BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool.” Proverbs 19:1 NLT

Wisdom is often seen in how one views “trade-offs” or the result of two different conditions. It is life lived in contract. For example: would you like to be poor and happy or rich and miserable? How would you fill in the blank of the statement, “better_______________, than _____________”

Maybe you have heard, “It better to be safe, than sorry.” Or how about, “It is better to be lucky, than good.” One of my favorites is, “It better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!”  (that’s a good one for politicians)

It should come as no surprise that Proverbs contains several statements of comparison using the “better______ than ______” approach. Many of these related to character, some relate to putting misplaced focus on wealth and position. Some relate to how we approach a situation.

Here are a few that I found from the New Living Translation. These will be give you sampling and some statements that might cause you to stop and ponder.

Better to be an ordinary person with a servant
    than to be self-important but have no food. Proverbs 12:9 NLT

Better to have little, with fear for the Lord,
    than to have great treasure and inner turmoil. Prov 15:16 NLT

Better to have little, with godliness,
    than to be rich and dishonest. Proverbs 16:8 NLT

Better to live humbly with the poor
    than to share plunder with the proud. Proverbs 16:19 NLT

Better to be patient than powerful;
    better to have self-control than to conquer a city. Proverbs 16:32 NLT

Better a dry crust eaten in peace
    than a house filled with feasting—and conflict. Proverbs 17:1 NLT

Better to be poor and honest
    than to be dishonest and a fool. Proverbs 19:1 NLT

It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table than to be sent away in public disgrace. Proverbs 25:7 NLT

Better to be poor and honest
    than to be dishonest and rich. Proverbs 28:6 NLT

In reflecting on these it is interesting to know that they came from the observations of life from Solomon. Since Solomon was rich, it is easier to talk about contrasting conditions that are even better for a person than wealth. He experienced much, observed much and the wisdom he shares challenges us in our lives today.

As I look at these proverbs the word “perspective” comes to mind. Also, the word, “contentment.” In all but one of these above there seems to be two competing virtues. For example, patience versus self-control; honesty  versus dishonesty; peace versus conflict. Contentment is in view when we read the contrast between “crust eaten in peace versus feasting in conflict.”

Once again we are reminded that our focus needs to be on the Lord and the principles of His Word that guide and direct our lives. It is easy to covet the condition of others or to just resent the situation in which we find ourselves. Neither is the Lord’s desire for us.

Prayer for today… Lord thank You for wisdom that we need when we face the circumstances of life. Thank You that You call us to “peaceful living.” May our perspective and contentment be shaped by our focus on You.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.” Proverbs 19:3 NLT

Wise living is a choice. We can learn from our own experiences and the experiences of others, but it doesn’t mean that “things” always work out. There are mistakes, there are regrets at times and it is important to recognize that, learn and move on.

Learning from experiences, good and bad, is a key to success. I recall a business man sharing about his efforts to find funders for his business concept. With each failed proposal, he and a partner asked themselves, what did we learn, what do we need to do different? After going through that process about three or four times, they learned and refined their business plan until they were successful in finding someone who helped provide the funds for their start up business.

Proverbs 19:25 (NLT) says, “…the simpleminded will learn a lesson; if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser.” However, there are those who always view themselves as victims and want to shift the blame to others or make excuses for failure or a lack of desired results.

When the “way of wisdom” is ignored and we operate according to our own wisdom (e.g. foolishness) things don’t go well. Solomon says the most egregious response is to blame God for what is our own fault. I recall the “poetic wisdom” of a sports coach who reminded me, “if you are looking for an excuse, you can always find one.” We could say, “if you are looking for some one to blame, you can always find some one.”

Proverbs gives some “advice” on how to be wise and successful in our endeavors. We are to give thoughtful consideration to decisions that we make and take the needed time. “Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good;
 haste makes mistakes.” (Proverbs 19:2 NLT)

Success comes when we seek counsel and learn from others. “To acquire wisdom is to love yourself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.” (Proverbs 19:8 NLT) A friend of mine recently wrote in his blog about the value of seeking time with successful people and learning as much as possible from them.

We can shun responsibility and blame God or others when things don’t go well; or we can seek wisdom and apply “God’s principles” for successful living.

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You for the wisdom that You provide through Your Word and presence in our lives. Help us to be people of wisdom and understanding and to trust You, not blame You when life is difficult.

Today we had a visit from former Rep. Spence Swalm and House Sargent Leon Brandli. It was great to reconnect with these friends and to make our first visit to the new Foothills Shopping Center. We are enjoying great fall weather. I am becoming a fan of global warming.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY... “Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.”  Proverbs 18:13 NLT

The ability to keep from rushing to judgment and the ability to ask good questions about an issue is an important “skill set.” It is easy to hear an argument or a case presented on an issue and to quickly adopt a position and state a conclusion.

I have certainly learned that in my work and background as a legislator or serving on various government boards. Being able to hold your tongue and wait to form an opinion is often the best approach. Once again we find a matter that is related to human history going back thousands of years.

Solomon warned about “spouting off” before listening to all the facts. It is not only foolish, but can create shame as well.

There are three Proverbs in chapter 18 that relate to this issue. Another that we find says, “Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.” (Proverbs 18:2 NLT) This can be viewed as, “listen first, speak second.” I have the opportunity, such as it is, to work on issues that create a degree of controversy, where people have some strong opinions. It is interesting to see how people hold an opinion that is not founded in facts, but refuse to be open to understanding and constructive dialogue. 

A verse that I had printed, framed and hung in my legislative office was this one, “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” (Proverbs 18:17 ESV)  While this verse is set in the context of a trial and listening to witnesses, I found it appropriate when lobbyists or various individuals representing an issue sat across my desk to discuss a particular legislative issue. Many issues are not, “black and white” and it is important to hear “both sides” when taking a position or making a decision.

In our lives, we find ourselves making decisions and forming opinions on all kinds of subjects. Solomon’s advice in these and other Proverbs gives us the ability to act with wisdom.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for showing us how to be people of wisdom. This is no more important than in the opinions that we shape in our life. Give us insight and the ability to ask the right questions, to the right people at the right time. Help us to listen and gather facts first, before we speak.

Today I was in  Denver. I had the opportunity to connect with my son, Christian. He celebrated a birthday yesterday. I also made a stop by the new  180 Ministries/Teen Challenge office and the men’s center. It was great to see how well the program is doing. Daniel Petruska has served Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains for over 10 years and know in the role of CEO, he has taken the organization to a new level of stability and effectiveness.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 NLT

In my book, “The Longest Campaign” I open a chapter entitled, “Help from Unexpected Sources” with this observation: “If you want to discover faults you didn’t realized you had, face unjust criticism, and deal with “fair weather” friends, run for political office. But if you want to discover true friendship, loyalty and unconditional love, see who surfaces during a crisis.”  

I often said during my political years, that my greatest challenge was to, “keep from making enemies our of friends I didn’t have.” In other words, I wanted to make sure I didn’t alienate someone who could be a friend and supporter of my cause before I even had a chance for them to know me personally.

Friendships, relationships are part of life. Some have many friends, some have few, but everyone has someone they consider a friend. Someone who will “be in your corner” when tough times come and some one who will serve as a source of encouragement and relationship along the journey of life.

Friendships need to be valued and cherished. They need to be guarded and protected. We also read in Proverbs 18, “An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.” (Proverbs 18:19 NLT)

We all have many acquaintances, but not everyone has a close number of friends.  Solomon “hits the nail on the head” when he says, “a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”

A friend has the freedom to “speak into our lives.” We may not want to hear what they have to say, but they are willing to speak that which will help us even if it is difficult, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” (Proverbs 27:6 NIV)

Being friendly, promotes friendship. The New King James Version, translates the first phrase of Proverbs 18:24 this way, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly.” I think of a friend who told me that when she was in elementary school, she met a girl with the same name as her’s. She asked her, “do you want to be my friend?” The two developed a friendship that lasted through high school.

Sometimes that is what it takes. A willingness to step out, to connect and to be a friend. One of Jesus’ most intimate statements to his disciples was, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends…” (John 15:15 NIV)

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for being our friend and showing us what real friendship is like. Help us to experience, practice and cultivate, true friendship.

Yesterday, I had a final visit from my palliative care nurse. She came to inform me that they were discharging me from care, because of my improvement. So another marker of progress in my recovery.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15 NLT

I hate the “is the glass half empty or half full?” question. I usually want to ask, well, what was it before there was only half? Was it empty or was it full? I know it really doesn’t matter, because the point is to reveal how one views life. Is there a natural bent toward being positive or negative. I think the “half full” vantage is suppose to be more positive, but I’m not sure why.

But what we know is our attitude or disposition does make a difference in our approach to life and our enjoyment of life. Proverbs 27:19 (NLT) says, “As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.” Then we read, “A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:13 NLT) So we see our mood is often reflected in our face.

Author and Bible Teacher, Jeff Lucas, is from England. He comments on how friendly Americans can be. He says it was unusual for him to have people say, “have a good day!” He compares that to the attitudes of Brits. If you say that to a Brit, Lucas observes, you are likely to get the response, “I will, bloody well, have the kind of day, I want to have.”

If you are down, constantly discouraged and always looking on the “dark side” you will find your fill of trouble and sorrow. Have you met those who seem to go from crisis to crisis and always live in some kind of perpetual trauma or heartache?

In contrast, Solomon observed thousands of years ago what we see today, “For the happy heart, life is a continual feast.” These are those who can greet each day with, “Good morning, Lord!” opposed to, “Good Lord, it’s morning!”

Anticipation of what lies ahead is possible when we realize that God is with us and for us. The Lord does not forsake His own. He promises to give strength for each day and victory for each battle. He is the God who meets our needs and is the ever-present help in time of trouble.

Our attitude can be contagious and be a source of encouragement to others. At the end of Proverbs 15, we read, “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart…” (Proverbs 15:30 NLT) In the midst of the challenges of life, we need to focus on the Lord of life and be encouraged in who our God is and follow the admonition of Hebrews, “…encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 13:3 NIV)

I am reminded of the words, “Look at others and you will be distressed, look at yourself and you will be depressed, but when you look to Jesus, you will be blessed.”

Prayer for today… Lord, You are the glory and lifter of our heads (Psalm 3:3). Help us to focus our attention on You and who You are and what You do for those who place their hope in You.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4 NLT

They are a part of our everyday life. They are the essence of our personality and the contribution we make in the lives of others. Songwriters Jon Steingard, Matt Hammitt, and Seth Mosley penned the lyrics of a song simply entitled, “Words.” You have have heard this popular song. The chorus goes like this…

Words can build you up
Words can break you down
Start a fire in your heart or
Put it out

Let my words be life
Let my words be truth
I don’t wanna say a word
Unless it points the world back to You    

Hawk Nelson – Words Lyrics | MetroLyrics

Solomon knew the power and the impact of words. In the first part of Proverbs 15 we find several sayings related to our words.

We find that our words can bring peace and settle tension or ignite a fire. “A gentle answer deflects anger,
 but harsh words make tempers flare.” (Proverbs 15:1 NLT)

Words properly spoken can make an individual long for more, useless words are just that. “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.” (Proverbs 15:2 NLT)

Words can bring life and encouragement or destruction and discouragement. “Gentle words are a tree of life;
 a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4 NLT) This proverbs reminds me of the saying, “Say what you mean and mean what you say.”

Knowing who to listen to, is as important as the words that are spoken. “The lips of the wise give good advice;
the heart of a fool has none to give.” (Proverbs 15:7 NLT)

Finally, the right words, spoken at the right, in the right way can make all the difference. “Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” (Proverbs 15:23 NLT)

Solomon reminds us that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV) May our words, bring life.

Prayer for today… Lord, it is a challenge to consider the impact of words. The words we speak and the words we listen to. “May the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing to You.” (Psalm 19:14)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.”  “When good people run things, everyone is glad, but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans.” Proverbs 14:34 NIV: Proverbs 29:2 Msg

Larry Richards, a California truck driver, earned the nickname, “lawnchair Larry” in July 1982, when he attached 45 helium filled weather balloons to his patio chair and soared to a height of 15,000 feet into Las Angeles air space. After surviving the ordeal, he is said to have made the comment, “a guy just can’t sit around!”

When we look at that state of our nation, it is important to do more than “just sit around.” As Christ-followers fulfill their dual role as “citizens of two worlds” it is important for us to function actively and effectively in both arenas. Isolation does not promote the righteousness of God’s kingdom or the interests of our nation.

People have been too often silenced by the adage, “You are not to discuss religion or politics.” If I applied that to my  life with a background as a pastor and elected official, I couldn’t talk to anyone! The reality is that statement applies more to the attitude and approach people take to issues of faith and “politics” more than the topic itself. Reasonable, respectful discussion and conversation is important in both worlds.

In our present culture, we have some unique freedoms and opportunities to have a voice and an influence in selecting those who make decisions and represent citizens in the hall of government. We also have an opportunity to engage in “direct democracy” through voting on ballot initiatives that are decided by voters. Why would we not exercise those privileges that are the foundation of our democratic republic?

It is easy to become cynical and disillusioned. That at times can apply to both the church and the government. But it doesn’t mean we should keep from seeking God’s best for both worlds. Solomon’s observations are still true today, “righteousness exalts a nation…” “when the righteous rule, people rejoice….” 

One of the saddest statistics that I encounter is that evangelical Christians represent the greatest number of unregistered voters! Not just those who don’t vote, but those who have not made the effort to register to vote!

Jesus said, we are the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world.” Salt is no good if it stays in the container. Light in the day time, doesn’t make much of an impact. Believers are not the “salt” and “light” to the Church, but to do the world. There is no greater impact on your life, family and business, than that which takes place through the decisions of elected officials in establishing the laws of the land.

Exercising our duties of citizenship does not replace nor is it more important than our witness for God’s kingdom. But we don’t have to choose. My greatest concern is that the influence of many believers for God’s kingdom is as anemic as their influence in our society through practicing Biblical citizenship.

We have an important election that is taking place. Just don’t sit around!

Prayer for today…. Lord, as I pray for our nation, I pray that those who call themselves by “Your name”, would take to heart the opportunities and privileges that are before us as citizens of this world. Empower and encourage us to be faith citizens of heaven and earth.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, and people shouted before him, “Make way!” Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:42-43

Joseph, Daniel and his three friends, Esther are all names that we associate as God’s people serving in positions of influence in “secular” governments. They were God’s people in the right place at the right time, honoring God, and being a source of wisdom and principle in a time of crisis.

Joseph was in power to not only save the nation of Egypt, but to save the future nation of Israel, by providing a refuge for Jacob’s household during a famine. Esther became Queen and was in a position to save God’s people from a plot of annihilation. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego choose to honor God and it resulted in them being granted positions of influence in Babylon.

Each of these were in their position to fill a greater and higher calling than to just be a servant in government. God used them in a unique way that resulted in God’s name being honored by the highest officials.

The advancement of God’s kingdom is not because of government. But God’s people honoring God in the places that He opens up for them is an opportunity for the wisdom of God to have an influence in a nation.

When I was elected to the State House in 2006, I was pleased to find a number of individuals who were committed followers of Christ or those who held strong Christian beliefs. I know this was far different from the 1980’s when I was serving on a local school board and was acquainted with the dynamics and make-up at the State Capitol.

In this year’s Presidential election cycle I know that there were at least four candidates who are individuals of strong, even outspoken faith. I saw the same thing in some candidate’s for the US Senate from Colorado. Many of these publicly espoused their deeply held faith.

People often asked me, “Are there any committed Christians in government?” If you look at all levels of government, you will find God’s people “sprinkled” into various levels, filling all kinds of positions and roles. This is true on a state and national level. We live in challenging and changing times. We need to understand that God’s people are “out there.” We need to pray for them to be a source of wisdom, integrity and principle as they face difficult decisions, and a challenging job in a challenging environment.

Prayer for today… Lord, we pray for Your people serving in various positions and levels of government. Grant them strength and wisdom and allow their influence to result in being a blessing to our land.