Category: Good Life Journal

Journal Prov 31 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture:  “An excellent wife who can find?

She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.” Prov 31:10-12

Observation: The first sentence is rhetorical; the balance of the chapter is descriptive.

Do single women believers apply themselves to this biblical statement of an excellent wife or do they default to the world’s view of what a wife should be and reject this description?

Analysis: Once upon a time, when I was younger, I wanted to define in my own words what a wife should be—hopefully drawing from the Scriptures. In my so-called wisdom, attempting to exercise husbandly leadership, I tried to declare the “word of the Lord” to my wife.

That went over like a lead balloon.

And it has, year over year, through today. Why? I think it is that MY motivation is suspect…

What does a woman expect from a Proverbs 31 declaration? Why is this section of Scripture not publicly and openly pursued?

Being male, I can read other references in the Word of God and see that many are ambiguous: these references can be applied male or female. It is only where scripture addresses roles and responsibilities of either male or female that arguments boil up.

If I equate these arguments to the level of quarrel, then the principle is clear: “What is the source of the quarrels among you? You want and cannot have…” (James 4:1-2a/b) Did Eve have an unhealthy jealousy of Adam because God’s friendship was with Adam (inferred), and He gave responsibility of care to the Garden to Adam (assigned, c. Gen 2:15)—Eve was a helper to Adam and responsible to Adam? Interesting question, right?

Why do I suppose that females struggle with embracing the Prov 31 stereotype (if they do)? Probably the same reason I struggle with being a godly man: because my inner man resists the things of God and I must fight it and bring it into submission to the Cross.

Perhaps women encounter one emotion that men do not: Suspicion. Suspicion of being taken advantage of; of being 2^nd class; of being categorized as and expected to be, handmaidens—which is not the way Christ wants women to be treated by men nor wants women to see that in themselves as disciples.

What Christians cannot do is to have success criteria that is worldly based. “I am a good, strong, successful woman if I am independent from the wiles of man”, a criterion based upon a woman’s independence movement of today’s society. Men cannot do it either; either by supporting worldly influence of “equality/equity” or rolling to the polar opposite of “lording over” the wife in supposed ruling leadership (thinking that this is godly—it is far from being godly).

This subject is worthy of so much study. John Piper collaborated in a book titled “Biblical Manhood and Womanhood” and is a recommended reading on a doctrine called “complementarianism.” An ecumenical document titled the “Danvers Statement” is associated with this book.

Want to kill the flesh? A good start on this subject are these two documents and it will lead into the difficulty in mortifying the flesh: “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Ro 8:13)

Prayer: Lord God, I write about the Pv31 woman, but I must speak to myself and my fleshly, sinful attitudes as well. You make it hard for women, much harder than for man (I think), but thanks be to God, the same grace that saves and redeems fallen Man, is what gives strength to put to death worldly and fleshly attitudes of resistance and rebellion.

I am so grateful for Your overwhelming mercy.

Amen.

Ricky Two Shoes

 

Journal Prov 30 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “The man declares, I am weary O God; I am weary and worn out.

Surely, I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man; I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.

“Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His Name, and what is his Son’s name?

Surely you know?”” (Prov 30:1-4)

Observation: Agur, the guy who wrote this oracle, was certainly having a bad day for these 4 verses. It is very interesting that I have the same feelings every so often…

Analysis: For clarity, I subscribe to the Bible is written for believers, for the people of God, and not for unbelievers. I note that I cannot define the will of the Lord when unbelievers read the Bible, BUT I am sure that I cannot interpret that a certain section is for this guy or that: I am reading, therefore it is for me, the face in the mirror.

As a young Christian, this confession would be a prompt for obtaining a rebuke. “Where’s your joy? Are you letting the enemy steal your joy? Remember: The joy of the Lord is your strength!” and so on…

And so, a whole generation of believers learned how to deny how to be in a dark valley in favor of “positive confessions.” What this generation may not have learned is how to keep the Word of the Lord in their forefront despite depression and tears. When the storms come, will they raise their hands in dependent worship to God or will they retreat to their own independence from God?

I remember the story of the Widow’s offering (Mk 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4): “…she put all she had into the offering, all she had to live upon…” The story can be primarily about giving freely, but I can imagine there might be anguish of faith on the part of the widow in making this sacrifice. “I don’t know where my next meal is going to come from, but I must do this…” So, in anguish, fears, and tears, she sacrifices to the Lord Most High. Leading up to entering the Temple, did she tremble? Did she waver on whether to do this or not? Did she grit her teeth, take a deep breath as she extended her hand to the bowl of offering and resolve to continue?

This morning I woke up feeling stupid before the Lord. I can recall the Word of the Lord, faint but leaden in my mind. I cannot gather up any wisdom at all.

Agur spoke rhetorically, God giving him an example to experience and write for generations (like me) to know I have not been alone all these generations of God-worshippers.

Even in the silence from His Whisper in my soul, His Word (which I cling to) reminds me He is my Rock and my Redeemer. He will rescue me. Until then, I will lift my hands and my heart during my affliction and rejoice even if tears are rolling down my face.

Prayer: Father, I feel fear. I don’t want to feel fear. I have nothing to fear but fear is still stalking me. I can be an accountant and add up all the blessings on one side of the ledger and the few known issues on the other side and yet, I still feel fear this morning.

Deliver me O God. Help me to face this morning with my eyes upon the heavens and remember You are my Redeemer. (Lam 3:20ish)

Amen.

Ricky Two Shoes

 

Scripture

 

1. 5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

 

1. 9 If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
2. 11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man holds back.

 

1. 20 Do you see a man who is hasty with words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

 

Observation

 

In this chapter it seems Solomon has a lot to say about how much & how we use our words.

For a man who wrote & spoke a lot, he often comes back to the theme of restraint or patience with our words.

 

The wise “hold back”. The fool is “hasty”.

 

But he isn’t just telling us about the quickness or quantity of our words.

He is also concerned about the quality of our words.

 

No doubt he saw many lives damaged by the words people used.

Even flattery, usually thought of in positive terms, can be a trap people fall for.

 

Application

 

This is one of those everyday subjects.

There is not a day that will go by that I don’t use words.

Every single day of my life, even most hours of my life, I will have the opportunity to “flatter”, “argue”, “rage”, “vent”, and be “hasty”.

 

But I’ll also have the choice to experience one of the rarest of commodities in today’s world: quiet.

Even as I write this, the house is empty, but outside I hear lawn equipment, traffic, etc.

The world is full of those battling noises.

To get in the last word.

To be heard.

To be right.

To win.

 

Maybe what the world could use, what our lives could use, is more “quiet”.

Certainly, what we all could use is more experiences with God.

 

And how do we hear God? 1 Kings tells us God wasn’t in the earthquake or the fire.

God was in the gentle whisper.

Even Job tells us his ears “caught a whisper”.

 

I know God is Emmanuel … He is “with us”.

When I don’t hear Him, perhaps I need to make sure my words aren’t creating the rumble of an earthquake or the roar of a fire.

 

Prayer

 

Father in Heaven,

Help me know you are not far. You are here.

Help me hear your words more clearly than noise around me.

Help me when I speak to echo you, and to not just add to the noise.

Make my words be ones of hope, of love.

God, give me your wisdom on when to speak & when to hold back.

God, give me your wisdom on the quickness, quantity, and quality of my words.

In Jesus name,

Amen.

Journal Prov 28 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Whoever conceals his transgression will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but [whomever] hardens his heart will fall into calamity.” Prov 28:13-14

Observation: Human Responsibility: confession and repentance get mercy; hardening my heart to this will have bad things happen.

Analysis: A few years ago, I compiled the following to address a tendency to lord over people and especially fellow believers whom I believed needed “accountability”: Be open, honest, candid with honorable concern, merciful practice, and with fierce personal transparency.

The reason I developed this was because I found myself taking a position of “teacher” or authority over someone else and not walking alongside in an attitude of humility.

Why wasn’t I humble? I concealed my transgressions and did not confess them to my “accountability target.” In essence, I set myself up as lord.

Sounds pretty harsh, right? But I was (and am) convinced that this is factual biblically. Luke 22 says this:

“And (Jesus) said to (the Disciples), “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For [whom] is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves…” (Luke 22:25-27)

Having an attitude of transparency, even if it is to a restricted group of caring believers, is paramount to practicing humility—but it is necessary. Just being “transparent” to God alone is still not getting the humility job done; confession is absolutely necessary. Paul told Timothy: “…but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Tim 4:12b)

This past Sunday, Forrest nailed so many things to pay serious attention to. One thing was the practice of confession, public and otherwise. I can’t emphasize enough cultivating the practice of confession. I sin daily, I should make it a practice of confessing to someone else frequently.

It sounds like I am advocating the Catholic practice of confession. Well, not so much the bells and whistles of the Catholic church process, but maybe they got a minor portion of this precept sort of right.

May God help us get the reflex right so please Him and obtain Mercy in this part of the Gospel.

Prayer: Father, confession is acknowledging my daily sin towards You; my daily dependence upon You, and my daily need of the Cross and the Gospel in my life. Without these, where would I be? No hope, no future: I need you with every morning rise, through every sunset, and all through the night.

Have mercy on me, O Lord.

Amen.

Scripture –

Proverbs 27:1 – Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

Observation –
Here Solomon is saying one should never brag about what their own accomplishments are going to be. God is sovereign and in control and his plan will be done. This is not to say we shouldn’t plan, however our plans, whatever they are, should be alignment with God’s will for our lives.
James 4:13-15 says, “Come now, you who say, “ Today orTomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit” – yet we do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live to do this or that.” We do not know what the future holds.

Application –
I can’t brag about what I am going to do because I am not the sovereign creator, sustainer and redeemer God. First of all boasting is opposite of humility and the Word tells us God opposes the proud. My posture needs to humbly follow God, seek His will and pray to have my plan to be in His will. If I am intentionally following God then whatever plans succeed the glory goes to God. Even the best predictive models still can’t guarantee the future we really can only be certain and trust in God and HIs steadfast love. James tells us in 4:15, our prayer and intention should be for our lives to do His will.

Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for the truth in your word. Let the Spirit guide me to humbly submit to your will and give you glory. Keep me from arrogance and self reliance, help me remember your sovereign hand in all things.

Journal Prov 25 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.” Prov 25:2

Observation: I wonder why God conceals things? Is it to cause me to work harder? What kind of disciple does Jesus want me to be?

Analysis: Here is a corollary to the above scripture: “The secret things belong to the Lord our God—but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deut 29:29)

I remember as a young Christian I wanted to know everything, dabbling here and there, whatever the scripture of the day or biblical concept was, I dove into it—but only enough to know a little, to keep me up and maybe one step further than the crowd I hung with.

The result? I was a master of the Christian buzz words; insert a word here and a phrase there, I was looked upon with a sort of respect.

However, as I grew older, I began to understand that this was a veneer, a cover, and my “depth” was really shallowness in comparison.

I was always a reader, but now I had to develop more purpose: I didn’t want what I have learned to go to waste by not having an application and yet, I did not want to fall into what I thought for me was a trap of public works. My journey began to integrate what I am learning to be Intentional Christianity.

So what? Lots of words, what does it mean? One of the things that the above scripture reference speaks to me about is discipleship is lifelong; take my time, don’t be in a hurry to learn, take the long view to search the Trinitarian God out and be diligent in doing so.

Does God hide himself? No. Does God hide (conceal) certain things? Scripture says yes—but that He wants them searched out. That “searching” can take years and decades and those “concealed” things may never be revealed in my lifetime.

But what about the revealed things? Bluntly, there are RICHES to be found in the revealed things of God, things that can be unraveled and dug deeper to find more riches underneath. Take the Gospel for an example: If I stopped at John 3:16 as the end all/be all of the definition of the Gospel, I would miss all of the mercy of God in the Gospel, why the Cross was always Plan A and Eden was never Plan A. I would miss that the Gospel extends into and will be the basis of the New Heaven and New Earth. I would miss that making me into the image of the Son (Ro 8:29) is part of the Gospel, etc.

To be clear, I am not saying that “revealed” things are easy to find and understand, anymore that I am saying that a 1^st Grader, just exposed to arithmetic can understand algebra. It takes a line upon line, precept upon precept approach (Is 28:10) to learn, to be weaned from milk into meat.

We stand on the shoulders of faithful men who have gone before us. We stand (all of us) on the faithful teaching of the Word of God. Doctrines, precepts, and the like are Jewels to uncover and find and pack our hearts with so that we can become faithful Disciples.

Prayer: Lord, I sure hope I am writing with clarity. Today’s devotional time with my wife shows again how short on clarity I am. Help me, Spirit.

Amen.

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Prov 24 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?” Prov 24:12

Observation: Wow!! The Gospel is found everywhere in the Testimony of God, His Holy Word.

Analysis: Today, in a journal group, we reviewed Romans 3. Right now, I am attempting to not jump to the punch line of “Jesus Saves” before I understand what He is saving me from; learning (as much as I can) every point and subpoint of the Gospel leading up to the Cross.

I am not taking Salvation lightly, therefore, so I do not take it lightly, I preach the Gospel to myself, attempting to recite the story of the Gospel from before Genesis through the Cross. It is a good chore to do; hard, in that I want to skip steps and I shouldn’t.

In the above section of Proverbs 24, there is a unambiguous statement attributed to me, “Behold, we did not know this,” basically alluding to an excuse of, “I can’t be held responsible because I am uninformed, I did not know, I haven’t been educated—Are You really going to hold me accountable? Are you seriously that unforgiving?”

Solomon nips this train of thought in the bud by reiterating AGAIN: Doesn’t God, who sees and weighs the heart perceive it? Will God not repay Man according to Man’s work?

It is like a mathematical equation, there are Constants and there are Variables.

I am only reviewing the Constants here:

• God is Holy.
• Man is not.
• Man’s works, unacceptable as they are, will not appease God’s Judgement and subsequent Condemnation of Man, requiring the full and furious Wrath of God on unholy creation.
• God not only sees Man’s Works, He also sees Man’s motivation (heart and soul). Man’s motivation focuses upon himself alone, not God. (c. Gen 3, especially verse 4)

These are part of the basis (core, foundation) of the Gospel

Therefore, it is only God’s evaluation/judgement that counts on whether a person’s works are acceptable or not. Reference Cain and Abel: Both brought offerings. Abel’s was accepted, Cain’s was not. Why? Reasons may be inferred but, ultimately it was God’s prerogative to decide what He was pleased with.

Was this fair? Dumb question. Let me offer this reasoning: God or Man? God wins.

Certainly, this happened: God (because He is God) saw into the hearts of Cain and Abel. What did He see? Scripture doesn’t say, but He is God and He saw; God was pleased with Abel’s offering, not Cain’s.

God saw Cain’s countenance drop and was blunt: “And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering He had no regard. So, Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door.”” (Gen 4:4b-7a)

God (who keeps watch over the soul) was warning Cain sin was waiting to devour him. God was aware of Cain’s angry heart (not shown) which was masked by a fallen countenance (which was shown).

By the example of Cain and Abel, I understand that God sees completely through me, no secrets are beyond His knowing (not only the immediate situation, but He knows the secrets of my heart from before I was born).

I can’t hide, and I have no excuse.

Prayer: Lord, you know the struggle and frustration from this morning that I am chewing over, like a cow and her cud.

Work my heart over with your discipline and rod so that I walk securely in your wisdom.

Amen.

Ricky Two Shoes

 

Journal Prov 23 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.” Prov 23:12

Observation: What comes first? Learning or Doing?

Analysis: I scratch my head at that, learning or doing? Which one is the primary focus for the Disciple?

If I am “learning” or accumulating knowledge, then I run the risk of being all head and no hands.

If I am “doing” something, anything in the Name of Jesus, then I run the risk of being all flesh and not doing whatever is in front of me correctly in His Name.

What is more important, effective, and pertinent? Being a soldier for Christ or a TRAINED soldier for Christ? Is it the difference between being cannon fodder to the world or Seal Team 6?

What I just wrote above is a bit extreme, but the inference is there.

I used to coach baseball, from T-Ball through Senior League (15-16 year olds). I have come to think in terms of what natural models best represent Christianity and Discipleship in particular. Here goes…

Succinctly, every child can sign up for a Baseball team, especially the younger ages. But, signing up does not necessarily mean that they are a natural player. However, can the new sign-ups be trained? The Coaches and Parents do what they can to train the youngsters in what the parents remember as foundations or rudiments.

As these youngsters grow older and continue to play the game, these rudiments compound, built with other skills layered on that foundation. Sometimes the original skills are found faulty and are corrected, depending on the desire of the player to get better. And so on…

The point I am making is that T-Ball level skills are not compatible with Senior League skills—just saying that I signed up for a Baseball league when I was 6 years old does not make me a skilled Player when I am 15—I must decide to apply Learning throughout the years. Shucks, can I even say I am a baseball player after 1 year of T-Ball? No, I just learned few things…

This is ROUGHLY parallel to the journey of being a Disciple. The point is as the referenced Proverb says, “Apply your heart to learning” (make a point of diligence) and have an “ear to (for) words of knowledge.”

Like in baseball, effectively “DOING” means effectively “KNOWING.” I can DO without KNOWING but it is not as effective.

Prayer: Father, help me stay away from the trap that “Works” (or DOING) is a binary choice from “Knowing” (or learning). If I learn and do not put it into action, I fall short of being prudent with your commandments and gifts. If I do but fail to prepare from your Word, I fall short of depending upon you and I do things in my own strength and reasoning; being independent.

I must integrate Your Sovereignty and my Responsibility and do that in wisdom—only by learning from Your Precepts and Doctrines.

Amen.

Ricky Two Shoes

Scripture

Vs 2 The rich and the poor meet together;
the Lord is the Maker of them all.

Vs 16 Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,
or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

Vs 22 Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,
or crush the afflicted at the gate,
Vs 23 for the Lord will plead their cause
and rob of life those who rob them.

Vs 27 If you have nothing with which to pay,
why should your bed be taken from under you?

Vs 29 Do you see a man skillful in his work?
He will stand before kings;
he will not stand before obscure men.

Observation

A recurring theme in this proverb is the treatment of the “poor”.

What stands out, in particular, is the author’s advocation for the “poor”.

The word that comes to mind is … “Dignity”.

The poor, like all people, should be granted dignity!

They meet with the rich “together” … same status as everyone else!

The Lord in Maker of them “all” … same status as everyone else!

The Lord will “plead their cause” … same status as everyone else!

Application

Do I treat everyone the same regardless of economic status?

This is a very big deal to God!

And Jesus made it a staple, recurring theme of His teaching.

But Jesus didn’t just teach it … He lived it!

In fact, one of the primary things that drove the “elites” crazy about Jesus was the way He lived amongst the “poor”, and “downtrodden”, and “unclean”.

Everyone I encounter deserves Dignity!

Why? … “The Lord is Maker of all!”

And He didn’t just “make” them … He made them “in His image”!

This is the highest form of Dignity!

And even better … Jesus says when I engage with them … I engage with Him!

This is astounding!

Do I want to see Jesus in the world and in my life?

Do I question Jesus’ participation in and around me in the day to day?

Perhaps, I need to slow down … look around … see who God is placing in my path that I need to pay attention to … engage with … relate to!

If the Lord will “plead the cause” of the “poor” …

Shouldn’t I?!

If a good “worker” will “stand before kings” …

Certainly, I should not pass them by!

When Jesus reconciled me to Him …

He reconciled me to His Body here on earth, as well.

I must see and live this in the day to day!

Prayer

Thank you, Father, again for the Gift of Your Word!

Help me, Spirit, live out the Wisdom.

Help me, Jesus, live with others the way You lived with them.

When I see others, may see You

And dignify them

In Jesus name

Amen

Journal Prov 21 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.” Prov 21:5 and 17

Observation: A vision for pleasure, wealth, and ease…does hastiness in decisions and this “vision” contribute to poverty?

Analysis: With all the “get rich quick” schemes in the United States promoted, I might be coming to the conclusion that “if it is too good to be true, it probably isn’t.”

My weakness is “flash sales.” Something comes up on an ad from my phone for something I am coveting at a bargain price—and I fall for it. Other folks may answer a phone call from a vacation broker for resort accommodations at a price point “I just know is below market value” but I need to buy it now to lock it up.

Are either of these risky? Yeah, maybe. Every person who is thrust into the position of having to decide does so with personal motivations in mind—loving stuff, loving pleasure, and so on…

These “motivations” could be righteous motivations as well. However, it is prudent to remember that every decision from Man is wholly tinged with Sin—that is why that Man needs to be Born Again and then Pursue Jesus all his days. I need the Holy Spirit’s presence while I chase after Sanctification.

Therefore, as I live in affluent America, do I think about the Mission to become a Disciple or something else less important?

I am telling myself: “Get real; are you going to pass up a vacation every now and then?” Being married, no I am not. Recreation is composed of “re” (doing something again, duplicating) and “creation.” Sometimes a person needs a reset and recreation is the gift that God has made to do just that.

The issue for today’s reading is what it always is: the Motive of a Man’s heart. Am I DEDICATED to serving myself or serving my Savior?

Tough consideration, especially since I am pointedly preaching to my own heart not to be self-condemning—I want to think levelly, and with the conviction of the Holy Spirit, not the false conviction of the enemy or my own sinful heart.

Prayer: Father, you know this is an issue that I have problems with, especially big things. Little decisions, not so much, except those little decisions repeatedly made add up to the cost of big decisions.

Help me to be prudent in You and teach me to pay attention to the pocketbook you provided. Help me to communicate properly. Help me to give faithfully and to prepare to give extemporaneously (that is, when I least expect the need).

I want to be DEDICATED to serving you, Savior.

Amen.

Ricky Two Shoes

Scripture –

Proverbs 20:28 – Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld

Observation –
Steadfast love and faithfulness is what God promises to His people through His covenant with them. Unchanging character of love and faithfulness is the same in God from creation, now and until Jesus returns. The king, who in ancient Israel was a representation of God on earth , will have his reign by God when he shows steadfast love to his people.

Application –
God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. God loves everyone and wants to have a relationship with all people. God’s steadfast love and faithfulness is offered in the new covenant by the shed blood of Jesus to appropriate for the sin debt which we are unable to pay on our own. God is all loving while He is a just and Holy God. I must remember daily that apart from Jesus I would be dead in my sin with no way to be reconciled to God. I need to place my faith in God and trust Him completely. Jesus in the King of Kings who is alive and throne will reign forever!

Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for you steadfast love and faithfulness and sending Jesus so I can know you and make you known. Let the power of the Holy Spirit lead to love you and all people well to extend your glory.

Journal Prov 18 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.” Prov 18:8

“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” Prov 18:8 NIV

Observation: Who has a distinct and definite definition of what Gossip is?

I don’t.

Analysis: Gossip.

Let me begin preaching to myself that this is a subject, once I think I have it nailed down, that a circumstance presents itself in conversation and my definition of gossip slithers away.

What makes speaking in supposed concern for another OK and not gossip? Is it just the function of repeating something to another person?

When does talking about something that is public knowledge (like a Facebook posting) become gossip (if it ever does)?

Today, I am throwing this out there for thinking and consideration.

I am not going to jump into this pit and try to make a “teaching” out of it.

Bluntly, gossipers know when they are gossiping. They may try to hide it with other “concerns” or rationalizations, but…they know…

The above scripture clearly says:

1. Whisperers, whisper. “Keep this to yourself” is a preamble to a CLUE!
2. Gossip is delicious, tasty, delightful. I like it, I swirl it around in my thoughts, saying to myself, “I know something about…” and it is good.
3. Gossip is satisfying (“…goes down to the inmost parts…”), you know, like a juicy cheeseburger when I am on a strict diet or a piece of succulent cake with tons of frosting.

All I have are clues to what gossip is. I have tried to come up with a “teaching” for gossip, and I have failed to get a “shut down” definition.

From a practical point of view, best thing I have come up with is (like what is a redneck), is:

• “If it is none of my business, it is gossip.”
• “If it makes me wonder about the character of another, it is gossip.”
• “If I can’t turn away from another person’s speech, it is gossip.”
• “If I am glad nobody is talking about my secrets that way, it is gossip.”
• “If I want to repeat it, it is gossip.”

Do you want to start a heated discussion? Either bring up the Doctrine of Election or try to get a group to define Gossip.

Prayer: Thank you, Most High God, for tickling me with this scripture today.

Help me to keep my mouth shut and be thought a fool, or to open it and be proved a fool.

Amen.

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Prov 17 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.” Prov 17:5

Observation: Solomon is tricky, phrasing such proverbs so that I can immediately think of someone else’s shortcomings…

Analysis: Proverbs is the easiest book to practice mirror looking; you know, preaching to the face in the mirror?

In most verses in Proverbs, the obvious questioning goes like this: “Am I like that? Do I do that? Who are you talking about, Willis?” (Dating myself)

In the beginning books of Proverbs, I might want to compare myself to a beginning seeker of wisdom…where perhaps I should explore how much of a fool I am.

I may not identify myself as a harlot or a seeker of harlotry, but really—in this day and age, with the media pushing what Solomon warns about—can I escape the plain temptations evident? Again, taking what Solomon says and looking in the mirror (over and over again) before looking at anyone else.

With that in mind, how many times do I mock or ridicule the poor? How glad or content am I about their calamity or plight? Do I think about they deserve their position in life or that they did that to themselves?

What about beggars? In the current economy, it seems that beggars, homelessness, etc., is rising every day. Do I ignore (tacitly mocking) the poor? Do I prejudge “whatever I give, will only go for booze (at the minimum) or drugs?” What about thinking, “I can’t believe that sign, they are lying.”

Easier to keep looking ahead at the light, ignoring the plea, and driving right on by, right? “The Holy Spirit will tell me if I need to do something” I rationalize. Funny how the circumstance is there to do something, and I need the Thunder from the skies to validate service…

I can write these things because they are what I struggle with, too.

I remember the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37)

• A man is mugged and left for dead on the side of the road.
• A priest found this guy and crossed the street to avoid him.
• A teacher of the Law (a Levite) also found the mugged man and also crossed the road.
• A Samaritan (not of the tribe of Israel) came upon the mugged man, rendered first aid, took him to an inn and set him up with lodgings for a couple of weeks or so AND covered all his expenses.

The Samaritan accommodated this guy to an extreme and is our example to shoot for. But did the Samaritan get to that point immediately?

Believers grow, I am convinced; that is what being Disciples are about. However, I must cultivate that in collaboration with the Holy Spirit (sanctification). So, how do I start?

1. Fight hard about changing my mind about the poor.
2. Make it more than a cliché that “there, but for the Grace of God, go I.” Remember the story of Job 1-3.
3. Prepare to give in faith, casting bread upon the waters and such.

Personally (and don’t think I am always prepared), I try to keep about $20 in ones and fives in the car just to be able to give…and first by firm decision to do so in conviction of the Word, and then later (as I cultivate my heart) from a glad and joyful heart. Jesus said, “For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want (make the decision), you can do good for them.” (Luke 10:7, c. also John 12:8)

Prayer: Father, it is the scriptures like this that cause my second, third and fourth reaction to be hanging my head in shame. My first reaction is “Oh, no, that isn’t me” just about every time.

Keep broadening my faithless heart to do good in your Name.

Amen.

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Prov 16 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” Prov 16:4

Observation: The Holy Spirit brings a challenging word from time. Do you think that this one is a puzzler for a lot of people?

Analysis: I reckon most folks think in black and white.

And when I think of God, the black and white tendency doesn’t change.

It is just so much easier to consider the state of the world (if not creation) as a conflict, a battle, between Good and Evil, right?

So, if I extrapolate that reasoning further, I could consider the Eternal Conflict as between God and Satan/Lucifer/the Devil. Or, if I cannot in conscience bring Eternal God into this equation, then I must go “second tier” and say the Conflict is between Jesus and the Devil; after all, I have the story in Matt 4 to guide me into this thinking—but Matt 4 doesn’t say that at all. If I skim and read lightly, I can lean precariously into this Jesus v. Satan thinking, but even a slightly deeper study refutes that—the concept is bogus to the max.

However, this Dualism thinking is what most folks fall into—because the thinking isn’t challenged by clear, biblical reasoning. Lazy minds fall into the dualism trap.

Shucks, most Christians don’t even challenge themselves, the Face in the Mirror, preferring stinking thinking over pursuit of the Word; many of them retreat to something less controversial.

Proverbs 16:4 plainly says: The Lord made everything for its own purpose. This simple statement falls into the plain understanding that God is Creator. Stop. Therefore, when my mind and reasoning (powered by the sinful creature that I am, looking to have my noggin renewed (Ro 12:2)) conflicts with what the Word of God plainly says, then I should put my reactionary reasoning on hold and adhere to God’s Word—even if it takes a while to put all the pieces of the Gospel puzzle together for understanding.

There are some things that are made for wickedness, even people. Why? Plainly because it serves a purpose of God. (c. Romans 9) I can say that “I don’t understand; that doesn’t fit the God I know”—and with that statement I know I have made an Idol that is not the true representation of God.

This quote out of Proverbs today exposes a difficult, but necessary, understanding of the Gospel that I get to wrap my mind about one more day. It is not, nor can it be, a simple precept that I can go, “Ok, got it. What else?” Because I am mortal and have clay between my ears, it is a lifelong struggle to understand the works and ways of the Eternal Trinity.

Prayer: Father, I hope I did this subject justice today. Every time I try to tackle it, I feel (no, I know) I come up short—because I know that I am not representing You well; just doing the best I can.

Please keep the readers solid in their faith but questioning their own understanding in a way that drives them to Your Word and on the shoulders of the saints that have gone before; those folks whose lives were wrapped in love seeking Your Face.

Amen.

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Prov 16 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” Prov 16:4

Observation: The Holy Spirit brings a challenging word from time. Do you think that this one is a puzzler for a lot of people?

Analysis: I reckon most folks think in black and white.

And when I think of God, the black and white tendency doesn’t change.

It is just so much easier to consider the state of the world (if not creation) as a conflict, a battle, between Good and Evil, right?

So, if I extrapolate that reasoning further, I could consider the Eternal Conflict as between God and Satan/Lucifer/the Devil. Or, if I cannot in conscience bring Eternal God into this equation, then I must go “second tier” and say the Conflict is between Jesus and the Devil; after all, I have the story in Matt 4 to guide me into this thinking—but Matt 4 doesn’t say that at all. If I skim and read lightly, I can lean precariously into this Jesus v. Satan thinking, but even a slightly deeper study refutes that—the concept is bogus to the max.

However, this Dualism thinking is what most folks fall into—because the thinking isn’t challenged by clear, biblical reasoning. Lazy minds fall into the dualism trap.

Shucks, most Christians don’t even challenge themselves, the Face in the Mirror, preferring stinking thinking over pursuit of the Word; many of them retreat to something less controversial.

Proverbs 16:4 plainly says: The Lord made everything for its own purpose. This simple statement falls into the plain understanding that God is Creator. Stop. Therefore, when my mind and reasoning (powered by the sinful creature that I am, looking to have my noggin renewed (Ro 12:2)) conflicts with what the Word of God plainly says, then I should put my reactionary reasoning on hold and adhere to God’s Word—even if it takes a while to put all the pieces of the Gospel puzzle together for understanding.

There are some things that are made for wickedness, even people. Why? Plainly because it serves a purpose of God. (c. Romans 9) I can say that “I don’t understand; that doesn’t fit the God I know”—and with that statement I know I have made an Idol that is not the true representation of God.

This quote out of Proverbs today exposes a difficult, but necessary, understanding of the Gospel that I get to wrap my mind about one more day. It is not, nor can it be, a simple precept that I can go, “Ok, got it. What else?” Because I am mortal and have clay between my ears, it is a lifelong struggle to understand the works and ways of the Eternal Trinity.

Prayer: Father, I hope I did this subject justice today. Every time I try to tackle it, I feel (no, I know) I come up short—because I know that I am not representing You well; just doing the best I can.

Please keep the readers solid in their faith but questioning their own understanding in a way that drives them to Your Word and on the shoulders of the saints that have gone before; those folks whose lives were wrapped in love seeking Your Face.

Amen.

Ricky Two Shoes