So Many Choices, How Can I Choose?? – PROVERBS 5 [7 out of 7]

February 23, 2015February 23, 2015buildafoundation 1 Comment

The person without the Spirit can’ t understand the truths that come from the Spirit of God. It all sounds foolish to them because only those who have the Spirit can understand what the Spirit means. – 1 Corinthians 2:14

Verses 21-23 wrap up Proverbs 5:
21   For the LORD sees clearly what a man does,
       examining every path he takes.
22   An evil man is held captive by his own sins;
       they are ropes that catch and hold him.
23   He will die for lack of self-control;
       he will be lost because of his great foolishness.

What I particularly like about Solomon’s advice is that he is a straight-talker. You don’t have to read between the lines to understand his message (see bold print).

Solomon points out clearly that it’s the choices we made that define the path we’re on today. We weren’t randomly teleported to where we are now.

If we take the time to reflect on our past choices, using the gift of reasoning God gave only to people, we would be able to see that, “I did _____ in this situation, choosing to do _______, and ______ , and the result was _______.” Hind sight is 20/20 after-all. 🙂

Each choice we make takes us down a different path. Some great, some a learning experience, and some destructive. We’re continually making choices. We’re never stagnant.

For example – I chose to look down, although quickly, at a text while driving, and don’t see that the car in front of me slowed up to let a family of geese pass, and I hit them.

These warnings from Solomon in Proverbs Chapter 5, , and others we read about in the Bible, are there because God knows we struggle with all the choices that bombard us. If this was not an issue, God wouldn’t spend so much time emphasizing, and re-emphasizing the potential irreversible emotional, and physical consequences of going our own way.

I mean seriously, isn’t it hard enough trying to pick out the “right” tube of toothpaste at the grocery store?

Won’t it be nice to be able to KNOW which toothpaste would give me those bright white teeth? Wouldn’t it be nice to KNOW which choice would give me a rich and satisfying life? – John 10:10

Thankfully, we can KNOW the “wise” choice. Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. – Matthew 7:13

Make a choice today to follow God’s ways, and ask God into your heart, see The Cornerstone… tab in the menu.

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God – Keeping Sexual Purity “Real” – PROVERBS 5 – [6]

February 20, 2015February 20, 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…  –  1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
————————————————————————
15 Drink water from your own well—

    share your love ONLY with your wife.

16 Why spill the water of your springs in the streets,

    having sex with just anyone?

17 You should reserve it for yourselves.

    Never share it with strangers.

¹⁸Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.
    Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
¹⁹She is a loving deer, a graceful doe.
    Let her breasts satisfy you always.
    May you always be captivated by her love.
²⁰Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman,
    or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?

Solomon doesn’t hold anything back in these next few verses of Proverbs 5. Can you believe this is God giving us these intimate/detailed guidelines?

That’s our Creator.

He tells it like it is. He keeps it real. He knows our hearts, He knows all people, No one needs to tell him what mankind is really like. – John 2:24-25, He knows our weaknesses. He warns us because He loves us and wants to protect us.

Although He doesn’t force us to choose His way, He gave people freewill. He doesn’t want us to feel hopeless and confused.

The promise God gave the Israelites, 3,000+ years ago, is true for us today, as well. Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, (pleading, begging, my add) that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! – Deuteronomy 30:19

What a powerful and hopeful verse!!

God wants us to be aware that our actions have consequences, both positive and negative.

Would I be a good parent if I didn’t tell my children that “doing” drugs is harmful to themselves and others?
Would I be a good parent if I told my children that having sex outside of marriage is nothing more than a “good” time, with no physical or emotional repercussions?
Would I be a “good” parent if I simply let the culture drive my children’s decisions, so they could experience “real life”?

If we, sinful people, know how to give good gifts (protection and warnings, my add) to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him (who follow Him, my add). – Matthew 7:11

We might not want to believe this, but we’ve all experienced the fact that we can’t change other people. Even if the advice, support, and guidance we’re giving them is right on target, some people would rather touch the fire to be sure it’s hot, rather than listening and heeding the advice of those who have already been burned.

As Solomon writes in the Book of Ecclesiastes, History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. There’s nothing new under the sun. – Ecclesiastes. 1:9

I urge and remind myself, and others –

DON’T just listen to God’s word. DO what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. – James 1:22

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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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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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“Coffee Anyone?”, asks God

January 13, 2015March 18, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous… Psalm 139:13-14

As I read my Bible this morning, I came across a verse in the Book of Luke that caused me to pause. When this happens, it reminds me of a record player when the needle gets stuck in a groove and keep repeating the same words or melody over and over and over.

It’s at this point that I have a choice to make. Ignore the prompting to reread, and move on, or stop to reread and ponder.

When it comes to Bible reading “they” say, “you have to cover “X” amount of chapters, verses, etc., and stick to your Bible reading plan. If you don’t, you’ll never finish reading the Gospels, or the Psalms, or the Old Testament, etc. And you’ll certainly never finish reading the entire Bible.” It’s at this point that I ask myself, who’s “they” anyway??

I approach reading the Bible a bit differently. To me reading the Bible is similar to talking with someone on the phone, texting, or meeting for coffee. It’s all about the relationship. It’s not a one-way conversation, it’s the sharing back and forth of feelings, facts, experiences, hopes, etc., between two people. How silly it would be if I met someone for coffee and whipped out my “thoughts” list, and started rattling it off? And then, when I was finished reading my list, I’d get up and walk out the door?

When you see the above scenario in writing, it seems ludicrous. Who would ever ask to meet a friend for coffee and read off a list? Not to mention walking out without saying goodbye, or thanks for listening. Yet, how often have we, myself included, interacted this way with God?

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve sat with a friend, started on one topic, and ended up touching of several others before the first cup of coffee was finished. Or when a comment said in passing, turned out to be discussed in-depth. When I meet up with friends I don’t have a checklist. I’m getting together with them to catch up, and share what’s been going on in our lives. If we just talk about what happened today, and never get to last week or next week, who cares. This is what we needed, or wanted, to talk about now.

For me, this is the kind of relationship I have with God. So when I’m reading the Bible and get the feeling I should pause and reread. I pause and reread because I know that God has something to share with me. I ask Him, “what are you trying to show me? What do you want me to learn, to take with me today, to share with others, to change?” I also thank God for encouraging me in a particular area, where I am on the “wise path”, and thanking Him for all the blessings and provisions He gives me day in and day out. I read with anticipation, eagerness, and appreciation that the Creator of everything wants to talk with me. That He cares about me, and He loves our time together.

2 Timothy 3:16 says, All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. Sometimes God gives us a warning, sometimes encouragement, and other times redirection to get us back on track.

As Hebrews 4:12 says, The word of God is living and active… God wants to talk to us. He wants to help us with our daily struggles. He wants to bring us back to the safety of the “wise path”.

I once heard a pastor at Cornerstone Church in Ames, Iowa say, “it’s not how often or how much of the Bible you read, but that you live out what you’ve read. Don’t just read the Bible to finish it, read the Bible to change.”

Matthew 5:13-16

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Take a Step, Make a Choice, THEN… – PROVERBS 3:7-10 [3]

January 9, 2015January 27, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. – 2 Chronicles 16:9

7   DON’T be impressed with your own wisdom.
     Instead, (IF you) fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8   (THEN) you will gain renewed health and vitality.
9   (IF you) Honor the Lord with your wealth
     and with the best part of everything you produce.
10 THEN He will fill your barns with grain,
       and your vats will overflow with good wine.

Solomon continues IF/THEN comparisons in verses 7-10.

Solomon begins verse 7 with a warning. Don’t be impressed with our own wisdom. I like how the New International Version (NIV) puts it – Don’t be wise in your own eyes. Or the New Living Translation (NLT) – Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.

Instead, as we read on in verse 7, we’re encouraged to take an action step and make a choice to turn away from evil.

The result of making a conscious decision to follow God’s ways, (THEN) verse 8, is renewal. Renewal is defined as replacing or repairing something that is worn-out, run-down, or broken. The principle is that when we choose to turn away from evil, our lives will be renewed. Our health and vitality (energy) are restored and replenished – we get a new lease on life.

God has not left us alone to navigate life. God, in His grace, has made available wise counselors, friends, internet, churches, etc. to us. He’s also made available to us an instruction manual, a “treasure” map – the Bible.

God loves people so much, not only did He give his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16, but through His daily provisions, which often go unnoticed or taken for granted. He wants to remove the guess-work and the groping around in the dark from our daily living and interactions. Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand! – Mark 4:9 (We hear with our ears, but there is a deeper kind of listening with the mind and heart that is necessary in order to gain spiritual understanding. – Life Application Bible)

Verses 9 and 10 give us a way to take action and honor God. It is our way of saying thanks, and acknowledging that all we have has been given to us from God. Our finances, our talents, our intelligence, everything that makes us who we are. What’s the use of saying you have faith if you don’t prove it by your actions? So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is not faith at all — it is dead and useless. – James 2:14,17

When we share with others, when we offer a kind/comforting word, when we hear of a need and meet it, etc., all these actions honor God. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. – Matthew 25:35-36
And then, it is as though God says “thank you” right back to us for honoring Him. THEN He will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. – v.10

Thanksgiving and blessings, thanksgiving and blessings, on and on, and on.

⁶Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. ⁷You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” ⁸And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. – 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

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Looking For Love in All the Wrong Places…. PROVERBS 2:16-19 [4]

December 31, 2014January 27, 2015buildafoundation 1 Comment

The LORD stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him my persecutors will stumble. They cannot defeat me. – Jeremiah 20:11

16 Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman,
    from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman.
17 She has abandoned her husband
    and ignores the covenant she made before God.
18 Entering her house leads to death;
    it is the road to the grave.
19 The man who visits her is doomed.
    He will never reach the paths of life.

Verses 16-19 are talking about another temptation people often face. The media glorifies it, and people get entangled in its enticement. The temptation – sexual sin.

The song, ‘Looking for love in all the wrong places’, from the movie Urban Cowboy comes to mind when reading verses 16-19. The lyrics to the chorus are:

I was lookin’ for love in all the wrong places
Lookin’ for love in too many places
Searchin’ her eyes, lookin’ for traces
Of what I’m dreamin’ of
Hoping to find a friend and a lover
I’ll bless the day I discover,
You – lookin’ for love.

People tend to use sex in an attempt to fill “a hole”. That hole, being a desire to love and be loved, as the lyrics above mention.

There is nothing wrong with having a desire for love. In fact, it is God who gave us that desire. Unfortunately, many times in our search for love we end up side-stepping God’s teaching and guidance. We may find ourselves led astray by the ways and beliefs of our culture. Although we’ll find a ton of cultural support for our ungodly choices, the results may turn out to be anything but what we have hoped.

It is easy to get draw into sexual sin when led solely by feelings. Often times people think that “I “feel” so happy, maybe if I sleep with ____, they’ll “feel” that same way about me.” Or, “I have “needs”, and if God didn’t want me to fulfill them, He wouldn’t have given them to me.” We’re reminded, however, in verses 18 and 19, that those who give into sexually immoral “feelings” are being led to death, not life. They will be doomed, not blessed.

Remember God’s promise to us:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. – Matthew 6:33

Don’t Become a “Victim” of Poor Choices… – PROVERBS 2:12-15 [3]

December 29, 2014January 27, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

Now you are free from the power of sin and have become followers of God. Now you do the things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. – Romans 6:22

12 Wisdom will save you from evil people,
    from those whose words are twisted.
13 These men turn from the right way
    to walk down dark paths.
14 They take pleasure in doing wrong,
    and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil.
15 Their actions are crooked,
    and their ways are wrong.

Wisdom is protective, it will save us, verse 12. One way Wisdom saves us is by protecting us from evil people, as described in verses 12-15.

Evil people’s path:
v.13 – they do not follow the godly path, but dark path
v.14 – they enjoy their ungodly and twisted ways
v.15 – their actions and ways of doing “things” are crooked and wrong

BUT there is help!!

Verse 12 reminds us that applying knowledge (wisdom) protects us from becoming “victims” of poor choices, or falling for unfilled promises of smooth-talkers. Wisdom protects us from people who twist the truth, enticing and tempting us to choose an ungodly path.
These types of people remind me on the serpent in the garden, twisting God’s words and tempting Eve – Genesis 3:1-7, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3%3A1-7&version=NLT < Or >
A wolf dressed up in sheep’s clothing. – Matthew 7:15 – Looks sweet and safe on the
outside, but is actually very dangerous.

Thankfully God loves us so much that He provides us with help. An escape route when we find ourselves in tempting situations – WISDOM –

REMEMBER:

– The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful.
He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out, provide a way of escape, so that you can endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

– If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5