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

Take a look at the other tabs in the menu for encouragement and inspiration as you continue to build a foundation!!
It you are viewing with the mobile version, scroll down to the bottom of this page for more info and fun pics 🙂

Can I Find Hope, Healing, Restoration??? – ZEPHANIAH – 3h – [16]

December 15, 2014December 15, 2014buildafoundation Leave a comment

He brought me up out of the pit of destruction and confusion, out of the muddy clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my steps secure. – Psalm 40:2

As we begin to wrap up the Book of Zephaniah, let’s look at a common pattern seen throughout the Bible, as well as, our own lives.

People follow their own way, believing they are able to navigate life on their own, without God, His principles and guidance.
Life becomes messy. In relationships, at work, at school, in finances, families, morals and values are compromised, addictive behaviors surface, and destruction/unhealthy choices dominate. We’re LOST!! We’re not sure where to turn, or even what we’re hoping to find. All we know for sure is that something is missing from our lives. But WHAT is it?
People hear about God. In the Bible it was through prophets, and through miracles. In present day, people hear about God through preachers on the radio or TV, through various churches offering an array of worship experiences from quite/reflective to foot stomping/interactive, and everything in between. Miracles may sadly go unnoticed. Thought of as “coincidence”, rather than “providence”.
People choose to make a change in their lives. To repent, acknowledging that the path they have been on is not leading them where they hoped to go. Instead of continuing on their current path, they choose to do a 180 and follow God’s way.
People experience restoration and healing. – It is like the restoration of this painting – The beauty we see in the restoration (right side of the image) was not added or changed, but was cleaned up (refreshed and restored) after years of neglect, sin (an analogy), hurt and pain experienced (an analogy) – (image on the left side).

NOTE: Complete restoration and healing doesn’t often happen in an instant, a week, a month or even a year. But, by making a choice today to say, YES, I want restoration and healing in my life, in my relationships, at my job, with my classmates, teachers, etc. the process can begin. And you will be able to see God’s image restored everyday, while the distorted, marred image that was once so painful to look upon, begins to disappear.

The Day of Hope WILL Come!!!!! – ZEPHANIAH – 3f – [14]

December 10, 2014December 14, 2014buildafoundation Leave a comment

Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign LORD rescues us from death. – Psalm 68:20

What will it be like when the “day of hope” comes?

Verse 15 tells us that the Lord will remove his hand of judgment
    and will disperse the armies of your enemy.
And the Lord himself, the King of Israel,
    will live among you!
At last your troubles will be over,
    and you will never again fear disaster.

It is interesting to note that on the “day of hope”, God once again reminds and encourages His people saying, Don’t be afraid! – v.16

What will rid us of our fears? The Lord, of course!! Why? Because,

^{17 ))}For the Lord your God is living among you. (AND)
    He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
    With his love, he will calm all your fears.
    He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

This is all possible because God is love, 1 John 4:8. Not that God loves, is willing to love, tries to love, … No, God IS love. And every person innately seeks out love. Not always in the most healthy ways, but nevertheless, everyone has a desire to be accepted and unconditionally loved.

Can “people” fulfill our desire to be loved the way God promises to love us? I think we can all speak from personal experience, that the answer is a strong NO!! So, if you want to be loved in a way that only God can love you, ask Him into your heart, your life. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. – Matthew 7:7-8

What if I Mess Up? – ZEPHANIAH – Chapter 3c – [11]

December 3, 2014December 14, 2014buildafoundation Leave a comment

I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. – Revelation 20:12

We learned in verses 1-8, that although we may choose a path contrary to God’s, God does not immediately wash His hands of us. He’s always providing opportunities for us to repent and restore our relationship with Him. Remember that in verses 1-8, http://wp.me/p5nZpi-1X and http://wp.me/p5nZpi-21, we saw that God allows all people, to exercise free will. And it’s free will that often gets us into trouble, forcing us to make choices between our way/culture’s influence vs God’s way.

Be reminded from these verses that those who choose their own way will one day be punished, while those who seek to follow God’s ways will be blessed.

Before looking at Zephaniah 3:9-13, let’s take a moment to read about The Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+11%3A1-9&version=NLT.

As you read this passage see if you can determine:

what the people came together to build
the reason they wanted to build ______, and
God’s reaction/response to their plan

“What Do I Need to do to Get Through to My People?”, asks God – ZEPHANIAH – 3b – [10]

December 1, 2014December 14, 2014buildafoundation 1 Comment

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. – 2 Peter 3:9

Continuing with verses 5-8, God-followers are reassured of His presence, while God’s frustration remains for those who choose their own way. (My thoughts in bold.)

5)) But the LORD is still there in the city,

We’re reminded again, God doesn’t leave us. He is the rock, never moving. We move farther and farther away from Him with the choices we make.

Day by day he hands down justice,
and he does not fail.

God is reprimanding and redirecting people. He is available to the remnant that calls on His name.

But the wicked know no shame.

“It works for me”, “I’m happy” – Ohhh, really ???? How many times have we thought to ourselves, “Don’t they have any self-respect?” “How could they react so laze-faire about _____, a moral wrong?

6)) “I have wiped out many nations, devastating their fortress walls and towers. Their streets are now deserted; their cities lie in silent ruin.
There are no survivors— none at all.

It seems like God is wondering, “What does it take to get through to these people? Their lives are a mess, relationships, families, bodies, and culture.”

7)) I thought, ‘Surely they will have
reverence for me now!
Surely they will listen to my
warnings.
Then I won’t need to strike again,
destroying their homes.’

“I’m sure they can make the connection that the choices they’re making, following Satan’s ways vs. my ways, have devastating results.”

But no, they get up early
to continue their evil deeds.

“People just don’t seem to get “it”. They could experience abundant life through me (God), but instead they follow Satan who comes to steal and destroy.” – John 10:10

8)) Therefore, be patient,” says the LORD.
“Soon I will stand and accuse
these evil nations.
For I have decided to gather the
kingdoms of the earth and pour out
my fiercest anger and fury on them.

There will come a time when God says, “that’s enough chances. You’ve had plenty of time to choose Me. I’ve explained to you the consequences of your choices.” – http://nlt.to/Deuteronomy+30

All the earth will be devoured by the fire of my jealousy.

“In the last days I will judge all according to what they have done.” – Revelation 20:12 Evil doers will be punished, and the obedient will be blessed.

Can We Continue Avoiding God’s Ways Without Consequences? – ZEPHANIAH – 3a – [9]

November 13, 2014December 14, 2014buildafoundation Leave a comment

… as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD. – Joshua 24:15b

Chapter 3 begins with frustration and head shaking. (My thoughts in bold.)

1)) What sorrow awaits rebellious,
polluted Jerusalem,
the city of violence and crime!

Jerusalem may think that they can continue down a polluted, immoral, selfish path without consequences. God is clear, however, that they will not escape justice.

2)) No one can tell it anything;
it refuses all correction.
It does not trust in the LORD
or draw near to its God.

Sounds like what you may hear in school, in the workplace, propagated on TV shows. Those who are wise in their own eyes – Isaiah 5:21. They don’t know God, let alone have a relationship with Him.

3)) Its leaders are like roaring lions
hunting for their victims.
Its judges are like ravenous wolves
at evening time, who by dawn have
left no trace of their prey.
4)) Its prophets are arrogant liars
seeking their own gain. Its priests
defile the Temple by disobeying
God’s instructions.

Verses 3-4 describes the misguided leadership of the day. Leaders are supposed to guide, direct, help navigate people to safety and growth. Yet the leaders of the day did anything but that. Who are the leaders of our day? Music and movie/TV personalities, the “popular” kids at school? Who do we look up to? Who are we looking to when as we seek to know Truth? Are we complacent, satisfied with relative truth or do we seek and apply the absolute truth of God’s Word?

What’s a Remnant? – ZEPHANIAH – Chapter 2e – [8]

November 11, 2014December 14, 2014buildafoundation Leave a comment

“Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!” –
1 Kings 19:18

Continuing in Zephaniah, Chapter 2:4-6, we’re told of God’s judgement and destruction of various cities. However, Zephaniah points out that there will be a remnant of people,
The few survivors of the tribe of Judah, a remnant, will pasture there. In the evening they will lie down in the houses of Ashkelon. The LORD their God will care for them; he will restore their prosperity, fortunes again. – Zephaniah 2:7

God goes on to say in verses 8-11, that Moab and Ammon will be judged and destroyed because they are mocking God-followers. They will receive the wages of their pride, laughing at the people of God. – Zeph. 2:10

God said He would also judge and destroy Ethiopia and Assyria, along with it’s great capital, Nineveh. Again because of their pride. A side note — For Zephaniah to predict the destruction of Nineveh 10 years before it happened would be equivalent to predicting the destruction of Tokyo, Moscow, or New York. Nineveh, like the our current epicenters, were the center for culture, technology, and beauty. Yet the entire city was destroyed so completely that the very existence was questioned until it was discovered, with great difficulty, by 19th-centry archaeologists. – (NLT study Bible notes)

No place, or person, is safe from the wrath of God. But a common tread throughout the Bible is the remnant. A small number, by comparison, of God-followers, who remain faithful to God through the whirlwind of life, and in turn, God promises to remain faithful to them.

Don’t get discouraged if you look around you, and you feel like everyone is “doing there own, selfish, thing”. Instead, trust that God will fulfill His promises. Ask Him to show you other people who desire to follow His ways. He will !! There is always a remnant of God-followers 🙂

Have You Sent Out Your Invitation? – ZEPHANIAH – Chapter 2d – [7]

November 10, 2014December 14, 2014buildafoundation Leave a comment

The LORD is my light and my salvation — so why should I be afraid? The LORD protects me from danger — so why should I tremble? For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in His sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. – Psalm 27:1,5

Zephaniah’s plea to the people of Judah, and us, was/is to follow God. To allow Him to be the ultimate authority in our lives, Lord of our lives.

For this to happen we need to invite God into every area of our lives. Invite because God will not force you to love Him. He will not force you to follow His ways. But at the same time, He will never stop pursuing you.

The problem we often run into, is that we may trust God’s leading in one area of our lives, but not in other areas. God is trustworthy to take care of _____ situation, but not _____. I rely on God’s guidance when it comes to choosing a college, but not when it comes to who I date/marry. Or, I’m a God-follower when it comes to observing religious holidays, but not when I’m in the workplace or at school.

Here’s the real kicker — God has given everyone freewill (the choice to decide what we want to do or not do). Although we are free to choose our own way, apart from God or with God, we are not free to choose the consequences of our choices.

Keep in mind — Laws, rules, whatever we want to call them, are for our own good, for our protection. It’s Satan who gives us the idea that God’s laws are burdensome, unreasonable, and unfair. It’s Satan who says, if you obey God, your life will be miserable and boring.

Satan uses/has used the same tactics over and over and over since the beginning of time. Why doesn’t he mix things up? Why should he? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

DON’T FALL INTO SELFISH THINKING, PUSHING GOD ASIDE, which is exactly what Satan wants us to do. Instead, trust God, make Him Lord of every area of your life. Allow the creator to guide the creation.

NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHAT TO DO, Do They? – ZEPHANIAH – Chapter 2c – [6]

November 6, 2014December 14, 2014buildafoundation Leave a comment

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. – Romans 13:1

Is following the Deceiver’s Motto – Have it your way , no one has the “right” to tell me what I can and can’t do , an attitude that benefits me?

I think not. Sure at first glance, exercising the Deceiver’s Motto seems to make sense. I can make my own decisions, I have legit “rights” after all. Seems like an empowering statement. But knowing the sneakiness of Satan, this way of thinking should raise a red flag. A red flag because it’s a lie, although a subtle one, because we do have rights, but they’re within boundaries. We’ll always find that we’re under someone’s authority. That could be parents, employers, teachers, government, and ultimately God. And exercising our “rights” unrestrained, is often a decision of rebellion that result in negative consequences.

Zephaniah’s purpose was/is to help people recognize their need to repent and turn back to God. To show people how their choices have resulted in their current predicament. To help people realize that it’s better to follow God, as Lord of our lives, our ultimate authority, than to do life apart from God, or without God.

My Way? or God’s Way? – ZEPHANIAH – Chapter 2b – [5]

November 4, 2014December 14, 2014buildafoundation Leave a comment

I have cared for you since you were born, says the Lord. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. – Isaiah 46:3-4

Chapter 2 begins, Gather together and pray, you shameless nation. Gather while there is still time, before judgment begins and your opportunity is blown away like chaff. Act now, before the fierce fury of the LORD falls and the terrible day of the LORD’s anger begins. Beg the LORD to save you — all you who are humble, all you who uphold justice. Walk humbly and do what is right. Perhaps even yet the LORD will protect you from his anger on that day of destruction. – Zephaniah 2:1-3

God sends prophets with messages of destruction and pain like we saw in Chapter 1 because people (some more rebellious than others) just don’t seem to get message of repentance, above paragraph. They seem to think the sole purpose of living on earth is to pleasure themselves – YOLOing around.

Satan’s MO (mode of operation) from his first appearance in the Garden of Eden until now has been to pull, prod, and encourage people to think and act with the “me, me, me” attitudes, such as, “Do you own thing”, “You got ‘rights’, no one gonna tell you what to do”.

It’s the Deceiver’s Motto — Have it your way, no one has the “right” to tell you what you can and can’t do.

Does that attitude work for us, for others?