Quotable Wisdom: Proverbs 22

"...the borrower is slave to the lender."

Proverbs 22:7b NIV

This small tidbit in a rather complex chapter in Proverbs really stood out to me. How many people in this society are living a life of slavery? This entire recession comes down to the fact that too many of us were purposely handing ourselves over to a life of slavery and oppression. It may have felt "fun" when we purchased big TVs and big houses to put them in... but it's suddenly not so "fun" when our "masters" call in the debt and we can't pay. 

I truly believe that a Christian shouldn't live in debt. Yes, a mortgage may be a necessity for home ownership... but buying a house with less than 20% down, or maxing out our approved mortgage amount is not necessary. Yes, having a big TV is nice... but we can have patience and diligently save for our luxuries rather than paying with the credit card when we can't afford it. 

God has called us to a life of freedom. He has called us to a life of generosity... to care for the poor and the needy. Yet, not only do we ignore this call, we inflict poverty on ourselves by being greedy and irresponsible. We do not want to be patient and save for the things we need/want; rather we borrow until our lenders will give us no more, and spend like we don't have to pay it back. 

It's time to break the bonds of slavery. It's time to be free from financial oppression. God should be our only master. We will never live a life of freedom if we are drowning in debt or chasing fads and gizmos beyond our financial reach. God wants so much more for us than that. 

Quotable Wisdom: Proverbs 8

Passage Highlight:

"I love those who love me, 

   and those who seek me find me."

Proverbs 8:17 (NIV)

(Subject- Wisdom)

How many of us are in the pursuit of wisdom? I'm not talking about University degrees or fun facts or knowledge of politics. I'm talking true wisdom. God-given, God-inspired wisdom. 

I find all too often I get distracted by the world's standard of "wisdom." After all, I just paid tens of thousands of dollars and invested 5 years of my life to get my B.A. and B.Ed. If I'm willing to invest that much into pursuing worldly knowledge, why am I not willing to invest the same or more into pursuing God and His wisdom? 

God isn't trying to hide anything. He will reveal himself to those who seek Him. He wants us to know what He's doing. In spite of that, though, most days I can't be bothered to seek Him or His wisdom. I'm "too busy" with "life." 

It's pretty embarrassing, really. Especially when I put things into an eternal perspective. I invest so much time in things that have no eternal value whatsoever. They are temporary. And yet those things that truly matter I put on the back burner because I am too tied up with my worldly pursuits.

I think it's time for another attitude adjustment. 

Lord,

I am so sorry for ignoring you and your wisdom. I don't spend the time with you I should. God, forgive me. Thank you for loving me even when I'm unlovable. When I'm disobedient and distracted. God, I want you to be my priority.

-Me

Quotable Wisdom: Proverbs 4

This month I'm reading through the book of Proverbs. On Monday I began the series with chapter one, and here we are three days later and on to chapter four! 

Passage Highlight:

"Above all else, guard your heart, 

   for everything you do flows from it. 

 Keep your mouth free of perversity; 

   keep corrupt talk far from your lips. 

 Let your eyes look straight ahead; 

   fix your gaze directly before you. 

 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet 

   and be steadfast in all your ways. 

 Do not turn to the right or the left; 

   keep your foot from evil."

Proverbs 4:23-27 (NIV)

Sometimes this world seems to get the best of me. I let my guard down. I say something that I shouldn't. I do something that I regret. It's difficult to keep the guard up and secure around our hearts and minds. God wants us to love and pursue Him with all our hearts, souls, and strength. If we keep our hearts brimming with love for God and overflowing with His Spirit, there will be no room for sin to creep in and gain a stronghold.

In a world that thrives on gossip, can we keep our mouths shut and walk away from the conversation?

In an overly sexualized society, can we avert our eyes and keep our thoughts pure and lust-free?

In a materialistic world, can we be thankful for our blessings and curtail envy and jealousy? 

In a volatile age, can we keep our faith steadfast and our actions righteous? 

I often have to remind myself that this world is ruled by sinful people and a clever enemy. Everyday brings temptations and pitfalls. I will be tested. I will have difficulties. Will I lean on God and prevail? Will I turn away from the glamorous lifestyle sin so tantalizingly offers? 

It's so easy to just "go with the flow" and try to "fit in." But the fact of the matter is, in this world the "norm" is a slippery slope to hell. The general society that we live in promotes selfishness and sinful actions. We're in a fight. Don't let your heart's guard down. 

Quotable Wisdom: Proverbs

I love the convenience of Proverbs. Every verse seems to pack a punch. Bite-sized morsels of wisdom. Not to mention the added bonus of the book having 31 chapters---like it was designed to be read daily for a month! Anyway, I am going to be exploring this beloved book for the next little while. Before we delve into it, here are some quick facts about the book.


Author: King Solomon
Date: Approx 900 BC
Purpose: Imparting wisdom


Chapter One


Passage Highlight: 

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7 NIV)

I think this passage is a fantastic introduction to the book of Proverbs. It doesn't matter how smart a person is... how eloquent... how knowledgeable; true wisdom is rooted in knowing, pursuing, and fearing God. God wants to make his children wise. He wants to share his ways, plans, and wisdom. All we need to do is be receptive to him. 

All too often I forget about God in my pursuit of counterfeit "wisdom." I get wrapped up in GPAs, textbooks, and debate. I forget that wisdom has to be tested against God's standard... not human standards. I am excited to dive into Proverbs again. It has always been one of my favorite books in the Bible, but it is so easy to get distracted by eloquent words and forget to truly apply the rich wisdom contained within this book. 

Looking forward to reading along with you! 

Sunday Sprint: Resolving to Love

"For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love."

Galatians 5:13 (NLT)

I've been reflecting a lot lately on love. It seems like the entire Biblical message can be boiled down to that single deceptively simple word. God's love for his people. God's love for his son. God expecting his children to love one another and him. To quote the Beatles... perhaps "all you need is love." 

It's easy to say. It's easy to post it in fancy cursive on plaques and walls... but it is oh-so difficult to live out on a daily basis. God has freed us from our sin. We have been given a complete freedom unlike any other. Why is it so difficult for us to thank Jesus for settling our insurmountable debt by loving him, the Father, and each other?

This New Year, I'm resolving to love my Father with the love he deserves for saving me, loving me, and forgiving me. I'm also resolving to live my life minute-by-minute with a heart of love for others. It won't be easy. I have a case of chronic selfishness and am afflicted with bouts of anger and impatience. I just pray that God will transform my heart to be like His, so that I can love like Him. 

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 

Matthew 22: 37-39