Posts Tagged ‘ proverbs ’

Wise Living

March 3, 2011
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“Common sense” isn’t all that common. That’s what a quick look at the evening news makes me think, at least! People spend more than they make, and can’t figure out why they’re strapped for cash. Families fight more than they love, and can’t figure out why they’re drifting apart. Individual Christians are more concerned about their wants than the good of the body, and they can’t figure out why churches stagnate and falter.

I love the “Wisdom Literature” of the Bible. That’s why I’m excited about our new Wednesday night offerings from Proverbs. Wisdom isn’t some theoretical head-knowledge; it is the art of being truly successful where it counts—with God. Wisdom guides the head and the heart. In its fullest sense, it belongs to God alone. Job said, “With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding. If he tears down, none can rebuild; if he shuts a man in, none can open…With him are strength and sound wisdom” (Job 12:13-16).

Can I share a few nuggets of wisdom?

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.” (Prov. 12:1)

“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.” (12:11)

“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” (13:11)

“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.” (14:27)

Will you drink from Proverbs, God’s fountain of wisdom? See you Wednesday night!

As a man thinks…

November 20, 2009
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For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7

At the beginning of the 20th century, James Allen, an English clergyman, wrote a remarkable book he titled As a Man Thinketh. He based his book on the verse above.  Through the intervening years the book has inspired countless numbers of people. The central message of the book is “good thoughts can never produce bad results; bad thoughts can never produce good results.” It is a very simple formula.

The brain is a marvelous and vital part of our wonderful human machine.  No amount of time for any amount of evolution can explain the brain.  It is God made and God infused. No matter what action one takes it is anticipated and followed by thought. The Bible has told us that we are what we think.  Think about such things (Philippians 4:8) is a given in the Bible.

How can I be a kind person? Think kind thoughts. How can I become a contented person? Think contented thoughts. You can live out what you think. Healthy living is a product of healthy minds.  Thinking can determine the direction of your life.

John Chapman wrote, “Our goodness comes solely from thinking on goodness; our wickedness from thinking on wickedness.” You want to live a good life and avoid the pitfalls of the modern transgressor? Avoid the thinking that can lead you to bad choices and diabolical action.  Want to get out of the ruts you have found so debilitating? Change the way you think. Troubled people have troubled minds.

If you find that your life is crazy, work on your thinking patterns.  Bad patterns of thinking can destroy our lives just as cancer can destroy our bodies. Paul is clear about our thinking. Fix your thoughts on whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy– think about such things (Philippians 4:8)

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