BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they’re deceiving you.  They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils. While their hatred may be concealed by trickery, their wrongdoing will be exposed in public.”  Proverbs 26:24-26 NLT

I have found over the years that the truth eventually comes to the surface. At years as a pastor and working in politics, I have found it almost easier, in “safe circumstances” to accept people at face value and then wait and see what their actions reveal. However, not all situations are free from danger.

There is an interesting verse about Jesus in the gospels, “…many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.” (John 2:23-25 NIV)

This context is not about those who opposed Jesus, or the Jewish authorities, it is about those who believed in Him. He was not quick to “entrust himself to them.”

The problem is, “we are not Jesus.” We don’t know what is in the hearts of people. Unlike Jesus we often do need the “testimony of others” about someone. That is just the realm of human existence and it is wise to have some references and verification on those we don’t know from others before we “entrust” ourselves to others.

We can see this in the realm of financial transactions or those who are providing a service. Have you received a call about money you owe to the IRS? Have you been informed you “won” a lottery that you didn’t enter? Is the door to door roofing contractor legitimate? We have many examples of fraud and deceit in our world. So much so, television programs have been created to share about various “con schemes.”

While we don’t know what is in the hearts of people, we do know the One who does. It is not automatic and it doesn’t happen in all circumstances, but we can pray about situations and circumstances and ask the Lord to reveal truth or give us insight and wisdom into a situation or someone. Over the years I have heard a individuals talk about a “check in their spirit” about a situation or person. That can often be the Holy Spirit working on our behalf.

Finally, we are reminded that what appears on the surface is not in deed the truth. But what is underneath the surface over time does tend to come out. We then see someone “self condemned” by their own actions or the discovery of their true motives.

We are once again reminded that we live in a “fallen world.” While we don’t need to live in fear or be paranoid; we do need to operated with wisdom. That is what Solomon is trying to communicate and we are wise to take heed.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You that you care for all that concerns us. You are able to help us in our daily lives as we operate in the wisdom that You provide and as we commit our lives and affair daily to you.

Today we traveled to Evergreen for grandson Riley’s football game. At that elevation we experienced our first taste of cold weather along with some rain. It was a good game with Riley’s team winning 12-6 and qualifying for the championship game next week in what is called the “Carnation Bowl.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.” Proverbs 25:11,12 NLT

Whether king or commoner, all of us need the input of others. No one is the depository of all wisdom and knowledge. Even Solomon who was the wisest of the wise recognized the value of both advice and criticism.

In two wise sayings Solomon points the value and beauty of both advice and criticism. While we seek advice, criticism often comes unexpectedly and without invitation. However both for the wise can be important.

For both, thoughtful contemplation versus an immediate reaction is important. These are words that need to be “taken into consideration.” Like something that is pleasing to look at, they are to be valued and studied.

I like the qualifier of “timely” advice. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you responded to someone, “I wish you would have told me that before I made my decision.” The key is the right advice, at the right time. Even in our current political structure we have those who carry the title of “Presidential adviser.”  In David’s administration there was the position of, “King’s friend.” Often advice from those who have no agenda or personal stake in an issue is the most important.

The I notice that the preface and qualifier of criticism is, “valid” and “listening.” It is easy to dismiss all criticism; but we do so at our peril. When I think of those who offered their “criticism” when I was first in politics, I had to realize that they were doing so, because they wanted to me to be the best that I could be in my chosen office. I had to learn to listen and not to react or respond with defensiveness.

But it is important to realize that not all criticism is valid. Solomon warns, “Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.” (Proverbs 25:19 NLT)

Some criticism is misguided and prejudicial and intended to bring distraction and discouragement. Valid criticism enables us to “stay on track” and to be even more effective in reaching our goals or potential.

We can be on both the giving and receiving end of advice and criticism. Giving advice and criticism carries as much responsibility and thoughtfulness as receiving it. In both circumstances it calls for the right motives and the right spirit. These two aspects of four lives reveal, how much we need others to grow and reach our potential. It may be hard to admit we need the advice of others. It may be challenging to filter through criticism. The wise learn to value and assess these and become more successful as a result.

Prayer for today…. Lord, grant the openness to become wise through receiving timely advice and valid criticism. Help us to seek to always strive for self-improvement and to see how others can be partners and Your agents in that process.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.” Proverbs 24:16 NLT

Life happens! Those who follow Christ are not immune from the difficulties and challenges of life. Jesus Himself was very clear when He said, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:45 NIV) So, what makes the difference?

One of the greatest differences is in the resiliency or the ability to bounce back. The issues not if or when you “fall” but in your determination to “get up” and to move on. As the proverb above indicates those who are wise, those who place their trust in the Lord may face multiple set backs and challenges, but each time they will get back up. In contrast often the wicked are felled by one disaster. Their hope is fragile and their resources are limited.

Solomon adds to his “pep talk” this observation, “If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.” (Proverbs 24:10 NLT) The psalmist talks about those who go through the valley of Baca. Baca, means weeping. He says those who set their focus on “pilgrimage” – those who journey with their “eyes on the prize” – “They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.” (Psalm 84:7 NIV)

When we “journey with the Lord” we realize that we are not alone. I like the words of the psalmist when he says, “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.” (Psalm 37:2324 NLT) As we trust in the Lord we are not “down for the count” we are able to get up and keep moving forward.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You that You give us the courage and strength to “get up” when we are knocked down. We don’t have to be thrown into confusion or doubt when difficulties arise, but we can realize that those are times that test and prove our faith and trust. Thank You that when we trust in You we can get up again and again.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit.
In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.” Proverbs 23:4,5 NLT

It seems that this ancient proverb is one that speaks to people today. When I read it, I think of the age old question supposedly asked to the industrialist John D. Rockefeller, “How much money does it take to be happy?” His response, “Just a little more.”

Actually when I read, “Be wise enough to know when to quit” I thought it was a good justification for retirement! However that points to the key issue that we see in these verses and other scriptures. This issue is not financial security, it is our focus in life, it is where we place our trust. “…if riches increase, set not your heart on them.” (Psalm 62:10 ESV)

“Trying to get rich” carries a sense of discontented striving. The focus is on attaining and achieving. It drives individuals to making poor decisions and being taken captive by those who are more than willing to talk them into investments that promise much, but deliver little. I think of hearing of professional athletes who had millions of dollars, losing it all. Paul wrote to Timothy and reminded him, “…true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” (1 Timothy 6:6 NLT) We also read, “Cease striving and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10 NASB)

We also, need to ask ourselves, “why do we do what we do?” Is it just to attain a living, to pay bills, to acquire financial security? Does our work, focus and efforts have more meaning than just the paycheck whenever it comes. A friend of mine, shares financial principles on, “earning money, to make a difference.” As a result, the goal of attaining financial blessing is to be a blessing, not just a higher standard of living.

Finally, trust in the Lord gives the greatest security in our life. Wealth may diminish, health may fail, but we have a spirit that will live on for eternity. Next week, I will lead a memorial service for an elderly woman Debbie and I have known for 40 years. Her children shared with me as she succumbed the impairment of Alzheimers she would say, “Most days, I don’t know who I am, I don’t know where I am, I don’t know what I’m doing, but I know Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior!” Wow! That’s true peace and security.

Prayer for today…  Lord thank You for being our source of life and giving us the ability to attain financial security as we live according to Your Word. Thank You we can live at peace, to rest in Your care and to know that You meet all of our needs.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” Ephesians 3:19 NLT

My friend Tomme Scheffel was sharing at our men’s group on Monday night. As this young man shared a pivotal point in his Christian life, he commented on being able to sense God’s love in a tangible way that he could not understand or explain. At the end of the meeting my friend Rod Carlson, of Living Logos Ministries, who was visiting our group quoted this scripture above in response to what Tomme had shared.

It is interesting that Paul prays that Timothy and all believers would, by God’s power (because it is not through our ability) to “…have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.” (Ephesians 3:18 NLT) God allows us to understand that God’s love is greater than we can imagine, it is higher than we can believe, it is more vast than what the human mind can conceive. 

But the simple reality is that we can experience what we can’t understand. So much of our orientation is accepting through understanding. We can focus on “figuring it out” coming to some great revelation, insight or “break through” that makes the difference. But when it comes to God’s love we can’t understand it. We can’t even make sense of it. It is vast, it is great, it is baffling to our human minds.

That is because God’s love is not a matter of cognition and rationale. It doesn’t make sense, because it is God’s love. It is that which is divine, which is greater, higher, beyond ourselves.

But we can experience it! At times we simply stand in awe, at times we may experience that overwhelming peace and comfort that God’s love provides. At times we simply have to accept it, because it can not be earned.

God’s love is eternal. It is that which transcends this world, this life and will define the atmosphere that makes heaven the reality that it is. God’s love is not to be analyzed and quantified. It is simply to be accepted and experienced. It is the gateway to the “fullness of life and power that comes from God.”

Prayer for today… Lord, how marvelous and wonderful is Your love. Allow us with open hearts to accept what we can’t explain or understand. Thank You for Your love for us.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.”  Proverbs 21:4 NLT

James the Apostle in discussing how easy it is to sin by what we say, says, “We all stumble in many ways…” (James 3:2 NIV) James also, says, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” (James 4:17 NIV) Solomon says we can sin with our “eyes” and our “heart” as much as through our actions. Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28 NIV)

Solomon was insightful when he observed, Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin”? (Proverbs 20:9 NLT) As we have moved through the ages we can see the words the Lord spoke to Cain being applicable to us all,  “…if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:7 NIV)

It is easy to view the default of our lives as being more free from sin, than being those who are constantly faced with sin. However, we need to understand that the opposite is more true in our lives. Solomon said, “People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.” (Proverbs 21:2 NLT) 

This all shows us the truth of the simple declaration of scripture, “all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory…” (Romans 3:23) We are in constant need of the Lord’s forgiveness and grace in our life. As we see in Solomon’s words and in a variety of scriptures, it is easy to sin. God’s perfect standard is so beyond the reach of human nature, we need a supernatural savior to rescue us from ourselves.

When we understand the propensity to sin, we can better appreciate the position of being “clothed in the righteousness of Christ” because of His forgiveness and grace. Isaiah declared, it, “I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness.” (Isaiah 61:10 NLT)  Paul put it this way, “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT)

The words of the ancient hymn “Come Thou Fount of Many Blessings” capture our propensity to sin and our need to the Lord’s continuing grace and forgiveness:

Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above. 

Prayer for today… Lord, how we need Your amazing grace! Help us to continually be thankful for your forgiveness and to be aware our how easy it is for us to “miss the mark” even in ways that escape our attention. Your love and forgiveness and the position you grant us, enables us to stand in awe of who You are and what You have done for us.