A King’s Glory & The Person of Understanding

by | Jan 12, 2016 | Proverbs

Proverbs 14: 28-29



28 A growing population is a king’s glory; a prince without subjects has nothing.

One of the greatest joys I’ve experienced is to watch something that I’ve been a part of grow from nothing into something great. Whether it’s been a company, a church, youth group, band, or family; the joy experienced during times of growth is intoxicating. A saying that’s stuck with me on this subject is that there are no mountains without valleys. This could mean that the mountain top experience, when you’re riding high on life, probably won’t last forever. At some point after you reach the top you must go down the other side and start the trek upward again. I think this is a completely natural part of life and the phases we go through on our journey. I really believe that even though you might be going through a valley that you can still have your joy. In this way, if you refuse to let your joy be stolen, you will continue to experience growth even when it seems like your world is falling apart. Mainly, growth in your character, your spirit, endurance and your love for others as you experience peace that surpasses all your understanding. If you decide, while traveling through the valleys, that everyone and everything is out to get you and allow your joy to be stolen, then you are like the prince without subjects. You will be left with nothing because your inner man has given up. Don’t give up, but let the Holy Spirit guide your thoughts and actions, leading you to still waters of peace and an everlasting joy in the Lord that is our strength in the valleys.

 

29 People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.

 

Verse 29 is a subject very near and dear to my heart. Ephesians 4:26 says, “Don’t sin by letting anger control you.” It goes on to say in verse 32, “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” There are always two sides to every story. Very rarely, aside from straight God-given commands, is a subject simply black and white. I’ve noticed that most people have a reason for doing things they do. For example, If someone cuts me off on the road my first reaction is to get angry at that person. But if somehow they could communicate their reasoning for being in such a hurry like maybe their wife is in labor and they’re rushing to the hospital. Then I wouldn’t be angry but would actually be looking for ways to help. I know this is far-fetched example but you get the idea. Try to be understanding of other people. You never know what someone else is going through and your patient endurance with them might just be the Jesus they need to see at that moment. For all you married couples out there, this verse couldn’t be directed at a better target. A great book that I’ve just finished is all about bringing understanding to both sides of the unity. It’s called Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. If there’s ever been a need for understanding so that we can control our anger towards one another, it’s in our marriages. Marriage should represent the beautiful image of Christ and His bridegroom, the church. Too often we see good relationships lost because of petty things escalated out of proportion because of a lack of understanding which causes a foolish hot temper. Remember, don’t sin by letting anger control you, but be kind and tenderhearted toward each other always looking for ways to understand your fellow man. The world would be a lot better place if we could learn and put into practice this wise and simple truth.

 

Protection From the Storm

by | Jan 11, 2016 | Proverbs

Proverbs 14: 26- 27

Christmas Day was an oddly warm one in North Texas this year. However, the following day was even more abnormal, and came with sorrow. It brought terrible storms riddled with violently destructive tornadoes that ripped through neighborhoods, destroying homes.

One particular family of five took shelter in their utility room while the storm raged around them. When the tornado passed, their entire home was destroyed—every part of it, except the utility room where the family huddled and prayed. This family is led by God-fearing parents. This mother and father do not fear the Lord only in the middle of a storm, but also in the normalcy of everyday life. Their lives reflect Jesus daily, and they teach their children to do the same.

This story is a perfect example of the promises found in Proverbs 14:26-27. Faith can truly be a terrifying thing. The storm clouds and thunder of life threaten our content lives, and we find we must decide what we trust in. When the paycheck doesn’t add up to the bills, when the loved one is lost, when the biggest mistakes seem irreversible, fear of the future creeps in. Proverbs offers the promise that those who fear God are secure. Just like the parents in the tornado, the fear of the Lord shelters not only one person, but also the children—the families—of the one who trusts in the Lord. Fear of the Lord offers not only protection but a fountain of life—this is abundant, joyful life.

The securities of God may not always be total physical protection from natural disaster, but a look at scripture shows that God is always about his glory, which includes what is best for his children. Put your trust in the Lord, and he will be your refuge.

 

The Truth that Saves

by | Jan 10, 2016 | Proverbs

Proverbs 14:24-25

 

A life is marked by the actions taken within it. In every moment we have a choice; to step with wisdom or to follow foolishness. Proverbs repeatedly reminds us that foolishness brings destruction, associating it with folly.

24 The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly.

In architecture a folly is a structure that is costly to build, but serves no practical use. An example would be a large statue placed in a garden; pretty to look at, but forget about it sheltering you from a storm. To live a life riddled of folly, or senselessness as webster’s defines it,  is to denounce wisdom. A foolish man marked by folly heads towards failure.

As the wise seek more, their wisdom accumulates adding to their life. The wise are crowned, or marked with blessings, because of the value that their wisdom adds. Those that use their wisdom with their wealth expand their impact as they honor God.

25 A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.

Where wisdom resides, so does truth. As Christians, we hold The Truth that can set the world free. The Gospel of Jesus Christ holds an eternal weight, heavy enough to pardon sin and save lives. Knowing The Truth is not enough, we have the duty to witness and save lives. As Christians we have a responsibility to take The Good News to those who are lost: our friends, our neighbors, our family members.

Today walk in wisdom, push away from folly, disown deceit, and share The Truth that saves.

Pursuing a Life Full of Wisdom

by | Jan 9, 2016 | Proverbs

Proverbs 14:22-23

The wise and the foolish are often contrasted in Proverbs. The characteristics, reputations, and results are each identified and worth knowing if wisdom is our goal. In verse 22, it states that, “if you plan to do evil, you will be lost…” You will be lost… how terrifying and convicting this last phrase is. To know that I will be count as “lost” if I dare try to do something to someone who wronged me, or if I just plan to do evil in my heart. How many times have you thought of someone in a derogatory manner? Did it affect your attitude? Did it alter how you treated them? It most likely did, and that in itself is evil. Consider this phrase as you go about your day. Do you want to be lost? If not, think before you speak or act.

As you begin to take steps to become a better version of yourself, your wisdom will conquer others’ strength and you will begin to grow stronger in your faith and in how you act. “If you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.” What a precious promise this is to know. Although our works do not save us, it does benefit us. “Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty.” Our attitude throughout the process is what determines our outcomes. Don’t let gossip, negative relationships, or mere talk get in the way of pursuing a life full of wisdom. Work hard and know that the steps you take to living wisely is benefitting you even when you don’t see it.

Equal

by | Jan 8, 2016 | Proverbs

Proverbs 14:20-21

“The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends. Whoever depises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
Is there really such a thing as friendship free from self-interest? Is it truly possible to love someone without looking for anything return?
We like people when we feel like we can gain something from them, whether that is actual wealth, good social standing, even things that are beneficial, like advice. I’ve never been “rich” (in American standards). But I do know what it’s like to feel used.
I’m a pastor’s kid of fast-growing church, and my family is well liked. For some reason it was “cool” to be close to my family, to be my friend, to get the “in” with the McKinzie family. I realize this is on such a small scale in comparison to many other people, but it’s what I know and how I can relate. I’ve had to grow up a lot of the time questioning whether people were trying to get to know me because of my name or if they really cared about who I was as a person.
Whether we want to admit it or not, we treat people according to their riches. And I use riches beyond just a monetary meaning. We put the “poor” or the “not as cool” in a certain category and we treat them differently. I do.
Love your neighbor, Jesus says. Your neighbors are the people around you. The hip, the nerdy, the rich, the poor. The people next door, the barista at the local coffee shop, the homeless man down the street. These are our neighbors. And WHAT IF we treated the poor man like the rich man? What if we love people not based on what we can get from them, but simply because Jesus loves them and tells us to love them too.
We’re all the same. The poor man wants to be seen, but so does the rich man. We are all so in need of real love, of real friendship.
The next verse is about generosity. Blessed are those who don’t hold on to what they have too tightly. The material things of this world pass away, but how we give and help and love others, that is what is remembered. Are we seeing the needs around us? Are we too concerned with our own problems and our lives or even our own blessings that we forget that there are people who need our help?
God, may you use your word to call us out of selfishness, out of pride, out greed, and into an abundant life of selflessness, humility and generosity.