CAUTION, DANGER, STAY AWAY!!! PROVERBS 5 [4]

February 13, 2015February 13, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. – 1 Corinthians 6:18

AVOID THE IMMORAL WOMAN
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom;
    listen carefully to my wise counsel.
2 Then you will show discernment,
    and your lips will express what you’ve learned.
3 For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey,
    and her mouth is smoother than oil.
4 But in the end she is as bitter as poison,
    as dangerous as a double-edged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death;
    her steps lead straight to the grave.
6 For she cares nothing about the path to life.
    She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn’t realize it.
7 So now, my sons, listen to me.
    Never stray from what I am about to say:
8 Stay away from her!
    Don’t go near the door of her house!
9 If you do, you will lose your honor…

Proverbs 5 is titled, Avoid the Immoral Woman. You’ll also notice, throughout chapter 5 that Solomon refers to, my son. Although it appears that the warnings of chapter 5 are just for boys/men, it applies to girls/women, as well. Guys certainly can be smooth-talkers and flatterers in an attempt to seduce (entice into sexual activity) girls – v.3 lips sweet as honey and mouth smoother than oil. But at the same time, girls may choose to dress provocatively in an attempt to seduce guys, leading to sin – But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. – Matthew 5:28

Solomon says again with emphasis in v.8 –
Otherwise, the result – v.9a – You will lose your honor…

The surest way to protect yourself from getting caught up in sexual immorality (sex outside of marriage) is, v.8 – DON’T go near the door of her/his house.

You could take that to mean, in the literal sense, don’t go “home” with them. Or, in the figurative sense, the “door” meaning to approach in conversation, put yourself in a vulnerable position (alone, one-on-one), etc.

Both of the above scenarios are assuming that you have found yourself in a tempting situation. A situation where you suspect the person you are with, or you yourself, may be tempted to be sexually immoral.

Naturally, it is ok to interact with people in a conversation, or hang out at friend’s houses. But, for your own “protection”, and accountability, it’s a good idea to hang out in a group versus one-on-one.

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The Allure of “Sex” – PROVERBS 5 – Introduction (c) [3]

February 11, 2015February 11, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

“Can’t you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile you? Food doesn’t go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer. It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.” – Mark 7:18-22

On the surface “sex”, as depicted in our culture, media, books, magazines, etc. may seem alluring, and without consequences. In reality, it’s just an illusion. See previous post – http://wp.me/p5nZpi-d8

A goblet? Or two people looking at each other?

Illusion is defined by Merriam/Webster and Dictionary.com as –

something that is false or not real but that seems to be true or real
an incorrect idea : an idea that is based on something that is not true
something that deceives by producing a false or misleading impression of reality.

This is why I chose the word illusion, in regards to the culture’s, media’s, books’, magazine’s, etc. depiction of “sex”. Their focus is on pleasure, happiness, excitement, freedom, etc., while neglecting to point out the emotional and physical repercussions of sexual relationships, outside the confines of marriage.

God created physical attraction between men and women, but He never intended for it to be used solely to fulfill our own selfish desires, http://wp.me/p5nZpi-cJ.

But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband. The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs. The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife. – 1 Corinthians 7:1-4

Sexual intercourse is a beautiful gift God has given people for procreation (having children), and physical pleasure within a marriage covenant/commitment. A beautiful gift, that Satan has distorted, causing people pain, humiliation, and regrets.

Because the sexual relationship, within the context of marriage, is so important, Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 7:5 – Do not deprive each other (your husband or wife) of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

As we watch TV, movies, or read books we’re often shown explicit/graphic,”romance”, while leaving out the emotional and/or physical consequences of engaging in “casual sex”.

The Truth Is — Sexual immorality…

Tears families apart
Fractures a person’s ability to experience “true” love
Degrades human beings, turning them into objects
May lead to diseases
May result in unwanted children
Is against God’s law

Next post, we’ll begin to look at Proverbs 5. Until then, ponder Solomon’s urgings in the first two verses of Proverbs Chapter 5, – My children, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel. THEN you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you’ve learned.

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Is “Sex” Glamorized in Our Culture? – PROVERBS 5 – Introduction (b) [2]

February 9, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery. – Hebrews 13:4

Many people may think that the Bible is just a book of rules, or a storybook for kids.

Unfortunately, because of these, and other, misconceptions, people don’t think that the Bible pertains to them and the struggles that they face everyday, in the “real” world.

One of the greatest struggles people face today is sexual sin. I believe people do realize that some of their sexual “choices” are wrong. And do sense that their choices are not healthy emotionally or physically. Yet, because our culture, media, etc. tends to glamorize “sex”, the “envelope” is continually being pushed, “My people have become lost sheep. Their “shepherds” have led them astray and turned them loose in the mountains. They have lost their way and cannot remember how to get back to the fold.” – Jeremiah 50:6

As a mom, I feel the pain and heartache God expresses for people, through the prophet Jeremiah. Unfortunately, people take what they believe is an “innocent taste”, while failing to realize the long-term implications of their choices.

For example, from “puppy love” in the 70’s, on shows like the Brady Bunch – Marcia Brady and Davy Jones

With these sexual “experiences/opportunities” becoming more and more common place, , it is easy for people, ourselves and our children, to be led further and further from God’s Ways. For those who guide these people are leading them astray; And those who are guided by them are brought to confusion. – Isaiah 9:16

God tells us, and I take this to heart –

You MUST WARN each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God (His ways, His guidance, His grace, His mercy, His protection, His love… – my addition) – Hebrews 3:13

On the surface our culture’s obsession with “sex” may seem alluring, in reality it’s all an illusion.

A goblet? Or two people looking at each other?

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Love is in the Air!!! – PROVERBS 5 – Introduction (a) [1]

February 5, 2015February 5, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor— not in lustful passion like those who do not know God and His ways. – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

We are currently in the month of February. A month often associated with Valentine’s Day. The day when sentiments of amor especial entre buenos amigos (special love between good friends) are exchanged,

and intentions of “like” are bravely shared with another.

And this year, on Valentine’s Day, the movie, “Fifty Shades of Grey”, will be released taking “like”, to a whole nother level. From the innocence of exchanging valentine cards, to a young woman’s “innocence” stolen by lust and perversion.

Are both of these examples of love? Is one “good”, and one “harmful”? Does God, our Creator, have any thoughts on the subject of love?

We will be looking at Proverbs 5 for wisdom on the dangers of sexual immorality. But before we do, let’s look at the way God defines “love” in the Bible.

“LOVE” IS DEFINED IN FOUR DIFFERENT WAYS IN THE BIBLE

STORGE – this type of love refers to natural, familial love, parents, children, and extended family members.

PHILOS – this is the type of love a person would have for a friend. Philos is part of the words philosophy (“love of wisdom”) and philanthropy (“love of humanity”). It describes loving another person like they were your brother or sister. Philos love can be a bit persnickety (a bit fussy). It could be equated with the phrase, a “fair-weather friend” – A friend who is only a friend when circumstances are pleasant or profitable. But at the first sign of trouble, these “friends” take-off. Since phileo love involves feelings of warmth and affection toward another person, we do not have phileo love toward our enemies. However, God commands us to have love for everyone. This love is called agape love.

AGAPE – this is the type of love of God has for His son, Jesus, and all people. Agape is a sacrificial love. Agape love is based on our behavior and actions. It is act of our will, a choice we make. It is not based on how we feel towards another person/people. Although positive feelings can follow after we show this kind of love to others. When we have agape love, we seek to put other’s well-being ahead of our own. Agape love is the love that God commanded all people to have towards all people. Because of our sinful nature, this type of love does not come naturally to us. This kind of love can only be given to us by God, For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. – Romans 5:5

EROS – this type of love means to have a desire for or longing for. Eros is part of the word erotic. It is referred to as erotic/selfish love, and is focused primarily on sensuality and self. Eros love is based on the “feelings” we have for another person. Eros is often the first stage of a romantic relationship, and is based on the physical traits. Erotic love, in and of itself, is not sinful. However, because erotic love focuses on sensuality and self, erotic love can quickly become porneia – the Greek word for “sexual immorality” (the root of our word pornography). Porneia covers the gamut of sexual sin (adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bestiality, etc.) When eros love is shared between husband and wife, it can be a wonderful thing. In fact, the Bible has an entire book about the blessings of erotic, sexual, love within marriage. It can be found in the Song of Solomon, in the Old Testament. Unfortunately, when eros takes place outside of marriage, it becomes distorted and sinful. The Bible calls this form of eros, sexual immorality, and warns us – flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. – 1 Corinthians 6:18 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures… – Galatians 5:19

< The information on the four types of love was adapted from types of love.org and gotquestions.org >

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No One is Good?? Not Even One Person??

February 3, 2015March 18, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

ALL people are under the power of sin. As the Scriptures say, “NO ONE is good — not even one. NO ONE has real understanding; NO ONE is seeking God. All have turned away from God; ALL have gone wrong.“

For NO ONE can ever be made right in God’s sight by doing what his law commands. For the more we know God’s law, the clearer it becomes that we aren’t obeying it. But now God has shown us a different way of being right in his sight — NOT by obeying the law but by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago.

We are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we ALL can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done. For ALL have sinned; ALL fall short of God’s glorious standard.

Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us NOT guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins. For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for OUR sins and to satisfy God’s anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us.

God was being entirely fair and just when he did not punish those who sinned in former times. And he is entirely fair and just in this present time when he declares sinners to be right in his sight because they believe in Jesus. Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal

IS NOT based on our good deeds. IT IS BASED ON OUR FAITH.

So we are made right with God through faith AND NOT by obeying the law.

There is only one God, and there is only one way of being accepted by him. He makes people right with himself ONLY BY FAITH, whether they are Jews or Gentiles (any one other than a Jew)

Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law. – Romans 3:9-31

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Are You Attempting to “Do Life” on Your Own???? – PROVERBS 4 [1 OF 1]

February 1, 2015February 1, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28

___________________________________________

Click on this link http://biblehub.com/nlt/proverbs/4.htm to read Proverbs 4.

Many of the verses may seem similar to what we’ve learned in Proverbs 1-3, (See Categories in sidebar to read previous posts).

I’ve highlighted a few key verses from this chapter below.

6 (IF YOU) DON’T turn your back on wisdom,

(THEN) for she will protect you

(IF YOU) Love her, and (THEN) she will guard you.

7 Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!
And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.

8 IF you prize wisdom, (THEN) she will make you great.
(IF YOU) Embrace her, and (THEN) she will honor you.

14 DON’T do as the wicked do, and DON’T follow the path of evildoers.
15 DON’T even think about it;
DON’T go that way. Turn away and keep moving.

18 The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.
19 BUT the way of the wicked is like total darkness.
They have no idea what they are stumbling over. (They don’t even realize that they are on a destructive path because the path is not lit with knowledge and guidance from God’s Word)

VS.

23 Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.

26 Mark out (set goals, have a plan) a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
27 DON’T get sidetracked; (following the latest fads or people’s “great” ideas)
keep your feet from following evil.

There is no good reason for us to attempt to “do life” on our own. God loves us and wants us to have a rich and satisfying life – John 10:10

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. – Hebrews 4:1

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Persevere =>> Be Rewarded… – PROVERBS 3:33-35 [7 of 7]

January 28, 2015January 28, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

They see what I do, but they don’t perceive its meaning.  They hear my words, but they don’t understand.  So they will not turn from their sins and be forgiven.  –  Mark 4:12
————————————————————————————–
32         Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord,

         but He offers His friendship to the godly.

33 The Lord curses the house of the wicked,
but He blesses the home of the upright.

³⁴The Lord mocks the mockers
but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.

³⁵The wise inherit glory and honor,
but fools are put to shame!

Although this Proverb is only 35 verses long, Solomon packs in a ton of practical/applicable principles.

In the first few verses of Proverbs 3:1-10, Solomon talks about cause and effect relationships — (See posts referencing these verses — http://wp.me/p5nZpi-87, http://wp.me/p5nZpi-89, http://wp.me/p5nZpi-8z).
He then moves on to talk about God’s loving discipline, verses 11-12 — (See post — http://wp.me/p5nZpi-9v).
And then to showing the benefits of seeking and following Wisdom, verses 13-20 — (See post — http://wp.me/p5nZpi-av).
In verses 21-32, Solomon gives a number of warnings — (See post — http://wp.me/p5nZpi-b6).
And lastly, in verses 32-35, above, Solomon wraps up Proverbs 3 with BUT(s), (in bold print).

After all the don’t(s) that we saw in the previous verses, Solomon uses these last four verses to reassure God-followers that He does care about them. That He understands that those who follow His ways may be challenged and ridiculed. BUT, those who persevere, will be rewarded with…

God’s friendship – v. 32
blessing over their home (family, marriage, relationships, finances, health, etc.) – v. 33
favor (with others) – v. 34
glory and honor – v. 35

finishline1-1024x640

Choose today to be among those who will one day say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me–the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing”.- 2 Timothy 4:7-8

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Which Way to Turn? Which Way to Turn??? – PROVERBS 3:21-32 [6]

January 26, 2015January 27, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bear with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2

21 My child, DON’T lose sight of common sense (applying experience, knowledge) and       discernment ( good judgement based on experience and knowledge = wisdom)
Hang on to them,
22    For they will…
        1. Refresh your soul.
            They are like jewels on a necklace.
23    2. They keep you safe on your way,
        3. Your feet will not stumble.
24    4. You can go to bed without fear;
        5. you will lie down and sleep soundly.

25 You DON’T need be afraid of sudden disaster
      or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the
26   1. Lord is your security.
       2. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

27 DON’T withhold good from those who deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.

28 If you can help your neighbor now, DON’T say,
“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”

29 DON’T plot harm against your neighbor,
for those who live nearby trust you.

30 DON’T pick a fight without reason,
when no one has done you harm.

31 DON’T envy the oppressor (someone who dominates or inflicts stress on someone)
or copy their ways.
32 Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord, but
1. He offers His friendship to the godly.

In the above verses you will see a series of DON’T(s), and the results of heeding those warnings. (See words in bold print for DON’T(s), and underlined numbers for the results).

Remember these principles when faced with making a decision that falls into the “gray” area. Recalling AND Applying God’s Word will clear the “debris”, and enable you to see the “wise” choice. (As you may notice, the “wise” choice is in the murky water. Look closely. It’s often hard to see until it’s been filtered out with God’s Truth, leaving the “wise” choice clearly visible.)

Now that we know all the positive results that come from following God’s guidance, hopefully the next time we find ourselves at a crossroads, we’ll have a good idea which path to choose.

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My Life is Sooooo Busy…..

January 23, 2015March 18, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

Don’t worry, or be anxious, about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. – Philippians 4:6

Today, I would like to share a poem, written on a beautiful wooden plague, that I bought years ago at a church auction. It sits on the dresser, next to my bed, as a reminder of what happens when I/we try to “do life” on my/our own, apart from God.

Our lives can get so busy, that before we know it, we’re caught up in the rat race. So much of our day is taken up with “stuff”. Some necessary, and some, not so much. We forget that God loves us, and has a plan for our day. He wants to give us a rich and satisfying life – John 10:10. Have you ever felt like you were carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Or wondered if it were possible to lighten the burden you were experiencing?

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30

I hope this poem is a blessing to you – 🙂

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Wisdom – Pointing the Way —> PROVERBS 3:13-20 [5]

January 21, 2015January 27, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. – Psalm 118:8

13   Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
    the one who gains understanding.
14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
    and her wages are better than gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
    nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 She offers you long life in her right hand,
    and riches and honor in her left.
17 She will guide you down delightful paths;
    all her ways are satisfying.
18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
    happy are those who hold her tightly.

19 By wisdom the Lord founded the earth;
by understanding he created the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,
and the dew settles beneath the night sky.

In verses 13-18 we see the value of wisdom emphasized and reemphasized. (See words in bold print). The benefits of wisdom are all fantastic!!! Seeking and following wisdom enables us to navigate life.

It is like having a personal tour guide, pointing the way.

Wisdom is so powerful, verses 19-20 says, it was By wisdom and understanding the Lord founded the earth, and created the heavens.

We could compare wisdom to binary code. To those who don’t know what it is or how to apply it, it simply looks like a bunch of ones and zeros. But for those who “get it”, and “apply it”, the possibilities are endless.

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