Showing posts with label month of wisdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label month of wisdom. Show all posts

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 31

Today is the final day of the Month of Wisdom challenge...

Today is Proverbs 31... I think a longer quotation is needed!

Proverbs 31:10-31 (NIV)
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
 10 A wife of noble character who can find?
       She is worth far more than rubies.

 11 Her husband has full confidence in her
       and lacks nothing of value.

 12 She brings him good, not harm,
       all the days of her life.

 13 She selects wool and flax
       and works with eager hands.

 14 She is like the merchant ships,
       bringing her food from afar.

 15 She gets up while it is still dark;
       she provides food for her family
       and portions for her servant girls.

 16 She considers a field and buys it;
       out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

 17 She sets about her work vigorously;
       her arms are strong for her tasks.

 18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
       and her lamp does not go out at night.

 19 In her hand she holds the distaff
       and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

 20 She opens her arms to the poor
       and extends her hands to the needy.

 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
       for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

 22 She makes coverings for her bed;
       she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
       where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

 24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
       and supplies the merchants with sashes.

 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
       she can laugh at the days to come.

 26 She speaks with wisdom,
       and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

 27 She watches over the affairs of her household
       and does not eat the bread of idleness.

 28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
       her husband also, and he praises her:

 29 "Many women do noble things,
       but you surpass them all."

 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
       but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

 31 Give her the reward she has earned,
       and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.




Saturday, October 30, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 30

It never ceases to amaze me... every day... that God has given us His Word.  We have the privilege and opportunity to read from His Word any time we want. 

As I study church history, there have been centuries of time in which the church did not have this opportunity.  The church didn't allow it.  The church members couldn't read Latin (which was the language of the Bible for 1,400 years).  The church couldn't just sit down, open the Scriptures for themselves and read. 

Today, we can. 

Yet, many of us don't. 

We don't open our Bibles (or scroll if you're using a techy version like YouVersion or iPhone/iPod/Android software) and read for ourselves.  How the church over the years longed to read their own Bible... in their own language... but couldn't!!! How the church around the globe currently longs for their own Bible in their own language (but doesn't have it) or can't have it (because it's illegal). 

And yet... ours' often sit on the shelf...

unused...

Solomon called the Word of God flawless...
Proverbs 30:5 (NIV)
 5 "Every word of God is flawless;
       he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.


Have you picked up His shield today?
Jim

Friday, October 29, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 29

Proverbs 29:25 (NIV)


 25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
       but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.



Who are you trusting in today? 

Jim

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 28

Proverbs 28:13 (NIV)
 13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
       but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.


con·ceal{kuhn-seel]

–verb (used with object)
1. to hide; withdraw or remove from observation; cover or keep from sight.

Are you concealing something today?? From God??? From others???

Jim

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 26

We have to be careful about the phrase... "I was only joking."  Most of the time when we say this, we weren't really joking.  We just don't want to seem harsh or cruel.

We make fun of something or someone...
We say something we know we shouldn't...
We say something that we know will hurt...
We pretend we aren't trying to be mean...
We are trying to impress others standing around us...

Then we say... "I'm just kidding..." When we really aren't.  And we do it all the time.

Solomon puts it this way in Proverbs 26...

Proverbs 26:18-19 (NIV)
 18 Like a madman shooting
       firebrands or deadly arrows

 19 is a man who deceives his neighbor
       and says, "I was only joking!"



Something to think about the next time you're tempted to say something you shouldn't followed by "just kidding..."

Jim

Monday, October 25, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 25

It never ceases to amaze me how powerful a kind word can be.  Pastor Bill talked yesterday about being intentional about how we use our tongues in adult worship.  The power of the tongue is incredible. 

  • Power to heal...
  • Power to hurt...
  • Power to help...
  • Power to harm...

And most of us don't think twice about what we are going to say before we say it. 

I'm no different than you.  There are times when I think things in my mind... they sound good/funny/applicable... until they are out of my mouth.  Then I stand there like an idiot wishing that I could suck them back into my mouth. 

Solomon has a good reminder from Proverbs 25 today:

Proverbs 25:11 (NIV)
 11 A word aptly spoken
       is like apples of gold in settings of silver.


Today, slow down and think about what you're going to say. 
If you're thinking of something mean, cruel or nasty... follow mom's advice and keep it to yourself. 
If you're thinking of something kind, encouraging and insightful... follow Paul's advice and share it!

Jim

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 24


I love the word pictures that the Bible uses to describe it's truth... track meets, boxing, treasure in a field, an expensive pear, a journey...


And kissing!


Proverbs 24:26 (NIV)
 26 An honest answer
       is like a kiss on the lips. 



Jim
Who said the Bible isn't fun!!!???


Saturday, October 23, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 23

This weekend I'm going to shoot a video with our kids for Family Weekend.  Since I had never used the camera before, I retrieved it so we could spend some time getting to know each other. 

As we spent some time together, I noticed a small blinking icon on the screen that I couldn't identify.  No matter what I did... no matter what I tried... it continued to blink.  The camera would record.  It would play back.  It would do all things that it was supposed to do but the icon wouldn't go away.

Problem was: there was no instruction manual.  So I couldn't identify what the camera was trying to tell me. 

It's always amazing how many times I get a new piece of tech and I immediately begin to use it without spending any time with the instruction manual.  Not until something goes wrong, do I go back to the manual to see what's up.  Sometimes, I could have avoided a problem if I would have just read the manual first. 

Solomon's advice: Check out the instruction manual first...

Proverbs 23:12 (NIV)
 12 Apply your heart to instruction
       and your ears to words of knowledge.


Jim

Friday, October 22, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 22

(Yay... Blogger got it's act together!!!)

I'm always amazed at the compromises that some folks will make.  Cheat to get a good grade (and yes, using someone else's homework is cheating...).  Go out with someone because you think they're cool when you know their reputation.  Steal to get what you want.  Lie to make yourself look better.  Put others down to push yourself up. 

If you are tempted to do that, today's reading from Proverbs 22 is for you. Check out the first verse:


Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)
 1 A good name is more desirable than great riches;
       to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.



A good name... a good reputation... good standing is more important than getting ahead.  Why?  It's a good witness to our world as to who our God is.  What message does it give the world when we cheat, steal, lie and act dishonorably?  (Answer: They think we aren't any different than the world...)  We are different!!! At least, we're supposed to be!!!

Jim

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 21

Proverbs 21:23 (NIV)
23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue
       keeps himself from calamity.

This is just good advice!

Jim


Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 20

Proverbs 20:9 (NIV)
 9 Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure;
       I am clean and without sin"?

No one can.
That's part of the beauty of the good news of Jesus Christ.  We have all come up short of God's perfect standard.  We all have sin and uncleanliness in our hearts.  Jesus choose to come to earth to clean that all away. 

That's good news indeed!!!

Jim

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 19

I need reminders.

I don't know how you organize, but I have a moleskine (which I have a couple of friends that will tell you that's it a fancy name for a journal...) that I keep just about everything that is currently important or might be important in the future.  I'm a list keeper.  I keep a list of projects.  I keep a list of current ideas.  I keep a to-do list for things that I have to get done this week... this month... and my current goals. 

Same is true about my running.  I have a schedule... list of my upcoming runs... so I don't have to worry about what to do next. 

Same is true with my office.  Things that get filed are often out of sight... therefore out of mind.  So I tend to leave current projects on my desk. 

I need to be reminded regularly. 

That's one of the reasons that I read my Bible regularly... I need to be reminded... I tend to forget... I need to continuously be putting instruction into my heart.  (And yes... I have a list of Bible readings too...)

Take a look at
Proverbs 19:27 (NIV)
" 27 Stop listening to instruction, my son,
       and you will stray from the words of knowledge."

Those who quit listening to instruction... tend to stray... I want to stay on task today... how about you?

Jim

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 17

Most times it's better to say nothing all.

Proverbs 17:28 (NIV)
 28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
       and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Jim

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 16

When was the last time that you prayed about doing something BEFORE you did it?  Most of us likely do what I do... do something and then pray that God blesses what I just did.  It's amazing, though, when you take the time to pray to God about something before you do it how much more Spirit-guided it is.

Sometimes... when I pray about something that I want to do... and it's not Spirit-guided... I don't do it. 
Sometimes... when I pray about something that I want to do... and it's not Spirit-guided... it fails.
Sometimes... when I pray about something that I want to do... and it's not Spirit-guided... I do it anyway and I look stupid.

Sometimes... when I pray about something I feel God is leading me to do... and it is Spirit-guided... God makes it HUGE!  Check out what Solomon says in Proverbs 16...

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


Jim

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 14

You have to be cautious of who you hang around with.  We tend to become like the people that we spend time with.  If you want to become an athlete, hang around with athletes.  If you want to become musical, hang around with musicians.  If you want to become a stylish person, hang around with people who have style.  If you want to become foolish (not sure why you would), hang around with foolish people.  

Why?  You'll become foolish because there is no wisdom or knowledge on their lips.  In fact, Solomon even goes so far as to warn us to stay away from... avoid... foolish people. 

Proverbs 14 (New International Version)

 7 Stay away from a foolish man,
       for you will not find knowledge on his lips.

Wisdom for you today might mean... staying away from some people that are foolish... especially if you're shooting for wisdom!

Jim

(BTW: For some reason, Blogger won't let me upload the "wisdom sign"... sorry.  And my apologies for missing yesterday... just didn't get a chance to get it done!)


Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 12

Stupid is a pretty harsh word. 

In fact, I have heard of several parents banning the word "stupid" from their homes.  (If you are one of those homes and I just introduced the word back into your house, my apologies.)

Many of us would be shocked to find out that the Bible uses the word "stupid".  It's right here in Proverbs 12:1...

Proverbs 12 (New International Version)

 1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
       but he who hates correction is stupid.


The definition for stupid is, according to Dictionary.com, "lacking common sense."  Seems simple enough.  If I drive down the road and ignore the correction of the speed limit signs and get pulled over, that was stupid... I didn't heed the correction and knowledge of the signs.  If I ignore the law that I should put on my seat belt when I drive and then get into an accident and get hurt because I didn't wear it, that was stupid. 

Most of us don't like the word "stupid" because it sounds harsh and mean.  God's Word says, however, that those who hate correction... especially the correction, knowledge and wisdom that come from God's Word are stupid...

Jim

Monday, October 11, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 11

We all like to think we know the answers. 

I used to love to take tests in middle school and high school.  For the most part, a lot of the tests were fill in the blanks tests or matching tests... those essay tests are from the devil... and I had way too many of them in college.  But I loved to take those tests especially when I knew the answers.  I could fly down the page filling them in and finished in 20 minutes. 

Sometimes we don't know the answers.  What happens then?  When you don't know an answer, who do you go to?  Who gives you advice?  Do you go to anyone at all???

You might want to check out the words of Solomon...

Proverbs 11:14 (New International Version)


 14 For lack of guidance a nation falls,
       but many advisers make victory sure.

Jim


Sunday, October 10, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 10

I love to run. 

Most of you that know me or at least follow me on my blog, Twitter or Facebook know that.  One thing about my running that you may not know is that I hate to run after dark.  If the sun isn't up (or at least coming up soon) yet or it's about to go down (before half of my run is over), I'm not going to go. 

I have had bad ankles in the past and I'm intentional about making sure that I don't do something to hurt my ankles... which can happen when it's dark.  A twisted, hurt or broken ankle sidelines a runner fast.  I've got running goals to accomplish and don't want to be sidelined for an extended period of time.

So if I'm not sure about my footing when I run, I don't run.  I want to be able to run securely... so I stay off of dark roads and crooked paths... Check out Proverbs 10.  Good advice, not just for running, but for life. 

Proverbs 10:9 (NIV)
 9 The man of integrity walks securely,
       but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.

Jim

Saturday, October 09, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 9

I like to read.  I won't really say that I love to read... given equal opportunities, I might choose to do other things (like going for a run... hanging out on Facebook or playing XBox (although I haven't played much XBox lately).  But for the most part, I like to read. 

Because I like to gain new knowledge.  I don't have it all together.  I don't know everything (yet... although I'm getting closer).  I know that there are things that I don't know and can learn from others. 


For instance, right now I'm reading John Maxwell's leadership classic "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership."  Here is an individual who knows far more about leadership than I will ever know.  And I have a few moments every day where I get to learn a bit from him and his experience.  When you think about it, that's a great opportunity. 

Learning truly is a privilege.  One that many don't take.  Solomon valued wisdom and learning and reminded us that wise folks learn and gain in wisdom...

Proverbs 9:9 (NIV)
 9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still;
       teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.

What do you need to read today in order to learn???

Jim

Friday, October 08, 2010

Month of Wisdom - October 8

There have been times when I've done stupid stuff... I know... hard to believe but true.  There have been times when I thought I knew what I was doing.  There have been times when I thought I knew where I was going.  But in reality, I didn't.

A couple of weeks ago I drove up with Jackie to visit Ashland Seminary, where she is taking a few classes.  In my mind, I knew for the most part where I was going.  I also had a GPS in the car that was giving me directions.  I, however, decided that I knew better which direction to go and assumed that the GPS would just play along and eventually realize that I was going the "best" way. 

Come to find out, I didn't know where I was going.  And I had to take some less than ideal dirt roads in order to get where I wanted to go and almost made us late for an appointment. 

See I thought I knew... but I really didn't.  Wisdom said, "Follow the GPS... It has a better perspective and more knowledge than you do."  Foolishness said, "I know where I'm going... This will be okay."  Wisdom would have saved me some time, dirty looks from my wife and dirt on the car.

Maybe you need to hear the word of Proverbs 8 today... especially verse where the foolish gain understanding from wisdom. 

Proverbs 8:5 (NIV)
 5 You who are simple, gain prudence;
       you who are foolish, gain understanding.

Jim