Proverbs 25:26
Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.
Proverbs 25:4
Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel;
Malachi 3:2
But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap.
Malachi 3:3
He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness,
My son just turned 18 last week. Happy Birthday Jordan! You are a blessing. There’s not much more joy that can be had than the joy of parenthood. However, I think you will agree that parenthood does not come without significant challenges. Over the past couple of years, as Jordan has matured, he has challenged the authority of both, his mother and I. I remind myself during those times, “I’m not done raising him yet.” I’ve told him exactly that: “Son, I’m not done raising you yet!” (Notice the exclamation mark??) J Yes, I’ve repeated it time and time again, I've whispered it, I’ve yelled it, I’ve cooed it gently, I’ve muttered it under my breath as I walked away frustrated. Teenagers! Right?!?! (I have two). But that statement reflects my understanding that: He still has some growing up to do and I still have the blessed responsibility of seeing him through that process. He’s not there yet. Assuredly, he gets closer every day, but he’s not there yet. Neither am I. I pray every day that I continue to recognize that I have yet, a long, long way to go on this road toward my Father’s House. I really can hear him whisper, “I’m not done raising you yet.”
Allow me to explore the imagery from Proverbs 25:4 of the silversmith’s refining of silver. I was discussing this passage with Eric yesterday as I searched for a point of view from which to share this lesson with you today. Focusing in on the refining of silver, we talked about the necessity of heating the silver until the impurities (dross) floated to the top so that it could be removed by the refiner. So then, the refiner applies the heat, and he keeps applying the heat until he gets the desired results. Uncomfortable to think about isn’t it? The implication is, that if God, my Father, is not done ‘raising me’ yet, He will continue to apply more and more….heat, pressure, force, stress, (____ you fill in the blank) until what? I always have trouble with this kind off imagery, don’t you? Beloved, the Word is a Sword. What do swords do? The Word is a Hammer. What do hammers do? Jeremiah said the Word was like Fire, shut up in his bones. What does fire do? Am I making you uncomfortable?
But of course, as always, there’s a shout. Shout out to my brother Eric for pointing out, that in this refining process, the refiner’s expertise comes to fore. You see, the refiner, while refining the silver, stands over the heated silver (you and I Beloved) and He carefully examines it. He stands close and as He heats it and removes the dross afloat on top, He peers down at the molten silver in search of … Himself. You see, the more dross He removes, the the more clearly He is able to behold His own image in the silvery molten liquid. So, He’s not interested in merely seeing a vague, incomplete image of Himself, He knows that in order to gain the most value from the finished product, He has to continue heating and refining the silver until it becomes like a mirror, a mirror in which He can see Himself reflected clearly. It’s OK to Amen right here. It’s OK to shout!
Imagine, just for a moment, no matter what you’re going through, that your Father in Heaven is examining you closely, looking for, with growing anticipation and welling love and satisfaction, His own image … in you! Selah.
Beloved, This passage of Proverbs, verse 1 through 10 speak to the benefit of growing in integrity, wisdom and grace as these words are applied in your life. Let us continually humble ourselves before the mighty hand of the Refiner, our Father, God, so that in due time we will be exalted for His Eternal purpose, reflecting His image, His glory throughout all creation. He’s not done raising us yet!
Blessings,
.wb
John 13:8
Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
1 Peter 1:7
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Sunday School Lesson for Sept. 18, 2011: Teaching Values (Proverbs 15:21-33)
Isaiah 1:19
If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
Proverbs 15:31
Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.
James 1:25
But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
First of all, allow me to thank you all and thank God for all of you. Thank you for your prayers. My wife, Patsy, is fine. The surgery was completely successful and she is home recovering. Her prognosis is the best it could possibly be: all of the suspect tissue was removed. All of the post-op pathology results are negative. In essence, all of the cancer was removed. Halleluiah! Thank God!
We serve. We serve God. We serve God, who cares. We serve God, who cares, and is able. He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we can ask or even… think!!! According to the power that works within (you and I). {Eph. 3:20 paraphrased). Thank you for unleashing the very heart and power of God toward us (my family) through your thoughts and prayers. Take every good report (this one included) and use it as self encouragement to continue to fight the good fight of faith, to continue to see His Kingdom come and His Will be done in earth and in our own earthen vessels as His Will is done in Heaven. May you be Blessed to Bless. Remember: there’s nothing too hard for God or for God’s people (that’s you BelovedJ).
In this continued discussion of the Book of Proverbs, we find that God approaches us from the perspective of a Father: a Father who sees our past, present and future, all in a single glance, and provides the instruction necessary to avoid life’s pitfalls and complete our journey from our temporary to His Eternity. An example that comes to mind is that of an eagle, whose perspective, from a great distance above the earth, allows him to observe a vast area that you and I can’t enjoy with our feet planted firmly on the ground. From where we stand, at best we can only see from horizon to horizon, a few miles in any given direction. From the eagle’s viewpoint, high above earth allows him to see literally from unseen to unseen. God sees from the unseen to the unseen and asks us to trust Him to guide us, to deliver us unto Himself. If we will hear and obey, He promises that our lives will be fruitful and fulfilling, that we will have success in our endeavors, that we will enjoy His blessing.
From where I stand, if viewed from my perspective, the path ahead seems filled with obstacles and uncertainty. But from where God sits; enthroned on the circle of the Earth, His Word assures me that… everything is under His control. Isn’t that good news? The Bible doesn’t promise us a rose garden. The sinfulness of man has corrupted creation to the core. However, God promises that He will see us through. He promises us that we will overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. He promises that nothing can separate us from Him. We have assurances that are interminable, incorruptible, immovable. What He has spoken will absolutely come to pass. These simple proverbs applied will provide spiritual wisdom and enlightenment that will bless you and allow you to bless all within your circle of influence. May His Kingdom come… through you!
Blessings,
.wb
Deuteronomy 32:9-12a
9 For the LORD’s portion is his people, Jacob his allotted inheritance.
10 In a desert land he found him,
in a barren and howling waste.
He shielded him and cared for him;
he guarded him as the apple of his eye,
11 like an eagle that stirs up its nest
and hovers over its young,
that spreads its wings to catch them
and carries them aloft.
12 The LORD alone led him…
If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
Proverbs 15:31
Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.
James 1:25
But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
First of all, allow me to thank you all and thank God for all of you. Thank you for your prayers. My wife, Patsy, is fine. The surgery was completely successful and she is home recovering. Her prognosis is the best it could possibly be: all of the suspect tissue was removed. All of the post-op pathology results are negative. In essence, all of the cancer was removed. Halleluiah! Thank God!
We serve. We serve God. We serve God, who cares. We serve God, who cares, and is able. He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we can ask or even… think!!! According to the power that works within (you and I). {Eph. 3:20 paraphrased). Thank you for unleashing the very heart and power of God toward us (my family) through your thoughts and prayers. Take every good report (this one included) and use it as self encouragement to continue to fight the good fight of faith, to continue to see His Kingdom come and His Will be done in earth and in our own earthen vessels as His Will is done in Heaven. May you be Blessed to Bless. Remember: there’s nothing too hard for God or for God’s people (that’s you BelovedJ).
In this continued discussion of the Book of Proverbs, we find that God approaches us from the perspective of a Father: a Father who sees our past, present and future, all in a single glance, and provides the instruction necessary to avoid life’s pitfalls and complete our journey from our temporary to His Eternity. An example that comes to mind is that of an eagle, whose perspective, from a great distance above the earth, allows him to observe a vast area that you and I can’t enjoy with our feet planted firmly on the ground. From where we stand, at best we can only see from horizon to horizon, a few miles in any given direction. From the eagle’s viewpoint, high above earth allows him to see literally from unseen to unseen. God sees from the unseen to the unseen and asks us to trust Him to guide us, to deliver us unto Himself. If we will hear and obey, He promises that our lives will be fruitful and fulfilling, that we will have success in our endeavors, that we will enjoy His blessing.
From where I stand, if viewed from my perspective, the path ahead seems filled with obstacles and uncertainty. But from where God sits; enthroned on the circle of the Earth, His Word assures me that… everything is under His control. Isn’t that good news? The Bible doesn’t promise us a rose garden. The sinfulness of man has corrupted creation to the core. However, God promises that He will see us through. He promises us that we will overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. He promises that nothing can separate us from Him. We have assurances that are interminable, incorruptible, immovable. What He has spoken will absolutely come to pass. These simple proverbs applied will provide spiritual wisdom and enlightenment that will bless you and allow you to bless all within your circle of influence. May His Kingdom come… through you!
Blessings,
.wb
Deuteronomy 32:9-12a
9 For the LORD’s portion is his people, Jacob his allotted inheritance.
10 In a desert land he found him,
in a barren and howling waste.
He shielded him and cared for him;
he guarded him as the apple of his eye,
11 like an eagle that stirs up its nest
and hovers over its young,
that spreads its wings to catch them
and carries them aloft.
12 The LORD alone led him…
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Sunday School Lesson for Sept. 11, 2011: Making Right Choices (Proverbs 4:1-27)
Job 12:13
“To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.
Job 9:4
His wisdom is profound, his power is vast. Who has resisted him and come out unscathed?
Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
1 Corinthians 2:7
No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.
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.
“Common Sense”. As a child, I didn’t have any. I had no inner, guiding ‘beacon’. No innate sense of ‘the right thing to do’. It was hard for me to understand sometimes (sometimes it still is). I can still hear my mom saying,” Wayne, don’t touch that iron. It’s hot!” right as I placed my whole hand on its surface. I still remember the blinding pain that came with that oneL Subsequently, as a child, my parents ‘watched’ me close. I was very ‘accident prone’. I can still hear my dad saying, “One of these days boy, you’re going to step off in a hole and break your @#$# neck!”, something I eventually almost accomplished… twice! In my time, I’ve fallen off buildings, capsized boats, wrecked cars, stumbled and fallen countless times (I’ve got the scars to prove it). I’ve done some dumb stuff and I’m blessed to still be here to tell you about it. For me, listening may have really been a matter of life and death.
God’s Word speaks to us in the same way and with the same intent that my parents words had when they instructed me as a child. Their words provided me a barrier of safety: a refuge of protection, sometimes from myself. They were really concerned for my long term safety and they actively worked to see to it that I made it to adulthood. Similarly, God provides for all of mankind, through His Word, a path to life, abundant life. We tend to go astray, like sheep, following our own whims and desires. We go with ‘what ever seems right’ in our own eyes, what ever feels good. The real problem is: paths of our own choosing will oftentimes lead us to our own … destruction. God knows this and loves us so much that He gave us His Word as a guide.
If we will choose God, if we will choose to obey His Word, He will give us the wisdom necessary for us to succeed in life; He promises us that. I eventually made it to adulthood and I eventually exchanged the guidance of my parents for the Wisdom of God’s Word. I hold it close to my heart, cherishing the intimacy with Him that His Word provides. God has something for each of us Beloved: Wisdom to accompany us along life’s journey. Does that mean that bad things won’t happen? No, not at all. It does mean however, that in the face of difficulty, God will be there with us. If we trust Him, He’ll see us through. The real beauty is that in God’s eventuality, eternal life and blessing await. I made it to adulthood with the guidance of my parents. We will make it to Eternity with God’s guidance. Get Wisdom: it’s the principal thing! Get it from God’s Word! Enjoy the lesson.
Blessings,
.wb
2 Chronicles 1:10
Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
“To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.
Job 9:4
His wisdom is profound, his power is vast. Who has resisted him and come out unscathed?
Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
1 Corinthians 2:7
No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.
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.
“Common Sense”. As a child, I didn’t have any. I had no inner, guiding ‘beacon’. No innate sense of ‘the right thing to do’. It was hard for me to understand sometimes (sometimes it still is). I can still hear my mom saying,” Wayne, don’t touch that iron. It’s hot!” right as I placed my whole hand on its surface. I still remember the blinding pain that came with that oneL Subsequently, as a child, my parents ‘watched’ me close. I was very ‘accident prone’. I can still hear my dad saying, “One of these days boy, you’re going to step off in a hole and break your @#$# neck!”, something I eventually almost accomplished… twice! In my time, I’ve fallen off buildings, capsized boats, wrecked cars, stumbled and fallen countless times (I’ve got the scars to prove it). I’ve done some dumb stuff and I’m blessed to still be here to tell you about it. For me, listening may have really been a matter of life and death.
God’s Word speaks to us in the same way and with the same intent that my parents words had when they instructed me as a child. Their words provided me a barrier of safety: a refuge of protection, sometimes from myself. They were really concerned for my long term safety and they actively worked to see to it that I made it to adulthood. Similarly, God provides for all of mankind, through His Word, a path to life, abundant life. We tend to go astray, like sheep, following our own whims and desires. We go with ‘what ever seems right’ in our own eyes, what ever feels good. The real problem is: paths of our own choosing will oftentimes lead us to our own … destruction. God knows this and loves us so much that He gave us His Word as a guide.
If we will choose God, if we will choose to obey His Word, He will give us the wisdom necessary for us to succeed in life; He promises us that. I eventually made it to adulthood and I eventually exchanged the guidance of my parents for the Wisdom of God’s Word. I hold it close to my heart, cherishing the intimacy with Him that His Word provides. God has something for each of us Beloved: Wisdom to accompany us along life’s journey. Does that mean that bad things won’t happen? No, not at all. It does mean however, that in the face of difficulty, God will be there with us. If we trust Him, He’ll see us through. The real beauty is that in God’s eventuality, eternal life and blessing await. I made it to adulthood with the guidance of my parents. We will make it to Eternity with God’s guidance. Get Wisdom: it’s the principal thing! Get it from God’s Word! Enjoy the lesson.
Blessings,
.wb
2 Chronicles 1:10
Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Sunday School Lesson for Sept. 4, 2011: Pursuing Righteousness (Proverbs 3)
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
September marks the beginning of a new year for the International Sunday School Lesson Standard. I was pleased to find that this year’s lesson schedule starts in the Book of Proverbs. Particularly, Proverbs, Chapter 3. There are several verses within this chapter that contain principles that are foundational in Christian thinking. So much so, that you learn them early, quote them often and recall them first when decision points in life arise. The verse above is one such verse. If there is one critical principle that need be applied in the life of the believer daily, it is intimated in the scripture above; that God is the center of all, and that we should acknowledge Him at every bend in the path of Life.
While discussing the lesson with Eric, I offered an illustration that I’d like to share with you. Last week, my wife and I had an appointment to see her doctor. She has very recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, and on that particular day she had a number of tests to undergo as we prepare for surgery (coming next week). The tests ran longer than expected, into early afternoon. In addition, Patsy (my wife) would require further tests in Richardson the next day. We live in Lewisville, and because she is unfamiliar with Richardson, I decided, that rather than return to work, I would take the remainder of the afternoon off and take her to find the testing center in Richardson ahead of time, so that she wouldn’t have to deal with the added stress of trying to find the location in unfamiliar surroundings. I recently purchased a new truck and it is equipped with the ONSTAR navigational system (you think you know where this is going, don’t you? :)). I really enjoy the GPS feature of ONSTAR, I push the button, tell the ONSTAR attendant where I want to go, they download the directions to my vehicle and away we go. In my illustration to Eric, I was describing how that when I use this GPS feature, I don’t ‘think’ anymore about my eventual destination, I just enjoy the journey. I don’t ‘check out’ intellectually, I’m still driving responsibly, still watching the road, observing my surroundings, but I’m not ‘sweating’ my eventual arrival. I know I’ll get there. At this moment my hands are working, I’m searching for the right words, trying to express the thought as best I can when Eric stops me and with a soft chuckle say’s, “ Do you know what you just described?” “What?”, I asked. “Peace” , he replied. The moment he ‘spoke’ it, I ‘felt’ it. A wave of ‘Peace’ swept over me. The very peace I was attempting to describe, or a shadow of it. At that moment I was struck by the feeling I was experiencing versus the day to day stress that I feel as life’s daily challenges roll my way. Eric’s next comment was as profound,. As I was describing this very prescient moment, he said, “You know why you feel that?” “ Because you over rode ….. you!” He was exactly right! Though I claim that I’m some what a mature believer, I can fall prey to succumbing, little by little over time, to the pressure of trying to maintain control of my life and responsibilities. Little by little peace, real peace, the Peace of God escapes me. If I’m not continually focused on God, I can begin to focus on the ‘stuff’ that surrounds me and the Serenity that God promises me in His Holy Word will escape me. What must I do?
Beloved, as we start this year’s sessions, let’s remember to, on a daily basis, spend a few quality moments seeking the face of our Father. A few moments, everyday, to acquire from our Father God the Peace that surpasses understanding, the Wisdom that surpasses knowledge. For a few quality moments everyday, let us taste from the fruit of the Tree of Life, partake of the Fruit of the Spirit so that, as life’s challenges come our way, we may exhibit the character of Christ and experience the Peace He gives to all that will hold on to His unchanging Hand. I’m dancing in the ‘Holy Ghost’ with his sleeves hanging off the ends of my arms:)
Blessings,
.wb
P.S. Please keep our family in your prayers. Patsy has some challenges ahead, but it’s not our first rodeo. The beauty of the Christian experience over time is that God shows up time after time. And, He’s always ‘right on time’. When you’ve walked with Him for a while, you come to know, really know that He’s willing and that He’s able. He’s able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we can ask, or really even think. Isn’t that ‘Good News’? Be encouraged Beloved. We are.
Shalom (Peace) :)
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
September marks the beginning of a new year for the International Sunday School Lesson Standard. I was pleased to find that this year’s lesson schedule starts in the Book of Proverbs. Particularly, Proverbs, Chapter 3. There are several verses within this chapter that contain principles that are foundational in Christian thinking. So much so, that you learn them early, quote them often and recall them first when decision points in life arise. The verse above is one such verse. If there is one critical principle that need be applied in the life of the believer daily, it is intimated in the scripture above; that God is the center of all, and that we should acknowledge Him at every bend in the path of Life.
While discussing the lesson with Eric, I offered an illustration that I’d like to share with you. Last week, my wife and I had an appointment to see her doctor. She has very recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, and on that particular day she had a number of tests to undergo as we prepare for surgery (coming next week). The tests ran longer than expected, into early afternoon. In addition, Patsy (my wife) would require further tests in Richardson the next day. We live in Lewisville, and because she is unfamiliar with Richardson, I decided, that rather than return to work, I would take the remainder of the afternoon off and take her to find the testing center in Richardson ahead of time, so that she wouldn’t have to deal with the added stress of trying to find the location in unfamiliar surroundings. I recently purchased a new truck and it is equipped with the ONSTAR navigational system (you think you know where this is going, don’t you? :)). I really enjoy the GPS feature of ONSTAR, I push the button, tell the ONSTAR attendant where I want to go, they download the directions to my vehicle and away we go. In my illustration to Eric, I was describing how that when I use this GPS feature, I don’t ‘think’ anymore about my eventual destination, I just enjoy the journey. I don’t ‘check out’ intellectually, I’m still driving responsibly, still watching the road, observing my surroundings, but I’m not ‘sweating’ my eventual arrival. I know I’ll get there. At this moment my hands are working, I’m searching for the right words, trying to express the thought as best I can when Eric stops me and with a soft chuckle say’s, “ Do you know what you just described?” “What?”, I asked. “Peace” , he replied. The moment he ‘spoke’ it, I ‘felt’ it. A wave of ‘Peace’ swept over me. The very peace I was attempting to describe, or a shadow of it. At that moment I was struck by the feeling I was experiencing versus the day to day stress that I feel as life’s daily challenges roll my way. Eric’s next comment was as profound,. As I was describing this very prescient moment, he said, “You know why you feel that?” “ Because you over rode ….. you!” He was exactly right! Though I claim that I’m some what a mature believer, I can fall prey to succumbing, little by little over time, to the pressure of trying to maintain control of my life and responsibilities. Little by little peace, real peace, the Peace of God escapes me. If I’m not continually focused on God, I can begin to focus on the ‘stuff’ that surrounds me and the Serenity that God promises me in His Holy Word will escape me. What must I do?
Beloved, as we start this year’s sessions, let’s remember to, on a daily basis, spend a few quality moments seeking the face of our Father. A few moments, everyday, to acquire from our Father God the Peace that surpasses understanding, the Wisdom that surpasses knowledge. For a few quality moments everyday, let us taste from the fruit of the Tree of Life, partake of the Fruit of the Spirit so that, as life’s challenges come our way, we may exhibit the character of Christ and experience the Peace He gives to all that will hold on to His unchanging Hand. I’m dancing in the ‘Holy Ghost’ with his sleeves hanging off the ends of my arms:)
Blessings,
.wb
P.S. Please keep our family in your prayers. Patsy has some challenges ahead, but it’s not our first rodeo. The beauty of the Christian experience over time is that God shows up time after time. And, He’s always ‘right on time’. When you’ve walked with Him for a while, you come to know, really know that He’s willing and that He’s able. He’s able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we can ask, or really even think. Isn’t that ‘Good News’? Be encouraged Beloved. We are.
Shalom (Peace) :)
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