Success
Feb 22, 2005 Uncategorized Hodge Podge
{ MOOD: 8 | ITUNES: “Trouble” – Bonnie McKee }
This weekend, I am teaching on success. So, here is my question for ya:
“How do you define success?”
I am interested in your own definition or that of others that you have heard.
Proverbs 16
Feb 22, 2005 Uncategorized Hodge Podge
{ MOOD: Great (Coley is cuddling me on my lap) | NOISE: Kid’s talking over breakfast }
Proverbs 16
We can gather our thoughts, but the LORD gives the right answer.
People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives.
Commit your work to the LORD, and then your plans will succeed.
The LORD has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for punishment.
The LORD despises pride; be assured that the proud will be punished.
Unfailing love and faithfulness cover sin; evil is avoided by fear of the LORD.
When the ways of people please the LORD, he makes even their enemies live at peace with them.
It is better to be poor and godly than rich and dishonest.
We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.
The king speaks with divine wisdom; he must never judge unfairly.
The LORD demands fairness in every business deal; he sets the standard.
A king despises wrongdoing, for his rule depends on his justice.
The king is pleased with righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly.
The anger of the king is a deadly threat; the wise do what they can to appease it.
When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a gentle rain.
How much better to get wisdom than gold, and understanding than silver!
The path of the upright leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe.
Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.
It is better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud.
Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be happy.
The wise are known for their understanding, and instruction is appreciated if it’s well presented.
Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools.
From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.
Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on.
Scoundrels hunt for scandal; their words are a destructive blaze.
A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.
Violent people deceive their companions, leading them down a harmful path.
With narrowed eyes, they plot evil; without a word, they plan their mischief.
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.
It is better to be patient than powerful; it is better to have self-control than to conquer a city.
We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.
Noel’s thoughts on Proverbs 16
OK, so these three verses all reminded me of each other:
We can gather our thoughts, but the LORD gives the right answer.
People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives.
There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
We can form opinions, we can be pure as far as we know, and we can take a path that appears to be right to us. But in all of that, it is possible to be wrong. God can examine our motives in a way we can’t. He can see past all the lies we tell other and tell ourselves. He can see the end of every decision and can even tell when a path we are taking will lead to death.
Reading passages like this make me wish it was a little easier to determine God’s individual will for my life. If only he would write it in the sky or email it to me or something like that. Unfortunately, he doesn’t. So I have to follow his Word, get counsel from others, and do my best to choose the right path. In other words, like Chris Seay says: “Shut Up, Be Human, and Walk Faithfully.”
Transparency
Feb 22, 2005 Uncategorized Hodge Podge
{ MOOD: Transparent | NOISE: Dishwasher }
We had our regular 24 party tonight and afterward a bunch of people stayed for quite awhile and talked. One of the things we talked about was transparency in ministry. Specifically, how transparent should a pastor be when teaching? It mirrored a few conversations we had here recently.
Anyhoo, right after everyone left, I picked up my copy of Rev Magazine( a magazine for pastors) and read this interesting quote:
“…once again I’ve been placed in a situation where I’m experiencing ‘selective transparency’ in the pastoral ministry. It’s much easier today to be open with your congregation regarding your struggles in life, as long as they’re the accepted struggles.
But what about those deeper issues–financial problems, porno, deep doubts about faith, marital strife, wayward kids? We need to be careful about sharing them because our leadership may come into question. Right?
Over the last several months I’ve listened to pastors–in both traditional and emerging churches–who’ve left pastoral ministry because they shared their struggles with someone within the church…In every case, the final outcome was the pastor chose to resign or was asked to do so. Additionally, they’ve become thoroughly disillusioned with church structures and hierarchies–sharing the deep problems with other leaders proved to be as disasterous as telling a layperson.”
Interesting food for thought.
Disappearing Snow
Feb 21, 2005 Uncategorized Hodge Podge
{ MOOD: Laughing | NOISE: Me laughing }
Wonder what happens to all the snow at the end of winter?Read this for the answer.
Grafitti
Feb 21, 2005 Uncategorized Hodge Podge
{ MOOD: Grafittiless | TIVO: Backyardigans }
Alright, I have at least temporarily removed the grafitti section on the left. Lately it has been causing my site to load super slowly. I may add it back after the site revamp.
By the way, if anyone has any brilliant redesign ideas, let me know. After I am done teaching this series, I am going to go to work on it.
Proverbs 15
Feb 21, 2005 Uncategorized Hodge Podge
{ MOOD: Rested…kinda | NOISE: Boys watching TV }
Proverbs 15
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.
The wise person makes learning a joy; fools spout only foolishness.
The LORD is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.
Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.
There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.
Only the wise can give good advice; fools cannot do so.
The LORD hates the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright.
The LORD despises the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness.
Whoever abandons the right path will be severely punished; whoever hates correction will die.
Even the depths of Death and Destruction are known by the LORD. How much more does he know the human heart!
Mockers don’t love those who rebuke them, so they stay away from the wise.
A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.
A wise person is hungry for truth, while the fool feeds on trash.
For the poor, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.
It is better to have little with fear for the LORD than to have great treasure with turmoil.
A bowl of soup with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.
A hothead starts fights; a cool-tempered person tries to stop them.
A lazy person has trouble all through life; the path of the upright is easy!
Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother.
Foolishness brings joy to those who have no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path.
Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors bring success.
Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
The path of the wise leads to life above; they leave the grave behind.
The LORD destroys the house of the proud, but he protects the property of widows.
The LORD despises the thoughts of the wicked, but he delights in pure words.
Dishonest money brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live.
The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.
The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.
If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.
If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.
Fear of the LORD teaches a person to be wise; humility precedes honor.
Noel’s Thoughts on Proverbs 15
Welcome to the halfway point on our trip through Proverbs. It was has been cool to talk with so many people who have been doing this with me. I had several people tell me specific proverbs that have struck them this past weekend. Good stuff.
Mockers don’t love those who rebuke them, so they stay away from the wise.
I have often in my life known that if I ran into a certain person, they were going to rebuke me. My conscience and the Holy Spirit were making it very clear that I was in the wrong. So what did I do? I avoided the person who I knew would call me on it.
A bowl of soup with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.
This is the one that made me laugh today.
Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors bring success.
I am an idea guy. I get an idea and then from that point forward I am convinced it is the best idea in the world. When other people begin to fine tune my idea, I dig in and don’t listen to their advice. Now when I actually do listen to them, the idea gets better and better. This is a good verse for me to remember.
Picture of the Day
Feb 20, 2005 Uncategorized Hodge Podge
{ MOOD: Pretty Good | ITUNES: “Restless” – Brooks Williams }
I just stumbled upon this amazing picture:
Proverbs 14
Feb 20, 2005 Uncategorized Hodge Podge
{ MOOD: Yawn | NOISE: Boys playing with cars }
Wowza. I was a bit under the weather this weekend, so the services were kinda interesting. I was drugged up pretty well this morning. But, i just took an hour nap and that helped a bit.
Thanks for waiting on this one…it was one of those days.
Proverbs 14
A wise woman builds her house; a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.
Those who follow the right path fear the LORD; those who take the wrong path despise him.
The talk of fools is a rod for their backs, but the words of the wise keep them out of trouble.
An empty stable stays clean, but no income comes from an empty stable.
A truthful witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies.
A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.
Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge there.
The wise look ahead to see what is coming, but fools deceive themselves.
Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.
Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.
The house of the wicked will perish, but the tent of the godly will flourish.
There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
Laughter can conceal a heavy heart; when the laughter ends, the grief remains.
Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward.
Only simpletons believe everything they are told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.
The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with great confidence.
Those who are short-tempered do foolish things, and schemers are hated.
The simpleton is clothed with folly, but the wise person is crowned with knowledge.
Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.
The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many “friends.”
It is sin to despise one’s neighbors; blessed are those who help the poor.
If you plot evil, you will be lost; but if you plan good, you will be granted unfailing love and faithfulness.
Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!
Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only folly.
A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor.
Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a place of refuge for their children.
Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.
A growing population is a king’s glory; a dwindling nation is his doom.
Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.
A relaxed attitude lengthens life; jealousy rots it away.
Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who help the poor honor him.
The wicked are crushed by their sins, but the godly have a refuge when they die.
Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.
Godliness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
A king rejoices in servants who know what they are doing; he is angry with those who cause trouble.
Noel’s Thoughts on Proverbs 14
Here are the verses that struck me:
The talk of fools is a rod for their backs, but the words of the wise keep them out of trouble.
This is an interesting way of saying it. But it carries a lot of truth. You can often tell if someone is foolish or wise from the moment they open their mouths.
An empty stable stays clean, but no income comes from an empty stable.
I just laugh when I read this one.
The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many “friends.” It is sin to despise one’s neighbors; blessed are those who help the poor.
This one is interesting. He lays out the observation first, and then adds a commentary. It’s a shame when two verses like this are seen without each other. The bottom line is when you despise someone because they are poor you are sinning. Instead, you should stop trying to buddy up with those that are rich and help them.
Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a place of refuge for their children.
Wow. This is kinda cool as a dad. When I am secure (because of my relationship with God), my children also get a place of security and refuge. I think that is way cool.
Well, I am off to color with my boys.
Proverbs 13
Feb 19, 2005 Uncategorized Hodge Podge
{ MOOD: Awake, and that’s enough | ITUNES: “Somebody Told Me” – The Killers }
Proverbs 13
A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a young mocker refuses to listen.
Good people enjoy the positive results of their words, but those who are treacherous crave violence.
Those who control their tongue will have a long life; a quick retort can ruin everything.
Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper and be satisfied.
Those who are godly hate lies; the wicked come to shame and disgrace.
Godliness helps people all through life, while the evil are destroyed by their wickedness.
Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor.
The rich can pay a ransom, but the poor won’t even get threatened.
The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the sinner’s light is snuffed out.
Pride leads to arguments; those who take advice are wise.
Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true, there is life and joy.
People who despise advice will find themselves in trouble; those who respect it will succeed.
The advice of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death.
A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person walks a rocky road.
Wise people think before they act; fools don’t and even brag about it!
An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing.
If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept criticism, you will be honored.
It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools will not turn from evil to attain them.
Whoever walks with the wise will become wise; whoever walks with fools will suffer harm.
Trouble chases sinners, while blessings chase the righteous!
Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.
A poor person’s farm may produce much food, but injustice sweeps it all away.
If you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you don’t love them; if you love your children, you will be prompt to discipline them.
The godly eat to their hearts’ content, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
Noel’s Thoughts on Proverbs 13
Alright, first we hit every parent’s favorite verse:
A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a young mocker refuses to listen.
You might want to put that on a poster in your kid’s room.
Those who control their tongue will have a long life; a quick retort can ruin everything.
This week, I was meeting with a friend of mine. I had some serious stuff I wanted to talk with him about. But instead, I threw a couple quick retorts his way and did not control my tongue very well. Talk about “ruining everything.” I’m not sure if he heard anything else I said because I didn’t control my tongue in the beginning.
Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor.
This verse is sooooo American. There are people who go into debt up to their eyeballs to look like they are well off, but they are really drowning.
Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows.
I wish I had seen this verse before writing my message for this weekend. It is totally what I am talking about at one point. Well, if I have time I will add it.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true, there is life and joy.
Oh, man. Have you ever had your heart set on something? A job, a relationship, anything and then if fell through? The phrase “hope deferred makes the heart sick” really describes it well. It calls up the nights laying in bed, with your stomach all upset. But on the flip side, when our dreams come true, you really do feel alive.
Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.
OK, so this is another verse I have to add to my teaching…Jeesh this sucker is going to be long. Time for me to take off because the Leader’s Retreat is about to restart. Adios, my internet buddies.
Sex and Money
Feb 18, 2005 Uncategorized Hodge Podge
{ MOOD: Intrigued | ITUNES: “Here I Go Again On My Own” – Whitesnake }
So last week I taught on sex and there were some crazy random sexual temptations. This week I am teaching on money and Grace and I did our budget and freaked out.
Nice.
