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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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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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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Keep Your Foot Out of Your Mouth…. – PROVERBS 3:5-6 [2]

January 7, 2015January 27, 2015buildafoundation 1 Comment

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

Proverbs 3

5    (IF you) Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
(IF you) do not depend on your own understanding.
6    (IF you) Seek His will in all you do,
THEN He will show you which path to take.

Verses 5 and 6 have always brought me encouragement and comfort. In particular, the second “If” statement in verse 5, warning – DO NOT depend on our own understanding. Even now, as I write this verse down, I pause to consider the practical application of this principle. Let’s use an example to illustrate.

Have you ever found yourself judging someone? Sure, you may think that you are justified because you know this or that, or heard so-and-so say _______, and they act this way or that way, therefore, you can conclude _________. If you are anything like me, I’m sure there has been more than one time you’ve put your foot in your mouth. Awwwwww…. I doubt, however, anyone thought you were “cute”. Perhaps you’ve had this baby’s expression after thinking, “What did I just say? What did I just do? What was I thinking?” I bet you wish you could have a “do-over”. Unfortunately, once our words, attitudes, judgments, etc. are “out there”, there are no “do-overs”. What if we were to think of our life and other’s lives like jigsaw puzzles? Maybe then we could better understand and apply this principle.

Maybe you know someone as an acquaintance, as a co-worker, as a student we pass in the hall at school, etc. We know “surface” information about them. The color of their hair, the clothes they like to wear, the music they like to listen to, hobbies they enjoy, etc. Just the border of a puzzle.

Then there are the people who we know quite a bit better. We’d call them our close friends, our family, our kindred spirits, etc. These people have allowed us into the deeper parts of their lives. Into places few people will ever be welcomed. Their hopes and dreams, their frustrations, concerns, their values, their likes and dislikes, etc. The border of the puzzle plus many internal pieces.

No matter how close we are to another person, they will never completely know us, nor will we ever completely know them. In fact there are aspects we don’t even know about ourselves. Things that haven’t yet been revealed to us. All of our talents, characteristics, gifts, where we’ll be in the next 10 years, etc.

There will always be a missing piece(s) in “the puzzle”.

People’s lives are complicated. We see only what we see. But there is a lot more going on in people’s lives, more than we’ll ever know. We only know what they choose to share with us. Basically, as the saying goes, we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors.

Therefore, (IF you) Seek His will in all you do, THEN He will show you which path to take. – v.6

Only God knows every nook and cranny that makes me me. He has examined my heart and knows everything about me. – Psalm 139:1 – For more info about God’s love for you, check out – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A1-16&version=NLT

(IF you) Depend on God, seek Him, asking Him for direction, and the words to say. (THEN) you’ll keep your feet on the ground, and out of your mouth. 🙂

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Should I Follow Any People??? – PROVERBS 2:20-22 [5 of 5]

January 2, 2015January 27, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

You are a person of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance (continue doing something even though it may be difficult), and gentleness. – 1 Timothy 6:11

20 Follow the steps of good men instead,
    and stay on the paths of the righteous.
21 For only the godly will live in the land,
    and those with integrity will remain in it.
22 But the wicked will be removed from the land,
    and the treacherous will be uprooted. – Proverbs 2:20-22

The title for Proverbs Chapter 2, as seen in many Bible translations, is the Benefits of Wisdom.

Wisdom’s purpose is to guide and teach us. As mentioned in the introduction of Proverbs, http://wp.me/p5nZpi-1j, Proverbs are principles, not promises.

A principle is a statement telling someone of a likely/probable outcome. Example = “if you play with fire you’re going to get burned.”

A promise is a statement telling someone of a definite outcome. Example = “if you put your bare hand into the fire, your skin will be burned.”

Thankfully, God has given us the ultimate travel guide, The Bible. And additionally, He has given us godly/wise people to help us along our journey. Following their steps, verse 20 – Follow the steps of good men instead, and stay on the paths of the righteous, can help us avoid the bumps and “potholes” of life. They might offer wise advice saying, “when I was younger, I thought it was ok to tell my friend just what I felt about them. But then I realized I didn’t have all the pieces of the puzzle when I spouted off. I felt so dumb at that point, and wished I could have taken back the nasty words I said, but it was too late. I tried speaking my mind, and I should have remember the saying, we have one mouth and two ears, so listen twice as much as you talk.”

Advice given to us by a godly, trusted, life-experienced person –

Let wisdom enter your heart. Let knowledge fill you with joy. Allow wise choices to watch over you, and understanding to keep you safe. – Proverbs 2:10-1, http://wp.me/p5nZpi-6P

Wisdom in Available to You, RIGHT NOW, TODAY!!! – PROVERBS 2:7-11 [2]

December 26, 2014January 27, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield. – Psalm 5:12

7 He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
8 He guards the paths of the just
and protects those who are faithful to him.
9 Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair,
and you will find the right way to go.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will fill you with joy.
11 Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe.

Wisdom is unique. It not only gives everyone have the opportunity to receive it, but it’s benefits are far-reaching. With wisdom we get God’s protection, see words in bold print.

We get understanding, making the “wise” path clear to us. No more confusion.

We’ll have direction, and know which path to choose among the various options.

Here’s the key — Although we’ll know which path to take, it will be up to us, as we exercise our free will, to choose the “wise”/God directed path. Don’t just listen to God’s Word, DO what it says. – James 1:22

Verses 10-11, tell us that when wisdom enters our heart, the knowledge we’ll receive will —

Fill us with joy
Watch over us, and
Keep us safe.

Wisdom is not something I hope for sometime in the future. It is a gift that is available to me right now. A gift, should I choose to accept and open it, will yield abundant blessings.

Can Anyone Have Wisdom?? – PROVERBS 2:1-7 [1]

December 23, 2014January 27, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

The Lord shows no partiality to princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of his hands? – Job 34:19

1 My child, listen to what I say,
    and treasure my commands.
2 Tune your ears to wisdom,
    and concentrate on understanding.
3 Cry out for insight,
    and ask for understanding.
4 Search for them as you would for silver;
    seek them like hidden treasures.
5 THEN you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,
    and you will gain knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord grants wisdom!
    From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.

Solomon again reminds us of the importance of wisdom in these first verses of Proverbs 2. They remind me of a parent talking to their child saying, “look at me, I have something extremely important to tell you. Are you listening? Do you hear me? These things I’m going to tell you are “life savers”/”joy givers”. Remember/apply what I am telling you!!!

Notice that these verses encourage people to be proactive.
Look at the words in bold print above. They are all action words.

It is through an individual’s desire to have wisdom, that they will find it.
Verse 5 tells us, as does Matthew 7:7 – that if you ask it will be given to you; if you seek you will find; if you knock the door will be opened to you. God wants everyone to have wisdom. He wants everyone to gain understanding of His Ways. He is the giver of wisdom.

But wait, there’s more…