Proverbs is an amazingly challenging book. It causes us to really think about pertinent issues by giving the reader the encouragement and tools to pursue a life of walking in wisdom. In this day and age when information comes and changes at incredibly fast paces we need something consistent in our lives and Proverbs provides us with one overarching theme that all followers of Jesus need to live into: seek wisdom and you will end making decisions that will lead you closer to God and experiencing his blessings. Let's dive into Proverbs 6!!!
6:6: Go to the ant you sluggard. . . this short reminder is telling us to be ants!? What is the writer thinking?? Well, what we can see is that this verse is written in a commanding tone. The writer doesn't say please go, go when you have the time, the writer simply says, "Go!" The writer is urging the reader or in the original case the listener to learn from the ant to prepare for the future.
He uses the example of an ant storing its food during the summer, so when harvest comes he has enough to eat. The command and tone of this series of verses is simple: work hard, prepare, learn, and regardless do something with your life and your time on this earth.
6:16-19: There are six things the Lord hates, seven things that are detestable. . . The writer than goes on to list those things and spell very clearly what God truly hates. I do want to point out that in that list most of the things that the Lord hates are deemed somewhat small and near the bottom in our fictional conception of the "sin ladder." The only one, hands that shed innocent blood, would be near the top and probably be labeled as a "bad sin." Most of the sins we would see as minor such as haughty eyes or a lying tongue.
I don't want you to miss the principle or the idea here. The main idea is that all sin destroys our relationship with God, eliminates closeness with Jesus, and will effect us whether or not we choose to admit it or not. This year make it a priority to pray as a family, attend worship, serve together, forgive each other, and encourage each other.
6:27: Can a man scoop fire into his lap without being burned?
The answer is no. When you as a person stray to close to sin you will get hurt and others around you will get hurt. Because we as humans do not live in a vacuum we live with each other and our decisions affect others. Understand what tempts you, your weaknesses, and be honest with friends and family of how through their help and the power of the Holy Spirit you can overcome them.
Question (Feel free to reply below or on Facebook) What role does the Holy Spirit play in our Christian walk as we pursue wisdom?
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
on Proverbs 5
We have been so blessed to see God's goodness and wisdom pour out through Solomon in these short but powerful Proverbs. Always remember that following God and doing what he says produces relationships that are blessed, situations and experiences filled with joy, and a life that has few if any regrets.
Proverbs 5 starts out with a dire warning: beware of adultery. This is especially true today when sexuality is more confused and twisted than ever before. Proverbs 5 is a grave reminder that our sexuality is a gift but if used in the wrong way it has grave consequences. My challenge to you is to make a commitment to pray every day for God to be Lord over every area of your life including your sexuality and that is far more reaching than many people think.
Proverbs 5:2, "That you maintain discretion and your lips preserve knowledge. . ." Discretion is absolutely huge! In a society where we live to get the excess, indulge in any pleasure, and have little to no self control learning discretion in all areas of life is crucial. I'll be the first to tell you: discretion is hard but not impossible. Know where you are weak. Have the humility to allow others to tell help you and hold you accountable. This is a process not an event, be patient as you learn discretion and you will find wisdom.
Proverbs 5:11-12, "When your flesh and body are spent you will say, 'How I hate discipline. . ."
Proverbs is a hauntingly beautiful book, because Solomon one of the most wise men in the world indulged in pleasure after pleasure often despising discipline. He should have learned and seen the pain that David endured with Bathsheba but he didn't learn. Solomon was blessed by God with great wisdom and an amazing opportunity to build the temple, but I can't help but think these two verses apply to his life better than most any other verses in the Bible.
My prayer is that you fall in love with the word of God again each and every day.
Proverbs 5 starts out with a dire warning: beware of adultery. This is especially true today when sexuality is more confused and twisted than ever before. Proverbs 5 is a grave reminder that our sexuality is a gift but if used in the wrong way it has grave consequences. My challenge to you is to make a commitment to pray every day for God to be Lord over every area of your life including your sexuality and that is far more reaching than many people think.
Proverbs 5:2, "That you maintain discretion and your lips preserve knowledge. . ." Discretion is absolutely huge! In a society where we live to get the excess, indulge in any pleasure, and have little to no self control learning discretion in all areas of life is crucial. I'll be the first to tell you: discretion is hard but not impossible. Know where you are weak. Have the humility to allow others to tell help you and hold you accountable. This is a process not an event, be patient as you learn discretion and you will find wisdom.
Proverbs 5:11-12, "When your flesh and body are spent you will say, 'How I hate discipline. . ."
Proverbs is a hauntingly beautiful book, because Solomon one of the most wise men in the world indulged in pleasure after pleasure often despising discipline. He should have learned and seen the pain that David endured with Bathsheba but he didn't learn. Solomon was blessed by God with great wisdom and an amazing opportunity to build the temple, but I can't help but think these two verses apply to his life better than most any other verses in the Bible.
My prayer is that you fall in love with the word of God again each and every day.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
on Proverbs 4
The word of God is very relevant to our society and our current culture. Proverbs' overarching message: pursue wisdom, understanding, and discernment speaks volumes in a time when it seems that we all hear is noise. Our desire in this journey is that you would take the words of Proverbs to heart and learn to seek wisdom, ask questions, listen before you speak, and follow Jesus passionately.
Proverbs 4 brings out an incredible habit that all young people should follow: listen to your parents.
Vs. 4:1- Begins the chapter listen to your father's instruction. Now, I will say that a mother's instruction is just as valuable and sometimes even more so than a father's. But, what I'm getting at is we need to be teachable people. No one has fully arrived in terms of having a perfect character, ability, or spiritual life and trust me this list can go on and on. Have the humility to be teachable, admit a mistake, and learn from others it will go a long way in building a satisfying, spiritual life.
4:5- "Do not forget my words or swerve from them. . ." If you've ever read the book Pilgrim's Progress it is a great allegory of our spiritual lives as followers of Jesus. Christian is on a journey to the Celestial City, and on his journey he is tempted by many different people and events that try to swerve him off his journey and goal. Our life is the exact same way. We are all tempted by various events, people, and things and we begin to lose sight of wisdom and understanding when we allow these temptations to cause to swerve. Recognize what tempts you and begin to pray powerfully that the Holy Spirit would equip you with the courage to resist the temptation.
4:24- "Put away perversity from your mouth. . ." Wow! What a nugget of wisdom. Proverbs has many abstract ideas and metaphors, but the book has very concrete things to do. This is very concrete as the verse finishes by saying keep corrupt talk from your lips. Words are powerful. They can heal, destroy, build, and tear-down. One big step many of us need to make is to have our speech be filled with life giving words of hope. Let's hold each other accountable to that.
Proverbs 4 brings out an incredible habit that all young people should follow: listen to your parents.
Vs. 4:1- Begins the chapter listen to your father's instruction. Now, I will say that a mother's instruction is just as valuable and sometimes even more so than a father's. But, what I'm getting at is we need to be teachable people. No one has fully arrived in terms of having a perfect character, ability, or spiritual life and trust me this list can go on and on. Have the humility to be teachable, admit a mistake, and learn from others it will go a long way in building a satisfying, spiritual life.
4:5- "Do not forget my words or swerve from them. . ." If you've ever read the book Pilgrim's Progress it is a great allegory of our spiritual lives as followers of Jesus. Christian is on a journey to the Celestial City, and on his journey he is tempted by many different people and events that try to swerve him off his journey and goal. Our life is the exact same way. We are all tempted by various events, people, and things and we begin to lose sight of wisdom and understanding when we allow these temptations to cause to swerve. Recognize what tempts you and begin to pray powerfully that the Holy Spirit would equip you with the courage to resist the temptation.
4:24- "Put away perversity from your mouth. . ." Wow! What a nugget of wisdom. Proverbs has many abstract ideas and metaphors, but the book has very concrete things to do. This is very concrete as the verse finishes by saying keep corrupt talk from your lips. Words are powerful. They can heal, destroy, build, and tear-down. One big step many of us need to make is to have our speech be filled with life giving words of hope. Let's hold each other accountable to that.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
on Proverbs 3
Proverbs is an amazing work, because not only is it very well-written, but the truths presented are timeless. I'm firmly convinced that the wisdom presented in Proverbs is life-changing and will bring about habits that create successful, God-fearing adults and teenagers in all circumstances.
Here are a few verses for you to meditate on:)
1) Proverbs 3:5-6: Many of use learned this verse as a young child in Sunday school, youth group, and maybe even Vacation Bible School. This verse is so powerful, because of the simplicity of its message. Trust in the Lord. I would encourage you to allow yourself to verbally say every morning, "God, I trust in you." Notice how God will guide you in the great times, calm your heart in the troubled time, and will direct your path to lead an effective/incredible life. God's on your side.
2) 3:9-Honor the Lord with your wealth. This command of wisdom is tough for almost all of us myself included. When God starts creeping into our allowance, checkbook, etc. we may begin to feel the pinch. But, this moment is directing us to a truth that we may have to give up something small (coffee at Starbucks, movie theater ticket, new shoes) so someone may be able to gain something greater: salvation message, ability to feed the hungry, communicate the gospel to an unsaved person, etc. God will be honored regardless, and He is gently encouraging us to allow Him to control our wealth.
3) 3:31-Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways. The sad truth is our society is extremely violent from video games, to movies, to real life incidents, we are living in a very violent world. This truth is timeless that the only thing stronger than the violence of sin is the love of God. Pursue peace. Learn to pray for the violence that so afflicts our world today. Vow to rise above the violence, and my prayer is that if you've been affected by violence that you would somehow find it in your heart to forgive.
I would love to hear examples or ideas concerning vs. 3:27, "Do not hold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act."
Here are a few verses for you to meditate on:)
1) Proverbs 3:5-6: Many of use learned this verse as a young child in Sunday school, youth group, and maybe even Vacation Bible School. This verse is so powerful, because of the simplicity of its message. Trust in the Lord. I would encourage you to allow yourself to verbally say every morning, "God, I trust in you." Notice how God will guide you in the great times, calm your heart in the troubled time, and will direct your path to lead an effective/incredible life. God's on your side.
2) 3:9-Honor the Lord with your wealth. This command of wisdom is tough for almost all of us myself included. When God starts creeping into our allowance, checkbook, etc. we may begin to feel the pinch. But, this moment is directing us to a truth that we may have to give up something small (coffee at Starbucks, movie theater ticket, new shoes) so someone may be able to gain something greater: salvation message, ability to feed the hungry, communicate the gospel to an unsaved person, etc. God will be honored regardless, and He is gently encouraging us to allow Him to control our wealth.
3) 3:31-Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways. The sad truth is our society is extremely violent from video games, to movies, to real life incidents, we are living in a very violent world. This truth is timeless that the only thing stronger than the violence of sin is the love of God. Pursue peace. Learn to pray for the violence that so afflicts our world today. Vow to rise above the violence, and my prayer is that if you've been affected by violence that you would somehow find it in your heart to forgive.
I would love to hear examples or ideas concerning vs. 3:27, "Do not hold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act."
Monday, September 14, 2015
on Kim Davis
Unless, you've been away in Antarctica for the past six months, you've more than likely heard about Kim Davis. She is the KY county clerk who refused to grant marriage licenses to homosexual couples in her county. Kim went to jail for this position, faced amazing public scrutiny, and is now back at work. We'll see what the future holds for Kim, but I want to bring up a few big points on this issue.
1) Kim Davis stood up for her beliefs.
Despite whether or not you agree with her, and I know there are many great Christians who fall on both sides of the argument, what can't be denied is that Kim Davis was willing to go jail for her beliefs. Her stance took courage. If faced with a similar situation when one of my Christian beliefs and convictions was under question would I have the same courage? I'd like to think so. You are more than free to draw your own opinions on her, but understand the woman is willing to stand up for her beliefs.
One important thing needs to be said and that is to make sure your beliefs line up with the word of God. Both sides on the Kim Davis' argument have legit reasoning say their side is right from the Bible. The hope is that Kim did not take her stance before spending much time in prayerful meditation before God, and we hope that her stance is not a media stunt.
2) There really are no winners here.
In the long run there is and has been little understanding and few if any signs of reconciliation towards people who differ on their opinions of gay marriage. If you support ideals and causes like Kim Davis you'll be more adamant about them and if you oppose them you'll be more likely to stop and oppose similar causes and people in the future. My encouragement is to seek friendship and fellowship with those who disagree with you on gay marriage and other issues. Dialogue, converse, engage, on these issues, but always do so in a spirit of love. Never stop breaking bread with people over a disagreement, because what you unites you in Christ is far greater than whatever separates you.
Learn from Kim Davis. Allow Kim Davis to challenge you to explore your own beliefs. Know that Kim Davis is a beloved child of God, but never let your opinions of Kim Davis or any other issues that are divisive in our country today cause you to break fellowship with a fellow brother or sister in Christ.
1) Kim Davis stood up for her beliefs.
Despite whether or not you agree with her, and I know there are many great Christians who fall on both sides of the argument, what can't be denied is that Kim Davis was willing to go jail for her beliefs. Her stance took courage. If faced with a similar situation when one of my Christian beliefs and convictions was under question would I have the same courage? I'd like to think so. You are more than free to draw your own opinions on her, but understand the woman is willing to stand up for her beliefs.
One important thing needs to be said and that is to make sure your beliefs line up with the word of God. Both sides on the Kim Davis' argument have legit reasoning say their side is right from the Bible. The hope is that Kim did not take her stance before spending much time in prayerful meditation before God, and we hope that her stance is not a media stunt.
2) There really are no winners here.
In the long run there is and has been little understanding and few if any signs of reconciliation towards people who differ on their opinions of gay marriage. If you support ideals and causes like Kim Davis you'll be more adamant about them and if you oppose them you'll be more likely to stop and oppose similar causes and people in the future. My encouragement is to seek friendship and fellowship with those who disagree with you on gay marriage and other issues. Dialogue, converse, engage, on these issues, but always do so in a spirit of love. Never stop breaking bread with people over a disagreement, because what you unites you in Christ is far greater than whatever separates you.
Learn from Kim Davis. Allow Kim Davis to challenge you to explore your own beliefs. Know that Kim Davis is a beloved child of God, but never let your opinions of Kim Davis or any other issues that are divisive in our country today cause you to break fellowship with a fellow brother or sister in Christ.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
on Proverbs 2
Proverbs is a wonderful book and a great reminder that wisdom is a great asset in our quest to further the Kingdom of God here on this earth as well as push back the forces of evil. Chapter one set the stage nicely with these closing words, "But, whoever listens to me will live in safety. . ." It is important to note in the original manuscript there were no verse and chapter notations, so whoever eventually broke it down began chapter two at a great point.
Chapter 2 is written nicely in a cause/effect mode. The writer most likely Solomon states that if the reader or listener most likely his children pursues wisdom and acts wisely these are the effects: understand the fear of the Lord, find knowledge of God, and understand what is right and just.
This is one of the shorter chapters in the book. But, the content is really, really good.
2:11, "Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you." What a great reminder to be wise, frugal, know your limitations, and understand the power of importance of learning how to say no. Surround yourself with good people, who will be honest with you and challenge you to grow in your faith. They will help bring about discretion and and understanding.
2:19, "None who go to her return or attain the paths of life." This verse talks about the adultress in v. 16, meaning temptation/sin/foolishness etc. it is fairly clear of the consequences of going after such fleeting pleasures. But, the good news is that through Jesus and his sacrifice on the Cross all the penalty for chasing after fleeting pleasures has been taken care of. Live knowing this, be at peace, and seek wisdom and truth all your days.
Chapter 2 is written nicely in a cause/effect mode. The writer most likely Solomon states that if the reader or listener most likely his children pursues wisdom and acts wisely these are the effects: understand the fear of the Lord, find knowledge of God, and understand what is right and just.
This is one of the shorter chapters in the book. But, the content is really, really good.
2:11, "Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you." What a great reminder to be wise, frugal, know your limitations, and understand the power of importance of learning how to say no. Surround yourself with good people, who will be honest with you and challenge you to grow in your faith. They will help bring about discretion and and understanding.
2:19, "None who go to her return or attain the paths of life." This verse talks about the adultress in v. 16, meaning temptation/sin/foolishness etc. it is fairly clear of the consequences of going after such fleeting pleasures. But, the good news is that through Jesus and his sacrifice on the Cross all the penalty for chasing after fleeting pleasures has been taken care of. Live knowing this, be at peace, and seek wisdom and truth all your days.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
on Romans 1
As youth group leaders it is so important for us to be immersed in the word of God and to allow ourselves to be changed by God's goodness. There is no perk other than a better understanding and deeper love for God's word, but I do strongly encourage you each week to dive into our lessons and study together. My hope is to blitz through all of Paul's letters, to answer questions, and to have his passion for spreading the gospel be an encouragement to you. Let's dive in to Romans 1.
Paul wrote this letter to some of the most persecuted Christians during his time. They were right under the nose of the Roman emperor and many lived fearing they would be arrested or killed on a daily basis. Paul's letter to them helped outline basic theological truths, answered many questions about being a Gentile (non-Jewish person) and a Christian, as well as offered guidance to live out their faith. Dive into the word, be changed by it, pray that the spirit would illumine truth in the word, and don't be afraid to ask tough questions of the word.
Let these verses challenge you:)
Romans 1:12- "That yours and my faith might mutually encourage each other," What an incredible idea! This is our goal for youth ministry in ten words. Our faith should be encouraging to teens and vice versa. If we live this out and pray this would be a reality in our youth ministry there is no telling all the amazing work God can and will do through us.
Romans 1:16-17- Needless, to say there is A LOT of great stuff here. First, is that we should not be afraid of the gospel. Since, it is the power of God for salvation and to change our lives and our world. Proclaim the gospel and let people know, Christianity was never meant to be a private aspect of your life. Second, is that the righteous will live by faith. Paul is referencing a quote from the prophet Habakkuk, and the truth is fairly clear you won't always know where God is leading you or how every situation will turn out, but be assured that God loves, is in control, and is good.
The close of the chapter is Paul warning the Roman Christians of the dangers of sexual sin and immorality. I'd be very interested to have a discussion here or on Facebook about that:).
Paul wrote this letter to some of the most persecuted Christians during his time. They were right under the nose of the Roman emperor and many lived fearing they would be arrested or killed on a daily basis. Paul's letter to them helped outline basic theological truths, answered many questions about being a Gentile (non-Jewish person) and a Christian, as well as offered guidance to live out their faith. Dive into the word, be changed by it, pray that the spirit would illumine truth in the word, and don't be afraid to ask tough questions of the word.
Let these verses challenge you:)
Romans 1:12- "That yours and my faith might mutually encourage each other," What an incredible idea! This is our goal for youth ministry in ten words. Our faith should be encouraging to teens and vice versa. If we live this out and pray this would be a reality in our youth ministry there is no telling all the amazing work God can and will do through us.
Romans 1:16-17- Needless, to say there is A LOT of great stuff here. First, is that we should not be afraid of the gospel. Since, it is the power of God for salvation and to change our lives and our world. Proclaim the gospel and let people know, Christianity was never meant to be a private aspect of your life. Second, is that the righteous will live by faith. Paul is referencing a quote from the prophet Habakkuk, and the truth is fairly clear you won't always know where God is leading you or how every situation will turn out, but be assured that God loves, is in control, and is good.
The close of the chapter is Paul warning the Roman Christians of the dangers of sexual sin and immorality. I'd be very interested to have a discussion here or on Facebook about that:).
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