Pity the Fool!

Do you all remember Mr. T?

You're probably wondering where the heck this one is going aren't you?  Well I read Proverbs 26 today and let's call it the fools chapter.  Take a look at the first 12 verses.

Proverbs 26:1-12(NKJV)

1    As snow in summer and rain in harvest,      So honor is not fitting for a fool.

2    Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow,      So a curse without cause shall not alight.

3    A whip for the horse,      A bridle for the donkey,     And a rod for the fool’s back.

4    Do not answer a fool according to his folly,     Lest you also be like him.

5    Answer a fool according to his folly,     Lest he be wise in his own eyes.

6    He who sends a message by the hand of a fool     Cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.

7    Like the legs of the lame that hang limp     Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

8    Like one who binds a stone in a sling     Is he who gives honor to a fool.

9    Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard     Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

10    £The great God who formed everything     Gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages.

11    As a dog returns to his own vomit,     So a fool repeats his folly.

12    Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?     There is more hope for a fool than for him.

I did a search and found that the phrase "a fool" appears in the Bible 46 times.    So what you might ask?  Well as you know one of the main focus of my observations is the  practical application of our faith.  So here's my thinking.  If God saw fit to use the phrase 46 times in the Bible, maybe there is a lesson there.  It's our job to diligently (are you starting to get sick of that word yet?) search to learn what that lesson is.

First let's decide if "a fool" is a good thing or a bad thing.  Now I think from a common sense perspective we could all probably agree that it is not a good thing to be a fool but just so we are all on the same page let's take a look at the dictionary definition.

fool

noun

1.  a silly or stupid person; a person who lacks judgment or sense.
2. a professional jester, formerly kept by a person of royal or noble rank for amusement: the court fool.
3. a person who has been tricked or deceived into appearing or acting silly or stupid: to make a fool of someone.
4. an ardent enthusiast who cannot resist an opportunity to indulge an enthusiasm (usually preceded by a present participle): He's just a dancing fool.
5. a weak-minded or idiotic person.

Now how do we apply this from a Biblical perspective?  Well a lot of the verses talk about not listening to a fool, don't waste your time trying to reason with a fool, don't send a message via a fool, don't honor a fool, etc.  So apparently one of the things we should be doing is evaluating our daily interactions with other human beings and deciding which of them are fools.  Then follow the Bibles advice on how to deal with those people.  

But wait a minute, wouldn't that be judgmental?  Is the Bible actually suggesting that we look at people and pass a judgment as to whether they are a fool or not?  Yep, it sure is in my opinion.  That kind of leads back to the Bible being a book of balance like I wrote about here ( A Book of Balance ).  There are times where we need to evaluate people and make distinctions.  That's not judging them from a Biblical perspective. 

Let me give you just one practical example. 

4    Do not answer a fool according to his folly,     Lest you also be like him.

You know that person in your life that just loves to jab and poke about some issue that you are never going to agree on anyway (especially because they are wrong :).  Just don't rise to the bait.  Just ignore it.  (Isn't that what Mom always told you to do anyway?)  If you have come to the conclusion that they are "a fool" in this area and then you take the bait and argue with them what does the Bible say about you?  You're as big a fool as they are.  Ouch, that's harsh!

So just don't even waste your time, emotions, and mental energy engaging in the dance.  You'll avoid a whole lot of aggravation and life will be a lot more fun.

Happy New Year!

Don't know what to make of this.

Every now and then I run across something that just makes me wrinkle my brow and go "Wow, that sure doesn’t fit what I thought I knew about God.  It was so off that when I mentioned it to my wife she wondered if maybe it was just the particular translation I was reading.  So just to be sure, here is the passage from four different versions of the Bible.  Check it out.

Jeremiah 32:35(NKJV)

35And they built the high places of Baal which are in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire to Molech, which I did not command them, nor did it come into My mind that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.’

Jeremiah 32:35(KJV)

35And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin. 

Jeremiah 32:35(ASV)

35And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.

Jeremiah 32:35(TMSG)

35And then they went out and built shrines to the god Baal in the valley of Hinnom, where they burned their children in sacrifice to the god Molech—I can hardly conceive of such evil!—turning the whole country into one huge act of sin. §

Here's what I found so odd.  We are taught that God is all powerful and all knowing.  But yet we have God talking to the prophet Jeremiah and God says that way back then the Israelis did some things that were so evil that even God was taken by surprise.

Sort of begs the questions doesn't it?  If God is all knowing, how can He be taken by surprise?

Don't have an answer.  Guess its one of those things that I'm just going to have to put on my "Ask God when I get there list".  Lol!

Abomination

We see this word used a lot in the Bible.  It got me to wondering what it really means and what are all of the things that God lists as an abomination to Him.

Off the top of my head I think abomination means something that is especially disliked.  Now let's go to the dictionary to find out.

a·bom·i·na·tion

noun

1. anything abominable;  anything greatly disliked or abhorred.

2.  intense aversion or loathing; detestation: He regarded lying with abomination.
3. a vile, shameful, or detestable action, condition, habit, etc.: Spitting in public is an abomination.

Pasted from <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/abomination>

OK, so that was pretty right on.  Now let's look at the things listed in the Bible as an abomination.  Some of the things on the list are the actual words used while other things are my interpretation of what the Bible was describing as an abomination.

Lying with a man as a woman

The carved images of other gods

A bull or sheep with a blemish that is offered as a sacrifice

Following other gods

Cross dressing (Deut. 22:5)

Ill gotten gains used as an offering

Remarrying someone you have divorced

The use of dishonest weights and measures

A perverse person

A proud look

A lying tongue

Hands that shed innocent blood

A heart that devises a wicked plan

Feet that run swiftly to evil

A false witness who speaks lies

One who sows discord among the brethren

Wickedness

A sacrifice from the wicked

He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the just (similar to yesterdays point)

A scoffer

One who turns away from God

An unjust man

Incense?

It's interesting that as I look at the list I see things that I go "Yep, that makes sense, I can see why that is an abomination.  However there are a couple on there that just make me go "Huh?".  A scoffer?  Incense?

As I look at this list I see several themes.  Sexual immorality, the worship of other gods, dishonesty, pride, and wickedness.

What can we learn from this? 

If God went to the trouble to say "Look, these things especially tick me off", it might be a good idea to pay special attention to these issues in our lives!

Something I've Always Wondered About

How is it that people can read the same exact info and then get such diametrically opposed meanings out of it?  I see this in my profession where highly respected experts from Yale and Wharton are looking at the same economic data and reaching totally different outlooks and conclusions.

I also wonder this about the abortion debate and the death penalty.  I am speaking in generalities here and obviously there are exceptions but I think that you will find that most people who are anti abortion are pro death penalty.  I think the same general observation can be made about the other side.  Those that are pro abortion are also anti death penalty. 

The interesting thing is that you have Christians on both sides of the issue.  How is it that Christians who presumably draw their moral direction from reading the same Word of God can be on both sides of these issues?

In the interest of full and fair disclosure, I am in the anti abortion, pro death penalty camp.  I believe that abortion is the taking of an innocent life and I believe that the death penalty is the justifiable forfeiture of a guilty life.  That is why I found the following scripture so interesting. 

We have God speaking to the prophet Ezekiel about the Israelis and how badly they were messing up.  This is just before the Jewish nation is taken captive to Babylon as punishment for all of the things they were doing. 

Ezekiel 13:17-19(NKJV)

17“Likewise, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own heart; prophesy against them, 

18and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Woe to the women who sew magic charms £on their sleeves and make veils for the heads of people of every height to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of My people, and keep yourselves alive? 

19And will you profane Me among My people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, killing people who should not die, and keeping people alive who should not live, by your lying to My people who listen to lies?”

So in God's words, one of the things that the Jewish nation was guilty of was "killing people who should not die, and keeping people alive who should not live".

I found that wording awfully interesting.  Let's apply this phrase to the issues of abortion and the death penalty. 

Killing people who should not die.  One side tries to maintain the death penalty as a just punishment for capital crimes, the other side fights to preserve the right to have an abortion on demand.  Which group is guilty of "killing people who should not die?

Keeping people alive who should not live.  One side tries to save the life of unborn babies, the other group tries to save the lives of those convicted of capital crimes.  Which group is guilty of "keeping people alive who should not live?

Something to ponder!

Confidence in Jesus

My youngest son is having hernia surgery today.  I was chuckling a bit about it the other day because I wasn't worried about it or him.  I wasn't worried that he was scared about it or anything.  Why?  Because my youngest had 6 surgeries by the time he was 5 years old.  I have had 13 surgeries, 12 of which I had by the time I was 19 years old.  In other words we have both been there and done that.

Now as a parent you hate to see your kids suffer much.  (OK, I have to admit that when my oldest son was first learning to walk and he fell down and got his first bloody lip I was so excited because now he was a real boy!)  But at the same time hopefully we have also taught them things like mental toughness and that some suffering is part of life so suck it up and deal with it.  All things like this that get in our way are minor in the greater scheme of things, keep your eyes focused on the goal. 

Now I have to say that all three of my kids have learned these lessons hands down.  I remember one time when I was refereeing my daughters soccer match.  One of her teammates got kicked in the thigh and was crying so I had to stop the match.  Later in the game my daughter got kicked and you could see her looking at me with tears in her eyes like "come on Dad, aren't you going to stop the game?" 

I just told her "Mental toughness Sweetie, play on".  I wasn't trying to be mean.  It's just that I saw how hard she had been kicked and I had every confidence that she had the toughness to play through it, which she did by scoring a short time later.  Just like I had every confidence that my oldest was tough enough to deal with a bloody lip when he was a toddler.  Just as I have every confidence that my youngest will deal with his hernia surgery today as well as his recovery,  no big deal!

Which brings me to my point today. 

Can you imagine?  If you have ever been a parent, can you imagine what it must have been like for God when Jesus was born?  As a parent we want the best for our kids.  We don't want them to get hurt.  We don't want them to suffer.  And when they do hurt or suffer, we hurt right along with them. 

So imagine how God must have felt when Jesus was born.  Knowing ahead of time what Jesus was going to have to go through must have been really tough on God.  How do we know?  Because we are made in Gods image and you know how almost any parent would feel if they were in that same position.

But what I want to focus on here is God's confidence in Jesus!  While God knew Jesus was going to suffer, no big deal, God had every confidence that Jesus would deal with it with flying colors. 

But wasn't the outcome preordained?  I don't believe so.  We are told that when Jesus came to earth he was like all men in every way.  If that is the case then Jesus as man also had free will.  He could have walked away at any time.       

But God had every confidence that Jesus would come through!  And if God had that much confidence in Jesus, then don't you think we can have just as much confidence in Him?  If you haven't asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life yet, give yourself a great Christmas gift this year by doing so right now.  Just pray "Dear Jesus, I believe that you died and were raised from the dead for my sins.  Please be the Lord of my life.  I don't understand it all right now but if God had that much confidence in you then I do too!  Amen"

Merry Christmas!

Pork in Israel and Judah?

Ever wonder about this?

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Matthew 8:28-31(NKJV)

28When He had come to the other side, to the country of the £Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. 

29And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”

30Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding. 

31So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, £permit us to go away into the herd of swine.”

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They're Jews.  They don't eat pork.  Where did the swine (pigs) come from?

Well here is what I found.

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Gergesa, (also Gergasa or the Country of the Gergesenes) is a place on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee that is described in the New Testament Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke. According to these books, in Gergasa Jesus drove Legion out of a wild man and into a herd of pigs.

Gergesenes means "those who come from pilgrimage or fight."[1]

Many New Testament manuscripts refer to the "Country of the Gadarenes" or "Gerasenes" rather than the Gergesenes. Both Gerasa and Gadara were cities to the east of the Sea of Galilee. They were both Gentile cities filled with citizens who were culturally more Greek than Semitic; this would account for the pigs in the biblical account. Gerasa and Gadara are accounted for in historical accounts (by writers such as Pliny the Elder and Josephus) and by archaeological research. Today they are the modern towns of Jerash and Umm Qais.

Pasted from <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gergesa>

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This is just one small example of what I wrote about how easy it is to do Biblical research today.  I read the passage, wondered to myself what the heck were pigs doing in Israel.  Typed the name of the area where they were, Gergesanes, into Yahoo and I got my answer, that quick and that easily.

Some might say big deal but let me show you what it added to my understanding of scripture.

This is a map of ancient Israel, showing that Kingdoms of Judah and Israel.  I had always been confused by the references to the two.  The map helped me to understand that the Kingdom of Israel was to the north and included Samaria.  The Kingdom of Judah was to the south and included Jerusalem.

So one of the things that I learned from this map and had not understood before was that Samaria was part of the Kingdom of Israel.  When I have read in the NT about how most Jews didn't associate with Samarians, I thought that they were a different people.  Turns out that they weren't.

The next thing that I've found from this is that most of Jesus' ministry took place to the north, in the read circle.  I hadn't realized that before.

And lastly, the red X is approximately where the swine were, just off of the southeast coast of the Sea of Galilee.   As we learned from Wikipedia, that area had many Gentiles.  I had never realized that before.  Just kind of interesting.

As you study God's word,  be sure to take advantage of all the tools available to us as we diligently seek Him.  You'll be amazed at what you can learn!

Is Jesus a Socialist?

Following on yesterday's observation I'd like to take a look at a story that I think some use to suggest that Christians should be socialists.  As I wrote yesterday, I believe the Bible is a book of balance.  What I mean by that is that you have to take the whole Bible into account, not just a verse here and there.  This story I think gives us a chance to do that.

This story has been analyzed ad nuaseum so I'm not sure my observations will add anything but I'd like to take a stab at it anyway.

---------------------

Matthew 19:16-24(NKJV)

16Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good£ Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”

17So He said to him, £“Why do you call Me good? £No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

18He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 

19‘Honor your father and your mother,’ £ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”£

20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept £from my youth. What do I still lack?”

21Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

23Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 

24And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

-----------------------------

As we study the word we need to take the whole Bible into account, Old Testament as well as New.  Why?  Because God and Jesus are one.  The Bible clearly tells us that a "house divided against itself cannot stand".  Jesus also tells us that what He does He does not for Himself but for God.  In other words, He and God are in complete agreement.

Now many people who read this think that  A) it is telling all of us to sell everything and give it all to the poor.  This is where the socialism aspect comes from in my opinion.  B) That the rich are bad or evil and can't really get to heaven.

Now let me tell you what I think it means and why I think it.  The issue here in my opinion is not that the young man was wealthy, but that he was more attached to his wealth than he was to Jesus.  In other words it was the love of his money that was the problem, not the money itself.

But as we look elsewhere in the New Testament we have Paul telling us to work and earn our keep, not to be a burden on others.  Part of not being a burden to others it take care of ourselves financially.

In the Old Testament we have God telling us to leave an inheritance for our grandchildren.  So here again we have God telling us that we have a responsibility to build some wealth for our families.  I could cite many more but this will due for my purposes today.

My point is that because of these other examples I don't think it is credible to suggest that we are all called to sell everything and give it to the poor.  That would contradict what God told us to do regarding our grandchildren.

The real issue here is our attitude about our wealth.  Do we love it more than we love God?  Do we draw more strength and security from our wealth than we do from God?  How can we tell?

   

Here is a good indication.  And let me just say that this analysis works not just on our money but our time as well.  When God asks you for more, what is your first reaction?  Is it one of immediate "Sure God, whatever you want, it's yours.  Not quite sure how we will make it happen but we trust you so no problem, you want it you got it"!  Want more of my wealth, you got it.  Want more of my time, you got it.  Want more of my efforts, you got it.

Or is your response an immediate tightening (either real or just in your heart) of your grip on your stuff?  Sorry God, can't afford it right now.  Sorry God, don't have the extra time to give you right now.  Sorry God, that would take to much effort right now and I just don't have the extra energy.

See the difference?  Now if God has spoken directly to you and told you to sell everything and follow Him then my suggestion is that you do it.  Some are called to do that.  But on the other hand, are we all called to do that?  I don't think so.  

Here is what we are all called to do.  Be willing to give it all if asked.  Everything we have comes from God.  He's not asking for anything that He didn't give us in the first place.  If you want to experience one of the true joys of the Christian walk then make a decision right now that the next time that God asks you for a little something extra your instant response is going to be "You want it God, you got it!"

Between the Lines

Ever wonder why the Bible is so cryptic sometimes?  I mean really, why couldn't it just be a straight forward, do this-don't do that kind of manual? 

Well let's see what scripture has to say about that.

Matthew 16:8-12(NKJV)

8But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you £have brought no bread? 

9Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up? 

10Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up? 

11How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 

12Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Here we have an example of the disciples taking a parable too literally.  And what does Jesus essentially tell them to do?  Read between the lines.  Think it through.  Don't take everything so literally.

But again why is it like that?  Now I'm not going to presume to speak for God so I am just going to give you my guess.  It has to do with diligently seeking.  The Bible in general and Proverbs in particular are filled with exhortations for us to diligently seek Gods will for our lives and we do that through prayer and being in the Word. 

And as we have looked at before, the word diligent indicates that our seeking will take some work.  We are expected to dig and search.  I believe  that this is one of the ways that God uses to judge our hearts as to how much we truly seek and treasure His word.  The more we seek, the more that is revealed to us. 

Think about it.  Someone who spends 5 hours a week in the Word is going to understand God at a much deeper level than someone who is only in the Word  on Sunday at church.  Now there are some that would say that isn't fair but I think it is entirely fair, and Biblical.  There are many scriptures that tells us the rewards in life are generally going to be in proportion to what you put into life.  It's no different in our study of God's word.

So in short, it's part of God's great plan.  He knew how important the diligent struggle is to growth.  He could have just laid it all out but that would have eliminated the struggle which would have made us weaker, not stronger.  And that's just not how God operates. 

Lest We Offend

Matthew 17:25-27(NKJV)

25He said, “Yes.” And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?”

26Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 

27Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a £piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.”

Interesting story.  We have a situation where it seems to me that Jesus doesn’t think He and Simon necessarily have to pay the tax but “lest we offend” suggests that they go ahead and pay it anyway.

I'd like to offer a couple of observations here.  The first of which is that this could illustrate the "pick your battles" type of thing.  Now there are some that would suggest that when you pick your battles, you are sometimes compromising your principals.  Maybe Jesus is saying here "Come on.  Not everything has to be that dramatic".  Sometimes its OK to just comply for the sake of harmony. 

 The other thing that occurred to me has to do with the season we are in.  It's Christmas time.  The time we celebrate Christ's birth.  One of the trends we have seen over the years is the removing of Christ from Christmas and the actual removing of  Christmas in the favor of Happy Holidays. 

Now I have to tell you that the trend ticks me off.  You have a noisy minority out there that like to file lawsuits and complain how they are offended by celebrating Christmas etc.  So in an effort not to offend and to avoid the confrontations and legal BS, companies start using Happy Holidays in place of Merry Christmas.  So the companies then offend the Christians and we have this back and forth of taking offense which further separates people.  It creates a cycle.

Lest we offend-that verse got me to wondering if there is a better way for our side to handle this.  I believe there is.  I'd like to offer two suggestions.

First off, when someone wishes you Happy Holidays, don't take offense.  I mean after all it's not like they just looked you in the eye and said "I wish your whole family was dead" or anything.  They conveyed good wishes to you.  Take it in the spirit it was given.  Smile and in your most sincere and gracious manner wish them a Merry Christmas.  No big deal.  No offense.  No confrontation or bad feelings. 

Secondly, if you want to influence stores, I think there is a better way than angry people calling for boycotts of stores that are using Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas.  Instead, take the opposite approach.  When you run across a store that fully embraces Christmas instead of Happy Holidays, take the time to write them a quick email and thank them for their support of Christmas.  Let them know that you appreciate their focus on Christmas and the way you show that appreciation is that you have favored their store with more of your gift giving dollars this year.

It just seems to me that we can have a much more positive impact by being nice than be offending.  Just a thought.  Merry Christmas!

He who condemns the just!

Proverbs 17:15(NKJV)

15    He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just,      Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.

Here's an interesting verse.  I see a lot of this in the social justice movement of the church of which I have been a critic.  I was actually a Deacon at the previous church that I attended (a major denomination) and the social justice aspect is the main reason I left.

"He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just".  While I want to focus on the second half of the sentence I'd like to spend just a minute on the first part.

Let's look at the Occupy Wall Street et al movement for a minute.  I support anybody's right to protest.  But there is a difference between peaceful protest and outright lawlessness.  In the case of the Occupy movement we have seen violent demonstrations, vandalism, rapes, murders, protesters crapping on police cars, etc.  And yet the social justice movement is right in there supporting and encouraging the whole thing.  I think that fits "he who justifies the wicked" to a tee.

But what I really want to focus on is the second part, "and he who condemns the just".  What exactly does that mean?  Who are the just?  What does it mean to be just? 

just

adjective

1. guided by truth, reason, justice, and fairness: We hope to be just in our understanding of such difficult situations.

2. done or made according to principle; equitable; proper: a just reply.

3. based on right; rightful; lawful: a just claim.

4. in keeping with truth or fact; true; correct: a just analysis.

5. given or awarded rightly; deserved, as a sentence, punishment, or reward: a just penalty.

6. in accordance with standards or requirements; proper or right: just proportions.

7. (especially in Biblical use) righteous.

8. actual, real, or genuine.

Pasted from <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/just>

Truth, reason, justice, fairness, principle, equitable, proper, rightful, lawful, correct, deserved, and righteous.  These are the words that stand out to me here.  So if a person is described as just, these words would apply to that person. 

Let's see who the Bible described as a "just man".  Noah, Joseph, Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea,  and Cornelius-a centurion.  First I would point out that there is only one of the people on the list who was perfect so being perfect obviously isn't a requirement. 

What do they all have in common?  They all were men of faith.  So from a Biblical perspective I think it is reasonable to say that any just person would have to be a person of faith.

They came from all walks of life.  A farmer and rancher, a couple of carpenters, a wealthy man, and a soldier/guard.  Notice that being  wealthy isn't a dis qualifier.  And that is where I have a big problem with the social justice movement. 

It seems to me that in the social justice movement there is an automatic presumption that anyone that has been successful financially is unjust and evil.  The just are condemned in the sense that they are targeted for their success.  In the sense that they are targeted for additional taxes.  In the sense that they are targeted because they have achieved more than the average person. 

So my recommendation would be that as you consider the arguments of the social justice crowd, just remember what the Bible says about a just person, and then look at the claims the social justice crowd are making and ask yourself, "Do they seem to be justifying the wicked, or condemning the just?"  If so then you might want to remember the second half of this verse, "Both of them are like an abomination to God"!

Preparations of the Heart

Proverbs 16:1(NKJV)

1    The preparations of the heart belong to man,      But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

My reading in Proverbs today started off with this verse.  "The preparations of the heart belong to man".  Now that's an interesting choice of wording.  As I continued reading I found that there were several other references to the heart in this chapter.  Let's take a look at them.

Proverbs 16:5(NKJV)

5    Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord;      Though they join £forces, none will go unpunished.

Proverbs 16:9(NKJV)

9    A man’s heart plans his way,      But the Lord directs his steps.

Proverbs 16:21(NKJV)

21    The wise in heart will be called prudent,      And sweetness of the lips increases learning.

Proverbs 16:23(NKJV)

23    The heart of the wise teaches his mouth,      And adds learning to his lips.

I think we are all born with an innate need to know God.  That is what initially leads us to seek answers and receive salvation.  But for many it ends there and I think that is sad because God has such a rich life planned for us if we will only  look to Him.

As part of that journey though, we have a responsibility.  "The preparations of the heart belong to man"  We have a responsibility to prepare our hearts to receive God's word and guidance.  The other verses give us some ideas on why it is so important to prepare the heart. 

How do we do that?  You're probably getting tired of these words but by diligently seeking God.  By being in God's word consistently.  By being in communication with God.  Not just a quick prayer but by taking the time to be still and listen for God to speak to you.  And most importantly in my opinion, by doing it joyfully and happily. 

That's part of the heart thing.  Just like God loves a cheerful giver, I think God wants to see us excited, joyful, and happy to seek Him.  If we approach our time with God as a duty or superstition instead of truly seeking to learn from God, that is a heart issue and I think God can see right through that.

God has a great life planned for each and every one of us but the cool thing about God is that he will never force it on us.  He puts the responsibility on us first.  We have to show God that we earnestly want to live the life He has for us and the way we show Him that is by "preparing our hearts"!

My new favorite Christmas Song!

I have a new favorite Christmas song.  It's called "Where's the Line to See Jesus" by Becky Kelly.  Please click on the link.  I hope you are as touched by it as I am.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OExXItDyWEY

Here are the lyrics:

Where's the line to see Jesus?
Becky Kelly

Christmas time was approaching; the snow was starting to fall,
Shoppers choosing their presents, people filling the mall,
Children waiting for Santa with excitement and glee,
A little boy tugged my sweater, looked up and asked me,

Chorus:
Where's the line to see Jesus?
Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday,
Why don't we see Him more?

As I stood in amazement at this message profound,
I looked down to thank him, he was nowhere around.
The little boy at the mall might as well have had wings
As the tears filled my eyes, I thought I heard him say,

Chorus:
Where's the line to see Jesus?
Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday,
Why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus?
He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents,
But Christ gave His life for me.

In the blink of an eye, at the sound of His trump,
We'll all stand in line at His throne.
Every knee shall bow down, every tongue will confess,
That Jesus Christ is Lord.

Chorus:
Where's the line to see Jesus?
Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday,
Why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus?
He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents,
But Christ gave His life for me.

Look out for the oxen baby!

Proverbs 14:4(NKJV)

4    Where no oxen are, the trough is clean;      But much increase comes by the strength of an ox.

This verse really spoke to me today.  What the heck does it mean?  Let's look at the second part of the verse first.  Much increase comes by the strength of an ox.  When you draw on the strength of others (Christ) stronger than you, much more can be accomplished than what you can accomplish on your own. Unfortunately oxen are messy.  So if you want a nice clean easy life with no mess you're going to really limit the blessing that can flow from God (your oxen).  We need to learn to value and focus on the things that are important to growth.  Learn not to major in the minors.  (Is that enough clichés for one paragraph?)

Following Christ can lead to an extremely exciting life.  But it sure ain't going to be nice and neat and clean.  (Ya I know ain't isn't proper English but it gets the point across)  Why not?  Because that isn't the way growth happens.

Accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior is just the beginning; if you will allow Christ to work in your life that is.  There are so many ways that Christ can help you grow and change your life, if you will let Him, but because of that free will thing, the choice is yours.

Philippians 4:13(NKJV)

13I can do all things through £Christ who strengthens me.

There are many verses that talk about the strength that Christ supplies us with.  This is probably the most common.  In the Proverbs example above, Christ is our oxen.  He is the strength that can bring us much increase.  But that strength comes at a cost.  If you are going to have oxen around things are going to get messy.  The important question becomes, what is the cost and is it worth paying?

The cost is that life isn't going to be all nice, neat, and clean when you rely on the strength of your oxen (Christ).  There will still be challenges in life.  Christ may ask you to do things that at first may be scary and uncomfortable.   Christ may ask you to give up things you don't want to give up. 

Why is it that way?  Couple of reasons that I can think of.  First, that is how growth happens.  As I've said elsewhere, when God calls, answer the call.  The more uncomfortable the call makes you, the more important it is that you answer that call because it is an area of your life that God has identified that He would like to help you grow in.  We don't learn and grow by doing the same comfortable things over and over again.  However when we surrender to God's call and learn new things and skills, it generally improves not only our relationship with God but it improves all areas of our lives. 

The other reason is that the more you surrender to God and do His will, the more of a threat you become to Satan.  Satan is a smart adversary.  He's not going to waste his resources on someone who isn't much of a threat. 

If we just go to church occasionally, maybe read the Bible once in a while but never witness, in fact people would be surprised to know we are even a Christian, then why would Satan waste much time messing with us, we aren't a threat to him.

On the other hand, if we start submitting to God, become active in our witnessing or teaching and are having a positive effect on Christ's behalf, then get ready for Satan to come after you!  (Word of comfort-put on the armor of God and you will be fine.  Satan can't prevail)  So the cost is that things will get a little messy from time to time.  But is it worth it?

That is the real question, isn't it?  is it worth it?  If living a full and exciting life that God has designed is important to you then I can say without reservation the answer is yes!  If you will learn to embrace the opportunities that Christ gives you to experience His strength and increase then again the answer is yes!

So it's up to you,  which is more important: no oxen and a clean trough or the strength and increase that Christ can supply? 

Bits and Pieces - Proverbs 13

Some of the chapters in Proverbs just blow me away because they are packed with so much good stuff.  It's like a bunch of one and two liners, one right after the other. 

Let's try something a little different today.  I'm going to offer brief comments on a bunch of the bits and pieces in Proverbs 13.

 

Proverbs 13:1-25(NKJV)

1    A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,      But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

Be willing to take and learn from correction and instruction.

2    A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth,      But the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence.

The Power of the Tongue.  Notice it doesn't say the fruit of our hard work.

3    He who guards his mouth preserves his life,     But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.

Again the Power of the Tongue

4    The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing;      But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.

Hard work pays off.

10    By pride comes nothing but strife,      But with the well-advised is wisdom.

Pride leads to the fall.  Those who are willing to take advice gain wisdom.

12    Hope deferred makes the heart sick,      But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.

It is good to set goals and achieve them

13    He who despises the word will be destroyed,      But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.

Not good to go against God.

16    Every prudent man acts with knowledge,     But a fool lays open his folly.

Fools are easy to spot because they run their mouths. (I may be reading a bit into that one.)

18    Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction,      But he who regards a rebuke will be honored.

Again emphasizing that those who are willing to learn from instruction and correction will do well.

19    A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul,      But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.

Again the value of achieving a goal.

20    He who walks with wise men will be wise,      But the companion of fools will be destroyed.

You are who you associate with.

22    A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,      But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.

Notice it says to the grandchildren.  We are to plan for the future generations.

24    He who spares his rod hates his son,      But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.

Our job is not to be liked by our kids.  It is to teach our kids how to be faithful, productive, and successful human beings.  It is our job to equip them with the skills, education, attitudes, and work ethic that it takes to be successful in life.

Well that was fun.  Hope you all have a blessed week!