Dear Friends,
As we are nearing the end of our 30 Day Proverbs Challenge, I hope that you have found treasures of practical Truth that encourage, guide, and instruct you in your daily journey. As I look back on my journal notes, it is interesting to see how the Holy Spirit directed me to certain verses or passages within that day’s chapter, and how the Truth revealed was just what I needed to receive that day.
Today’s verse, Proverbs 28:13 states, “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (NIV), and The Message Bible restates it this way, “You can’t whitewash your sins and get by with it; you find mercy by admitting and leaving them.”
The Warning: If we conceal (whitewash, cover, hide, ignore, justify, or give excuses to) our sins, then we are walking blindly down a dangerous path and it is only a matter of time till we will fall into the pits, the potholes, the consequences of our sin.
The Wisdom: If we confess (acknowledge, admit, share, state, illuminate) and renounce (leave, turn from, repent, forsake) our sins, then we will find mercy.
All of us can think of our own experiences and say “How true.” Yet, as we nod our head in agreement, it is lesson we continually relearn. Initially we learn this lesson through obvious sins: lying, stealing, cheating, rebellion, and destructive habits, then later we relearn it through issues of pride, self-righteousness, apathy, gossip, slander, ignorance, etc.
A prayer of wisdom “Lord, today may I listen to your Holy Spirit to uncover those sins that I have concealed, and give me the courage to admit and confess my sin to you, then turn from them and leave them at your feet.” I stand upon the unchanging promises of God for mercy in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Parenting Jewels
Dear Friends,
Parenting encompasses life’s greatest joys and blessings, as well as, frustrations, challenges and heartbreak. It doesn’t take a parent very long to sympathize with these quotes:
Mother Nature, in her infinite wisdom, has instilled within each of us a powerful biological instinct to reproduce; this is her way of assuring that the human race, come what may, will never have any disposable income. ~Dave Barry
When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice, safe playpen. When they're finished, I climb out. ~Erma Bombeck
In my devotional time in Proverbs, chapter 22, two verses give jewels of wisdom for parents in instruction and discipline within the home. Verse 6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (NKJV) and Verse 15, “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.” (NKJV) Two quick parenting observations from these verses:
1. Train - to teach, give instruction, pass on skills, give practical experience, prepare, repetition, make plans, shape, aim at something, make something better, coach, and guide. You, the parent, are God’s primary Trainer for your child. Are you proactively, systematically and lovingly training your children, even adult children in the wisdom of God’s truth?
2. Rod of correction – removal of error, modification, punishment, alteration, improvement, adjustment, tweak, accountability, and redirection all lead to discipline within the context of love and security in the home.
Training and discipline are Biblical jewels of wisdom that can provide a foundation for effective parenting. Parents begin day one in providing training with the knowledge and fear of God with telling animated Bible stories, using finger puppets or playdough, and prayer and continue training through the years with ever increasing prayer.
Bill Cosby identifies the challenge of discipline. “In spite of the seven thousand books of expert advice, the right way to discipline a child is still a mystery to most fathers and... mothers. Only your grandmother and Ghengis Khan know how to do it.” The “rod of correction” does not give license to parents to beat their kids with rods, sticks or inflict any other form of physical abuse, it does however strongly state that discipline is necessary in parenting. Much can be said of this topic, but simply discipline begins when parents say “No” to something important with consistency, follow through and consequences. Parenting isn’t easy, we need both the toughness of Ghengis Khan and the gentleness and wisdom of grandmothers.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The Strong Ox
Dear Friends,
In today’s chapter in Proverbs, one verse caught my attention. Verse 4 (NKJV). Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; But much increase comes by the strength of an ox. I don’t know about you, but sometimes it takes me awhile to visualize, digest, and chew on some of these proverbs to try to discern what principle or truth is being stated. It can be helpful to compare this verse in another translation. The Message Bible states it this way, No cattle, no crops; a good harvest requires a strong ox for the plow. For me this passage speaks about productivity. Where do we desire productivity: In the workplace with our businesses, jobs, and careers, in our homes with healthy marriages and families, in our service and ministry to others in the church and community, in our personal hopes and dreams? We all desire a rich and bountiful harvest in these areas in our lives...to be successful, to be prosperous, to be productive. The wisdom truth found in this proverb is in the ox. No oxen - no investment of food, diligent work, or care is needed for the trough is empty. However, with a strong ox (singular) for the plow (hard work) there will be a bountiful harvest.
Two issues of wisdom for success and productivity arise from this statement defined by the strong ox.
1. The strong ox represents a wise investment. The farmer must be able to identify a strong, sturdy, healthy, vibrant animal for the success of the difficult task ahead, and then nurture, feed, and care for it. The strong ox is well fed, well cared for, and more than ready to work and be productive.
2. The strong ox represents focus and hard work. With the focus, diligence, and hard work of the ox then excellence, productivity, and success will be a real possibility. It is this sustained and completed work till the field is fully plowed (which takes place months before the harvest), that the bountiful harvest is realized.
Where do you want or need to be productive in your life: business, work, investments, relationships, spiritual maturity, education, careers, finances, hopes and dreams, ministry, physical health? Then identify what would be your strong ox? It might be your financial investments, your investment and development of skills, knowledge and education, your investments of time and love in relationships, your investments in seeking and finding wisdom from God’s Word?
So, the difficult question for each of us to answer is how strong is your ox, and did your ox plow the field preparing it for the harvest? If not then you are not ready for the harvest.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
In today’s chapter in Proverbs, one verse caught my attention. Verse 4 (NKJV). Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; But much increase comes by the strength of an ox. I don’t know about you, but sometimes it takes me awhile to visualize, digest, and chew on some of these proverbs to try to discern what principle or truth is being stated. It can be helpful to compare this verse in another translation. The Message Bible states it this way, No cattle, no crops; a good harvest requires a strong ox for the plow. For me this passage speaks about productivity. Where do we desire productivity: In the workplace with our businesses, jobs, and careers, in our homes with healthy marriages and families, in our service and ministry to others in the church and community, in our personal hopes and dreams? We all desire a rich and bountiful harvest in these areas in our lives...to be successful, to be prosperous, to be productive. The wisdom truth found in this proverb is in the ox. No oxen - no investment of food, diligent work, or care is needed for the trough is empty. However, with a strong ox (singular) for the plow (hard work) there will be a bountiful harvest.
Two issues of wisdom for success and productivity arise from this statement defined by the strong ox.
1. The strong ox represents a wise investment. The farmer must be able to identify a strong, sturdy, healthy, vibrant animal for the success of the difficult task ahead, and then nurture, feed, and care for it. The strong ox is well fed, well cared for, and more than ready to work and be productive.
2. The strong ox represents focus and hard work. With the focus, diligence, and hard work of the ox then excellence, productivity, and success will be a real possibility. It is this sustained and completed work till the field is fully plowed (which takes place months before the harvest), that the bountiful harvest is realized.
Where do you want or need to be productive in your life: business, work, investments, relationships, spiritual maturity, education, careers, finances, hopes and dreams, ministry, physical health? Then identify what would be your strong ox? It might be your financial investments, your investment and development of skills, knowledge and education, your investments of time and love in relationships, your investments in seeking and finding wisdom from God’s Word?
So, the difficult question for each of us to answer is how strong is your ox, and did your ox plow the field preparing it for the harvest? If not then you are not ready for the harvest.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Thanks Mom!
Dear Friends,
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, Sunday, May 10th. Mother’s Day is a time to honor and celebrate, or fondly remember, our mothers and their sacrificial service and love offered freely to us. We may have special memories of our mother’s care and attention, but there will be countless more acts of service in love that go unnoticed: the hundreds of changed diapers, washed bottles, sleepless nights, washed clothes, prepared meals, worked hours, chauffeured miles, and numerous words of correction, encouragement, comfort and wisdom.
Many Mother’s worry they were not the ideal or perfect mother presently or in raising their children. One mother aptly said it this way, "I'd like to be the ideal mother, but I'm too busy raising my kids."- Unknown Mother’s Day is not about perfection, never making a mistake, or being “Mrs. Cleaver”. Mothers make a difference by their unselfishness, fight to the death commitment and protection over their children, their unwavering love and support, and their tireless service.
If we have found wisdom, success, and blessings in life we owe in large part to our mother’s influence upon us as the following individuals have stated.
“I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."- Abraham Lincoln
"My mother never gave up on me. I messed up in school so much they were sending me home, but my mother sent me right back."- Denzel Washington
"My mother said to me, "If you become a soldier you'll be a general; if you become a monk you'll end up as the pope." Instead, I became a painter and wound up as Picasso."- Pablo Picasso
You may not be President of the United States, a famous actor or artist, but your character, health, education, and spiritual maturity is due to how much you listened to the wisdom of your mother. Proverbs 1:8 sums it up well “…do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.” We can all say “Thanks Mom!”
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, Sunday, May 10th. Mother’s Day is a time to honor and celebrate, or fondly remember, our mothers and their sacrificial service and love offered freely to us. We may have special memories of our mother’s care and attention, but there will be countless more acts of service in love that go unnoticed: the hundreds of changed diapers, washed bottles, sleepless nights, washed clothes, prepared meals, worked hours, chauffeured miles, and numerous words of correction, encouragement, comfort and wisdom.
Many Mother’s worry they were not the ideal or perfect mother presently or in raising their children. One mother aptly said it this way, "I'd like to be the ideal mother, but I'm too busy raising my kids."- Unknown Mother’s Day is not about perfection, never making a mistake, or being “Mrs. Cleaver”. Mothers make a difference by their unselfishness, fight to the death commitment and protection over their children, their unwavering love and support, and their tireless service.
If we have found wisdom, success, and blessings in life we owe in large part to our mother’s influence upon us as the following individuals have stated.
“I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."- Abraham Lincoln
"My mother never gave up on me. I messed up in school so much they were sending me home, but my mother sent me right back."- Denzel Washington
"My mother said to me, "If you become a soldier you'll be a general; if you become a monk you'll end up as the pope." Instead, I became a painter and wound up as Picasso."- Pablo Picasso
You may not be President of the United States, a famous actor or artist, but your character, health, education, and spiritual maturity is due to how much you listened to the wisdom of your mother. Proverbs 1:8 sums it up well “…do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.” We can all say “Thanks Mom!”
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
Friday, May 1, 2009
Bitter Fruit
Dear Friends,
Today is May 1st, the first day of our 30 Day Proverbs Challenge (yes, I am aware of chapter 31 and it will have a special emphasis to come). I invite you each day, to read a chapter from Proverbs, to reflect upon one verse, sentence or thought within that chapter, and write down (journal) your thoughts. This daily study of wisdom may take you 15-30 minutes of your day, yet it will yield an abundance of good fruit. When you purposefully, submit your time, your thoughts, and your spirit to the Word of God, then the Holy Spirit will illuminate, instruct, encourage, counsel and guide us in all things.
In my own study of Proverbs 1 this morning, introduces Proverbs with a warning on the cost of ignoring wisdom’s call and the consequences that follow, verse 31 caught my attention. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancy. (NKJV) What is most likely to happen when we ignore, shun, or scorn God’s direction and best path for us? At some point we stumble and fall, and possibly fall very hard. We have all experienced it at some level, and they are painful experiences and depending on the level they may have life-changing consequences. Our character and integrity may be compromised and destroyed, our relationships strained and fractured, our financial security ill-gotten or bankrupt, and even our physical, mental and emotional health might be diseased. It is a bitter and rotten fruit when we suffer the consequences of our foolish choices and behavior. Together let’s be attentive, listen to, and apply God’s Word to our lives and begin this journey of Wisdom living.
This Sunday, May 3rd we have our Connection Groups for Young Adults (singles 18-30) and for married couples in their Twenties and Thirties. Connection groups are monthly opportunities to create friendships, apply God’s Truths to our lives, share, grow, and laugh.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
Today is May 1st, the first day of our 30 Day Proverbs Challenge (yes, I am aware of chapter 31 and it will have a special emphasis to come). I invite you each day, to read a chapter from Proverbs, to reflect upon one verse, sentence or thought within that chapter, and write down (journal) your thoughts. This daily study of wisdom may take you 15-30 minutes of your day, yet it will yield an abundance of good fruit. When you purposefully, submit your time, your thoughts, and your spirit to the Word of God, then the Holy Spirit will illuminate, instruct, encourage, counsel and guide us in all things.
In my own study of Proverbs 1 this morning, introduces Proverbs with a warning on the cost of ignoring wisdom’s call and the consequences that follow, verse 31 caught my attention. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancy. (NKJV) What is most likely to happen when we ignore, shun, or scorn God’s direction and best path for us? At some point we stumble and fall, and possibly fall very hard. We have all experienced it at some level, and they are painful experiences and depending on the level they may have life-changing consequences. Our character and integrity may be compromised and destroyed, our relationships strained and fractured, our financial security ill-gotten or bankrupt, and even our physical, mental and emotional health might be diseased. It is a bitter and rotten fruit when we suffer the consequences of our foolish choices and behavior. Together let’s be attentive, listen to, and apply God’s Word to our lives and begin this journey of Wisdom living.
This Sunday, May 3rd we have our Connection Groups for Young Adults (singles 18-30) and for married couples in their Twenties and Thirties. Connection groups are monthly opportunities to create friendships, apply God’s Truths to our lives, share, grow, and laugh.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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