"Let your eyes look straight ahead and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your feet from evil."
Proverbs 4:25-27
James Dobson calls it "the straight life." It reminds me of work horses with blinders on to keep them from being distracted or enticed to turn from the prescribed path. It must be boring for the horse to plod along the dusty trail when there are such green pastures to romp in. Satan loves to get God's people distracted from the paths of righteousness. Sin can be so very alluring. The solution is to keep my eyes on Jesus.
Today's Thought: Eyes focused on Jesus will not stray into the paths of sin.
Have a focused day. Love you.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Wisdom of the Heart
"My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart...Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life."
Proverbs 4:20-21, 23
I often use the phrase, "Guard your heart," because life springs from the heart. Wisdom is not just an intellectual exercise, but it is a way of living that flows out of the deep recesses of our being. (This is called "worldview.) When I was a kid, the house across the street had a spring with cold water that we would drink from on hot summer days. Sometimes we would not drink from the spring because there was junk floating in the water. If the well of our heart becomes contaminated with worldly wisdom, it will affect the way we live.
Today's Thought: Godly wisdom is a well-spring that flows out of our hearts.
Have a "heart" day. Love you.
Proverbs 4:20-21, 23
I often use the phrase, "Guard your heart," because life springs from the heart. Wisdom is not just an intellectual exercise, but it is a way of living that flows out of the deep recesses of our being. (This is called "worldview.) When I was a kid, the house across the street had a spring with cold water that we would drink from on hot summer days. Sometimes we would not drink from the spring because there was junk floating in the water. If the well of our heart becomes contaminated with worldly wisdom, it will affect the way we live.
Today's Thought: Godly wisdom is a well-spring that flows out of our hearts.
Have a "heart" day. Love you.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Stumbling In Darkness
"But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble."
Proverbs 4:18-19
Godly people shine like lights, but the darkness does not comprehend it (see John 1:5, referring to Jesus). Ungodly people have no clue about sin and its effects, so they don't know how to solve the problems generated by sin. They try various tactics to counteract sin, but the human measures don't work. So they just keep stumbling around. In fact, they think godly people are weird, and that sin is natural. But the proof is in the puddin'. Godly answers to sin, such as Teen Challenge, have such a higher success rate than secular programs. And that's why the people in Washington, D.C., stumble around. They walk in darkness, not understanding God's ways. Righteous people see sin for what it is and have the answers to solve the problems. We get to shine as the sun in the darkness.
Today's Thought: People stumble in darkness because they reject light.
Have a bright day. Love you.
Proverbs 4:18-19
Godly people shine like lights, but the darkness does not comprehend it (see John 1:5, referring to Jesus). Ungodly people have no clue about sin and its effects, so they don't know how to solve the problems generated by sin. They try various tactics to counteract sin, but the human measures don't work. So they just keep stumbling around. In fact, they think godly people are weird, and that sin is natural. But the proof is in the puddin'. Godly answers to sin, such as Teen Challenge, have such a higher success rate than secular programs. And that's why the people in Washington, D.C., stumble around. They walk in darkness, not understanding God's ways. Righteous people see sin for what it is and have the answers to solve the problems. We get to shine as the sun in the darkness.
Today's Thought: People stumble in darkness because they reject light.
Have a bright day. Love you.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Get Wisdom
"Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding; for I will give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law .... 'Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.' "
Proverbs 4:1-2, 7
The most important thing a person can pursue in life is not fame and fortune, but getting to know the Father's heart and then following. Wisdom could be defined as seeing things from the Father's perspective. Getting wisdom is not always easy because it requires effort, and often goes against human understanding. Get to know and obey His word, for it will preserve and keep (vs. 6).
Today's Thought: Getting Wisdom is the most important thing in life.
Have a "getting" day. Love you.
Proverbs 4:1-2, 7
The most important thing a person can pursue in life is not fame and fortune, but getting to know the Father's heart and then following. Wisdom could be defined as seeing things from the Father's perspective. Getting wisdom is not always easy because it requires effort, and often goes against human understanding. Get to know and obey His word, for it will preserve and keep (vs. 6).
Today's Thought: Getting Wisdom is the most important thing in life.
Have a "getting" day. Love you.
Friday, December 25, 2009
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Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- The Rewards Of The Godly
"Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways, for the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD, but His secret counsel is with the upright. The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just. Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble. The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools."
Proverbs 3:31-35
There is a stark contrast between the ungodly and godly –
Perverse — Upright
Wicked — Just
Scornful — Humble
Fools — Wise
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to decide which one God is going to bless. I choose godliness as my legacy.
Today's Thought: The price of ungodliness is not worth the price.
Have a godly day. Love you.
Proverbs 3:31-35
There is a stark contrast between the ungodly and godly –
Perverse — Upright
Wicked — Just
Scornful — Humble
Fools — Wise
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to decide which one God is going to bless. I choose godliness as my legacy.
Today's Thought: The price of ungodliness is not worth the price.
Have a godly day. Love you.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- A Time To Fight
"Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm."\
Proverbs 3:30
There is a time to stand and fight. But why would anyone fight with another person who caused him no harm? One reason is that some people are simply contentious. They just like to keep an argument going. But in my case, it is my pride. I don't like my ego or integrity being attacked. So I fight back. And for what? Not to protect God's truth, but simply to defend my honor. Jesus strove with the religious leaders because of eternal truth, but never to defend his own personhood. I really need to work of this area of my life.
Today's Thought: Fights need to be chosen carefully in the light of truth.
Have a peaceful day. Love you.
Proverbs 3:30
There is a time to stand and fight. But why would anyone fight with another person who caused him no harm? One reason is that some people are simply contentious. They just like to keep an argument going. But in my case, it is my pride. I don't like my ego or integrity being attacked. So I fight back. And for what? Not to protect God's truth, but simply to defend my honor. Jesus strove with the religious leaders because of eternal truth, but never to defend his own personhood. I really need to work of this area of my life.
Today's Thought: Fights need to be chosen carefully in the light of truth.
Have a peaceful day. Love you.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Debt-free (Almost)
"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, 'Go and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,' when you have it with you."
Proverbs 3:27-28
The moral is: "Keep short accounts." The best is to not go into debt at all. But when it is necessary, pay it back quickly. A guaranteed way to destroy relationships is to borrow money from friends or relatives. There is peace and freedom in being debt-free.
Today's Thought: Owe no man anything except to love one another (Romans 13:8).
Have a debt-free day. Love you.
Proverbs 3:27-28
The moral is: "Keep short accounts." The best is to not go into debt at all. But when it is necessary, pay it back quickly. A guaranteed way to destroy relationships is to borrow money from friends or relatives. There is peace and freedom in being debt-free.
Today's Thought: Owe no man anything except to love one another (Romans 13:8).
Have a debt-free day. Love you.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Confidence In God
"Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught."
Proverbs 3:25-26
Verses 13-24 speak of the value and preciousness of wisdom (doing things God's way) – long life, honor, pleasantness, and peace. But verses 25-26 really speak to me today. We can have confidence in God even in the perilous times we live in. There are some truly wicked people in our government who are subverting God's way and imposing their evil agenda on us. But in the dark times, I can have confidence that nothing is outside of God's control. He, who founded the earth and established the heavens (vs. 19), is still in control. I can rest in Him.
Today's Thought: We can live without fear because of our confidence in God.
Have a confident day. Love you.
Proverbs 3:25-26
Verses 13-24 speak of the value and preciousness of wisdom (doing things God's way) – long life, honor, pleasantness, and peace. But verses 25-26 really speak to me today. We can have confidence in God even in the perilous times we live in. There are some truly wicked people in our government who are subverting God's way and imposing their evil agenda on us. But in the dark times, I can have confidence that nothing is outside of God's control. He, who founded the earth and established the heavens (vs. 19), is still in control. I can rest in Him.
Today's Thought: We can live without fear because of our confidence in God.
Have a confident day. Love you.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Correction
"My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor despise His correction; for whom the LORD loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights."
Proverbs 3:11-12
"This hurts me more than it hurts you!" Yeah, right!!!! I doubt that any child says to himself when he is corrected, "Dad sure must love me because he is so mean to me." It is no fun to be corrected or disciplined. But in reality, the father who doesn't care about his children will let them do whatever they please – even if it destroys them. But when a parent, spouse, or friend tells me I am wrong, it means they really care about me. It is an act of love, even if it hurts. "Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:11). Ouch!!
Today's Thought: Discipline is an expression of love and the wise person accepts it.
Have a correctable day. Love you.
Proverbs 3:11-12
"This hurts me more than it hurts you!" Yeah, right!!!! I doubt that any child says to himself when he is corrected, "Dad sure must love me because he is so mean to me." It is no fun to be corrected or disciplined. But in reality, the father who doesn't care about his children will let them do whatever they please – even if it destroys them. But when a parent, spouse, or friend tells me I am wrong, it means they really care about me. It is an act of love, even if it hurts. "Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:11). Ouch!!
Today's Thought: Discipline is an expression of love and the wise person accepts it.
Have a correctable day. Love you.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Honoring God
"Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase. So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine."
Proverbs 3:9-10
The rewards of giving offerings to God of my money and possessions are only a small part of the reason for giving. The greater reason is that my offerings demonstrate how much I honor Him in my life. If I give McDonalds more than I give God, then McDonalds is more important to me. God is a higher priority in my life than things. He deserves more than left-overs. It is a wise person who recognizes that he owes God everything.
Today's Thought: God will bless those who honor Him with their possessions.
Have a giving day. Love you.
Proverbs 3:9-10
The rewards of giving offerings to God of my money and possessions are only a small part of the reason for giving. The greater reason is that my offerings demonstrate how much I honor Him in my life. If I give McDonalds more than I give God, then McDonalds is more important to me. God is a higher priority in my life than things. He deserves more than left-overs. It is a wise person who recognizes that he owes God everything.
Today's Thought: God will bless those who honor Him with their possessions.
Have a giving day. Love you.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Health and Strength
"Do no be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones."
Proverbs 3:7-8
The margin reading for "flesh" is "naval." My belly-button is not a thing of beauty, but it is a continual reminder that at one point I was totally dependent on someone other than myself for my very existence. Fear of the LORD brings me to that reality – I need God. He is my source of health and strength -- my very life. Ego, conceit, flesh, and pride – these are all enemies of my spiritual health. They make me wise in my own sight. Remember – the middle letter of pride and sin is "I."
Today's Thought: Fear of God gives a proper perspective of my own self.
Have a healthy day. Love you.
Proverbs 3:7-8
The margin reading for "flesh" is "naval." My belly-button is not a thing of beauty, but it is a continual reminder that at one point I was totally dependent on someone other than myself for my very existence. Fear of the LORD brings me to that reality – I need God. He is my source of health and strength -- my very life. Ego, conceit, flesh, and pride – these are all enemies of my spiritual health. They make me wise in my own sight. Remember – the middle letter of pride and sin is "I."
Today's Thought: Fear of God gives a proper perspective of my own self.
Have a healthy day. Love you.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- In God We Trust
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6
"In God we trust" is more than just a motto on a penny. It is a way of life. Can I really trust God when things go to pot? If my life belongs to Him, I can know that He is directing my paths, even in the bad times. There are a lot of things I don't understand with my human intellect. But I can trust that God knows. This is the secret to living without fear. As the old saying goes, "Why should I let worry keep me from sleep when God is awake. There's no sense both of us losing sleep." When life doesn't make sense to my own understanding, all I can do is trust Him.
Today's Thought: Trusting the LORD is the antidote to worry.
Have a trusting day. Love you.
Proverbs 3:5-6
"In God we trust" is more than just a motto on a penny. It is a way of life. Can I really trust God when things go to pot? If my life belongs to Him, I can know that He is directing my paths, even in the bad times. There are a lot of things I don't understand with my human intellect. But I can trust that God knows. This is the secret to living without fear. As the old saying goes, "Why should I let worry keep me from sleep when God is awake. There's no sense both of us losing sleep." When life doesn't make sense to my own understanding, all I can do is trust Him.
Today's Thought: Trusting the LORD is the antidote to worry.
Have a trusting day. Love you.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- The Heart of Wisdom
"Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man."
Proverbs 3:3-4
Mercy and truth are more than accouterments added like jewelry to our lives just to look good. They are an integral part of the wise person's inner being that is demonstrated through his character. Jesus was full of grace and truth (John 1:14), and He increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men (Luke 2:52). My desire is to grow in God's wisdom, not as some external jewelry, but in the very fabric of my being.
Today's Thought: Mercy and truth are written on the heart of the wise man.
Have a growing day. Love you.
Proverbs 3:3-4
Mercy and truth are more than accouterments added like jewelry to our lives just to look good. They are an integral part of the wise person's inner being that is demonstrated through his character. Jesus was full of grace and truth (John 1:14), and He increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men (Luke 2:52). My desire is to grow in God's wisdom, not as some external jewelry, but in the very fabric of my being.
Today's Thought: Mercy and truth are written on the heart of the wise man.
Have a growing day. Love you.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- "Do I Gotta?"
"My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you."
Proverbs 3:1-2
"Do I gotta do it?" When I was a kid and my mom and dad told me to do something that I didn't want to do, I got angry. There was no peace in my heart when I obeyed since I did it only because they were the boss, not because I wanted to. When I do what is right because I "gotta," there is no joy or peace. But obeying God from the heart brings peace.
Today's Thought: Peace belongs to those who do what is right from the heart.
Have a peaceful day. Love you.
Proverbs 3:1-2
"Do I gotta do it?" When I was a kid and my mom and dad told me to do something that I didn't want to do, I got angry. There was no peace in my heart when I obeyed since I did it only because they were the boss, not because I wanted to. When I do what is right because I "gotta," there is no joy or peace. But obeying God from the heart brings peace.
Today's Thought: Peace belongs to those who do what is right from the heart.
Have a peaceful day. Love you.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Just Say No!
"Discretion will preserve you...to deliver you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words, who forsakes the companion of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God."
Proverbs 2:11, 16-17
What does the seductess say? "Go ahead and have a little fun -- no one will know." "You deserve more than this." "Just once won't hurt." "Be happy -- enjoy life." "Divorce will make me happy." Ad infinitum, ad naseum. Eve heard the voice of the seductress and was deceived into believing it (I Tim. 2:14). Did it bring her happiness? I, too, have heard the voice of the tempter enticing me to partake of forbidden fruit. But discretion involves a plan (see Ramblings for Prov. 2:11-13). The plan is to purpose in my heart to say "No" and flee youthful lusts just as Joseph did, and to remember the covenant I made with my God.
Today's Thought: When enticed by the seductress to forsake God's way, the plan is to "Just Say No!".
Have a purposeful day. Love you.
Proverbs 2:11, 16-17
What does the seductess say? "Go ahead and have a little fun -- no one will know." "You deserve more than this." "Just once won't hurt." "Be happy -- enjoy life." "Divorce will make me happy." Ad infinitum, ad naseum. Eve heard the voice of the seductress and was deceived into believing it (I Tim. 2:14). Did it bring her happiness? I, too, have heard the voice of the tempter enticing me to partake of forbidden fruit. But discretion involves a plan (see Ramblings for Prov. 2:11-13). The plan is to purpose in my heart to say "No" and flee youthful lusts just as Joseph did, and to remember the covenant I made with my God.
Today's Thought: When enticed by the seductress to forsake God's way, the plan is to "Just Say No!".
Have a purposeful day. Love you.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- The Deception of Sin
"Discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil...from those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the way of darkness."
Proverbs 2:11-13
Sin is deceptive. It looks like light but is really darkness. It can seem so beautiful and attractive, but it rejoices in evil, it delights in perversity, its ways are crooked and devious (vss. 14-15) and eventually leads to death (vs. 18). It is like Las Vegas. The flashing neon lights are most beautiful at night. Those who are enticed by the glitter walk into darkness. The light of day exposes sin for what it is. This is discretion and understanding (wisdom) at work: to see past the glitz to what sin really is – ugly and destructive.
Today's Thought: Wisdom understands that no matter how glamourous sin is, it is still darkness.
Have a sun-filled day. Love you.
Proverbs 2:11-13
Sin is deceptive. It looks like light but is really darkness. It can seem so beautiful and attractive, but it rejoices in evil, it delights in perversity, its ways are crooked and devious (vss. 14-15) and eventually leads to death (vs. 18). It is like Las Vegas. The flashing neon lights are most beautiful at night. Those who are enticed by the glitter walk into darkness. The light of day exposes sin for what it is. This is discretion and understanding (wisdom) at work: to see past the glitz to what sin really is – ugly and destructive.
Today's Thought: Wisdom understands that no matter how glamourous sin is, it is still darkness.
Have a sun-filled day. Love you.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Pleasant To The Soul
"When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul......"
Proverbs 2:10
If God's wisdom is a treasure (2:1) and is pleasant to the soul, why is it not a higher priority in our lives? It would seem that people would want to avoid wrong decisions by seeking God's wisdom. Yet we blunder through life doing what is right in our own eyes (Judges 21:25) based on our own feelings, reasoning, and cultural norms, bringing pain to ourselves and others. God's way is pleasant to the soul.
Today's Thought: God's knowledge is pleasant to the soul.
Have a pleasant day. Love you.
Proverbs 2:10
If God's wisdom is a treasure (2:1) and is pleasant to the soul, why is it not a higher priority in our lives? It would seem that people would want to avoid wrong decisions by seeking God's wisdom. Yet we blunder through life doing what is right in our own eyes (Judges 21:25) based on our own feelings, reasoning, and cultural norms, bringing pain to ourselves and others. God's way is pleasant to the soul.
Today's Thought: God's knowledge is pleasant to the soul.
Have a pleasant day. Love you.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Revelation Wisdom
"For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path."
Proverbs 2:6-9
It is as simple as this: Wisdom comes by revelation from God. Anyone who does not acknowledge God can never have His wisdom. Paul echoed this thought – "The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (I Cor. 2:14). God's wisdom is stored up for the upright – the "saints." That's why there is such a mess in our nation's capitol. They operate only according to the thoughts of the natural man. They are ignorant of God's view of righteousness, justice and equity. God, help us!
Today's Thought: Understanding "every good path" comes only by revelation from God.
Have a "revelation" day. Love you.
Proverbs 2:6-9
It is as simple as this: Wisdom comes by revelation from God. Anyone who does not acknowledge God can never have His wisdom. Paul echoed this thought – "The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (I Cor. 2:14). God's wisdom is stored up for the upright – the "saints." That's why there is such a mess in our nation's capitol. They operate only according to the thoughts of the natural man. They are ignorant of God's view of righteousness, justice and equity. God, help us!
Today's Thought: Understanding "every good path" comes only by revelation from God.
Have a "revelation" day. Love you.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- The Treasure Hunt
"My son, if you
Receive...
Treasure...
Incline your ear...
Apply your heart...
Cry out for...
Lift up your voice for...
Seek... and
Search for her as hidden treasures;
Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God."
Proverbs 2:1-5
Wisdom does "not just happen" by osmosis. I know people who, after 70 years of living, still live as fools. It seems that experience has taught them nothing. No. It is the result of purposeful desire and seeking for it as one would for a valuable treasure. Knowing God's wisdom is a worthy pursuit.
Today's Thought: Wisdom is acquired by actively desiring it.
Have a "treasure" day. Love you.
Receive...
Treasure...
Incline your ear...
Apply your heart...
Cry out for...
Lift up your voice for...
Seek... and
Search for her as hidden treasures;
Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God."
Proverbs 2:1-5
Wisdom does "not just happen" by osmosis. I know people who, after 70 years of living, still live as fools. It seems that experience has taught them nothing. No. It is the result of purposeful desire and seeking for it as one would for a valuable treasure. Knowing God's wisdom is a worthy pursuit.
Today's Thought: Wisdom is acquired by actively desiring it.
Have a "treasure" day. Love you.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Safe and Secure
"But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure [margin: at ease] without fear of evil."
Proverbs 1:33
It is horrible to live in fear of the evil around us. The wise and godly person lives in safety, because he doesn't have to worry about hidden sin being discovered and exposed. Nor does he worry about the evil around him because he is secure in the confidence that God will take care of him.
Today's Thought: The wise person lives safe and secure, at ease in God's care.
Have a safe and secure day. Love you.
Proverbs 1:33
It is horrible to live in fear of the evil around us. The wise and godly person lives in safety, because he doesn't have to worry about hidden sin being discovered and exposed. Nor does he worry about the evil around him because he is secure in the confidence that God will take care of him.
Today's Thought: The wise person lives safe and secure, at ease in God's care.
Have a safe and secure day. Love you.
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