Birthday Blog: Bitterness or Blessings

This morning I'm thanking God for all the things in this life he has given me so far. Like anyone else who has lived 52 years, I have things in life I could be bitter about today. I know that while my specific circumstances are unique, the hurts and pain I feel are common to all. But I have a God who is in control of all that. I have a forgiving Savior who draws me near to himself to comfort me and give me a peace that I can't even understand, much less explain. I have a Shepherd who is teaching me how to walk with him and follow him, even across the treacherous parts of this journey. I have a Lord who is patient with me and ever faithful. I have a Creator who loves me as I am but continues to transform me into what he wants me to be. I am thankful that I have had the opportunity in my life to have a relationship with such an amazing, awesome God.

I am also thankful to God for providing me with a family--not perfect, but a gift to me just the same. I had a dad who loved me enough to make sure my physical needs were taken care of. I'm thankful to God that my dad came to know him more as he aged and knew his Savior and Lord before he died. I am so thankful for my mom today, and I miss her today more than ever. What an incredible faithful woman who persevered through so many hurts and pains in her life; she never gave up. She's my role model. I'm also thankful for my brother and sisters who have walked by my side through thick and thin; they have believed in me no matter what.

I'm thankful for friends who have encouraged me, spurred me on, loved me, and often carried me and my burdens. Each is a gift from God.

I thank God for my wife today. She has truly been God's gift to me for the last 22 years. I would not be the man I am today without her presence in my life along the way.

I am blessed by my four children today. I don't need any birthday gifts other than what God has given to me in them. My prayer is that I can continue to have the wisdom to teach them God's ways and that they too may choose to live by grace rather than bitterness.

Today, on my birthday, I'm thanking God that I have the privilege to be his child, to be his friend, and to be his servant. He gets the honor today.

Call of Duty for Christ Followers

Today: Proverbs 20 

If you are a follower of Christ, war is not an option. You have a real enemy. You have a battle to fight. If you are not fighting now, it's either because: (a) the enemy does not see you as a threat to him, (b) the battle is waging, but you are either unaware of it (most of us have not been very well educated about or equipped for this war) or you are simply pretending it's not happening (which is perhaps the most dangerous position of all), or (c) the enemy is just waiting for an opportune time to strike.

Plans succeed through good counsel; don't go to war without the advice of others (Proverbs 20:18, NLT).

On the surface, this verse is about a king's wisdom to seek godly advice, especially in going into a literal, physical battle, where the stakes are literally life and death. It seems political leaders around the world could learn from this simple proverb!

But the same wisdom applies for us who follow Christ. As Christ-followers we have entered a spiritual battle. Jesus used this wisdom of seeking advice from others before going to war as a vivid illustration of "counting the cost" to follow him (Luke 14:31-33). If you are going to follow him, be prepared for a war!

Over the last couple years, my family and I have been thrown into a full-scale battle. The enemy's attacks are unmistaken and ferocious. I recognized the attacks and put on the armor of God, but, like too many Christians, I was not sure exactly how to wage this war. But I knew the stakes were very high, so I asked. First, I prayed (and still am praying), asking God not only for his strength and protection, but also for his wisdom to do this battle the right way. Second, I called and met with a number of wise Christian friends and counselors, who gave me the advice I needed to make difficult and strategic decisions along the way. I also knew these allies were and are praying constantly for me and my family. This battle is far from over, but I can see that God is clearly in control. The defeated enemy will not win me or my family over. The battle is the Lord's, but he has put me in to fight with his strength.

If you are a Christ follower, you, too, have a battle with the enemy to fight. When you enter the battle for your life or your family, don't fear. But don't go it alone, either. Find your platoon of comrades to be by your side.

Where is the enemy attacking you or your family right now?
Who is in your platoon? Who is giving you godly advice?
Your friends are also fighting battles with the enemy. How can you stand by their sides?

Larry the Cable Guy, Nike, Frank Sinatra, Burger King, and How We Think

Today: Proverbs 19 

 

"Get 'er done!" - Larry the Cable Guy

“Just do it.” - Nike advertising slogan

“I did it my way.” – Frank Sinatra

“Have it your way.” – Burger King 

 

These are the ways our culture teaches us to live. They say ... 

    You da man! 

    You are the master of your own destiny. 

    Only you have the capacity of change yourself. 

 

This way of thinking makes you the transcedndent one in you life. It makes you the Lord and Savior of your own life. It makes you an idol, a false god that you put before the real God. 

 

God's Word, especially in the book of Proverbs, teaches us a different way -- God's way -- to live our lives:

You can make many plans, but the LORD's purpose will prevail (Proverbs 19:21, NLT).

God is in control; only he is sovereign; only he is Lord. He keeps teaching me that He is God, and I am not!

 

If you are a Christ-follower, don't forget this vital principle: "You are not your own; you were bought at a price" (1 Cor. 6:19, 20). So, "don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think" (Romans 12:2, NLT). 

 

The book of Proverbs is all about helping us change the way we think. Just look at the various proverbs that compare the way a fool thinks and acts to the way a wise person thinks and acts. This is why I like reading the book of Proverbs every so often: it fills my mind with God's principles for how to think. 

 

In comparison, consider these wise ways of thinking about life from a few of the wisest people who ever lived:

• "Get 'er done"? ... “The Son . . . can do only what he sees his Father doing” – Jesus (John 5:19).
• "Just do it"? ... “I do nothing without consulting the Father” – Jesus (John 5:30).
• "I did it my way"? ... “I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not done evil by turning from my God” – David (Psalm 18:21).
• "Have it your way"? ... “Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and revering him” – Moses (Deuteronomy 8:6).

 

How do you find yourself thinking?

Do you usually think and act like your life is your own?

How can God transform you by changing the way you think?

 

Do You Love Your Dross?

Today: Proverbs 17

If you can't stand the heat, get out of God's kitchen! He's cooking up something good, but it's going to get really hot!

Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart (Proverbs 17:3, New Living Translation).

What about you and me will be consumed by the refining fire and burned away? What will come out of the fire and made more pure?

The technical term for the stuff that gets burned off the silver or gold or us is "dross." It means, "a waste product taken off molten metal during smelting" (Dictionary.com). The problem is, we really like our dross. God sees it as impurity but we see it as a part of who we are. When God burns it off of us, we must let it go, mourn its loss, and then move on with the new purer self into which he is refining us.

Peter says exactly why and how God uses these tests:

So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world (1 Peter 1:6-7, NLT).

What is the higher purpose of this fiery trial? What dross in my life is it burning away? How can I be truly glad even in the midst of the refining fire?

Are You Making Plans and Setting Goals? Should You?

Today: Proverbs 16

Right now, many small groups are making plans for the fall season. So are families as their kids are going back to school. One of the vital signs of a healthy small group is that it proactively sets goals and makes plans.

But is it right to make your own plans and set your own goals? 

There are some in Christian leadership circles who say that believers have no right to make our own plans or set our own goals. We should simply wait and go where God tells us to go and do what he tells us to do.
While there is some truth in this, the Bible, especially in Proverbs, provides a different way of looking at this.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3).

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps (Proverbs 16:9).  

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails (Proverbs 19:21).  

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men (Colossians 3:23).

I notice a few things in these verses:

1. I notice the words "you" or "a man's." God gives us the responsibility and freedom to make our own choices. We have free will.
2. I notice the word "whatever." I believe that on rare occasions God does tell us one specific thing we need to do. But much more often, he allows us to make the choice, but to do whatever it is for him.
3. It seems to me that God is not against us making plans and setting goals. The real question is whose plans and goals? God does not limit our freedom, but he desires for us to make decisions that ultimately put his kingdom first and honor him.

What do you think about making plans and setting goals for yourself, your small group, your family, or your organization?

How can you do so in a way that puts God first and honors him?

What goals and plans are you making for this year?

Back to School ... Attitudes and Choices

Today: Proverbs 15

Summer break is over for my three younger kids. This year, our youngest, Anna, starts high school. She is excited and anxious (worried she'll get lost in the hallways). Sarah is a junior this year, and Dru is a senior. Both are focused on "what's next" after they graduate: colleges and careers.

I woke up early and before waking them up, I read Proverbs 15. I immediately knew what today's verse of the day would be:

The wise person makes learning a joy; fools spout only foolishness (Proverbs 15:2, NLT).

As we sat together at the kitchen table and they ate chocolate chip muffins and drank their Starbucks frappuccinos (special treat for the first day of school), I shared this verse with them and encouraged them to think about it today.

My hope is that learning will be a joy for each of our kids this year! But this verse is not based on my hope. It's based on their attitudes and choices. "The wise person makes learning a joy." This will be a choice each of them will make each day. They can choose to say: "I hate school. I don't like my algebra teacher. I don't understand chemistry (Oops, that's what I said in high school!). I'm bad in math. I'm going to get lost in the hallways......" Or they can choose to say: "My algebra teacher has some personality flaws, but I'll have grace on her and focus on completing my assignments. Chemistry isn't easy, but I'll find a way to get this! I'll find my way through the halls and there are plenty of people to help me if I need them." You get what I mean.

This is not just about our kids, of course. As adults, our attitudes will often determine our outcomes. Maybe we need to go "back to school" to learn how to make better choices! Maybe we need to have other people, wise counselors, in our lives to show us the way and encourage us. Who are those people? How will I choose to respond to my challenges today?

What challenges are you facing today? How will you choose to respond? Do you need any attitude adjustments? Who will you talk to about this?

Doctrinal Impurity in Small Groups

Today: Proverbs 14

As a "small groups guy," people often try to suck me into a debate about doctrinal impurity that may come about in a small group discussion. In a recent discussion on a Facebook forum, one leader said, "Without the right leadership you end up with far too much 'I think' or 'what this means to me' and not enough solid truth."

The guy is right; the "right leadership" is vitally important. But what is meant by "right leadership"? Others on the forum pointed to a need for high control by the church over what is taught in groups and by whom. Some believe that to be a small group leader you must first become a Bible expert so that you don't unintentionally teach doctrinal error. And yet, doctrinal error has been taught by some of the most Bible-literate people in the world, like the Pharisees in Jesus' day, for instance.  Others believe that church leaders must select what curriculum every group will use and figuratively look over leaders' shoulders in an attempt to guard what is taught. This high-control form of leadership leads to low trust in the leaders who have been called to shepherd the flocks entrusted to their care.

As I think about this issue, I have a few questions that I think are worth considering:

• Who is the "right leader" for a small group? What skills, knowledge, personality traits, and heart attitudes does this person need?
• How can church leaders equip and empower leaders to lead, and then entrust them to lead? How does good coaching help to equip, empower, and entrust?
• Is the Bible to be read more for head knowledge or for wisdom and understanding? Do these two necessarily go together or can the latter be found without a comprehensive amount of the former?
• Do the fears that people have about small groups fostering doctrinal impurity also apply to individuals reading the Bible themselves? (The same issue has been applied to individuals as to groups; some--entire religious bodies, in fact--have said that a person should not read the Bible without a religious expert in the room so that this expert can interpret what the Scriptures mean.)
• What is the role of the Holy Spirit in groups and for individuals? (Jesus called the Holy Spirit the "Counselor" and the "Spirit of truth" [John 14:16-17] who would "teach you all things" [v. 26] and "guide you into all truth" [16:13].)
• Have we come to a point where we trust Bible scholars more than the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in our groups?

I am not against gaining knowledge of the Scriptures. If you are a leader, you should know how to correctly handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). But remember that knowledge is not your aim, love is (1 Corinthians 8:1; 13:2). Knowledge is a means to the end of getting understanding. As I am reading through Proverbs, it's obvious that what God wants for us is wisdom and understanding:

Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools (Proverbs 14:33, NLT).

 I believe God gave us his Word as a guidebook for how to live life the best way -- his way -- not merely as a book of doctrine (although it does contain the right doctrine). When we sit to read God's Word, we come into a time of communion with God where we can hear from him, where we can get a glimpse into his heart and how he cares for us and how he wants us to live. As we read God's Word, we allow his Spirit to work within us to show us things we would not see, to change us in ways we could not otherwise be changed, to give us wisdom for life that we would not otherwise have, to empower us with his love so that we may overflow into the lives of others around us.

As I begin reading God's Word each day, I like to pray something like this: God, here I am, I'm listening. Through your Holy Spirit, guide me into your truth today. Show me what you want me to see today. Use your Word to transform me -- to mold me into what you want me to be.

If you lead a small group, you can start out your group meetings in a similar way. Jesus is present with you when you meet in his name (Matthew 18:20). His Spirit will guide you if you let him.

Look at the bulleted questions above. How would you answer those?

Waiting for God to Answer

Today: Proverbs 13

I sometimes act like a whiny adolescent when I ask my Father for something. This is what I want, and I want it now! I may not pray those words, but God knows all about my attitude. Why aren';t you answering my prayer, Lord?  I ask.  I mean, I know this is inside your will. I know that as a loving Father, you want what's best for me, and I know this is best for me. I know you will receive all the glory if I get this. I know. I know.  See the problem here? Sometimes we pray as if we know more or better than the sovereign God who created the universe!

While reading Proverbs 13 today, I came across verse 12:

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true, there is life and joy. (New Living Translation).

Delayed or deferred gratification makes the heart feel sick for a while, sometimes even a long while, but we also know that perseverance through times of waiting develops maturity, wisdom, character, and hope in us (James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5). This takes trust.

Trusting God means trusting in his timing.
Trusting God means believing God is working for good in our lives.
Trusting God means being certain that God always keeps his promises.

The apostle Paul said that "when the right time came, God sent his Son" (Galatians 4:4, NLT). God knows what he is doing! He could have sent his Son hundreds of years earlier, but that would not have been the right time. He could have waited and sent his Son years later, but that would not have been the right time either. God had a plan for sending his gift of salvation, and he still does.

Whatever you are waiting on God for right now, God knows the right time to send his answer (and his answer may or may not be exactly what you are asking for!).

What are you waiting on God for today? How will you trust him with the timing?

WANTED: Wise Leadership! Proverbs 11

Today: Proverbs 11 

Without wise leadership, a nation falls; with many counselors, there is safety (Proverbs 11:14, NLT). 

As we head toward Election Day in the United States, this proverb has never been more vital! Both sides would argue that they are wise leaders and their opponent is not. Their policies are wise and the other candidate's are unwise. This proverb has wider implications for us however.

Without wise leadership a ____ falls.

You can substitute just about anything for nation--family, church, small group, business, self--and it's true. Wise leadership is vital.

The first four vital signs of a healthy group (from my book Small Group Vital Signs) are about wise leadership: (1) a healthy group understands that Christ is the real leader, (2) a healthy group has a healthy, growing, overflowing human leader, (3) a healthy group shares leadership with a core team, and (4) a healthy group is proactive; they have goals and plans. The last three of the seven vital signs only happen because the group has wise leadership!

Note that wise leadership is not a solo endeavor. "With many counselors there is safety." Proverbs repeats this principle many times in different ways. Never lead alone. Never make a major decision without seeking the guidance of many wise, godly counselors. Never try to get through a crisis without the encouragement of good friends. Never try to break out of bondage without the accountability of some people you trust. Never lead a group or anything else by yourself.

What would you put in the blank for your life right now? Without wise leadership, what will fail? Do you need to step up and provide wise leadership?

Dumb Criminals and the Hope of the Godly: It's All in the Mind: Proverbs 10

Today: Proverbs 10

A man was released from jail at 12:01 a.m. At 12:09 a.m. he was spotted climbing over a chain link fence back onto the jail grounds, and attempting to pass a cigarette to an inmate through a steel grate covering a window. At 12:10 a.m. the man was back in custody, charged with illegal entry into a prison facility and disorderly conduct. True story.

I love dumb criminal stories. They prove the saying, "A person reaps what he sows" (Gal. 6:7) to be true.

Out of Proverbs 10, verse 24 stood out to me this morning:

"The fears of the wicked will all come true; so will the hopes of the godly" (Proverbs 10:24, NLT).

This proverb shows that a person's attitude, the way he thinks about things, affects what he does and how his life goes. The King James Version of Proverbs 23:7 says, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." Our actions begin with what is inside of us. What we do starts with how we think. Our emotions get ahold of the way we think and they can solidify those thoughts within us until we act upon them.

Some people live with a lot of anxiety, which probably stems from guilt for the way they are living or even just the way they are thinking. Because their hope is not in the Lord, because they do not trust him to provide, they worry, and because they worry and cannot trust him, they steal and cheat and lie and slander and more to try to take care of themselves. Eventually their anxieties come true and they must deal with the consequences.

But what about the hopes of the godly? Do they always come true? I can tell you that it does not always seem that way, not at first anyway. My own hopes may not immediately come true, but I know they eventually will. The godly do not put their hope in this world, because they know this world is not their real home. Yet, sometimes God still gives the godly the things they hope for in this wolrd when they keep their eyes and hopes fixed on what God wants, not what they want.
"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires" Psalm 37:4, NLT). 

Taking delight in the Lord is a way of thinking about life. It's an attitude that comes as you grow in your relationship with God. How do you get to this way of thinking and living? The apostle Paul told us exactly how: "Give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will accept. . . . Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is" Romans 12:1-2, NLT, my emphasis).

What do you think about your thoughts and attitudes affecting who you are and what you do?

Please Rebuke Me! Day 9 of Proverbs

Today: Proverbs 9 

Wise people love being rebuked. In fact, Proverbs 9 tells us, a wise person will love you all the more because you have helped him see something in himself that perhaps he did not see, and he can change it. I want people to give me feedback, criticism, and rebuke because it makes me wiser.

Mockers and fools, however, hate you if you rebuke them; they get defensive and may even counter-attack you. So what can you do to help the mocker or fool? Pray for  him. Pray God will bring her to the place where she will seek wisdom.

Here's the passage I'm referring to:

Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get a smart retort. Anyone who rebukes the wicked will get hurt. So don't bother rebuking mockers; they will only hate you. But the wise, when rebuked, will love you all the more. Teach the wise, and they will be wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn more (Proverbs 9:7-9, NLT).

Now, this raises a question in regards to what Jesus taught in Matthew 18:15-17, where he provided guidelines for dealing with someone who sins against you. We use Jesus' guidelines all the time in small groups and in the church at large. But what if the person who has sinned against you is a fool? Do you go to him and show him his fault, and if he doesn't listen, take someone else along, and if he still won't hear you, take it to the church?

Perhaps Jesus' first words in this passage are helpful: "If a brother sins against you." This is a fellow Christ-follower in your community. But does that mean he or she is wise? Maybe not. I think Proverbs is cautioning you about how to approach a person--in your group, in your church, in your family--who does not have the emotional maturity and wisdom to receive your rebuke well. You'll likely get a smart retort and you won't win your brother or sister over. Instead, pray for the person. Pray that the Holy Spirit convicts him or her to what is right. Keep loving the person regardless (See Matthew 5:44).

God brings wisdom to those who seek him and are in community with others.

The other side of this is how you receive a rebuke. If you are wise, you will welcome constructive criticism. You want to grow and gain more wisdom, so you listen and then work on the issue. Many of us are blind to areas in our life that need to become better ... but others see them! So welcome a rebuke from a friend. Thank him for it. And then ask for some accountability to deal with the problem.

 I'd love to hear what you think on this one. How is it best to deal with a fool who is in the wrong?

Top 3 Ways to Get Wisdom: Day 8 in Proverbs

Today: Proverbs 8

Solomon gives voice to Wisdom in this chapter. We get to hear what Wisdom would say to us, and mostly it is to seek her.

How do we receive Wisdom? First, through God's Word. It is our primary resource for getting Wisdom; God gave us Scripture so we might gain Wisdom and know how to live the way he wants us to live. He has the best life in mind for us (life to the full), and his Word is our guidebook to that life.

Second, we receive Wisdom by spending time with God daily. While his Word is our main resource, He is the true source of all Wisdom, as well as every other good thing. Spending time communicating--both listening and talking--with Him every day is vital.

Third, we receive Wisdom by hanging around with people who are also seeking God's Wisdom. This is why the Bible talks so much about the importance of being in authentic community where we can spur each other on, encourage one another, pray for one another, and confess our sins to one another. God speaks to us and through us when we take our whole selves into this kind of community. This is why I love small groups!

I think we also receive Wisdom as we persevere through the dark valleys of our lives, but only if we do the three things shared above. Trials and perseverence in life are part of the environment where Wisdom comes.

James says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" (James 1:2-5). The apostle Paul said that our sufferings bring perseverance and that perseverance leads eventually to character (Romans 5:3-4). Proverbs shows us that having Wisdom produces character in our lives. Wisdom for its own sake is meaningless.

What other ways do we receive Wisdom? Which of these three ways described obove do you need most?

7 Ways to Deal with Temptation from Proverbs 7

Today: Proverbs 7

Once again we are called to treasure and obey God's Word. What happens when we don't? We walk in darkness (v. 9) and fall into temptation. And when that temptation comes, we don't have the godly wisdom to walk away from it. Whether it's sexual sin or any other kind of sin, we will be seduced by it (v. 21). The Bible is our guide for how to deal with these tempting situations wisely. What should we do?

1. If at all possible, stay out of the compromising situation. This young man was probably in a place he should not have been in the first place. We do this because we have a natural inclination toward sin that started with the Fall. Jesus said men love darkness instead of the Light, because our deeds are evil (John 3:19). The first thing to do is get out of the darkness and move toward the Light!
2. Listen and pay attention to God's Word (vv. 1-5, 24). When tempted, do as Jesus did in the desert (Matt. 4:1-11): use God's Word as your sword (Eph. 6:17) as you engage in the fight.
3. As suggested in the point above, remember you have an enemy and you are at war! Many "fall" into temptation because they have fallen for the deception that there is no enemy! Submit yourself to God and resist the devil and he will flee from you! (James 4:7).
4. Don't let your heart stray toward the temptation (v. 25). Remember to guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23). Stay out of that dark place (even if it is just "twilight" -- see v. 9). Don't cross that street. Don't go to that site. Don't even go to that movie or read that book. You know what tempts you. Don't go there!
5. One of the ways to not let your heart stray is to turn to prayer. Pray, "Lead me not into temptation!" (see Matt. 6:13). Prayer is a way of fixing your eyes on Jesus. A reason that your heart strays is that your mind has come to believe--wrongfully so--that something in that temptation can fill you up ... but it can't. Oh it might for an instant, but that's all. Jesus, however can and will give you life to the full ... to overflowing (John 10:10)!
6. If you do begin to stray toward the temptation, catch yourself (the Holy Spirit will help you if you let him!) and then flee from it!  (The Bible shows us how to flee from a variety of temptations: 1 Cor. 6:18; 10:14; 1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22). Turn off the TV or computer. Get out of that place. Excuse yourself from that "business meeting." Turn off Facebook. Don't respond to that text or message. Run away from it as fast as you can.
7. Simply stay on the right path (v. 25). As you follow Jesus, he will guide you as a Shepherd guides his sheep down the path of life (John 10:2-4, 14). Listen to his voice and follow him on his path! Along the way, however, you will see many enticing paths you could choose to go down. The enemy, whom Jesus described as a stranger, will try to lead you down those paths (John 10:5, 10). The enemy will seduce you to walk down these lush-looking paths, but his aim is to steal, kill, and destroy. Life to the full can only be found on the Good Shepherd's path. Stay there! (See my post, "Stay on the Path" for more on this. Also see the links below.)

What temptation is facing you? It is not too big for God! Which of these ways will you use to deal with it?

FOR MORE HELP ON DEALING WITH TEMPTATION, CHECK OUT THESE POSTS:
Bribing God
Call of Duty for Christ Followers
Do You Love Your Dross?
The Shortcut: A parable on the Path of Life
I Need Someone to Teach me How to Live

What God Loves & What He Hates: Day 6 of Proverbs

Today: Proverbs 6

God loves you and because he loves you, there are things in this world he hates. Proverbs 6 deals specifically with several false gods that can destroy the lives God desires for us to live. Let's look at a couple of them.

The issue in regards to finances (vv. 1-5) is where your treasure is. Jesus said you cannot serve both God and money, and it's obvious this person is serving money. (See Matthew 6:19-24.) Of course many people get sucked into this one. God knows that money and what it can buy will not really satisfy our souls. God wants something much better for us: a trusting relationship with him.

Lying is a serious offense to God. It's mentioned in verse 12 as a description of worthless and wicked people and it's mentioned twice in the list of things God hates (vv. 16-19). Ananias & Sapphira lost their lives because they lied to the church and to the Holy Spirit. Why is lying such a big deal? Because God loves truth. Jesus is the Truth. He came to testify to the truth. The truth will set us free. Lying puts us in bondage.

Solomon also addressed laziness and lust/adultery in this chapter and in many of the proverbs of this book. Neither lead us to God's best for us. They speak for themselves.

By the way, we don't have to guess at what God hates. Here's a list in verses 16-19. It is a partial list, by the way; He also hates anything dealing with idolatry (Deuteronomy 12:31; 16:22) and divorce (Malachi 2:16), I should hate the same things on this list, especially in myself!

Why does God hate these things? Because all these things move us away from the way he intends for us to live this life he created for us. He wants us to live life to the full and he hates the things that we choose (because of the free will he gave us) that take us down paths that are not good for us! What a loving Father he is!

God used Solomon to show us the right and best ways to live our lives. Which of the things in Proverbs 6 do you need to turn over to God today?

The Creator's Guide to Living the Best Life Possible: Day 5 of Proverbs

Today: Proverbs 5 

On one level this chapter is about adultery and having the wisdom to run away from it. But adultery also represents disobeying God in any way. God's Word is The Creator's Guide to Living the Best Life Possible -- life to the fullest. God's Word does not restrict us, as many think. No, when we live life God's way we have abundantly more freedom than we can imagine.

God has set boundaries for our behavior, because when we stray out of his boundaries we walk into all kinds of danger. There are things out there that will take us bondage and even lead to death. Our loving heavenly Father gave each of us free will and allows us to decide, but he gave us his Word to help us make the right decisions!

The verses that really stood out to me today are 12 and 13. After chasing after the adulterous woman (disobeying God's Word), the person admits,

How I hated discipline! If only I had not demanded my own way! Oh, why didn't I listen to my teachers? Why didn't I pay attention to those who gave me instruction?

Regrets. Demanding my own way rather than trusting God and going his way will always lead to eventual regrets. Yet, with repentance, our creative God can turn even those bad decisions into good for us and for his glory!

Of course, we could avoid those regrets in the first place by living a disciplined life, a life focused on living for God within the protective, life-giving, Eden-like boundaries he has set.

Look at the end of this chapter, verses 21-23. It must sadden God to see his children use their free will to go down their own paths that lead to captivity and ultimately to death. But as the loving Father that he is, he waits for us to repent and come back to him.

What do you think about this idea of God lovingly setting boundaries for our good? Do you see the Bible this way? Do you see God's Word as giving freedom or holding you down?

7 Secrets of Being a Great Parent: Day 4 of Proverbs

Today: Proverbs 4

Do you want to know the secrets to being a great parent? This chapter has them! 

Solomon begins the chapter by talking to his own son about his father David, the man after God's own heart:

My children, listen to me. Listen to your father's instruction. Pay attention and grow wise, for I am giving you good guidance. Don't turn away from my teaching. For I, too, was once my father's son, tenderly loved by my mother as an only child (Proverbs 4:1-3, NLT).

I wish I had a father who did this, but unfortunately my dad did not have this in him. Neither did his dad for him. But this is the kind of dad I desire to be for my kids, and I hope they can someday look back and say these words to their children about their relationship with me and their mom. Here's the first secret: Desire to be a great parent, regardless of your past.

Solomon continues,

My father told me, "Take my words to heart. Follow my instructions and you will live. Learn to be wise, and develop good judgment. Don't forget or turn away from my words (Proverbs 4:4-5, NLT).

What did Solomon want for his children? What do all great parents want? We want them to learn to make their own wise decisions in life. Those decisions include the friends they chose and what they do with them, what books and movies they choose to let their eyes look at, who they date, and lots more! But the most vital of all the wise decisions we want them to make is to follow God. They must make that decision, but what they see in mom and dad will impact that decision greatly. The second secret: Desire something good for your children.

 

Solomon talks a lot to his children here about doing what he says, but the more important thing is for them to see what we as parents do and who we are--what decisions we make in life, what is first in our lives, how we prioritize our lives. You can only do those things well if you are growing in your own relationship with God, putting him first, trusting and obeying him more each day. Secret #3: Be the person you want your children to become. By the way, that does not mean perfection! Have grace on yourself as well as others.

 

Our children will learn most from our attitudes and actions, but those are dictated by the condition of our hearts! That's why Solomon warns his children, as well as you and me to, "above all else [this is most important!] guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." The NASB translates this last part as "for from it flow the springs of life."

 

Your heart is important. What you allow to flow into your heart will eventually flow out of it and into the lives of your children and others closest to you. What are you allowing to flow into your heart today? Think about movies, books, web sites, TV shows, and friends you choose. I spend time with God every morning because I want to grow in my relationship with him. But I also want his life to flow into me (John 10:10) so that it may naturally overflow into the lives of people around me. I hope it does. Secret #4: Allow God to flow into you so you can overflow!

 

Your heart is critical because it is the wellspring of your life--from it flows springs of life. So be sure you guard it like a city would guard its water supply against the enemy. Because the Enemy does want to pollute it! Secret #5: Guard your heart against the enemy's pollutants!

 

Solomon, like any great parent, wanted his kids to stay on the right path of life:

Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe. Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil (Proverbs 4:25-27, NLT).

I'm sure King Solomon knew that he could only do what he could do as a parent and that perhaps, like in the story of the prodigal son, his children might choose the wrong way; they may wander off the path God has set for them. In that case, I believe that Solomon was wise enough to let them go, pray like crazy, and wait for their repentant return. It is so hard for a parent to see his child's back as he or she walks away, but there aren't many better feelings than seeing them running back with their arms open wide! Secret #6: Entrust God with your children and have his grace with them.

 

It's so easy for any of us--kids and adults alike--to get sidetracked in life and get off God's good path for us. It's easy to take a shortcut that looks really good at first, but leads to a dead end and ultimate destruction of our lives. God encourages us to stick to the path he has laid out for us. It's a good path that leads to light, not darkness (see vv. 18-19, John 3:19-21; 1 John 1:5-10). Secret #7: Stay on God's path for you, and if you've wondered off of it, come back to his ways.

This last secret is one of the major themes of the book of Proverbs--and of the entire Bible! God's ways--his path-- are best for us. Trust him with all your heart as you walk faithfully with him, and he will make your path--and the paths of your children--straight.

What do you think of these 7 Secrets from Proverbs 4? Did I miss any? Would you add anything?

How are you doing on these 7? Which do you do best? Which do you need to work on today?

What Trusting God Really Means: Day 3 of Proverbs

Today: Proverbs 3. 

Proverbs  3 contains one of the best-known and oft-memorized verses in the Bible, Proverbs 3:5-6. Living out verses 5 & 6, however, depends on how we do with verses 1-4. And if we do live out Proverbs 3:5-6, we will receive the blessings in life God promises in the rest of this chapter!

If we want God's guidance and want to know his will, we start by storing his commands (his Word) in our hearts (vv. 1-2) and we remain loving and faithful (vv. 3-4). These show us how to trust God with all our hearts. For followers, these attributes actually become part of our being, written on our hearts.

Warren Wiersbe says, "The word translated 'trust' in verse 5 means 'to lie helpless, facedown.' It pictures a servant waiting for the master's command in readiness to obey, or a defeated soldier yielding himself to the conquering general." Trusting God means letting go of my own way of doing things. It means surrender of my own will for his. It means acknowledging that he is the Leader of my life ... and, just as importantly, I'm not.

Leaning on our own understanding simply means doing things our way or being wise in our own eyes (see v. 7). We can't trust in God and lean on our own understanding at the same time. It's an either-or proposition. God wants us to trust him with all our hearts. He is totally trustworthy.

Acknolwleding him (v. 6) means acknowledging that he is in charge, he is God and I am not, he is the Creator and Master of everything. When I acknowledge him, I acknowledge that his Word is true and his ways are best.

The promise, if we follow him, is that he will make our paths (our life) straight. That does not mean life won't sometimes be hard or an uphill climb or even treacherous. But God will guide us on the path of life and we'll be secure in him.

God may even discipline or rebuke us when we begin to wander off his path (vv. 11-12). Sometimes this "discipline" is the natural consequence of our choices and leaning on our own understanding, but other times it is God's direct pruning of us (see John 15:1-2) to help us live more fruitful lives for him. This proverb tells us to not despise his discipline, to accept it as part of his growth plan for us.

If you are facing difficulties, don't ask Why? Ask, What are you showing me through this Lord? How can I grow because of this? Don't forget that like any good parent, our Heavenly Father disciplines those he loves!

Look at all the blessings in verses 13-35 for the follower who trusts God with all his or her heart! These verses also provide a variety of life lessons to live by (proverbs). Which one do you need to live by today?

Share what jumps out to you from Proverbs 3 or what you want to put into practice in your life today.

The Incredible Benefits of Wisdom: Day 2 of Proverbs

Today: Proverbs 2

This chapter lays out the HOW for getting wisdom, WHO gives it, WHY we need it, WHAT happens when we seek and gain it, and WHAT the benefits are for having it in our lives.

A couple questions to consider in this passage:

1. How important is it to get wisdom?
2. Where does wisdom come from?
3. What are all the benefits of gaining wisdom? (vv. 9-19)

Wisdom is described as a path we choose to walk on. The word path or way is used about 100 times in Proverbs. You and I have a choice today: to walk on the path our Creator has layed out for us, the path of Wisdom, or to take a shortcut and go our own way, to lean on our own understanding, to think we know a better way. The former leads to life. The latter leads to destruction. Our loving Heavenly Father created a path for us to take that leads to him, but he also created us with freewill so that we can decide.

What's your chjoice today?

For mmore on this topic, read "The Shortcut: A Parable on the Path of Life."

Acquiring Wisdom: Day 1 of Proverbs

For August, I'm engaging my family to read a Proverb a day (31 days in August and 31 chapters in Proverbs ... easy to remember!). I'll be looking forward each day to natural opportunitites to discuss each day's Proverb and what we're learning as we eat dinner together, ride in the car, send messages over Facebook or texts, or whatever. As I told them, I believe this can really help us each live a wise and discerning life for God! I'm going to try to post here a few of the things I'm learning each day. I hope you will read and learn along with me and my family!

Today: Proverbs 1.

Proverbs is all about wisdom. The words wise or wisdom are used at least 125 times in the book. The purpose of this book is to help us acquire and apply God's wisdom for making decisions in our daily life (see verses 1-7)

Verses 8-33 record three voices we each need to identify: (1) the voice of instruction -- the voice of your parents, whether your earthly parents or your Heavenly Father (8-10, 15-19); (2) the voice of temptation (11-14); and the voice of salvation (20-33).

• Which voice is yelling loudest to you right now?
• Which one do you need to listen to more?

Look at verse 22.

• What three kinds of people does Wisdom cry out to?
• How would you describe each of those kinds of people?
• What are they like?

Notice the word chose in verse 29. People have chosen to not fully follow and trust God. And there are consequences for their choices (see verses 31 and 32). I must choose to follow God, to respect/fear him because of who he is, and to trust him. Then he will answer when I cry for help. I will find him when I search for him.

The last verse (33) is also a choice. It is my choice to do my best to listen to God and do what he says. God will then give me peace and safety. What a promise today!

What jumps out to you the most in Proverbs 1? What are you learning?