Proverbs 31...Our last one!

Don't be sad, you can still and should continue reading God's Word everyday!
This month has been great and a joy to do.  It has been awesome to see the posts and thoughts of everyone.  Those of you that posted to the blog or emailed or emailed me your thoughts, thank you!  My prayer is that this journey through Proverbs will help you all continue to read and apply God’s Word everyday.

v.1-9 Protect those who need protection.  Stand up for those who can not do it alone.  Don’t waste time or strength on alcohol or people that will ruin you!

v.6-7Alcohol makes you forget and dulls everything around you.  Wine, in the past, was used as medicine. For ailing stomachs and other internal issues.  The wine back then was not as potent as it is today.

v.10-31 Focus on a Godly woman or man.  Let God decide who will be the perfect mate for you.  Don’t waste time dating and going from one person to the next.  Instead, take time observing and getting to know the Christians around you.  The ones that are serving, ministering, loving and following Christ everyday. They are the ones that fear the Lord and will be a blessing to those around them!  Charm and good looks will fade away, but a Godly man or woman will be praised!  Look at what they do and how they do it, not what they look like!

Three, no four thoughts on Proverbs 30

Proverbs 31 speaks directly to woman and the church.  We will read it on Friday.  Proverbs 30 deals directly with men and warnings for life and we can all learn from it.  Throughout the Proverb, the author gives examples to help the reader understand his writings.

v.15 Three, no four things that are never satisfied:

The grave

A barren womb (someone who can not have a child)

The thirsty desert

The blazing Fire

This is to remind us that satisfaction only comes from the Lord.  You can spend your entire life looking for completion and continually wanting more.  The world will never provide the complete satisfaction that we desire, so we keep looking.  Only Christ can fill that need and that void in our life!

v.18 Three, no four that amaze me:

Do I have to understand all of God's creation?  Absolutely not, but they must all be treated as gifts.  Who can understand it all?  No one!  Who could ever dream or think up the creation we have on the earth?  Only God!

v.21 Three, no four that make the earth tremble:

I am ready for the earth to tremble, shake and become a new creation.  I am ready for fool's to have their eyes open upon Christ's return.  I am ready for the last (slaves) to become first.  I am ready for the bride (church) to be with her husband (Christ).

v.24 Three, no four that are small, but unusually wise:

What can we learn from animals/insects.  They are God's creation and have something to teach us all.

v.29 Three, no four that walk with a stately stride:

More learning from animals on boldness.  We need to be bold in our walk, unashamed and ready to give an answer!

Proverbs 29

Tonight we are talking about PRIDE, something I know just a little about...HA!  Make sure you are there to hear the dangers of pride and how pride can destroy lives!

v.3 "The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted."

Replace "man" with your name.

Replace "prostitutes" with whatever sin trips you up the most.

Replace "wealth" with whatever is precious to you personally.

We have been learning on Sunday nights to make verses personal.  To read them and ask how they can apply to our life today?  My prayer is that students and adults, children and parents have taken this month to make scripture personal.  We have today and then two more days left in this journey through Proverbs.  How well have you done?  Are you finishing strong or just barely finishing?  Regardless of how you have done this past month, take today and the next couple of days to read the verses and make them personal to you.  

When you make it personal:

You will understand the verse better.

You will remember it more clearly.

You will apply the verse daily.

Proverbs 28

This proverb has a focus on students!

v. 7 "Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents."

Students in general are a selfish group.  They usually only think of themselves and rarely care what their parents think.  Christian teens, on the other hand, have a sense of selflessness!  Our focus should be on Christ during the short time we are here on this earth.  And while we are here, we need to do all that we can to influence the people around us.  

I am all for peer pressure, when we are the ones influencing our friends.  Too many times, our friends influence us.

v. 1b "but the godly are as bold as lions."

I am sick of sitting in the pews and doing nothing.  I am sick of just talking...I want action, I want boldness, I want leadership, I want action!  Everyday we each have chances to do all of those things, but what do we do with those opportunities?

James 1:22 "But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves."

Proverbs 27

Proverbs 27 really reminded me of all the Godly friendships I have!  These are not just friendships that come and go, but these are friendships that last.

v.6 "Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy."

They are honest at all times, even when it hurts.

v.9 "The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense."

A friend is there for you to help and listen.

v.10 "Never abandon a friend-..."

They are always there for you, when everyone else is gone, you can always count on a true friend.

v. 17 "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."

These friends make me a better person and Christian!

What an awesome reminder to be so thankful for our friends.  Thank you for putting up with me, for listening to me, for correcting me, for holding me accountable and for encouraging me.  Most of all, thank you for being a true Godly friend!

NASCAR 2008...Does this mean I am a REDNECK?

I went to my first NASCAR race on Saturday.  

My brother-in-law Bill invited me and we both had a great time.

It was the only sporting event that I went to that hurt!  My ears killed me from the trucks...they were so loud!Overall, it was like a FAIR!  Tons of stuff to buy, tons of food!  And lots of crazy people!


Ask me about the helicopter ride...INSANE!

Proverbs 26

Begins by warning us against being and associating with fools!  They have nothing to give and can clearly mess things up for us as well.  So, be warned, to not take advice from a fool!  Be careful of their words, they are deceiving and full of tricks:

v. 7,9 "A proverb in the mouth of a fool..."

v. 18-19 "Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, 'I was only joking'." 

v. 23 "Smooth words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot."

Finally, v. 11 points out the fact that fools will do it again and again.

"As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness."

I found this and thought so true...

Proverbs 25

v. 21 "If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.  If they are thirsty, give them water to drink."

I think we need to be reminded at how easy it is for us to love the ones that are lovable, but Christ wants us to love those that are so very hard to love.

Jesus is King of the great reversal.  Jesus focused on the ones that no one wanted to love...

Children

Poor

Women

Samaritans

Fishermen

Tax collectors

His focus could have easily been on the rich, the powerful, the ones in charge.  Instead he chasses after the ones that no one else will chase after.

Matthew 5:43-44 "You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy.  But I say, love your enemies!  Pray for those who persecute you!"

  

Who do you need to pray for this morning?

Proverbs 24

v.30-34 "I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense.  I saw that is was overgrown with nettles.  It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down.  Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson:

A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber."

This morning my focus is on being lazy.  I was thinking about ways that I am personally lazy:

Being the last one in bed during the week.

Not doing the dishes when they should be done.

Washing clothes.

Watching sports and putting off school work.

Doing yard work.

I think it is in our sin nature to be lazy.  We are more like the sluggard than we are the ant...see Proverbs 6:6-11!  Lazy people are not only lazy when it comes to work, but they are also lazy when it comes to God as well.  We need to be careful when it comes to being lazy and not get trapped!

Lazy people have no common sense. v.30

Lazy people have no protection. v. 31

Lazy people end up poor (spiritually and financially). v. 34

Proverbs 23

As I read, I really was turned toward the thoughts about our Mom and Dad.  Many of you know my Dad died this summer at a young age and as the saying goes, you really don't know what you have missed until it is gone.  My point to you this morning...spend time and start a conversation with your parents!  A conversation is so much better than anything on TV.

v.22 "Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don't despise your mother when she is old."

v.25 "So give your father and mother joy!  May she who gave you birth be happy."

What great reminders that we should be joys to our parents and not pains in the rear!  

Everything you read in Proverbs is from a Dad instructing his child.  The Dad wants the child to be wise, to succeed and to stay focused on God.  I too want that for my own children.  I will instruct them, discipline them, encourage them, be an example for them and pray for them constantly!

v. 26 "O my son, give me your heart.  May your eyes take delight in following my ways."

Proverbs 22

What do we do for the poor and hungry?  This Proverb has a lot to say about our attitude and our actions.  Just look at the following:

v1

v2

v7

v9

v16

v22

Read them again...what do they say about you?  How can we as individuals and as a Church come together to help, to be a positive influence in this corrupt world?  I know times are tough for a lot of families, but they are even tougher for others.  Please take a moment today to think about the following:

Pray: How can you pray for the poor and needy today?

Give: What can you give?  How can you give to the world hunger emphasis at church?  What about food for the Noonday pantry?

Go: Would you be willing to work?  Work a day at Must Ministries?  Work a day at the Noonday pantry?

If you have questions or would like to help at many of the opportunities, please let me know!  Jesus came, first, to minister to the poor and needy!

v19 "I am teaching you today-yes, you-so you will trust in the Lord.

Proverbs 21

Are we greedy?  I think we are a greedy nation, but is the home you live in a greedy home?  My wife is a giver and I know that God put her in my life to help me with my greediness.  Many of us think that we don't have enough to give or we don't have time to give, but we need to ask another question before anything else...

Proverbs 23:26 "My son, give me your heart.  May your eyes take delight in following my ways."

Have you given God your heart today?  He wants your heart before anything else you may try to give Him.

Proverbs 21:3 "The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer Him sacrifices."

Our God is a greedy God when it comes to us.  He is not looking for our time and talents, He is looking for our HEARTS first!  Everything will fall into place correctly if we give Him our hearts on a daily basis.

Proverbs 21:2 "People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart."

Have you taken the time you need to with God today?  Is your heart focused on Christ?  After you read this take time to pray...pray however God leads.

Proverbs 20

There were two verses that really stood out this morning to me:

v.1 "Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls.  Those lead astray by drink cannot be wise."

Have you noticed that alcohol never leads to good?  Nothing positive has ever come of it!  I was reading a story last week that google was trying to help drunk people by adding "google goggles" to their email.  This is a safety measure for people who get drunk.  It makes sure that they do not send emails when drunk and say or send something that they would not send when they are sober.  Alcohol makes you do things you would NOT NORMALLY DO!  Where is the wisdom in that?!?

http://www.sunjournal.com/story/287805-3/bsection/Googles_drunk_emailing_protection_is_nice_but_wont_save_you/

v.17 "Stolen bread tastes sweet, but it turns to gravel in the mouth."

Wow, what a thought.  Gravel in your mouth.  No matter what sin it is, eventually the fun and sweetness of it will turn sour and bitter.  Hebrews 11:25 says that sin is pleasurable for a season...only for a while, but it will turn bitter.  The analogy of the bread turning to gravel is incredible.  I am not sure how gravel would taste, but I would not look forward to it!

Proverbs 19

Proverbs 19 really focuses on anger and our temper.  Look at verses:

11, control their temper

12, anger

19, hot tempered pay

I am usually a pretty easy going guy, but when I get mad, I really get mad.  I think what really convicts me about anger is that I feel out of control.  It is like the anger has taken complete control and their is no way for me handle it.  I don't like that feeling...I  don't want to be angry, I don't want to be out of control.  This is a constant reminder to do two things:

1. to lean on God everyday for His control and plan.

2. when I begin to fell the anger coming (and I can feel it) to back away or take a break from the situation.  Just for a minute to regain the control I was about to give to my angry feelings.

Our Pastor is focusing on anger this morning and I can't wait to hear everything God has to say through him.

KMHS Football Night!

We had a blast working the concession stands last night at KMHS!  The Mustangs lost, but we still had fun!

Nachos, fries, sodas, burgers, hot dogs, hot chocolate and slush puppies were all ready to be served by our capable hands!  Too much fun!

Check out the pics here!

Thanks to everyone who came and helped...we had a great group of guys with servant hearts!

Proverbs 18

v.24 "There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother."

There are two types of friends, the ones who will cut you down and tear you apart when you are not looking and the ones that would defend you no matter what.  Are you a fake friend or a real friend?

I have been so blessed to have some of the greatest friends that surround me.  Guys that I can laugh with, have fun with and be very serious with.  These guys correct me, encourage me and are an example for me.  They are not only fiends, but GODLY friends...there is a big difference.  I want to surround myself with people who have the same thoughts, morals and standards that I do.  If I surrounded myself with friends of this world (and I have in the past) it all leads to fights, hurt feelings, destruction and pain.

Psalm 1 really points out the difference:

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.  But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.  They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.  Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

But not the wicked!  They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.  They will be condemned at the time of judgment.  Sinners will have no place among the godly.  For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

So, the real question is, Are you a Godly friend or a worldly friend?

Proverbs 17

I would like to say I have some great insight into all of these Proverbs...I don't.  I just read them, pray over them and ask God to speak to me.  Today, I got stuck on two verses.  I read everything else, but I just could not figure out these two verses!

v8 "A bribe (gift) is like a lucky charm; whoever gives one will prosper!"

v23 "The wicked take secret bribes to pervert the course of justice."

To Bribe or Not to Bribe, that is the question...

All through school (many, many years of school) I have been told that bribes are bad, just like verse 23.  So, what is verse 8 about?

I think the overall idea of bribes is bad, but they can be used for good.  I was told a story from a missionary about being stopped by the police.  Their guide for the trip game the police some money and some items and the mission continued.  Was this immoral?  I do not think so because it turned the heart of the police office.  Was it done in secret?  The guide who was giving the bribe did not do this in secret and everyone discussed how the world and the ancient world worked with these "gifts".  They were expected and kept the peace and allowed things to continue.  I also think how I use food or fellowship to get (bribe) friends and family to church....hmmmm.

Proverbs 21:14 "A secret gift calms anger; a bribe under the table pacifies fury."

So, should we go out and bribe people?  No way, but I think God will use something bad to bring a greater good.  Remember Rahab? Joshua 2:1-9, she lied to protect God's people.  Does God tolerate lying?  Absolutely not, but in this case, a greater good came from it and Rahab and her family were sparred.

This is not a contradiction, but great verses to think about and pray over. 

Proverbs 16

I am a planner...

I like things laid out and planned out months before:

Vacation, planned

WinterRetreat, planned

Disciple Now, planned

Summer '09, planned

All of these things are already laid out on the calendar.  It puts me at ease knowing that are set and taken care of.

The problem I have is understanding God's plans versus my plans.  I can see Him working and moving in so many things from the WinterRetreat to the mission trips in 2009...His plans are so much better than mine.  Even when I think I have the right answers, He does not hesitate to show me the TRUE answer!  Then it is up to me follow His path or my own.

Look at all the verses in Proverbs 16 that deal with plans and paths:

v1 "We make our own, but the Lord gives the right answer."

v3 "Commit your action to the Lord, and your plans will succeed."

v9 "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."

v17 "The path of the virtuous leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe."

v25 "There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death."

v29 "Violent people mislead their companions, leading them down a harmful path."

v30 "With narrowed eyes, people plot evil; with a smirk, they plan mischief."

v33 "We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall."

What great verses to think about when we think we have all the answers.  Who are we turning to for the answers?  School books, bosses, teachers, the news, the internet?  Only Jesus Christ can provide us the pure truth that we need in our life.

Proverbs 15

Wow, can you believe we are just about half way through the month?  How are you doing when it come to reading Proverbs?  What about the rest of your family?

Anyway you can do better the second half of the month than you did the first half of the month?

"A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate."

My wife and I are not fancy restaurant people.  In fact, we would much rather eat somewhere relaxed and laid back than somewhere stuffy and stiff.  For me it is all about the company I am with and not the food I am eating.  I will pretty much eat anywhere.  Really, it usually does not matter, food is food.  I just want good friends, conversation and laughs.

We are going to eat hotdogs after school today with a whole bunch of teenagers.  Are hotdogs the best food?  Of course not, but I guarantee we will have a great time!  I would love to fill the place up and totally freak out the owner Brandi...Don't forget, you are invited too!  Again, it is not about hotdogs, but about fellowship and fun.  There are probably a lot of us that needs some of that right now!

Proverbs 14

Yesterday was such a crazy day for me in so many ways.  Monday really reinforced what Proverbs 14 tells us over and over again.

Be careful who you surround yourself with!

"Stay away from fools, for you won't find knowledge on their lips."

People of this world can sound so smart, but does their knowledge line up with God's wisdom?

"A King rejoices in wise servants, but is angry with those who disgrace him."

The old line goes, fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me...

Proverbs 17:17 "A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in a time of need."

"The best thing that anybody ever said to me is that you're only as good as the people you associate with. Look at the five friends that you spend the most time with, that's who you are."

-Rapper/actor Will Smith (Source: Teen People, August 2004)

Proverbs 13

Verse 16 really stuck for me this morning:

"Wise people think before they act; fools don't-and even brag about their foolishness."

I so remember the dumb things that I did before I made Christ Lord.  I would brag to my friends about this stupid thing or that stupid thing.  We would all laugh and thought it was all so funny.  My reaction now is how sad!  How sad is it that we would laugh at sin.  

Even today I catch myself laughing at sin.  An immoral situation on TV, a drunk person, a crude joke...All of this sin, we should not laugh at, but we should be broken.

My daily goal is to be more like Christ and I know He is not laughing.

Ecclesiastes 7:6 "A fool's laughter is quickly gone, like thorns crackling in a fire."

Proverbs 12

So, how are you doing when it comes to reading Proverbs.  If you were graded this past week, what would you get?  We focus so much attention on school and extracurricular activities, where does God's Word fit in our life?  Let me encourage you to put His Word FIRST, before all things!

I think Proverbs 12's focus is on the tongue, but I will save that for the Pastor's message today.  Some other verses that really stood out for me were:

v4, It makes me so thankful for the wife I have!  Students, pray for your future husband or your future wife.  Pray that they will stay pure and strong for Christ.  Pray that you will follow God's Will for your life and not stray on our own path.  Your decision for a wife or husband is NOT your own, it is God's decision for you.  If you let Him make it, He will choose the best for you!

v10, I am not an animal person.  I do think, however, it is so important to take care of the things that God has entrusted to us.  From our pets, to this earth, even our own bodies.  How good of a job are we doing at taking care of those things?

v16, I think there is a big difference between people that react to a situation and those who think through it before they speak or do something.  I do not want to react.  It might get me in serious trouble!

I hope that I will see you all in CHURCH!

Proverbs 11

For me, Proverbs 11 is all about PRIDE.  Throughout Proverbs 11, the Word deals with the things that can make us proud;

Riches v4, v16, v18, v28

Ambition v6

Strength v7

Friends v9

Beauty v22

Proverbs 11:2 is a verse I know all too well.  My wife says it to me quite often to keep me in check.

NLT says "Pride leads to disgrace"

Other translations say shame, dishonor.

The Message translations says "The stuck up fall flat on their faces"

My version is "Pride comes before the fall" which is also in line with Proverbs 16:18 and Proverbs 29:23.

Relient K's (another great Christian artist) song "Benediction" has the following lyrics:

I know that pride and summertime come before fall. Almost missed the bus, but Jesus gave me a wake up call.

Finally, for all the Ladies out there, take a good read of Proverbs 11:22.  I had a student several years ago on a mission trip that was more focused on the ladies than what God wanted us to do that week.  He found a "girlfriend" and wanted to write her a love letter and end it with a verse to show her what a great Christian he was.  He did not have one himself so I told him to end the letter with Proverbs 11:22!  I thought that the verse would end the relationship and the student could get focused again on God's work for us.  Instead, the girl thought it was sweet!  I am not sure if she understood the verse or even if she read it!  It backfired on me, but it was still funny! 

Proverbs 10

Proverbs 10 is the beginning of the couplets.  A couplet is when two lines are used to bring a complete thought.  In poetry, a couplet will usually rhyme and have the same meter.  In Proverbs, the second line compares, contrasts or completes the first line.

These 32 verses hit me in the face concerning several things:

Fool (v1, v8, v14, v18, v20, v21, v23) a fool is someone who does not know or detests God.  The word fool is translated many times from the Hebrew word "ev-eel" which is where we also get our words evil and ill.  Other words like nabal, letz, kesil and pethi can also be translated into the word fool and they all detest the things of God.

Babbling (v8, v14) is all about someone's mouth...it gets them in trouble.  We say to much, say things we shouldn't and repeat things that should never be repeated.  All so that we can look good or that someone else will look bad.

Lazy (v4, v26) "Lazy people irritate their employers (teachers), like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes."  I don't recommend drinking vinegar, but next time you brush your teeth, drink some orange juice right after...how does that taste?  It is bitter and not enjoyable at all.  The same thing is true with the smoke in the eyes.  It too is painful and will bring on tears.  What an awesome picture of how God thinks of laziness.

How are you on just those three (fool, babbling, lazy) words alone?  How does your life stack up against God's Word today?  Pray for change.  Pray that God, through the Holy Spirit and His Word, will remove these sins from your life to make you an example of love!

v12 "Hatred stirs up quarrels, but LOVE makes up for all offenses.

Proverbs 9

Each of us has a choice everyday. We can choose the things of this World or we can choose the things of God.
Look at the two invitations that the different women give:

Wisdom...
She calls out form the heights v3
Calling aloud to all v4
Eat my food and drink what I have to give v5
Forsake folly and live and have understanding! v6

Adulteress (folly)
She sits in her doorway v14
Calling to men as they mind their own business v15
Stolen water and secret bread v17
Take the adulteress and die v18

Which one are we drawn to? Which woman are we most like? We need to look at our life and see how we compare...
Do we know Christ? v10
Are we open with talking about Christ? v3
Do we invite others to know Him? v4
or
Are we brash or mean? v13
Are we in hiding? v14
Do we surround our self with people who do not know Christ? v16
Do we do things in secret? v17

Here is a song that makes the point clear about the adulteress (folly)!


"I'm here for you," she said
and we can stay for awhile,
my boyfriend's gone
we can just pretend.
Lips that need no introduction
Now who's the greater sin
Your drab eyes seem to invite
(tell me darling) Where do we begin.

Was this over before...
before it ever began?
Your kiss, your calls, your crutch
Like the devil's got your hand
This was over before
Before it ever began
Your lips, your lies, your lust
Like the devil's in your hands

Everyone in this town
is seeing somebody else
Everybody's tired of someone
our eyes wander for help
Prayers that need no answer now
I'm tired of who I am
You were my greatest mistake
I fell in love with your sin
Your littlest sin

Was this over before...
before it ever began?
Your kiss, your calls, your crutch
Like the devil's got your hand
This was over before
Before it ever began
Your lips, your lies, your lust
Like the devil's in your hands

Failure is your disease
You want my outline drawn
You were my greatest failure
Discourse your saving song

Guitar Solo

Was this over before...
before it ever began?
Your kiss, your calls, your crutch
Like the devil's got your hand
This was over before
Before it ever began
Your lips, your lies, your lust
Like the devil's in your hands

Was this over before...
before it ever began?
Your kiss, your calls, your crutch
Like the devil's got your hand
This was over before
Before it ever began
Your lips, your lies, your lust
Like the devil's in your hands

Proverbs 8

"I love all who love me."

Wisdom has never been hidden, it is not a secret or something for only "special" people.  Wisdom wants to be heard, loved, and known.

Wisdom is for everyone and not just a select few.

When we chase wisdom, God will bless us.  We might obtain that blessing here on earth or we might receive the blessing in Heaven.

"For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord."

This is the Lord's wisdom.  This is His creation and He wants us to take part in it!  How can wisdom (reading God's Word) improve your life?

Honor

Righteousness

Rejoicing

Joy

Life

Favor

"For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.  Nothing you desire can compare with it."

Proverbs 7

Love and protect wisdom like she is part of your family.  Guard wisdom like you guard or take care of your eyes.  Keep wisdom close to your heart!

Proverbs 7 turns again to adultery.  Do you think this is important to the writer?  Should this be important to us? Ya think...

The man goes to her house at night, probably so he is not seen.  She comes out to kiss him and let him know that she is ready for him!  Her husband is not home and they won't be caught...no one will ever find out!

Proverbs 5:21 "For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes."

What does the adulteress bring to you:

Slaughter v22

Trap v22

Your life v23

Ruin v26

The grave v27

Death v27

Is 15 minutes with the adulteress worth all that?

  

Matthew 7:13-14  “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.  But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it."

Proverbs 6

I like it when something breaks down easily to understand and today's Proverb has four main points:

Be Careful and Be Free

Co-sign for a loan?  Many of us may not have to experience this, but if we do, we need to be so very careful.  In the end, the banks will come after us.  Also, don't try and make money off of other people's problems by loaning them money and charging high interest.  Who's money is it anyway?  I know I tend to think it is all mine when in fact it is totally God's!  Be free from debt, prepare and you will not have to worry.  What a word for today's economy!

Don't Be Lazy

Take a look at the ants.  They are not told what to do and when to do it, they just take care of what needs to be done.  They do not waste time sleeping in.  They do not waste the day away.  They do not procrastinate.  They are ready...are we?

Seven Things the Lord Hates!

Wow, strong words.  Why would God hate these so much?  These are NOT the seven deadly sins as that is only in a Catholic Bible.  These are sins that will bring ruin to you, your family and ruin your testimony for others.

Haughty Eyes: arrogance, pride, see v.3

Lying Tongue: see v.12

Hands that Kill the innocent

Heart that plots Evil: see v.13

Feet that race to do wrong

A false Witness: liar, see v.12

A Person who sows discord in a family: disagreement, strife, see v.20

 

Worse than a Thief

Adultery is worse than stealing...Stay AWAY from her!  Why would you steal another man's wife?  Why would you steal from your own wife? (Your future, your trust, your honor)  Did you hear everything the Pastor said about Adultery?  Reread, Proverbs 5, get Pastor's CD and listen to it again.

Protect yourself and your family!

Please take a look at the following:

http://www.nsym.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100&Itemid=53

At the very bottom is some information on internet safety.  Please read it and take action.  Do NOT be naive.  If you have a man/son in the house, protect them and yourself.  Do NOT let the internet be a temptation.

Proverbs 5

I teach a class in Middle and High Schools that is focused on abstinence.  One of the things I focus on is that Sex is awesome when it is done at the right time with the right person (marriage).  Anything outside of that can be terrible, painful and even deadly!

The writer of Proverbs is saying the exact same thing.

As men, we need to be careful of flattery v.3.

If we do not stay away, we can lose everything we have...EVERYTHING! V.9-14.

Honor, wealth, STDs (v.11), disgrace, ruin!

I think most people believe that adultery is having sex with someone other than your wife.  What about pornography?  Pornography destroys lives and creates lies.  It too can rip a marriage apart and put false thoughts (v.3) in a man's mind.

We need to be so careful and protect ourselves for our wives and family.  Sex, any sex is not worth the destruction, pain, humiliation and disgrace in front of God (v.21) and family!

Single men!  Protect your future and your future wife!  Do not fall into temptation (v.22).  Maintain self control (v.23)!

Proverbs 4

Very simply...GET WISDOM!

If you do not have wisdom, get wisdom.  Read God's Word and apply it to your life.  Do what every it takes to acquire and apply God's wisdom.

We all have several paths in life we can take.  That is part of the freedom that God gives us all.  We can choose to follow evil and wickedness or we can follow Christ and righteousness.  It is not easy, it takes sacrifice and commitment, but through God's grace, love and strength, we can all stay on the path that God wants for our life...His Will for our life!

I was reminded again how God is the great physician, Jehovah-rapha (God who heals).  God wants to heal and cleans us completely, from our:

ears: v20

heart: v23

mouth:v24

eyes: v25

feet: v26-27

Wisdom affects the whole person from the inside out.  Did you notice that the Proverb said nothing about the mind?  "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."

It all starts with the HEART!

Matthew 15:17-19

Proverbs 3

Proverbs 3 gives a promise to all of us as children of God.  If we trust Him and Honor Him then God will provide leadership (v6), health (v8), plenty (v10), satisfaction (v2), and a good reputation (v4).

I can't imagine anyone who would not want the things above that God promises to each of us!

Wisdom is so powerful and so important and provides both joy and delight and satisfaction.  We look to so many different things and places in this world to find such enjoyment, but it is only through God and His Word that we will be completely satisfied!

Why do we worry with trying to keep up with everyone around us?  Why do we waste the time wanting this or having that?  It is of the World!  We should not envy or copy (Romans 12:2), but our focus should be on God.

Proverbs 3:21 "My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment.  Hang on to them,"

Proverbs 2

How important is Proverbs...

When need to concentrate on them...v2

When need to seek them like they are precious, worth something...v4

When need to Fear the Lord......v5

We really know nothing until we get in God's Word...v9-11

God's Word and wisdom will save us...v12-19...Jesus?

What is the land? Heaven? Canaan? Milk and Honey?...v20-22

I really think Proverbs 2:16-19 is so very powerful and speaks to the single and married man and woman so well.  Read it again and see what God thinks of adultery and what it does to both the man and the woman.  When I write about adultery, I mean a single man or woman that is involved in premarital sexual relations...any premarital sexual relations is considered adultery before God!  Of course the same would hold true to a married man or woman as well.  It not only tears apart the man and the woman, but the entire family as well!

Study of Proverbs!

The Youth Ministry at New Salem will begin a new series this Wednesday night entitled, "Don't Be a Fool".  The messages will be on Proverbs for the entire month of October.

We are asking that families make a commitment to read a Proverb a day for the entire month of October...

Read it before school.

Read it before dinner.

Read it after dinner.

Do it as a devotion before bed.

Whenever you do it, just find time during your busy day to read Proverbs.

As many of you know, there are 31 chapters in Proverbs and 31 days in October, thus on October 1st, read Proverbs 1...on October 2nd, read Proverbs 2, etc, etc.

My prayer is that families will come together everyday during their busy week to read Proverbs and rejoice over God's Word!

Here is our schedule of messages for the entire month of October:

October 1: Proverbs 1...What is the Purpose of Proverbs.

October 8: Proverbs 8...What is Wisdom.

October 15: Proverbs 15...Wise Words.

October 22: Proverbs 22...A Wise Walk.

October 29: Proverbs 29...Pride comes before the Fall.

Please join us in this commitment:

1. To read Proverbs everyday.

2. To have your child attend the OverFlow service on Wednesday nights.

3. To pray for the students and the ministry.

4. To be an example for your child.