Agur, Ithiel, and Ural----Trinity implications!

Proverbs 30                                                     June 30, 2012

Memory Verse: Proverb 30:4 “. . . who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, if thou canst tell?”

            Today’s Proverb continues the proverbs to the leader, but takes a different approach. Agur was a prophet in the time of Solomon and he instructs his disciples Ithiel and Ural about being leaders through his proverbs. These proverbs open a lot of doors for discussion and we will be able to discuss these much better individually over the next months of study, because it includes many diverse elements to be considered.

1)      A skeptic thinks humanity can take care of everything, and simply can not trust an unseen God. Is it not funny that the name of God’s Son is requested of humanity?

2)      A believer responds that God’s fulfillment of promises proves that He is.

3)      The believer requests two things of God: his own honesty, and his daily needs.

4)      The proverbs include: don’t snitch on a fellow worker; they may accuse you of going behind their back

5)      Don’t curse your father; always bless your mother

6)      Don’t make false assumptions about yourself

7)      Don’t be stuck-up and think yourself superior to others

8)      Don’t be greedy, merciless, nor cruel like a wolf

9)      A leech (blood sucker) has a forked tongue: Gimme and Gimme more

10)   Things are never satisfied: hell, barren womb, parched land, forest fire

11)  Don’t ignore your father or despise your mother

12)  mysteries: how an eagle flies so high, how a snake glides over a rock, how a ship navigates an ocean, and why children act like they do

13)  Prostitutes have sex, wash up, and proceed with business

14)  intolerables: a janitor becomes boss, fool gets rich, a whore is voted “Woman of the Year”, and a girlfriend replaces a wife

15)  small wonders: ants store up, vulnerable badger prepares a safe home, locusts work together, and lizards can get in anywhere

16)  dignitaries: lion, rooster, billy goat, head of state in procession

17)  Don’t offend people nor make rude gestures; riled emotions become fist fights

Vision/life; law/happy; faith and trust.

Proverbs 29                                       June 29, 2012

Memory Verse: “Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

Our proverb today answers Old Testament questions about faith and trust. An apt title would be, “If people can’t see what God is doing, how should they respond? These same verses will separate a Godly leader from a deliberate sinner (all men are sinners, but not necessarily deliberate sinners).

1)      Undisciplined become stubborn and are forever lost, without conversion

2)      The leader determines the response of the led

3)      Wisdom delights, lust disintegrates

4)      Good leaders give stability; exploiters give waste

5)      Flattery ruins one

6)      Evil thoughts of people trap themselves, good people avoid them

7)      Good people understand want; Evil have no concept of want

8)      Cynicism destroys; group counsel lifts up

9)      Wisdom does not use human conversation to explain God’s mysteries

10)  Evil hates honesty; good encourages honesty

11)  Fools speak first; wisdom considers before speaking

12)  Gossip infects

13)  God gives sight to all to witness Him

14)  Leaders who treat the poor as equals have authority and respect

15)  Discipline gives wisdom, spoiled ones embarrass

16)  Evil takes charge and crime explodes, but righteous will see correction

17)  Discipline your children and those in your charge

18)  God always speaks through His Word; attend to it for blessing

19)  Actions speak louder than words

20)  Always consider results/reactions before speaking

21)  Allow people to treat you like a doormat, you will make no impression for Him 

22)  Angry people arouse, and impatient people stir up trouble

23)  Pride drops you, but humility prepares you

24)  Associating with deliberate sinners may destroy your witness

25)  Fear of human opinion disables; trusting God protects

26)  Good leaders are sought out, but only God really rewards

27)  Hate evil; the wicked despise goodness

As we study these verses, we see that the ones who trust God in times of need will be justified in that trust; the others that trust in themselves or their evil leaders will fail. I hope we can all look at today’s memory verse and realize that we need a vision and a purpose to take precedence over our own selfish selves

Choose for youself whose laws you will follow!

Proverbs 28                                         June 28, 2012

Memory Verse:28:9  “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.”

Today’s proverb shows us the tremendous difference in, living by laws of human nature versus God’s nature; and, our memory verse dictates how impossible it is for the two to be the same. We can choose between our sinful, Satanic nature or God’s ideal, perfect nature.  To show the contrasts:

1)      The guilty are fearful; honest are bold, relaxed, and confident

2)      Everyone has a plan, but only a true leader has understanding needed

3)      The wicked oppress like a hailstorm beats down a crop

4)      Your concept of God’s law determines your response – love or hate

5)      Your concept of justice is determined by your seeking God’s will

6)      Better to be poor and direct than rich and crooked

7)      Follow God’s law, wisdom; bad associates embarrass even the family

8)      Cheats and extortionists lose everything in the end

9)      If you will not listen to God, it is pointless to pray

10)  Following the leader results in your deserved reward/punishment

11)  The rich have poor motives; the poor understand results

12)  Be careful of leaders motivations

13)  Covering up sin is impossible, mercy comes through admission

14)  Tender-hearted and hard-hearted live the lives due them

15)  The wicked treat the poor by aggressive actions to hide their weaknesses

16)  Insight reduces abuse; fights corruption and brightens the future

17)  The doom of guilt can not be cleared

18)  To be safe, be honest and direct; devious lives are ruined

19)  Work diligently to succeed; play and party to fail

20)  Consistent work effort pays off; get rich schemes fail

21)  Playing favorites does an injustice to all

22)  A miser getting rich quick will lose everything over time

23)  A well intentioned Reprimand is appreciated more than flattery

24)  One who robs his parents is worse than a pirate

25)  Grasping at straws stirs up trouble; trusting God brings security

26)  Don’t depend on your own wisdom; learn from the experiences of others

27)  Be generous to the poor, and help meet needs

28)  Corruption eliminates honest people getting involved

Starting in July, I will write on one verse per day. Rather than breaking down a parable, we will begin an intense study of one verse per day. A proverb a day can keep Satan away (like the proverbial apple).

In His love and service, 

Mike

Don't's are not always negative; they teach vigilance.

Proverbs 27                            June 27, 2012

Memory Verse: Proverbs 27:17    “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

            In today’s verses, we continue to see individual proverbs intended to strengthen, encourage, and enlighten the leader. We can easily see that the leaders must always watch out for disappointment, rejection, and all things under their charge.  If the leader is not vigilant, he will be taken advantage of. The best defense is a good, trustworthy friend who will encourage and correct when needed.

1)      Don’t brag about what you will do in the future; only God knows that

2)      Don’t promote yourself;  let others praise you instead

3)      Don’t trust a fool; he only cares about himself

4)      Jealousy destroys more than anger or rage

5)      Speak praise or reprove when needed; it is more honest

6)      Don’t be gullible and fall to a brown noser’s compliments

7)      Differing conditions dictate needs and desires

8)      Settle down; down switch back and forth in your opinions

9)      Friendship refreshes

10)  Seek a close friend when in need

11)  A wise person understands worldly changes

12)  Avoid trouble,  be observant at all times

13)  Require a commitment on any loan (especially a loan of time/concern)

14)  Use care when you encourage not to arouse

15)  You can turn off a leaking spigot or nag, and still not get away from it

16)  Strength in dealings with friends sharpens one another

17)  Honor you work; do your best; you will be blessed

18)  Water will mirror a face like the face mirrors a heart

19)  Beware – Evil and lust always persist in dealings

20)  Fire tests the purity of gold and silver, but fame test the purity of the heart

21)  There is no way to beat foolishness out of a man

22)  Don’t take possessions, opportunities, nor God’s grace for granted; chances disappear

There are a lot of “don’t's" in today’s verses; it is not intended to be negative. We must always be vigilant for Satan’s deception. We can fall into all kinds of problems leading if we are not always observant.

A leader must evaluate intentions as well as actions.

Proverbs 26                                                                 June 26, 2012   

Memory Verse: Proverbs 26:20”Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out; so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.”

            Continuing the instructions for leaders, the proverbs tell us to keep our attention properly focused and not to be caught up in foolish, lazy act:

1)      Prayerfully consider the source of recommendations

2)      Stay true to His ideals; no fear from outside

3)      Easy to lead or be led astray – focus on Him

4)      Consider your reactions; probably fruitless

5)      Be direct in response and clear in actions

6)      Gossip can easily turn against one

7)      Be careful whose words you trust

8)      Be thoughtful of the position you put people into

9)      Consider the results of your actions beforehand

10)  Be careful who/why helps due to your reputation

11)  Be mindful; often the same mistakes are repeated

12)  Don’t trust braggarts; they typically will not work

13)  Be careful; it is easy to let rear keep you from action

14)  It is easy to repeat lazy acts if given the chance

15)  Lazy people have many suggestions but little follow-up

16)  Use care with dreamers; they concentrate on themselves

17)  Don’t interfere if not called upon to help

18)  Shrugging off deceit is like walking away from a smoldering fire

19)  No gossip, no quarrel; no motivation, no argument

20)  Quarrelsome person like kerosene on a fire –spreads quickly

21)  Paying attention to gossip creates strife;--disregard it

22)  Smooth talk is like glaze over broken ceramics; covers the crack only a while

23)  Don’t be taken in by smooth talking enemies; enemies actions will expose them

24)  Malice will backfire; spite will boomerang

25)  Liars hate their victims; flatterers sabotage trust

Today’s witness to leaders centers on trust. Always be aware of the motivation behind someone lying, deceiving, misrepresenting, or actions causing these traits. Often the person is confused or misinformed and should be treated differently from the deceitful. The good leader must evaluate before responding to anyone/anything.

What is the hidden secret to our salvation?

June 25, 2012                          Proverbs 25

Memory Verse: 25:2   “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.”

            Skipping ahead in time we see what God has done through Jesus. 200 years after Solomon died; Hezekiah did two significant things we need to know about:

1)      He had the brazen serpent of Moses destroyed ending any Moses worship, and

2)      He oversaw the publication  of Solomon’s spoken proverbs

This helped lay the groundwork or foundation for Jesus’ coming 600 years later. The title of Proverbs 25 could be “The Right Word at the Right Time” and since Jesus is called the Word, believers can gain insights here.

1)      God keeps His plans hidden until His time, men are guided to find the truths

2)      A leader’s understanding must be broad and complete

3)      Removing impurities from anything prepares it for its best use

4)      Don’t promote yourself; let others recognize and call on you

5)      Jumping to conclusions can easily mislead one

6)      Be careful what is said in the hear of argument

7)      Encouragement and correction both lift one up

8)      Reliable friends are a delight

9)      Patient diligence destroys other’s defenses

10)  Don’t be totally absorbed in anyone or anything other than Him

11)  Don’t wear out your welcome on friends/family

12)  Don’t tell lies on neighbors

13)  Don’t trust a two faced person

14)  Show compassion to the troubled; don’t deemphasize their paid

15)  Feed your enemy; give drink to the thirsty ---generosity wins many over

16)  Don’t Gossip; it hurts everyone including yourself

17)  Choices about living conditions must be made

18)  Cheer up the down and out with visits and letters or calls

19)  Weakness breaks down decision making

20)  Don’t seek rewards over needs

21)  Self-Control dictates feelings/actions in adverse times

Look carefully at Proverbs 25. 600 years before Jesus came to save us from Satan’s hold; Solomon advised us the changes Jesus would make. The self-control dictated in the verses is new, fair and compassionate treatment are revolutionary ideas, choices was unheard of then, and men are finally understanding one real meaning of Christmas. Without Christmas, we would not have forgiveness nor the substitutional death of Christ. We needed the hidden secret discovered for our salvation.

Principles of good leadership.

Proverbs 24                             June 24, 2012

Memory verse: Proverbs 24:17 “Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth.”

            We have listed 18 of the 30 Principles for Good Leadership the past 2 days. Today we will address the last 12 to get us to a position of understanding how God trains His witnesses here on earth:

1)      Don’t envy the evil man

2)      Prepare with education, understanding, and knowledge for a good foundation

3)      Wisdom and good counsel defeat any human strength

4)      Don’t bother discussing or planning with a fool

5)      Respect all but don’t associate with the mischievous; rescue the perishing

6)      Trust God in times of crisis or trial or weakness

7)      Rescue- step in immediately and help make sure all fairness is shown

8)      Knowledge and wisdom secure hope and the future

9)      Don’t interfere with good people’s lives

10)  Don’t gloat when your enemy falls; stand with him if possible

11)  Ignore braggarts and the success of the wicked; they have no future

12)  Respect God and leaders and don’t be defiant

Other honest, wise sayings include:

Stand up against injustice

Don’t whitewash the actions of the wicked – expose them

Honest answers are like warm hugs—encourage or correct when possible

Plant your fields before you build your storehouse; prioritize

No slander or gossip; no vengeful talking

Laziness only rings failure and poverty

                        The most wise, fully human leader, King Solomon, laid down these sayings for us to be leaders and witnesses. I can not say it any better. Prioritize; seek education, knowledge, understanding for a firm foundation; plan; seek counsel when weak; and work hard keeping what you do in order and under His blessing. 

Prepare to serve our risen Lord; starting today.

Mike

Planning and leadership are hand in hand.

Memory verse for June 23, 2012

Proverbs 23:7”For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”

            Planning is essential to success: what a man thinks of himself is exactly who the man is and will be until he is in line with God’s planning. CEO’s and company Presidents did not get these jobs simply because they were born into it. They still had to plan their work and work their plan. They did not work any harder than anyone else; they simply saw in their hearts what kind of person they wanted to be and they planned, disciplined themselves, and kept on keeping on in spite of setbacks. I, for instance, see myself as part of the Christian Mafia; I am bought with the blood of my don’s Son, and intend to make our turf the greatest while I am here and I know my future reward for doing that. The next 13 principles of the leader tell us how to plan so we can win others to our God.

1)      Use good manners

2)      Restrain yourself

3)      Don’t expect people to treat you as special

4)      Don’t talk sense to fools

5)      Trust knowledge

6)      Correct children and subordinates; they will respect you and your lesson

7)      Seek Wisdom

8)      Don’t envy others and their possessions

9)      Seek His direction

10)  Respect authority

11)  Seek truth, wisdom, education, insight, and solid foundations

12)  Make your parents and your leaders proud; share with them

13)  Seek good counsel

14)  Avoid self pity and making excuses

15)  Don’t sell out for addictions; it will cost everything you could be

16)  Have pride in yourself and think positive thoughts.

Tomorrow we will finish out the 30 principles for leadership Think on what we have studied; 7 traits that God hates, discipline, and planning; these studies will give you a head start on what you want to be and how God can get you there.

Growing in His love,

Mike

Choose: life and death separate choices.

Proverbs 22:1             June 22,2012

“ A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold”

            What is a good name?  A good name is simply Christian character.   D.L. Moody said “Character is what you are in the dark”. Character is a commitment to Christ; a commitment built on discipline, motives, obedience, and persevering faith.  It is our integrity, attitude, moral fiber, and disposition.

            Three other points about character:

1)      It is the display case of Christ’s fruit of the spirit reflected in us

2)      It is the foundation of the Christian life—no shortcuts

3)      It represents our choice between good and evil—every time

If we choose evil over good one time, we must pray for forgiveness before our character has fled.

            What are great riches? What are silver and gold? They are momentary rewards of an everlasting loss. The importance of passage to these days of momentary rewards will limit the possibility of eternal life. You must work toward your good name and God’s grace will carry you through.

How many ways can it be said, "To obey is better than sacrifice".

Proverbs 21 God examines our motives and preparation!

21:3 "To do righteousness and justice is desired by the Lord rather than sacrifice."

If our hearts and minds are in the right place and we are prepared for the worst that can happen, we are indeed ready for the Lord to guide us to victory. We must trust Him and His Word!

1) Good leadership is God-controlled; He directs His end.

2) We justify means by the end; God only looks at the motive behind the means.

3) Clean living is closer to God than religious performance. Actions of every hour count.

4) Arrogance and pride are plain SIN.

5) Succeeding by lying and cheating leads to smoke and fire.

6) Wicked are buried by their riches if not used to help others.

7) Actual motives determine life or death.

8) Better to keep to oneself than to share with a nagger.

9) Wicked make trouble and feel nothing for others.

10) Fools only learn the hard way; the wise learn by listening.

11) The God-led see through evil schemes and undo planned evil.

12) Listen to others or your cries go unheard.

13) Humble gifts honor and heartfelt gifts cool hot tempers.

14) Good celebrate justice; it is a bad day for evil.

15) If one wanders from the straight and narrow, he may follow to his death.

16) Thrills are empty; pleasure seeking is not satisfied.

17) Bad persons plotting boomerangs; and the plotter is the wounded one.

18) Better to be alone than with a vexing partner.

19) Wise to keep valuables safe; foolish to put them in a yard sale.

20) Seeking the right and kind leads to the glorious life.

21) Wise take over by exposing the enemy's strengths.

22) Watch you words, hold your tongue, and preserve the peace.

23) Brash, Impudent, and Proud are the names of hotheads.

24) The lazy die of hunger because they won't get up and work.

25) Sinners want what they don't have; the God-loyal give away what they have.

26) Religious performance by wicked stinks, especially if it is used to get ahead.

27) A liar's witness is scoffed, but the truthful witness is respected.

28) Unscrupulous fake it; honest are confident in their steps.

29) Nothing clever, conceived, on contrived betters God.

30) Do your best, prepare for the worst, and trust God for victory.

Word=knowledge=understanding=experience=insight.

Proverbs 20           June 20, 2012

Memory verse:  20:11             “ Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure and whether it be right”

            Today’s proverb reinforces the teaching of the book of proverbs. First is the deep thinking required to turn His words into our knowledge. Second, is the carefulness required to train and turn this knowledge into understanding. Finally, this insight must be through some of the personal experiences to prove ourselves.

Deep thinking reveals

1)      Wine makes one mean, beer makes one quarrelsome , both lack wisdom

2)      Quick tempered people are like lions, cross them; they will bite off your head

3)      Good character averts quarrels, fools pick fights

4)      A farmer too lazy to plant has no harvest

5)      Knowing what is right is deep water in the heart that must be drawn out

6)      People claim to be loyal and loving , but where are the fruitful?

7)      Respectful, honest people make life easier for their children

8)      Ones who know their business refrain from shoddy and cheap work

9)      Who can be trusted to be always honest and diligent ?

10)  Switching price tags and padding expense accounts are hated by God

11)  Youth, by their actions, reveal their motives

Knowledge leads us

12)  Ears and eyes; we get all basic equipment from God

13)  The lazy and up poor; wake up and get up; then, you will have food

14)  The shoppers say as the product is junk; then, he breaks on the bargain

15)  Drinking from the cup of knowledge is better than wearing gold and gems

16)  Retain collateral on loans to strangers; beware of a transient’s pawn

17)  Stolen bread tastes sweet, but soon your mouth is sand filled

18)  Form your purpose from good counsel; carry it out with all the help you can get

19)  Gossips will not keep secrets; don’t confide in blabbermouths

20)  Any one cursing his father and mother extinguishes his own light

Watch your steps

21)  An heritage at the beginning guarantees no blessing in the end

22)  Don’t say “ I will get you for that”, God will settle the score

23)  God hates cheating in business; rigged scales are an outrage

24)  Our steps, from God; how else do we find direction

25)  An impulsive vow is a trap you cannot get out of later

26)  After scrutiny, a wise leader eliminates rebels and dolts

27)  God is in charge of life; watching and examining us inside and out

28)  Love and truth make the leader; sound leadership is loving integrity

29)  The youth are admired for their vigor; the older by their experience

30)  A good thrashing purges evil; punishment goes deep in us

Be careful little ears what you learn!

Proverbs 19      June 19, 2012

Memory Verse:  19:20  “Hear counsel and receive instructions, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.”

            Continuing Solomon’s teaching today, he speaks 7 times about the dangers of our mouths, but the overriding message is about listening to learn and respond to advise correctly. Review these individual proverbs to see the teaching.

1)      Better to be poor and honest than rich and not trusted

2)      Ignorant zeal is worthless; haste makes waste

3)      Why does God get blamed for our stupidity?

4)      Wealth attracts but poor people are avoided

5)      Perjury will not go unpunished; no liar should be set free

6)      All flock around the generous and is a friend to the philanthropist

7)      Down on luck, family avoids; best friends look the other way when they approach

8)      Grow a wise hart, do yourself a favor; keep a clear head for a good life

9)      Liars get caught; rumor mongers are ruined

10)  Lazy should not live on easy street nor workers give orders to their boss

11)  Smart people hold their tongue, the power is in forgiving and forgetting

12)  Mean leaders are like raging lions; good-natured are like the morning dew

13)  Stupid child wears out parent; nagging spouse is like a leaky faucet

14)  House and land are inherited; good spouse comes from God

15)  Life collapses on loafers; lazy ones go hungry

16)  Keep the rules to keep your life; careless living kills

17)  Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, which He will remain with interest

18)  Discipline a child while you can; indulging them destroys them

19)  Angry should endure backlash of anger; trying to make it better makes it worse

20)  Use good counsel and accept criticism to live wisely and well

21)  We keep brainstorming options and plans; God’s purpose will prevail

22)  It is human to try and make a buck, but better to be poor than a liar

23)  Respect of God brings a full, serene life; no surprises

24)  Lazy dig a fork in the pie, but are too lazy to put it into their mouth

25)  Punish the scorner—make an example; someone will learn a lesson

26)  Kids who lash out at parents are an embarrassment and disgrace

27)  Quit listening and go off on your own to be out of range of knowledge

28)  Unprincipled witness scorns justice; wicked mouths spew malice

29)  The irreverent must learn reverence the hard way; A slap to the face gets attention

First comes Knowledge,then comes wisdom, finally causing Insight.

Proverbs 17              June 17, 2012

Memory Verse:  17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

            Today’s verses really have only one theme. It seems to be a recurring theme throughout the proverbs and we’ll make an in-depth study of this at another time. We see in proverbs that the most important starting point is knowledge—which we acquire through His Word. Second, Knowledge begets wisdom—which is attained by mastering our knowledge, training, good advice, and encouragement. Third, Wisdom brings insight-which is gained by experience, trial, and dedication. And, fourth is the proof of your knowledge, wisdom, and understanding by comparing, mastering, and living the traits learned.

1)      Better bread and water in peace than a quarrelsome banquet

2)      A servant controlling an unruly child is an honor in/to the family

3)      Like fired gold or silver is our trials through God’s hand

4)      Both evil and liars enjoy gossip

5)      Mocking the poor insults God; gloating over misfortune will be punished

6)      Elders are distinguished by grandchildren; children take pride in their parents

7)      Do not expect eloquence from fools nor lies from leaders

8)      A gift is like a gemstone; no matter how you look at it, it reflects beauty

9)      Overlook an offense, bond a friendship; hold a grudge—goodbye to friendship

10)  A quiet rebuke to the wise does more than a whack to the head of the foolish

11)  One looking for trouble can find it easily

12)  Better to meet a cub-rubbed grizzly than a fool being foolish

13)  One returning evil for good will meet the same evil coming back

14)  A start of a quarrel is like a leak in the dam; stop it before it bursts

15)  Whitewashing bad and throwing mud on good is hated equally by God

16)  Fools looking for wisdom will not recognize it if they come across it

17)  Friends love in all weather; families stick together in any trouble

18)  Don’t pursue something for nothing nor run up huge debts you can’t pay

19)  Seek sin, marry trouble; build a wall, invite a thief

20)  Bad motives don’t achieve good results; double-talk brings double trouble

21)  Having a foolish child is misery; no fun parenting a dolt

22)  Cheerful disposition is good for health; gloom and doom leaves you bone-tired

23)  Wicked take bribes and thereby show contempt for justice

24)  Perceptive find wisdom at home; fools look elsewhere with no good results

25)  Surly, stupid child is a pain of the father; a bitter pill for the mother to swallow

26)  Wrong to penalize good behavior or make the good pay for the crimes of others

27)  One who knows much says little; an understanding person stays calm

28)  A dunce can appear wise if he keeps his mouth closed