Thoughts on Proverbs 28:6 Rich vs. Poor

Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.

Verses like this are hard to put into context living in a society with a middle class. In our world, many of us are both wealthy and poor. If even our poorest compare themselves to the vast majority of the poor in other countries, they are wealthy. Many people struggle to make ends meet and can hardly catch a break though. I know people who are “wealthy” who also struggle in life. Wealth in our society seems to be relative.

I have a friend who lost his job while being in debt. They fought and prayed and never lost faith even though I know they struggled with it at times. They are still fighting through, but I would have to say that they are filthy, stinkin rich in a spiritual sense. I think this boils down to blessing those who have less than us no matter where we are on the financial spectrum. Blessings from our mouths can be just as, if not more so, valuable than money.

I miss going on outreaches. Having teenage kids in events always seems to create schedule conflict. What I miss is the opportunity to speak hope into peoples lives. The enemy tries to make us think that we are trapped. …that there is no way out. It is our job to break that. Hopefully now that it is summer break (yay!) I can make it back out.

Lord, It’s hard to put the topic of wealth in perspective as there are always people who have more than we do. Let us gauge our wealth by those who have less. Thank you for our daily bread that you provide so readily. Let those who need be connected to those who have. Lord, I ask for your multiplication over this in Jesus name.

Thoughts on Being a Sluggard

I was out of town over the weekend and was pondering something on the drive home as the rest of the family was snoring in the car. Throughout Proverbs, the word “sluggard” is used in a negative way and since sluggard is not a commonly used term these days, I felt compelled to look it up.

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Definition of SLUGGARD

: a habitually lazy person

Synonyms: couch potato, deadbeat, do-nothing, drone, idler, layabout, loafer, lotus-eater, slouch, slug, slugabed, lazybones

Antonyms: doer, go-ahead, go-getter, hummer, hustler, rustler, self-starter
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Given this definition, it is best to avoid being a couch potato, deadbeat, do-nothing, loafer, slouch, slug, and lazybones. I don’t know what a lotus-eater is, but I think I get the picture. I want to strive to be the antonyms such as doer, go-ahead, go-getter, and self-starter. I’m not real sure about hustler or rustler though.

When it comes to terms like this, there are two ways to look at it. One is to set forth a definition to size up others (so-and-so is such a sluggard), and the other is figure out ways that we are being a sluggard and stop. There are some days/times that I want to veg or slug-out if you will. I find a great way to do this is by fishing which is an active way to be lazy. It’s also a great way to spend time with my kids and enjoy time together and maintain a good relationship. I’m also trying to figure out if playing golf is being a sluggard. I usually walk and getting good exercise. I also like to spend an afternoon on the course just focusing on God. I think it might be a matter of over-doing it ( i.e. – does golf / fishing take priority over chores and family time?)

Lord, I know that I am not habitually lazy, but I want to make sure that I am living life as you would have me. I pray for those who struggle with habitual laziness, especially where it leads to bad habits.

Thoughts on Romans 11 – Olive Branch Grafting

The only reason you’re on the tree is because your graft “took” when you believed, and because you’re connected to that belief-nurturing root. So don’t get cocky and strut your branch. Be humbly mindful of the root that keeps you lithe and green.

I love parables and metaphors. They make sense to me. I was that weird kid in school that loved story problems because there was application to them instead of just mindless number crunching. Sections of scripture like this are just clear to me. I didn’t know why you would graft an olive branch though. eHow.com says this:

Grafting is a gardening technique used to refresh old olive trees by using fresh growth to produce new fruit-bearing branches. The technique most commonly used, and the most effective on olive trees, is known as patch grafting. With this technique, you literally introduce a patch of bark into the tree that is integrated and becomes a branch.

So if you have a tree with branches that are not bearing fruit, you chop them off and graft in a new branch that will bear fruit. It’s the tree that accepts and nourishes the branches and makes them grow, not the other way around. If a branch does not continue to bear fruit once attached, it will be cut off and replaced. Branches that have been cut off can still be put back on unless they “persist in remaining deadwood.”

Am I still bearing fruit? Am I inviting the branches on the ground to be grafted in? Am I encouraging other branches to continue to bear fruit?

Lord, thank you for supplying all that we need to bear fruit. We can’t see your root system, but it certainly is larger than imaginable. Give me the strength and courage to keep bearing fruit.

Thoughts on 1 Kings 11 – Solomon’s Wives

King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh’s daughter—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. They were from nations about which the Lord had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.” Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love.

Even with his wealth of God-given earthly wisdom, it still is not enough to keep him out of trouble. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for Solomon. He had great wealth, fame, popularity, etc., and I’m sure he had foreign rulers offering their daughters and the best looking women their country had to offer. I’m thinking that Solomon believed it was quite harmless in the beginning. After all, he did build a separate palace to keep them separated from God…

This make me think of an excerpt from C.S. Lewis – The Screwtape Letters where Screwtape, the senior demon, is instructing his nephew Wormwood who is a junior tempter in a series of satirical letters.

“Never forget that when we are dealing with any pleasure in its healthy and normal and satisfying form, we are, in a sense, on the Enemy’s ground. I know we have won many a soul through pleasure. All the same, it is His invention, not ours. He made all the pleasures: all our research so far has not enabled us to produce one. All we can do is to encourage the humans to take pleasures which our Enemy has produced, at times, or in ways, or in degrees, which He has forbidden. Hence we always try to work away from the natural condition of any pleasure to that in which it is least natural, least redolent of its Maker, and least pleasurable.”

It is important to remember that Satan cannot create anything but is a master at turning God’s creation against us. Whenever God blesses someone, it is a certainty that Satan will be close behind looking for a way to turn it around.  It is rare that he uses a brute force attack and usually tries to wedge his way into a small crack and keeps working it slowly open. In this case, he starts with Pharaoh’s daughter and moves on to others. With wealth and power comes great responsibility. I am fortunate to make a good living but don’t care to ever be wealthy. It’s easy to say that I wouldn’t abuse it, but I’m human.

Lord, thank you for freeing us from sin, even those that have not been committed yet. Even though we are free from it, let us turn a deaf ear to sin. The loud noise of sin drowns out the sound of your voice which we desperately need to hear. I always want to turn to you. Give me the strength to resist the enemy and his empty promises and shield me from his manipulative ways. In Jesus name I pray.

Thoughts on Romans 4 – God’s Promise, Not a Contract

If those who get what God gives them only get it by doing everything they are told to do and filling out all the right forms properly signed, that eliminates personal trust completely and turns the promise into an ironclad contract! That’s not a holy promise; that’s a business deal. A contract drawn up by a hard-nosed lawyer and with plenty of fine print only makes sure that you will never be able to collect. But if there is no contract in the first place, simply a promise—and God’s promise at that—you can’t break it.

I am thankful for this since I would have been in breach of contract within the hour. Truly amazing that God extends such undeserved grace so freely.

This is why the fulfillment of God’s promise depends entirely on trusting God and his way, and then simply embracing him and what he does.

Perhaps it’s just me, but it’s hard to know sometimes what God is doing. It’s easy to second guess what is going on. There are some obvious things that I’ve figured out. If my hands feel hot, I know that God wants to heal someone. I had this happen when I was praying for someone’s job situation. I asked if they needed to be healed of anything, and they responded that they’ve had tinnitus for 20 years. I put my hands on his ears (with permission of course) and God removed the ringing. How awesome! Other than the obvious, it’s easy to over react or under react to what God is doing.

The sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God, set us right with God.

Hallelujah!

Lord, thank you for being patient with me as you were with the apostles when they didn’t get it. I love being a part of what you are doing, even when I miss the boat. Even the highest heavens can’t contain you, but we try to put you in a cage, only asking you out when we need you. May my eyes and ears be open to know what you are doing. Lord, let YOUR will be done.

Thoughts on 2 Kings 8 – The Presence of God

 All the Levites who were musicians —Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang:

“He is good; his love endures forever.”

Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud…

This scene always stands out and give me goose bumps. To me, it’s one of the most momentous occasions in the OT since it depicts such closeness to God’s presence. All the Israelites coming together to worship… It wasn’t a rock concert or a religious Sunday morning exercise. I picture all the musicians playing together and people singing and dancing for God. This was the party to end all parties.

I like to relate things in the bible to real world events. I’ve seen the massive galleries that follow Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson at PGA events and I believe that the crowds following Jesus in his day far surpass that. I picture this scene resembling a Super Bowl only with everyone cheering for God. I would love to see a crowd larger than the Indy 500 coming together in worship. I wonder if that would be possible in today’s capitalistic society. 500,000 or more people joining together in worship with no admission fee and no agenda other than worshiping God because He Is.

Lord, this is what I want for you. You deserve no less. We gather in large numbers for sporting events and musical concerts, but we fall short of coming together to celebrate you. I pray that more and more hearts turn to you. I am thankful for your presence whether it’s in the midst of 2 gathered in your name or 2 million. Thank you for wanting to be a part of our lives.

Thoughts on Romans 2

Those people are on a dark spiral downward. But if you think that leaves you on the high ground where you can point your finger at others, think again. Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors. But God isn’t so easily diverted. He sees right through all such smoke screens and holds you to what you’ve done.

 

I think we often believe that since we are forgiven through Christ, that we are free to do whatever we want, that we only have to be better than “them”. I know several people on a downward spiral; one is dangerously close to the bottom I presume. Despite many attempts, they won’t change their ways. The booze is just too important to them…

No matter where we are on the spectrum of life, close to rock bottom and free falling or holding fast, pride makes us look down on others so we don’t feel so bad about our position. “At least I’m not like so-and-so…” “Hey. Can you believe that so-and-so does such-and-such?” Feeling not so bad about ourselves, we keep doing what we do, in essence rejecting God’s hand of kindness which

leads us into radical life change.

 It’s also easy to look at the outward appearance of others and presume they have it all together. I remember growing up thinking that kids whose parents were divorced had it made. They could come and go as they pleased and could play them against each other to get what they wanted. In creeps envy and jealousy. I learned later on that most of these kids actually envied those of us whose parents were still married. I wonder how much we as adults envy each other for completely opposite things. God sees right through all outward appearances. Getting dressed and making an appearance at church means little if we don’t read and obey the teaching of Christ.

Lord, You have searched me and know me inside and out. Although I try, I can’t hide from You. You made each of us for a purpose, part of Your master plan. Grant me the strength and courage to walk in Your ways, no matter how it looks to others.

Thoughts on 1 Kings 3 – Soloman Asks for Wisdom

I was pondering what would I ask for if God appeared to me in a dream. After a while, it came to me that I don’t need to wait for that to happen. John 14 says

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

From Matthew 21

 Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

It seems pretty straightforward. Some key points that stand out are, “so that the Father may be glorified in the Son” and “If you believe”. Can it be this simple? If so, where do all the doubts come from?

I remember hearing in a seminar on equipping it constantly repeated that God wants us healthy, wealthy and happy and that we need to embrace that promise. I believe that to be true, but it’s clear that God wants us to be obedient and humble first and foremost. It seems at times that we want Jesus to be obedient to us and not the other way around as it should be.

Lord, I need to know how to be more obedient. Thank you for the life you have given me. I wouldn’t want it any other way. The more I get to know you, the better it gets. I pray that those reading this have the wisdom of Solomon and the faith of Peter. Let Your kingdom come. In Jesus name I ask it.

Thoughts on 1 Kings 2

The kingdom was now established in Solomon’s hands.

1 Kings 2, is like a cleansing. Those who had done evil (and most likely would have again) are being purged. It reminds me of The Godfather, when Michael Corleone takes out all those who have “gone against the family”. It’s never easy reading about people getting taken out no matter how justified it might be. Again, it can be noted that this all ties to hunger for power and those who conspired against God’s plan were eradicated. This sets up a period of peace where the temple can be built. I wonder if they had not been taken out, if they would have sabotaged the construction process.

As we move from season to season in our lives, we have to purge out old friendships and move on. I can think of many “friends” from the past who were less than positive influences. Many were like spiritual boat anchors. As I tried to move onward and upward, they tried to keep me stagnant. As I tried to kick a bad habit, they would try to tempt me into giving in to giving up. I think it’s important to keep an eye on the company that we keep.

Lord, I trust you with the connections that I keep. I ask for wisdom to know who should remain active in my life and who should not. For those that I have known that are no longer a part of my life, I entrust them to You. I pray that I will be a positive influence to anyone in my life and they will positively influence me. Thank you for such great friends and family.

Thoughts on 2 Samuel 19-20 – Pride and Leadership

Throughout the tribes of Israel, all the people were arguing among themselves…

What stands out to me today is the distinct difference between the days of the judges and the current period. The people are now putting more faith in their leaders than they are in God. They are fighting and plotting for that position of power. I get the sense that Joab is taking pleasure in killing, not out of righteousness or even loyalty, even though he appears to me masking it as such. Going back to 1 Samuel 8:19

But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us.

This was after they were warned by God what life would be like. God gives us free will to screw up as badly as we want. His hand of protection is always available through Christ Jesus. It is up to us whether we stay under it. It seems that society in large is walking away… Doing our own thing…

An emerging trend here is the lust for power. As individuals get close to the top, they become thirsty for power and control, focusing on how they would run things instead of complimenting the current leadership. Much like today… They leave a place to create the “perfect organization”. In the end, what they create is the same thing with slight differences. I think a good sign of this is when we begin to focus on small problems then turn the molehills into mountains. Our differences make us stronger in unity which is why Satan works so hard to divide us by them.

I seem to keep finding myself in leadership positions. It’s rather odd since I grew up an introvert and prefer to be a follower. I’ve witnessed personally what being a leader can do to the ego. Not good… so I avoid it at all costs. I struggle at times as to whether God wants me to be a leader or not, but things seem much better when I am serving than leading. I think there is a fine line between walking in the confidence of Christ’s victory with humility vs. being an ego filled leader. I am impressed with how the leadership of our church manages that. It is a refreshing combination. (Do I get bonus points for that? =)

Another observation… It is just as bad to brutally cut someone down with words as Joab did to Amasa with his dagger.

And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Halleluiah! He is alive!

Lord, thank you for being with me despite my blunders, my pride, my ego… Thank you for being patient and understanding as I continually work towards Your plan. May I hear Your voice from across the pasture to know which way to go.