdom, understanding, common sense, and all the benefits of a life lived with You. Thank You

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org

The Evidence of Godliness.

Proverbs 12

“The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death.” ­– Proverbs 12:28 NLT

What does a godly person look like? What are the characteristics that mark the life of someone who claims to love God? Proverbs 12 gives us a good idea of what to look for and while most of these qualities are visible to the eye, they emanate from the heart. They are the fruit of godliness. They are the byproduct of a life lived in close dependence upon and in love with God. The danger is that we attempt to make them the end instead of the means. We too often try to make the fruit our goal, rather than pursue the only one who can make the fruit possible in our lives. Take a look at Solomon’s list and consider whether these attributes or character traits are evident in your life. If so, are they the result of your own hard work and determination? Have you become adept at manufacturing these things in your life so that others are impressed with your efforts? Or have they been produced in your life over time as a result of your pursuit of an intimate relationship with God?

The godly…

… love to learn and realize that discipline is one of their primary instructors.

… seek the approval of God in their lives, not the approval of men.

… do good whenever they have the opportunity, not evil.

… enjoy a sense of stability in their lives regardless of the circumstances.

… positively influence the lives of those around them.

… make plans that are right, just and fair, and safe for others to follow.

… speak words that build up, not tear down; and bring hope, not harm.

… leave a spiritual legacy through the next generation. … win people over with their simple sensibility.

… don’t need to be the center of attention.

… are good stewards of all that God has put under their care.

… are hard workers and not lazy dreamers.

… are content with what they have.

… don’t get trapped by their own words.

… experience the benefits that come from speaking wisely and working diligently.

… seek the advice of others and don’t assume their way is always right.

… stay calm even when insulted.

… tell the truth when called upon.

… use their words to heal, not hurt.

… tell the truth and never have to worry about being caught in a lie.

… are filled with joy because they don’t plot evil against others.

… experience peace even in the midst of trouble, knowing they weren’t the cause of it.

… tell the truth for God’s sake, not their own.

… don’t flaunt what they know or live to impress others with their godliness.

… are natural leaders because of their diligence.

… encourage others with their words.

… give good advice that doesn’t lead others astray.

… are diligent and resourceful.

… pursue God’s way, which leads to life.

That’s quite a list. But don’t lose sight of the fact that the list is not the point. Don’t make the list your goal. We have to realize that NONE of us can do any of the things on that list in our own strength – at least not well, and not for long. We can fake them for a time, but ultimately, we will fail. Each of these things are the result of a relationship with God. He produces them in our life. They are the natural outflow of a life lived with Him. Godliness is only possible with a vibrant walk with God. Seek Him and these things will become evident in your life – over time. Seek these things and the only thing that will become evident is your inability to experience them. If you sense they are missing in your life, don’t try to manufacture them so you look more godly. Simply seek God.

Father, I waste far too much time trying to appear godly rather than seeking You so that You can make me godly. I tend to pursue the wrong thing. I want these characteristics in my life, but thank You for reminding me that they only come from a growing dependence upon You. Show me how to pursue You, not the fruit. Don’t let me fall in love with the idea of godliness more than I love You.

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

No Comparison.

Proverbs 11

"The righteousness of the good man will make his way straight, but the sin of the evil-doer will be the cause of his fall." – Proverbs 11:5 BBE

Like many of the Proverbs, this one is a lesson in contrasts or comparisons. Pride versus humility. Honesty versus dishonesty. Wickedness versus godliness. The fool versus the sensible person. Lovers of money versus lovers of God. The entire Proverb is a series of couplets contrasting one way of life with another. And any conclusion reached from this exercise is intended to be a no-brainer. The life of godliness or righteousness is meant to be the obvious winner, and verse 5 sums it up well. "The righteousness of the good man will make his way straight, but the sin of the evil-doer will be the cause of his fall" (Proverbs 11:5 BBE). As New Testament believers, we know that our righteousness is a gift provided to us by God through the death of His Son Jesus Christ. We have been made righteous because of His death on the cross where He took on our sin and, in exchange, we received His righteousness. And it is that righteousness that allows us to live a life that pleases God. This Proverb is not about human effort and our ability to keep a set of rules or standards. It portrays the life of the individual who has made God their highest priority and are willing to allow Him to transform them from the inside-out. The result is a life marked by honesty, integrity, knowledge, joy, wisdom, trustworthiness, generosity, discretion, and the love of God.

To be godly is to be God-dependent. It is an awareness that our righteousness comes from Him, not ourselves. It is an understanding that, left to ourselves, we are nothing more than fools, prideful, arrogant, lovers of money, cruel, ruthless, stingy, lacking in discretion, and incapable of changing our behavior or our hearts. This is not just a list of lifestyle choices. It is a description of two ways of life. One is our natural tendency as fallen human beings. The other is the life of the individual who has discovered God and fallen in love with His grace, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, and holiness. Righteousness is not a goal we strive towards. It is a gift made available to us through a relationship with God. Because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross, we can have a right relationship with God, and the fruit of that is a life of righteousness. God changes our heart and, as a result, our behavior. Our godly lives are proof of our relationship with God Himself. Wisdom, generosity, discretion, honesty and integrity are not the result of our own effort, but the fruit of a loving relationship with God. God Himself shows us the kind of life that honors Him, then gives us the capacity to live it through the power of His Spirit. He produces in us what we could never pull of on our own. So why would we ever choose any other way to live our lives? There's no comparison.

Father, Your way is best. The life of righteousness is the only way that makes sense. Godliness is a no-brainer. But yet we choose the other way each and every day. We allow our flesh or sin nature to take over and lead us down a path that is nothing more than a dead-end. Thank You for this reminder that there is no comparison between the life You make available to us and the one the world offers up as an alternative. Your way is the best way. The only way. Amen

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

Fool's Gold.

Proverbs 10

"When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation." – Proverbs 10:25 NLT

To the untrained eye, iron and copper pyrite has all the characteristics of real gold. For an amateur prospector, it could fool the eye and convince the mind that the dream of untold riches was right around the corner. But no matter how real it may appear, fool's gold would prove to be nothing more than a phantom or a very convincing mirage. The same could be said of the life of the fool. A fool is not some imbecile who lacks intelligence and is doomed to a life of stupid decisions. In the Bible a fool is the description of any individual who chooses to live his life on his own terms instead of God's. All of us are born fools and the only thing that change that unhappy state is a growing knowledge of God and a healthy fear of Him. Without God we are doomed to live the life of a fool. And as these Proverbs remind us, "a foolish child brings grief to a mother (Proverbs 10:1 NLT), "babbling fools fall flat on their faces" (Proverbs 10:8 NLT), "those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod" (Proverbs 13 NLT), "slandering others makes you a fool" (Proverbs 10:18 NLT), "the heart of a fool is worthless" (Proverbs 10:20 NLT), and "fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense" (Proverbs 10:21 NLT).

The Proverbs tend to combine the characteristics of foolishness with wickedness and evil. They are all one and the same. They represent the ungodly, those who live as if there is no God. When a child is born, he or she has no concept of God, so they become their own god. The world revolves around them. They naturally exhibit selfishness and self-centeredness. They demand their own way. They don't know any better. But by the time a child becomes an adult, they should know better. But sadly, many adults exhibit the same characteristics they displayed as children. They remain the god of their life and the universe revolves around them. They lack discernment and common sense. Yes, they may have an education and multiple degrees. They may have all the trappings of success and enjoy a lifestyle of comfort and ease, but it is all fool's gold. They lack true wisdom and knowledge. Their life is but a mirage, a phantom of what God offers. Because "the godly are showered with blessing" (Proverbs 10:6 NLT), "the earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin" (Proverbs 10:16 NLT), and "doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible" (Proverbs 10:23 NLT).

A life without God may appear attractive, but it is not what it seems. The world does all it can to offer a convincing replica of what God has offered. It's pleasures look real. It's happiness appears lasting. Following its ways would seem to offer a life of fulfillment. But it's all fool's gold. A cheap substitute for the real thing. The way of the Lord is the only way that works. It alone satisfies, lasts, brings peace, provides joy, and results in a life marked by integrity, wisdom, common sense, and stability. "The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing" (Proverbs 10:28 NLT). Only God's way is the right way. Don't be fooled by anything else.

Father, open my eyes and help me spot the counterfeit life offered by this world. It is so convincing, but so disappointing. It can't deliver what it promises. It's fool's gold. But Your way is the right way and offers everything I need to live a life of fulfillment and purpose. Don't ever let me settle for the fake when I can have the real thing. Amen

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

Two Invitations. Two Choices.

Proverbs 9

"Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live; learn to use good judgment." – Proverbs 9:6 NLT

In this Proverbs, Solomon portrays wisdom and folly as two women. One is industrious, a planner, and highly hospitable. She offers those who are "simple" the chance to dine at her table and gain good judgment and wisdom. She offers them a chance to leave their simple ways behind and really begin to live. Wisdom offers long life, the capacity to fear God and know Him intimately and deeply. The other woman, Folly, also calls out and offers an invitation, but it is an invitation of another sort. Folly is portrayed as a prostitute. She is brash, ignorant and doesn't even know it. She too calls out to the simple and those lacking in judgment. "'Come in with me,' she urges the simple. To those who lack good judgment, she says, 'Stolen water is refreshing; food eaten in secret tastes the best!'" (Proverbs 9:16-17 NLT).

Two women. Two invitations. But depending on which invitation you accept, two diametrically opposed outcomes. One ends in life, the other in death. One offers wisdom and good judgment in place of foolishness and simplicity. The other can only offer sensual pleasures and immediate gratification of the senses, but really delivers disappointment and, ultimately, death. The picture Solomon paints portrays life on this planet for each and every man and woman. Every day we are faced with two basic options: the way of wisdom as offered by God, or the way of folly or foolishness, so tantalizingly and temptingly offered by the world. And every day, we are faced with a choice to choose one or the other. The things of this world are so appealing. The ways of this world seem so logical and sensible. They appeal to our sin nature and are aimed at our senses. They have little to do with wisdom, understanding, common sense, or good judgment. And we're not talking about intelligence, because even men with high IQs can be guilty of foolishness and live the life of the simpleminded. The Hebrew word used by Solomon for the "simple" person refers to one who is easily persuaded and enticed. They are naive. Satan and this world thrives on these kind of people. And every person who walks on this planet IS that kind of person if they don't have a relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ the Son. They may be smart, successful, well-to-do, and even powerful, but they will still be simpleminded. They will be dominated by their flesh and driven by their desires. They will be susceptible to temptation and prone to live like fools. Why? Because they lack good judgment, common sense, wisdom, understanding and the fear of God.

The key seems to be found in Wisdom's invitation. "Leave your simple ways behind." There has to be a point in time when you decide to acknowledge your propensity to be easily persuaded and enticed. Then you have to be willing to abandon that lifestyle for another. We have to choose to accept God's invitation to sit at His table and feast on His wisdom. We must trade in our desire to satisfy our senses for God's offer of understanding. We need to understand the times in which we live, the dangers that surround us, our own tendencies to live like fools. We need to understand and comprehend our incapacity to survive in this world without God. Without Him we are easy targets for the enemy. God offers us wisdom. The world offers us folly. And every day we have a choice to make.

Father, give me the capacity to see life clearly – from Your perspective. Without You, I am a man who is prone to foolishness. I can easily fall prey to the temptations of the enemy and the allures of this world. But Your Spirit and Your Word give me the wisdom and insight I need to see this world for what it really is – my enemy. This world hated Christ and it hates me. Don't let me listen to its lies and take its lures. Open my eyes and help me really live, based on Your wisdom and according to Your way. Amen

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

Practical Piety.

Proverbs 6

"When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you.For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.." – Proverbs 6:22-23 NLT

The life of godliness or Christlikeness was never meant to be impossible or impractical. It is impossible only if we attempt to live it in our own strength or on our own terms. It is impractical is we fail to apply its lessons to our daily lives. We can become so heavenly minded that we're no earthly good. Righteousness is highly practical. It is to be visible to those around us. It is to impact every area of our lives, changing the way we live, altering the way we think, and influencing our decisions. Righteous living is wise living. It is living according to God's standards, and God is a highly practical God. Solomon took what he knew about God and applied it to everyday life. He warned his son against the dangers of co-signing on a loan for a friend. He is really warning against presumption, taking a risk based on a hope that all will turn out well. We don't know the future. Only God does. So why risk the well-being of your family by putting your finances at risk. This could be applied to all kinds of investments, get-rich-quick schemes, business ventures, etc. And Solomon knows that pride plays a huge factor in so many of our decisions, so he warns, "Now swallow your pride; go and beg to have your name erased. Don't put it off; do it now! Don't rest until you do!" (Proverbs 6:3-4 NLT). Fear of man keeps us from living according to God's terms. We make decisions out of pride and out of a fear of being rejected, judged, ridiculed, or thought less of by others.

Solomon also warns against laziness or the lack of discipline in our lives. Righteous people are hard-working, diligent people. They are good stewards of their time, talents and resources, including the hours given to them in each and every day by God. So they don't waste and squander them. Laziness seems so innocent at first. What harm could there be in a few extra hours of sleep? But the life of laziness leads no where good. The godly are diligent, hard-working, and faithful to perform their daily responsibilities well.

Solomon goes on to give his son (and us) seven things the Lord hates. Once again, these are highly practical, everyday life things. He warns against pride, lying, murder, the intent to do harm and the desire to do wrong, false witnesses, and trouble making. Every one of these is a real life issue that each of us struggles with at some level. Even murder, or killing of the innocent, is something each of us is capable of. Solomon's point seems to be that we need to know what God hates and learn to hate those things as well. We need to avoid them like the plague. We need to listen to wise counsel, from parents, peers, friends, and from the Word of God. Piety that is not practical is useless. It becomes hypocrisy. Our beliefs must impact our behavior. Our righteousness must result in right living. The way we live should reflect the God in whom we believe.

Father, You have called us to live different lives. We have been set apart and given a different agenda for our lives. We are Your children and are to reflect Your character to the world around us. Help us make our religion real and our beliefs practical. Don't allow us to make them purely academic. Your Son died so that we might have life and life more abundantly. May our relationship with You radically alter the way we live on this earth. Amen

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

Femme Fatale.

Proverbs 5

"For the lips of the immoral woman are as sweet as honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil. But in the end she is as bitter as poison, as dangerous as a double-edged sword." – Proverbs 5:3-4 NLT

Sin is so tempting, and it's allure is real, making it a constant problem for men and women alike. And while Solomon wrote his proverbs a long time ago, some things never change. We still need to hear his words of wisdom and warning. He spends an entire Proverb warning his sons against the dangers of the immoral woman or prostitute. It was a problem then and it remains a problem today. Promiscuity is alive and well, and it may be even more acceptable today than ever before. The increase in casual sex and a growing comfortableness and complacency with sex outside the confines of marriage make this message particularly timely for our sex-saturated society. Solomon's warning to his sons was necessary in his day and it is needed in ours as well. But it sounds so antiquated and puritanical! At least that's what many in our society would say. But it is a warning against the lies of all temptations. Satan is the father of lies and the great deceiver. He loves to package his product in such a way that it hides the dangers within. He is the master of manipulation and deception, creating the allusion of pleasure, but all the while hiding the true consequences. The prostitute is a perfect illustration of his methodologies. She is attractive, flattering, enticing, and appeals to man's basic instincts. She knows man's weakness and aims right for it. The apostle John warned us, "For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions" (1 John 2:16 NLT). That is Satan's strategy. Everything he offers is designed to appeal to what we crave and desire, to fulfill our insatiable need for pleasure, and to satisfy our hunger for significance. A prostitute goes out of her way to make her "client" feel wanted, important, and significant. She offers to provide him with physical and emotional pleasure and to satisfy all his needs. But in the end, "her feet go down to death." Like all sin, the consequences are dangerous and deadly. It never delivers as promised. It is the ultimate in false advertising, yet we fall prey to it each and every day in so many ways. We take the bait and suffer the consequences of broken marriages, unfulfilled expectations, destroyed reputations, and shattered lives.

So what's the solution? Wisdom, wise counsel, and discernment. Solomon warns his sons in graphic detail of the dangers facing them. He doesn't sugarcoat it and he doesn't ignore it. He paints a vivid and compelling picture of the dangers of sin. He talks openly about the consequences and even seems to speak from experience. "You will say, 'How I hated discipline! If only I had not ignored all the warnings! Oh, why didn't I listen to my teachers? Why didn't I pay attention to my instructors? I have come to the brink of utter ruin, and now I must face public disgrace" (Proverbs 5:12-14 NLT). Our children need to know the truth. Our congregations need to hear the truth. The enemy is filling their minds with lies day after day, and he has more resources available than ever before. The media provides him with a constant venue for propagating his lies and distributing his message of falsehood. We need to speak truth. We need to share the wisdom of God's Word. We need to promote the non-negotiable requirement of living according to God's way – unapologetically and boldly. The dangers are real. The consequences are devastating. Wisdom, wise counsel and discernment are needed more than ever before.

Father, give us the boldness to speak truth in the midst of a society that has become mesmerized by the lies of Satan. Help us to warn our children and to promote Your way over the world's way. Don't let us sit back and complacently watch as the lies of the enemy destroy our young people, marriages, homes and churches. Give us a desire to declare the wisdom or Your Word and share wise counsel with all who will listen. Amen

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

Wiseheart.

Proverbs 4

"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." – Proverbs 4:23 NLT

All this talk of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding could easily leave the impression that Solomon is obsessed with intelligence. It sounds like he is simply trying to encourage his son to get a good education, learn all that he can learn, and apply all that knowledge to living a good life. But Solomon is wise enough to know that there is more to this picture than mere intelligence or IQ. He is talking about a way of life that is based on much more than just book learning. All throughout the Proverbs Solomon contrasts two ways of life, to lifestyles. One is marked by wickedness and foolishness. The other is marked by wisdom and righteousness. But the difference isn't just about one person knowing more than the other. It is the fact that one knows God better than the other. At the end of the day, this is a heart issue. When Solomon pleads his son, and all young people, to "get wisdom" and "don't turn your back on wisdom," he is really telling them to pursue God, because He is the source of all wisdom.

In this Proverb, Solomon refers to "the way" multiple times. He describes life as a journey and we have choices regarding which path we will take as we live our lives. He says, "Don't do as the wicked do, and don't follow the path of evildoers. Don't even think about it; don't go that way. Turn away and keep moving" (Proverbs 4:14-15 NLT). He compares the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. One ends in light, the other in darkness. But then Solomon provides us with the key. He says, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life" (Proverbs 14:23 NLT). It is our heart that will determine whether we go the way of the righteous or the way of the wicked. It is our heart that will determine whether we seek God's way or the world's. So we need wise hearts, not brave hearts. We need heart knowledge, not head knowledge. God wants to renew our hearts and change the way we think, act, speak, and live. Without heart change, all efforts to live wisely will be short-lived and end up in nothing more than behavior modification. When Solomon says, "Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech" (Proverbs 4:24 NLT), he knows he is asking the impossible unless our hearts are changed by God. We will gravitate toward perverse talk and corrupt speech without wise hearts. And only God can give us wise hearts. Only God gives us the ability to make wise choices. Solomon closes his Proverb with these words: "Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil" (Proverbs 4:25-27 NLT). Without a wise heart, that is impossible. God gives us the capacity to know right from wrong, good from evil. He equips us with not only the knowledge to make good choices, but the ability to do so. He changes our hearts. Head knowledge is not enough. Heart knowledge is what we need. Wise hearts and brave souls – men and women living life according to God's terms and in the power of God's Spirit.

Father, give us wise hearts. Change us from the inside out. Don't let us be satisfied with head knowledge. I don't want to just know about You, I want to really know You so that I might live in a way that pleases You. Amen

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

A Different Path.

Proverbs 3

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." – Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

The Proverbs are full of comparisons, juxtapositions, and contrasts. There is wisdom and foolishness, wickedness and righteousness, and the God-follower and the self-worshiper. These sayings of Solomon paint a vivid picture that contrasts the life of the man who seeks after God and the man who turns his back on God, setting himself up as the master of his own fate and the captain of his soul. Solomon writes from the perspective of a father appealing to his child, begging his son to make attaining wisdom and understanding his highest priority. But in doing so, Solomon is not suggesting that his son pursue academic knowledge. He is not encouraging the pursuit of human reason or head-knowledge. He is spurring on his son to pursue God – the sole source of all wisdom, knowledge, reason, and common sense. Getting to know God is the goal, not gaining wisdom for wisdom's sake. Solomon tells his son, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5 NLT). How easy it is for each of us to trust in anything and everything, but God. Rather than trust God, we turn to our own limited understanding and attempt to explain the complexities of life and solve the difficulties that come with living life on this planet. If we lack joy, we attempt to find it through means made possible through this world. If we feel unloved, we seek satisfaction and significance through such avenues as the pursuit of pleasure or promiscuity. We seek – but we tend to seek in the wrong places.

But Solomon told his son, "Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take" (Proverbs 3:6 NLT). He reminds his son that wisdom brings joy, is profitable, valuable, precious, and is the key to long life. But it only comes from one source – God. Wisdom, true wisdom, flows from God. It is available nowhere else but from God. Our ability to live life on this planet well is dependent upon the wisdom and understanding that God alone provides. But it comes from a relationship, not just a book. I learn wisdom from watching and coming to know God, not just by reading about Him. Wisdom is part of who God is. It is His very character. Wisdom, understanding and knowledge do not exist apart from God. What the world offers is a cheap substitute. At their core, wisdom and understanding are spiritual resources, not academic or cerebral. They flow from a right relationship with God. Solomon tells us, "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline" (Proverbs 1:7 NLT). The fool wants nothing to do with God. He desires wisdom and understanding, but doesn't want the relationship with God necessary to have them. He does not want the loving discipline that also comes from God that are required to truly learn wisdom and understanding. But those who long to have a relationship with God will find that wisdom, understanding, and knowledge are the byproducts of their pursuit of God.

Father, don't let me make wisdom and understanding the focus of my pursuit. Help me keep You as my sole desire. Those things will come as I grow in my knowledge of and love for You. Amen

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

Living Life In 4D.

Proverbs 2

"Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go." – Proverbs 2:5 NLT

Life can be hard. Decisions have to be made. Difficulties must be dealt with. Sometimes it is hard to know what to do or how to respond. We are bombarded by bad advice and the well-meaning counsel of friends who are just as confused as we are. So what are we to do? Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, encourages us to "cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures" (Proverbs 2:4 NLT). It would appear that Solomon expected us to put in a fair amount of effort into the process. He seems to believe that we must want insight and understanding bad enough that we would expend some energy in order to get them. Cry out! Ask! Search! Seek! How badly do we want these things? How hard are we willing to pursue them until we find them?

As we go through life we encounter our desperate need for insight, understanding, wisdom, and knowledge.This world can be a confusing place. We don't always know what to do. So the first step seems to be a recognition of our deficiencies. We have to come to an understanding of our lack of understanding. We are not the brightest bulbs in the box. But the sad truth seems to be that we don't usually reach this point of awareness until something difficult happens in our lives that leaves us at a loss. It is in those times of desperation that we tend to turn to God, and that is the key – we have to turn to the source. Solomon makes it clear that insight and understanding are only available from one source and that is God. When we cry out, ask, search and seek from Him, we are told that we will "understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God" (Proverbs 2:5 NLT). It is God who grants wisdom, knowledge and understanding. He alone can equip us with much-needed common sense, integrity, and the ability to understand what is just, right and fair. In other words, God gives us discernment, direction, discipline and discretion. He provides us with all we need to live life on this planet wisely, safely, and righteously. Rather than live according to the standards of this world. we learn to live God's way. We learn to think like He thinks, love what He loves, hate what He hates, and view life from His perspective. This life can be hard, but God has given us everything we need to not only survive, but thrive. We can live wise lives, marked by discernment, direction, discipline and discretion. He will keep us on the right path. He will help us make wise decisions. He will protect us from the temptation of this world. He will give us the ability to see life from His perspective. But first we must come to the realization that we need what He has. We must desire Hisunderstanding, knowledge, insight and wisdom more than anything else in the world. Then we must seek after it diligently, eagerly, and regularly.

Father, there is no reason we should struggle in this world with a lack of discernment, direction, discipline and discretion. You provide all four and have made them readily available to us through Your Word, Your Spirit and Your Body. Give us a growing desire to know what You know, to understand life as You understand it, and to live according to Your wise standards. Amen

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

I Can't Stop Talking About God. (Based on Psalm 145)

Psalm 145 – Day 2

I will hold You in high esteem, my God and my King, And I will bow in reverence to Your reputation forever! I will bend my knees in praise to you every day, I will boast of Your reputation forever and ever. You are great, O Lord, and extremely praiseworthy. The true extent of Your greatness is beyond our comprehension. One generation will praise Your works to the next, And tell them of Your strength. I will speak of the incredible splendor of Your majesty, And of Your extraordinary works. They will tell of Your fear-inducing, awe-inspiring acts, And I will recount Your greatness. They'll overflow with memories of Your great goodness, And be overcome by Your righteousness. You are gracious and compassionate, Slow to get angry and overflowing with mercy. You show Your goodness to everyone and extend mercy to Your entire creation. Everything You've made will end up praising You, O Lord, And those who are faithful to You will bow down before You. They will talk about the glory of Your reign over them and of Your great power. They will make known to the next generation Your might acts, And the glory of living under Your righteous rule. Yours is a kingdom that will never end, and Your rule outlasts the generations. You support all who fall and lift up all who are bent down and burdened. Everyone looks to You and You provide what they need at just the right time. You open Your hand and satisfy the needs of every living creature. You are right in everything that You do, and always holy. You are never far from those who call on You, who call on You in faithfulness. You will satisfy those who fear You, hearing their cry and rescuing them. All those who love You, You will keep safe, but those who hate You will be destroyed. I will declare publicly my thanksgiving to You, So that all mankind might bless Your holy name forever.