Category Archives: 31 Days of Wisdom

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Day 31: If You Can Find Her…

Conclusion: This is it, the final day of the 31 days of wisdom.  I pray you have a new habit of reading, writing and praying your way through God’s word.  What’s next?  Now that you have gotten a feel for this discipline, we will be reading through the bible together.  Watch for the daily reading guide and the steps to follow. The first book of the bible we will be studying as 217church together is Nehemiah.  Our final Preview service is February 14 10 am at the AMC 24, yes, that is Valentines Day.  Our topic will be love and relationships.  Here is a teaser to that sermon…

Title: If You Can Find Her…

Scripture Read: Proverbs 31

Key Verse: A wife of noble character who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies.   Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.  Proverbs 31:10-11

Observations:

This passage of scripture has always intrigued me.  Why?  This woman who is explained seems unrealistic to me.  Not putting the ladies down, but honestly?  I have heard women who have read this and made jokes about this woman.  I have heard men complain to me about their wife saying, why isn’t my wife more like this woman?  In addition, this passage seems to break the traditional mode of the bare foot and pregnant wife that some people want to lock women into.  This woman seems to be business savvy, smart and able to make money buying and selling fields.  She is wise in the marketplace and ready to provide for her family.  She is tireless, giving, secure, strong, dignified and married well.  Seems a bit overwhelming huh ladies?  The attributes here are really quite amazing.  So in the below section there is something for the ladies and for the men.

Applications:  For the men / boys:

Man up – love your wife for who she is: Bottom line, you married her, you selected her out of the billions of women in the world.  She is your responsibility to love and respect.  Regardless of whether or not she can buy or sell a field, your job is to love her.  Treat her better than you treat your own self.

If you are single choose wisely: 31:30 resonates with me, “charm is deceptive and beauty is deceiving.” Look for a woman who is a hard worker and moreover, that doesn’t complain all the time.  Look for a woman who likes her work.  If she complains in the work place, she will saddle you with complaints in the home.  Believe me, raising kids is a lot of work.  She will burden you and you will be miserable.

Do your part, whatever it takes: If you are married, you carry an identity together.  You have to work together to solve your issues.  Men, ‘he’ was respected at the city gates, are you?  It is obvious that this woman married well.  Don’t think you will attract a wife of value if you act like a little boy and are irresponsible, especially with money. Lets talk about debt, if you have it, it’s your responsibility, no one else’s, don’t try and dump it on your spouse.  Don’t make excuses, you signed the bottom line, don’t blame your boss or the company.  No one owes you anything.

Applications For the women / girls:

Don’t compare and complain: As I said to the men, I say to the women.  You married him just the way he is.  Lets talk about finances and debt.  If you have debt, when you married, you knew what you were getting into.  Complain less and contribute and encourage more.  Stop spending money! Every man wants to know there is a wife who loves and believes in him.  Especially if you are just starting out, marriage is hard work, You can’t expect to have everything now.

If you are single choose wisely: YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE MARRIED TO A LAZY MAN!  Ok, I got that off my chest.  But seriously, look at his work ethic.  Look how he treats kids, is he good with them?  Look for someone who takes responsibility.  Does he always blame other people for his current circumstances?  In counseling couples early in their marriage one of the biggest issues of conflict is unmet expectations.

Do your part, whatever it takes: You get the feeling the woman was satisfied with her man and loved him for who he was.  She also did her part, not burdening him with foolish demands.  Words that do not come to mind here are ‘spoiled brat’.  You are God’s daughter, you deserve to be treated with respect, but no one said it would be easy, and no one said you could be lazy either.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for my wife who is an amazing woman and mother to our children.  Give me the wisdom to love and provide for her to the best of my ability.

Burning Questions:

Married?  Will you make a conscious decision to love your spouse for who he / she is and not burden them with unrealistic expectations?

Single?  Have you made a list of the qualities of what you will and will not date?

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Day 30: Courage to Confess

Title: Courage to Confess

Scripture Read: Proverbs 30

Key Verse:  “There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing: a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing.”          Proverbs 30:29-30

Observations:

Courage is something you decide. It takes absolutely no talent at all to have courage.  I think courage is learned, caught and is a conscious choice.  The Lion is stately in its stride and retreats before nothing because it knows its place in the world.  It was made as one of the most powerful beasts to roam the earth.  You won’t see a lion shrink before the challenges it faces.

So many times we perceive Jesus as meek and mild, little baby Jesus, polite and passive, quiet and gentle.  This is the lamb Jesus is compared to.  But Jesus is also compared to a lion in the scriptures. (Rev. 5:5) Jesus is righteousness for us and this should inspire courage within us.  We see this from a previous reading, “…the righteous are as bold as a lion.  (Proverbs 28:1) Perception creates our reality.  For far too long I have known people who live as weak Christians.  They are powerless and defeated with limited courage.  How do I know?  I’ve experienced it first hand, just like you.  We are to be victorious with the characteristics of a lion.  This is who Jesus is and it is who we are in Him.

Applications:

This week I had three people who are friends of mine come forward and confess some pretty serious sins to me they are dealing with.  These people are amazing each with an incredible story of how Jesus is in the process of healing them.  The most difficult thing in the world to face is my own sin.  I think this is true of all men and women.  It takes even more courage to confess your sins to someone else.

In all three of these moments I communicated to them how proud I was of them for taking the courageous step of confession.  Courage brings confession and confession leads to healing.  Healing leads to a life of purpose and holiness.  Why have we abandoned this practice?  (James 5:16) Confession is something so simple and yet extremely intimidating.  It is far easier to just attend church and even a small group and never confess your sins to someone.  What might make it easier?

A pattern of confession: We all need to establish times when we know people will be there to listen.  It has to show up on our calendars.

A person of confidence: We need someone to confide in.  If there is no one there to confess to whom we trust, we won’t confess.  We need to be intentional about cultivating deep relationships with a select few people.  Trust me, if they judge you and persecute you, you just found out they weren’t much of a friend anyway.  Get some new friends.

Be as bold as a lion and humble in your approach.

Prayer:

Lord, continue to give me the courage to confess my sins to my brothers in Christ that I may be encouraged and have victory over the enemy who seeks to destroy me.

Burning Questions:

You know this one is coming…Do you have a pattern of confession? Do you have a person to confide in?  When will you meet with them and come clean?

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Day 25: Correction Needed

Title: Correction Needed

Scripture Read: Proverbs 25

Key Verse: “Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.” Proverbs 25:12

Observations:

Rebuke is another word for correction.  When correction happens, the usual first response of the person taking correction is to refuse it.  It is very difficult to take correction.  Why?  Three simple words must be spoken in order to receive the correction.  I was wrong, or I am sorry.  Why is it we are so afraid of being wrong when people show up to help us with our blind spots?  I think it has to do with fear and insecurity.  But there is hope in one sentence above.  Our appearance becomes bolder, more respected, and valuable when we receive correction.  Fine gold is hard to find, it’s worth it, take the correction.

Applications:

One of the things that came to mind is, who then should I take rebuke from? Just anyone?  The answer to that is, well, yes, when I am wrong I am wrong.  But how do I know if the rebuke is wise?  Here are some simple things I have found about taking rebuke.  I will be willing to receive rebuke much better if the circumstances below accompany the rebuke:  So for those of you about ready to call someone on something they did to you or someone else, read below.

#1 If it is done with respect – No one likes a know it all, and no one wants someone who has it all figured out, but I want someone to correct me and treat me like a human who is human.  Sometimes, respect is shown through bold, gentle words that preface the conversation.

#2 When I sense they don’t want to go on – When I sense eagerness behind a rebuke, I get uncomfortable.  Like they were waiting to pounce on me.  But when I sense reluctance, it puts me at ease.  It should be just as uncomfortable for them as you.

#3 When I know they have my best interest in mind – Its hard to take correction and listen to those who we don’t think care about us.  Actually it might be counterproductive.  If I don’t believe that someone believes in me, then I perceive the purpose of the rebuke is so they can be right.  I won’t receive it well.

#4 When I already trust them emphatically and I know they would take the same rebuke from me – As you can see relationships are everything.  When I sense the person correcting me is standing on equal ground with me. (Meaning, there is mutuality in the relationship)  I will receive it much better.

Finally, I would suggest those you are closest to, you verbally give them permission to call you out on your sin and pride when they see it.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to be open to rebuke when I need it.  I pray those who you send to me would be gentle in spirit.  Help me to show respect to them at all times.

Burning Questions:

Who do you need to correct on something?  Who are some people you can ask to rebuke you when they think you need it?

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Out for the weekend…

As you can see, I was out for the weekend.  I didn’t feel like I wanted to share my entries with the whole world.  Keep writing and reading the word.  If you haven’t picked up the discipline of it yet, try it just 3 times a week.  Get used to the rhythm of listening to what God will say to you everyday.

“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 25:11  God is speaking, time to listen…

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Day 22: Reputation

Title: Reputation

Scripture Read: Proverbs 22

Key Verse:  “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1

Observations:

Most people I encounter are trying to make more money.  We are obsessed with money and our things.  We want to have things because they give us comfort, pleasure and some of us quite honestly would like to quit our jobs and live the life “we have always dreamed of.”  This is a problem.  I love this Walt Disney quote, “”Find a job that you like so much that you’d do it without compensation; then do it so well that people would pay you to continue.”  A job is done not so we can just make money and provide for ourselves, but so we can advance the work of Christ, provide for others in need and make a difference.

When people think of your name, what do they associate it with?  Being esteemed and respected is a privileged place to have.  To have a name that is great creates emotions and visuals that bring peace and harmony to those in the world.  Ultimately, it all points back to Jesus and his influence on your life.  As he is made great in your life, you become influential.  He is the one worth magnifying.

Applications:

Titus has this card game called, “would you rather.”  Most of the cards are quite ridiculous and pose questions such as, would you rather drive a car blindfolded or ride a motorcycle with your eyes open on the edge of a cliff?”  But some of the questions posed cause you to really think.  One of the core problems with humanity is we desire power and position and then we abuse it.  This ruins reputation.  So many times we see politicians, athletes and actors who let the position or riches ruin their reputation.  What about me?  Would I rather have riches, fame and the good life with a tarnished name and a trashed reputation?  Or do I desire a great name with a humble life where I live modestly and serve and love people?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to desire a reputation that brings pleasure and honor to you.  Keep me from passions and pursuits that will damage my reputation and drive people away from you.

Burning Questions:

When People say your name, what do they associate it with?  If you died today, what would your reputation be?  Are you satisfied with your career and your passion for what you are doing in the workplace?

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Day 21: The Little Things

Title: The Little Things

Scripture Read: Proverbs 21

Key Verse:  “All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.” Proverbs 21:2

Observations:

It is clear, bribes, unlawful business practices and dishonesty are not to be tolerated for those who follow Christ and his teachings.  It doesn’t matter what the size of the bribe, how ‘much’ you cheat on your taxes or if you just ripped someone off a little bit.  Justification in our own mind of our practices leads to judgment, guilt and pain. God sees the motivation and intentions behind our practices.  Most of us aren’t going to run multi-million dollar schemes or steal large amounts of money from people.  I don’t personally know anybody that robs banks for a living.  Most of us aren’t going to cheat a lot on our taxes or do anything that will overtly draw attention to us.  But let’s not fool ourselves, the little things matter just as much as the big things.  Appearing to have integrity and not having it is worse than not having it.  Deception is evil, period. Lukewarm living creates a disgusting reality for us.  When we live lukewarm He describes us as being spewed out of his mouth. (Rev 3:16)  You are either hot or cold, on fire or frozen.  Telling ourselves everything is ‘okay’ won’t change this reality.  Be something, make a choice and get off the fence.  It’s about the little things.

Applications:

This is an easy one to fake.  We can fool people hands down, but we cannot fool God.  When I preach, teach, lead God weighs my motives.  He knows why I say what I say and why I do what I do.  But the dilemma is, I have blind spots.  The only way my motives stay pure is through spending time with Jesus gaining insight to His heart.  I need His heart for the world.  I can’t obtain his heart for the world through any other experience then by being with him.  Anyone can read about Him, but being with Him takes effort and intentionality.  Reading about my wife doesn’t create intimacy, but being with her does.

I recently spent time with our church plant leadership team.  I said these words, “If we don’t spend time with Jesus, how will our people be able to trust us, they shouldn’t.”  Everything depends on our intimacy with the Jesus.  If I am going to have integrity in the little things, in all of my dealings with people, in all my moments when I am alone and no one is looking, the first step in honesty before God.  He knows my heart anyway, why would I try to hide from God.  Yes, I think Adam tried that once, hiding from God, didn’t work for him.  (Gen 3:8)

Prayer:

Lord, show me any ways that I am violating my integrity.  Help me to never take advantage of my position and think I am more deserving than someone else.  Help me to be HONEST before you, always seeking your approval and not the approval of man.

Burning Questions:

Do you justify your behaviors at work that are un-ethical?  Have you had to convince yourself your practices are ethical? Do you take advantage of your position to give yourself benefits in your work no one else gets?  Are you able to be honest before God?  (Okay, I better stop, I could write 100 questions for this one)

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Day 19: Let It Go

Title: Let it Go

Scripture Read: Proverbs 19

Key Verse:  “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.”  Proverbs 19:11

Observations:

Forgiveness is to be the standard by which we live.  If Christ forgives us then we should reciprocate and forgive others.  It is this simplicity that lines up with what Jesus prayed in the Lord’s Prayer, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” (Mt 6:12).  I love the complexity and symmetry of scripture.  The Proverbs are preaching the timeless message of the Messiah.  I remember just four short days ago reading about the opposite of forgiveness, bitterness: “each heart knows its own bitterness and no one else shares its joy.” (Prov 14:12) When bitterness comes it robs us of the ability to forgive.  I have seen so many people be robbed of their entire life because of bitterness.  Forgiveness is one of the basic things we need to learn to do as Christ followers.  In addition, if we cannot forgive, we should not lead.  I am not sure why it is easier for some people to forgive than others, but I believe it is a conscious choice.  Forgiveness is a command not a suggestion from Jesus.  We can’t truly love someone unless we forgive them.  People will not follow us in the faith, unless we model forgiveness.

Applications:

I need to be a man in which no bitterness is present.  There is a daily cleansing that has to happen in my life from being with Jesus.  When I spend intimate time with Jesus studying his word and contemplating the cross that he was crucified on, bitterness is erased and forgiveness abounds in my own life.  It is a daily process.  I need to be forgiven.  I never want to hold bitterness against someone and carry the guilt of unfinished business.   I do not want to damage and misrepresent the message of the cross by holding a grudge against my brothers and sisters.

Parents, I am learning that one of the primary functions of my parenting is teaching my children to forgive one another.  How does this best happen?  When I ask for their forgiveness.  Forgiveness is caught more than it is taught.  Divorce, anger, abuse, pain, all can be forgiven.  How do I know this?  If Jesus can hang on a cross, scorned, humiliated, spat upon, beaten and mocked and call out to His heavenly Father, “forgive them for the do not know what they are doing,” (Lk 23:34) then I can forgive.  I am a mere man, but the Spirit that lives in me is calling out to live a life of forgiveness, LET IT GO.

Prayer:

Lord, give me the wisdom and humility to forgive people who wrong me.  Most of all, give me the strength and humility to ask for forgiveness of those who are closest to me when I wrong them.  You are such a good God and I am unworthy of your forgiveness.

Burning Questions:

In what ways are you bitter?  Who has wronged you that you need to forgive?  Have you told them those powerful words, I forgive you?  Who do you need to ask forgiveness from?  Do it today.

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Day 18: Humility Comes Before Honor

Title: Humility Comes Before Honor

Scripture Read: Proverbs 18

Key Verse:  “Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.”  Proverbs 18:12

Observations:

When a man displays humility it is plain to see.  I love being around people who want nothing in return, no accolades or credit, no recognition or expectation.  We are wired as people to naturally expect something in return.  There is a strict warning for when we feel our heart tending towards pride.  When this happens, words and credit may come, but truly the honor becomes lost.  No one likes to be around people who know it all or think they are better than everyone.  People who rule according to their needs and fail to look out for those they serve are on the edge of a downfall.  Humility is a beautiful thing and yet, I don’t want the title humility.  Once I claim that title I become proud.

Applications:

When I think of Martin Luther King Jr. I think of humility.  He devoted his whole life and being to equal rights and the ending of racial oppression in our country.  He won the Nobel peace prize at the age of 35. Amazing.  People who stand for peace are usually humble people.  They want the betterment of others and the advancement of an ideal of treating others like humans.  This should not be so difficult but we know how difficult it can be for us.  Was martin Luther King Jr. perfect, not at all, but we look back at his life and look at his moments of reconciliation and peace as the most humble moments of his life.  His well known I have a dream speech carries so much humility with it that it motivates me to jump on board with his vision.  Humble people are those who promote peace and are attractive.  It is why the message of Jesus is so powerful, so much humility.  I want to stand for humility and be a broker of peace.  This is one of my most important roles as a Christ follower.

Prayer:

Lord, show me my pride and eliminate it

Burning Questions:

In what ways are you prideful?  What do you think you should do in order to cultivate humility in your life?

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Day 16: Engaging Life Purpose

I’m sure you noticed.  (maybe not) Yesterday, there wasn’t a blog and didn’t send an e-mail.  Why?  Simple, I read the Proverb a couple of times and to be honest I had nothing to say.  I started writing and nothing came through the typing.  I prayed and looked at the verses again and, empty, nothing came out.  What I am trying to say is, don’t beat yourself up.  I’m sure many of you have missed a couple days of reading and writing.  If you haven’t started writing yet, writing what God speaks to you is a powerful experience.  Don’t worry, you never have to share a word with anyone if you don’t want.  But I encourage you, if you haven’t started, we are only half way through the month.  Remember, it isn’t how cool it sounds or even about the punctuation and spelling, its about you and Jesus, one on one, him speaking to you, so here goes DAY 16, Hopefully I will see you at the Preview service tomorrow 10 am AMC 24

Title: Engaging Life Purpose

Scripture Read: Proverbs 16

Key Verse:  “The LORD works out everything for his own ends.“ Proverbs 16:4

Observations:

It is Jesus’ perfect will that is being accomplished in this world, nothing more and nothing less.  He is the one who put the Earth, Sun, Moon and stars in their places.  He is the one who was there when I was born.  There I was May twenty-five 1975, 9:29 am, feeble little unimportant me.  I was helpless.  Born into a crooked and depraved world.  I deserved nothing from Jesus.  I didn’t do anything that turned his head and I am nothing great to look at (although my wife thinks I am rather hot).  What I am trying to say is this; it is refreshing to not have to try and live my purpose for my life!  It is refreshing to live His purposes for my life.  It takes the pressure off.  Jesus thinks highly of me.  He doesn’t look at me with scornful eyes, he looks at me and says, “you are forgiven, my son, my most prized possession of all the creation.”  That gives me purpose.  He is worth living for.  I see that it is His end that the LORD works for.  No one has God on a string.  Jesus goes before me and fights my battles, (vs. 7) and he determines my steps. (vs. 9)

Applications:

Why do I even bother living on purpose?  Here are three reasons I choose to live on according to his purposes.

#1 Purpose gives vision – Where there is no vision the people perish.  When I answer the question, what is the purpose for my life, vision flows like an open spring.  It stimulates motivation.  I understand emphatically that one purpose for my life is to get restored to Jesus.  I start to see myself as Jesus sees me and man is that motivating.  It is his love for me.  God just wants to be with me.

#2 Purpose gives a plan – When I get a God given vision, Jesus gives me a plan.  He inspires specific action steps to get me where he wants me to go.  He breaks me down and builds me up through discipline and focus.  He starts to open up specific pathways to the plan he has called me to.  Sitting back and doing nothing is not an option.  He requires me to get to work on the plan and he gives me wise people around me to help get me where he is calling me.  (Prov 15:22, there, I just redeemed yesterday)

#3 Purpose focuses our priorities – How do I spend my time?  It needs to be focused and intentional.  Intentional living creates pathways to progress. Maybe you find yourself scattered? It’s time to live by a schedule and get real about expectations and then communicate them to someone who can hold you accountable.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to have strength through your Holy Spirit to live your purposes for my life. Help me to yield in my relationship with you, help me to encourage and build up the body of Christ and help me to serve and be desperate for people to come to you.

Burning Questions:

How can you cultivate deeper purpose in each of these relationships?  What is one tangible thing you will do in each relationship listed below?

-With Jesus?

-With those who know Jesus?

-With those who haven’t decided to follow Jesus yet?

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Day #14: Honoring The Maker

Today, we mourn with our brothers and sisters in Haiti who have experienced so much loss. It is our prayer that God will bring mercy and peace to the people of Haiti. Yes, we can pray, but we should also give. Our parent organization is on the ground providing relief, will you respond? You can give here: http://www.cmalliance.org/give/relief/

Title: Honoring the Maker

Scripture Read: Proverbs 14

Key Verse:  “Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him.”  Proverbs 14:31

Observations:

It is very clear from scripture, take care of the poor.  Love the poor, don’t take advantage of them, and do all in your power to empower them to work and give them what they need.  Oppressing them insults God.  I love this proverb because it is giving us a glimpse into what would be the ways of Jesus hundreds of years later.  Jesus was all about the poor and the hurting.  He trained his followers to be activist and “give them something to eat.” The poor who are despised by their neighbors (vs. 20) are crying out to us to Live Differently.  To be the ones who set the example of how to treat the poor.  We don’t have to despise the poor, we don’t have to continue the cycle of oppression.  It is our role to take responsibility.  Christ followers stand up for the whole community, every last person.

Applications:

Devastating.  As I was watching images from Haiti, I had to turn the TV off.  Knowing there are people trapped under rubble, breathing their last breath, crying out for help and dying alone was too painful to think of.  But it fuels within me a desire to do something and a sense of urgency.  Haiti, just miles off the coast of Florida is poor and now resembles a war zone.  What will I do today and what should I do to help?  Our job is to lead the way in compassion and understanding for the poor.  We should be ones who are activist for those around the world hurting.  Let me encourage in this way though.  Let’s not ignore the problems on our doorstep while we help the world.  We have just started a partnership with the Bromley community center in Hamilton. In order to solve the problems of the world, we have to solve the problems of our own neighborhoods and community.  I long to live in a community where we look to the needs of the poor first.  We are a long way off, but we can get there.  Restored lives are one humane caring act away.  As we bring them food, housing, shelter, we show them the love of Jesus.

Prayer:

Give me wisdom in how to take care of the poor and to empower and encourage others to do the same.  Help me to take my eyes off my wants and focus on their needs.

Burning Questions:

Is there anything you are doing to oppress the poor?  Do you find yourself judging the poor rather than being a part of helping them?  What will you do today, not to make yourself feel better, but to give them hope?