Category: Good Life Journal

Scripture:   “Whoever covers an offense seeks love but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”  (Prov 17:9)

Observation:   “Psst!  Gossip and gossipers.”

Application:     Over the past few decades I have often wondered what the key points of gossip are.  After all, if I knew how to identify gossip I could avoid being a gossiper.

Let me pull this back to facts: If I knew what are the key points of gossip I could identify that action in other people.  That is the truth.  I “never” gossip; other people do.  Am I deceiving myself or what?  Uh, yeah, I am.

No matter how I fool myself the subject of gossip is always there—whether I am an active participant or a passive one, this is a bogey-man hanging in the back of my mind.

It seems to me that the Holy Spirit gives us a couple of clues found in this Proverb reference:  there is an offense involved.  There is the repeating of a “matter.”   There are also consequences referenced: Covering offense equals seeking love; repeating “matters” separates friends.

Great: this is very clear from 5,000 feet.   What about on the ground floor where I live daily?  How do I deal with it when life muddies the waters?  What if I “share” concerns about somebody else in the Church?  What if I talk about apprehensions concerning anything?  Is this gossip?

Could be; maybe not.  For me the fact is I don’t always know.  Where does godly concern switch into ungodly gossip?

I think the answer is involved with this: Cultivating discernment.  Verse 27 says: “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.”  If this isn’t a facet of discernment I don’t know what is.

Practicing discernment falls within the learning process of the precepts, doctrine, etc. of the Word of God AND cultivating specific godly relationships to learn how to walk worthy of the Gospel is imperative to the health and maturity of a Believer—and to learn how to properly and accurately avoid gossip based on the Word pulsing in my heart.

Confession: Outside of my wife I don’t currently have this kind of relationship (see Verse 17) and my heart is worse for it.  I will bet that this resonates with other folks as well.

Prayer:  Father, so many things I want and I want You to provide without me working for them.  I am recognizing what a lazy time of life I have fallen into—cruising on the godly pursuit past of my life—substituting intention for actual doing, proving my Faith.  Wind me up, O God; help me to stir myself up.  Help me to hope again.  AMEN.

Proverbs 16:2-3 – All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.  Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Observation

When man is the only judge of his own plans he mistakenly can view his actions as pure.  God cares about the morality behind our intentions and that is what matters on His scales of justice. God must ultimately affirm our work so we should submit it to Him to see His work done.

Application

I must submit my plans and what I am doing to the Lord in all phases of my life including how I serve, lead my family and my occupation.  I can even do right things with the wrong intention if I rely only on myself and my thoughts.  Without God in the plans, leaves me open to justify my own actions as sincere.  God’s ways are better than mine and He has the best plans for me.  God has created us to work and we should always be working for Jesus.  I may have a manager that directs certain facets of my work behavior but I ultimately should be working for Jesus.  When I have the gospel at work in my life, my plan will align with His for Kingdom glory.

Prayer

Father,

Thank you for your love, grace and mercy.  Don’t let me rely on my own ways and the ways of the world.  Let me submit my plans to be your plans and work for you.

Scripture: vs. 16 “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it”

Observation: the writer of this proverb is arguing the fact that obtaining a “fear of the Lord” is more valuable than obtaining great treasure. We can also say it’s true that great treasure can never buy a trouble-free life. He never argues that having great treasure is inherently bad but we can conclude that the treasure is cheap compared to the richness of this reverence towards the Lord almighty.

Application: I think often times asking the right questions is more important than finding the right answers. The question is not whether or not you have too much treasure, the question is asking yourself where your treasure is. Or how about this question: Do you have a reverence & fear of the Lord with the treasure you currently have, whether it’s little or great? Do we truly believe intimacy with the Lord is of more value to our lives than the promotion that we’re chasing or the dream car that we’re pursuing? Be intentional this week to ask the right questions. Evaluate your life. Where is your treasure? Ask the Lord to give you heart that treasures Him above all else.

Prayer: Lord thank you for a new week. A week of new opportunities to know you more and to glorify you if the work we do. Forgive me Lord for so often times pursuing anything but you as my treasure. Give me the strength to fight against those temptations. Thank you for the grace and mercy when we fall short.

Scripture:

[2] When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

Observation:

Another lesson from Solomon about pride and humility.

To those who have an excessively high opinion of themselves, this is a warning from a wise man.  They will be disgraced.  Trade pride for humility and God will provide wisdom.

Application:

It’s not prideful to be satisfied with your accomplishments or abilities.  You know, the accomplished and abilities God has allowed you to achieve.

We all know pride is a sin and God opposes the proud.  Don’t let the Lord’s blessings of intelligence, monetary wealth, physical ability or fill-in-the-blank, drive you to a prideful place.  Rather, know that you are nothing without Him – everything we are and have attained in this life, we owe to God.  Every breath we take is given to us by Him.  As Solomon says here, the reward for keeping a modest view of oneself, which includes knowing where one’s strength comes from, is God given wisdom.  Wisdom to keep upright, walking in integrity and righteousness.

Wouldn’t we rather be wise than disgraced?  What a dumb question, of course we would.   Even understanding and believing the wise words of Solomon, while we know pride will lead to disgrace, we allow the enemy to infiltrate our hearts and minds with pride.  We have to vigilantly watch for this knowing that Satan is the architect.

None of us would ever set a goal of being disgraced but as C.S Lewis says, “..it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind..”

Part of our problem is that we care too much what the world thinks OF us and we forget what the Lord has provided, and continues to provide FOR us.  This, combined with our sin nature, and the fact that pride is one of Satan’s greatest tools, is a recipe leading to disgrace and misery.  We need to heed Solomon’s warning and look forward to the promise.

We make choices day by day, hour my hour, minute by minute, and even second by second, that will lead us to be prideful or humble.  This is as much a heart problem as it is a head problem.  We must guard our hearts and minds knowing that “..the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)  And what better way than to lead you to replace humility with pride?

Prayer:

Lord I love You and desperately need You.  I long to be more and more like You.  Keep me vigilant and When I need it, remind me that I have the strength to rebuke Satan in any attempts to get me to deviate from the path of following Your will.  Especially when he tries to get me to substitute humility for worldly pride.  Amen.

July 9, 2019

Proverbs 9:8 –10 – Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man and he will love you.  Give instruction to a wise man and he will still be wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Observation-

Proverbs 9 shows us there are two paths we can choose to follow, either wisdom or folly.  There is a contrast in how a foolish person acts compared to a wise person.  Someone who scoffs is too proud to receive correction and will despise you for your reproof.  Whereas a person with wisdom welcomes instruction and grows in learning.  Having a reverence and understanding of who God is and seeking Him leads to a path of wisdom.

Application –

The two paths of wisdom and folly are both roads I can travel but end at dramatically different destinations.  The way of folly (world) is simple and may have temporary gain but leads to death.  I need to recognize who God is what He has done for me and seek Him so I can grow in knowledge and understanding of His ways.  Ways I can grow in understanding of God are by spending time in His word and in prayer.  I must be humble, willing to learn and accept instruction as I grow in my walk with Christ.

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for your love, grace and mercy.  Let the Spirit keep me humble to follow you and grow in my understanding of you.  May I love you, love others and be a reflection for others to see you through me.

Journal Prov 7 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 Scripture:    “…treasure up my commandments with you…”  (Prov 7:1b”

Observation:   There can be so much awesomeness found in a single word…

 Application:   I have written on being diligent and intentional towards becoming a Disciple, that sometimes the determination of “doing” overshadows the core of what that means.

“Treasure up my commandments…”  Treasure:  What a significant word.

I am reminded that Jesus talked about what I treasure as a measure.  The parable of the Pearl illustrates the depths and lengths of apprehending something of great value.  I think normally I hear speakers and read books where that “great value” is our Lord himself—and that is so true.  Nothing compares with the value of knowing Him (see Phil 3:8-10).

Knowing Jesus is the pinnacle of my treasure.  But here is the additional kicker: “If you love Me, you will keep my commandments.”  (John 14:15)

Therefore it is not too great a stretch to think “if I treasure Jesus, I should treasure His Word (commandments).”

I have seen over the years the emphasis being on a “relationship”—which is a kind of “soft” idea.  I take a look at my earthly relationships and see that example extends to Jesus in practice—I don’t treasure (in the firm sense of that word), rather I am content with the status quo of knowing He is around.

How do I change that?  I think by really wringing out the word “treasure” and nailing it consistently and firmly in my heart.

Treasuring something can be very easy.  After all, the world has a bunch of things that are hung out in the marketplace to entice me to “treasure.”

Treasuring His commandments?  Treasuring something that is counter to the ways of this world?  Well, anything worth having is worth putting a hand to the plow for.

Prayer:   Lord God, I am grateful for the persistence You have gifted me with over the decades.  Usually I recall it seems like 5 steps back, 2 steps forward at times but every time You push me forward in seeking You with a gentle hand on my back and, frankly speaking, a two by four in the other hand.  You discipline whom You love—I am grateful for Your love.  Make treasuring You and Your Word erupt in celebration in me more and more.  If I sing of Your Love, I sing of Your Word.  AMEN.

Scripture:

[4] he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.

[5] Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.

Observation:

Solomon listened to and learned from his father, king David, and valued wisdom so much that when God appeared to him in a dream and told him to ask for whatever he wanted, he asked for an understanding heart and discernment between good and evil.  Solomon of course became known for his incredible wisdom.

The fact that Solomon mentions learning the value of wisdom from the insight of his father is, in itself, evidence of his wisdom.

Listening is not enough, one’s heart must be open to gain wisdom – “Let your heart hold fast my words”.

Once achieved at some level, wisdom must be preserved – “..keep my commandments”.

Wisdom can be lost, or at least morphed into knowledge without true wisdom – “..do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth”.

Application:

Wisdom includes knowledge but is not knowledge alone.  Just because you are “smart”, or have experience and know things, in no way makes you wise.  In fact, if you believe it does, you should probably take a pride check.  Among other attributes, wisdom includes discernment between good and evil, and good judgement.  Wisdom is a gift from God and is held and maintained partly in the head and partly in the heart.

As written in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you”.  But, as we pray faithfully for wisdom, know that we must also do our part.  We must stay in the word and keep our hearts open, never hardened.

To gain the wisdom we pursue, we must have open hearts or those who share insight and wisdom with us are wasting their time.  This is probably important to remember as we pour out into others.  If their hearts aren’t open, we’re wasting our time.

Prayer:

Father, we love and exalt You.  We seek Your wisdom Lord, to make us more like You.  Keep us among wise counsel and  as we keep our hearts and minds open, give them hearts to pour out into us.  Lord, keep us in Your word and let Your word dwell in us.   In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, amen.

Scripture:   “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him and He will make straight your paths.  Be not (don’t be) wise in your own eyes.  Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.  It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

(Note this): Towards the scorners he is scornful but to the humble He gives favor; the wise will inherit honor but fools get disgrace.”  (Prov 3:5-8 and 34-35)

Observation:   Trust in the Lord?  No issue to say.  Disengaging my understanding?  On the face of this I think “I am not sure what this means” and when the rubber hits the road I abandon all pretense of relying on God and His Word.

Application:     This Proverb rolls of my tongue so easily.  It is one of those seminal scriptures I learned very early in my Christianity.  It is one of those scripture references I calmly toss out to others when I am observing frustration or impatience towards any particular situation.

It is also something I recognize I preach and don’t practice.

I think that reading this Proverb has a lot of acceptance in my head but very little capture in my heart and more importantly in my character and my actions.

Putting aside “Trusting in the Lord with all your heart” for a moment, there are 5 pertinent statements that the Holy Spirit is pointing out:

1. Leaning on my understanding;
2. Acknowledging Him in all my ways;
3. Being wise in my own eyes;
4. Fearing God, and lastly;
5. Cultivating humility.

The neglect of actually doing the 5 things above is disrespect towards God.  I am being functionally impertinent.

Alas, this is attributable to the sin dwelling within me; the sin that I have been set free from but still needs to be worked out of me.  Paul said this: “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”  (Ro 13:14)  What could be more “fleshy” than to conduct myself in my own wisdom?   Not much.

Transforming my heart and mind is a (let’s face it) a battle.  It is recognizing the Enemy within and then engaging in a plan to replace my rebellious mind with one not so rebellious.  Speaking from experience, this is not easy at all—but, with every gain in Godly reflex, there is so much healing and refreshment—just like Solomon wrote.

Make no mistake, all of the above is training towards Godliness—making whatever I do a reflex, a conscious honoring of the Most High God.  Do I love my Lord?  If so, then I love His Word—even if it is hard to understand (thanks Peter for pointing that out).

Prayer:  Father, it seems like this section of Proverbs is like trudging through barren land—it can be so lonely to surrender to Your Will, to Your instructions—even when circumstances are looking insurmountable and my first thought is “What do I do now?”  In the calm times, please help me “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” so that in the hard times I am prepared to honor You.  AMEN.

July 2, 2019

Proverbs 2:2 –5 – making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;  yes if you call for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

Observation-

Proverbs 2 and these beginning verses tell us if we are going to be a growing believer, then we need to seek wisdom.  Wisdom from the Lord is not something that is going to come to us without action on our part.  If we listen, open our heart, ask for instruction and search for wisdom like the treasure that it is then we gain understanding of the fear of the Lord.

Application –

I can’t sit around idly and think that I am going to be filled with wisdom and the knowledge of God.  I must seek wisdom by listening to godly counsel, reading the word of God and spending time with Him.  The development of wisdom will parallel my walk with Jesus. Now, if I am not seeking the wisdom of God, I am left with the insights of the world to shape my thoughts.  That is a dangerous position as I will be unaware of the dangers lurking that ultimately lead to destruction.

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for the truth in your word.  Let me seek your wisdom, have a fear of you as I grow in my walk with Jesus.  Have the Spirit guide me and give me understanding .

Scripture: Proverbs 1: 7,
7 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
28- Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
29-Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord

Observations: The book of proverbs consists of many life principles filled with wisdom, direction and warnings when navigating our way through this broken world. It is fitting that before the author dives into the myriad of wisdom nuggets he reminds the audience that the pathway comes through a holy reverence towards the almighty God. He doesn’t say that the fear of the Lord is the result of wisdom, he says it’s necessary and vital in order to obtain wisdom. Notice why the Lord will not answer the cry’s of the needy: “because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,” there is no humility, no submission before the Lord God. It stems from a “I got it God, I can handle it” mentality.

Application: Let’s start with humbling ourselves this week and listening to words of God and holding tight to His helping hand. We don’t “got it” we need His words and hands in everything we go after this week. Not only do we fail in our weak human efforts we fail to give God glory when we do so. God gets glory when we admit we need Him. When we stop and say “I’m here, ready to listen and hold your hand”

Prayer: God I ask that your words be a little louder this week, that your hands feel a little closer. Give us humble hearts to fear you, to submit to you. Thank you for the gospel, thank you for saving a sinner like me.

Scripture:

[16] Rejoice always, [17] pray without ceasing, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Observation:

There is a lot packed in these three short verses.  While Paul encourages the Thessalonians he reminds them of some basics:

Rejoice always
There is never a time when God’s people are not able to show great joy

Pray without ceasing
Have constant conversations with God.  Never stop.

Give thanks in all circumstances.  
I don’t think Paul is telling the Thessalonians to give thanks because they are in, or go through, difficult circumstances, but rather, he is saying that even though they are being put in difficult circumstances, give thanks knowing that God is in control with a purpose.

Why?
This is God’s will for his people.

Application:

These are all action steps for us as Christians.   It is God’s will that we, as his people, rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances.  Just because it is God’s will doesn’t mean we must do these things but he is welcoming and encouraging these actions of us.

Since it is God’s will for us to pray without ceasing, He is encouraging us to have a never ending, constant conversation with him.  There should never be a time when we cannot pray.  While certainly suitable at times, it is not a requirement of prayer to be on your knees with your eyes closed, to talk with God.  He is always available for that conversation and prayer.

As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit and can find joy in the Lord at all times.  Happiness is fleeting and depends on the happenings around us.  We have an omnipresent God whose love for us is never changing.  From the Lord we can have never-ending joy that surpasses our understanding if we will just look to Him and love Him.  This is joy that is always available and should be cause to rejoice always, no matter what circumstance we are in or what is happening around us.

Just as wind plays a crucial role in the life of a tree, causing a tree to create stronger wood and survive other stress, the pain and suffering we go through in this life plays a crucial role by building character and hope.   All the more reason to give thanks and praise Him even in the midst of our trials.  And, along with that, as a wise pastor said during a sermon last Sunday.. “Strength for getting through trials is developed by going through trials” (Kel).

Yeah, I know.. this is all easy to say and hard to do sometimes – pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, and always rejoice, but as we spend more time praying and talking with God, the more we love him and the more we trust in him. The more we love him and trust in him, the more natural it is to find joy and rejoice in all circumstances.

Prayer:

Lord thank You for sending Your Spirit to live within me.  I rejoice in knowing that whatever circumstance I find myself in, that you are in control.  In Jesus mighty name I pray, amen.

Scripture:  

“Finally then brothers we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that as you received from us:

1.       How you ought to walk, and;

2.       To please God;

(just as you are doing) that you do so more and more…

…but we urge you brothers to do this more and more AND to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands (as we instructed you) so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.”  (1 Thes 4:1, 10b-12) 

Observation:  

Preach the Gospel; first and foremost to myself.  Why?  Among other things the focus is for me to remember and to serve Him who called me. 

Application:  

I often think about the purpose of the Gospel. 

Why did the Triune God conceive the Gospel as a Principle; then a Plan (or project); then an Execution?  

Yeah, I think about stuff like this.  It seems to me that He did not NEED the Gospel but He WANTED the Gospel.  It puts my self-awareness appropriately in focus: I am not NEEDED, I am wanted.  Back to the basics: He is Creator, I am created.  

And?  What is your point?

Preaching the Gospel isn’t outward alone.  It isn’t even primary (outward focus I mean).  The Gospel is the integral and operative portion of making Disciples.  The above scriptures are about disciple making.  The first step in making a disciple is to make one out of the face in the mirror.

So why is Paul reminding the local church about this AGAIN?  Is Paul a “one trick pony?”   Am I? 

I think the Scriptures remind us that being a Disciple isn’t primarily about missions—it is about walking worthy of the Gospel (“how I ought to walk”) or how I conduct myself before the Only One watching who matters.  What I do in secret AND in public ought to be directed to our Lord Jesus alone and with that mindset.  For instance:

When James talks about affirming my “faith” but I am not following it up with doing stuff that affirms my “faith”, I am off the mark in walking worthy of the Gospel.  The same goes in reverse when I am locked into doing stuff or my focus is “doing stuff” but I am not backing it up searching for God, then possibly justification by works lies at the door.

Fighter pilots call this sensation “target fixation.”  Hunters call it “buck fever.”  Whatever definition is appropriate if my overriding focus isn’t searching for and chasing after the Triune God then I am shortsighted and crippled in my Walk.

Prayer:  

Lord, please help me in my time of distress.  Let me draw near to you.  Again I am shaken, my foundations are tested.  You, You alone are worthy of all my attention all my days.  AMEN.

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 – Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as well we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.  

Observation:

Paul is praying for and encouraging the believers in the church at Thessalonica.  Paul is praying for:

– an opportunity to return and continue ministry with the Thessalonians
– the Thessalonians to grow in their love for each other and everyone through Jesus
– the love of Jesus to make their hearts without blame before God as Jesus will return

Application:

Paul’s prayer to the Thessalonians definitely should be encouraging to any believer.  This provides a great model that the gospel is not only about salvation but our ongoing walk with Jesus to finish strong when He returns.  The good news of the gospel promise as it is lived out is that Jesus, through the power of the Spirit, is the one to increase our love for him and others. When we surrender to Jesus and allow him to work, our hearts will be filled with love and without blame.   From salvation through our growth to be more like a reflection of Christ, it is all through grace. Everyone will stand before God to give an account when Jesus returns.

Prayer:

Father,

Thank you for your love for us and the power that it has to change hearts and lives.  Let me surrender everything to you and walk in faith where my love grows for you and others so people can see you through me.

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 2:4-6
“On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.”

Observations:

Paul wanted the church in Thessalonica to know that his ultimate focus was to please God. Whether people were spreading fake news about him or celebrating him, Paul stayed on the path of pleasing the Lord and advancing His good news.

Applications:

STOP what you’re doing. Better yet, stop what you’re thinking & ask yourself:
Who am I aiming to please today?
Is it your boss? Your wife/husband? Your Instagram followers?
There must first be an honest evaluation that leads to repentance before your desires start to change.
Ask the Lord that He would create a new desire, a singular desire, one that looks to please God at whatever cost it might take to lose the applaud of others.
We live in a world, now more than ever, where applause from others comes at a click of a button, but does it really satisfy you in the end? Pursuing the person of Jesus and enjoying Him is what satisfies. And being satisfied in Jesus is the epitome of pleasing Him. Fight for pleasure in Jesus today.

Prayer:

Father I can look at my life and see its full of trying to earn the praise of people. forgive me for pursuing the pleasures of pleasing people. Let me taste the all satisfying pleasure of Jesus today. Guide my heart to please you. Amen