A good handyman can fix plenty of things that are broken, but some are nearly irreparable:

“The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit who can bear it?” (Proverbs 18:14)

I’ve witnessed remarkable attitudes by those suffering prolonged and difficult physical illnesses and observed that they fared better than those with a less positive outlook. But, as the writer of Proverbs says, those with broken attitudes and spirits are almost too broken to mend. When the battle for the mind is lost there is very little recourse.

Perhaps the saying is true that life is ten percent what happens to us and ninety percent how we respond to it. Attitude is by far the greatest factor in how we get along in life. Those with an optimistic attitude and mindset of faith can overcome incredible obstacles.

Attitudes are formed by what we tell ourselves and what we receive from the words of others. We are what we tell ourselves and what we allow others to tell us about ourselves. And for this reason it’s important to consider the truth of another Proverb in chapter eighteen:

Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21)

I well remember a life-changing conversation. Someone casually remarked that I could do almost anything, and I asked for clarification. The response was in reference to qualities observed about my life that formed the basis for that statement. Someone saw potential that I had never seen in myself before, and it opened my eyes to possibilities as to what God could do in and through me that I might not have seen otherwise. These words were literally life to me.

A man named Barnabas is mentioned in the Book of Acts, whose name literally means, “son of encouragement”. We read in Acts 11:

“they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch.” (Acts 11:22:26)

This “son of encouragement” commended these believers for their faithfulness as he witnessed the grace of God and encouraged them to “stay the course”. His encouragement was instrumental in the conversion of a large number of people, and also in the life of someone he sought out – Saul of Tarsus. Without his encouragement we might not have two-thirds of the New Testament that came through the pen of the Apostle Paul!

Encouraging words have the power to bring life to the broken spirits of others. A simple loving reminder that this life is worth living in preparation for the coming Kingdom and that the coming Kingdom will bring a permanent solution to all problems may literally bring life to someone who is broken today.

You have the power of life and death in your words. Chose to bring life to your family, friends, coworkers, and church family today. Be a Barnabas!

Steve

  Plan your work and work your plan. That’s the conventional wisdom, but a verse in the Proverbs that has served as a life guide for me suggests something a bit different:

 “Commit your works to Yahweh And your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3)  

Work your works and let God establish the plans. Be an active doer of righteous deeds and God will tend to the details of establishing the plan and direction for them.  

There is an interesting note in my Bible that indicates the word “roll” is an accurate substitute for the word “commit” in Proverbs 16:3 – “Roll your works to the LORD And your plans will be established.” I doubt that the writer had this in mind, but I can’t help but think of bowling – roll the ball down the alley toward the pins and its path will be established. At the least this serves as a good illustration; roll your good deeds in the direction of the Lord and He will establish the path to make certain they reach the target.  

Looking back over thirty plus years of pastoral service I can see the truth of this promise in Proverbs 16:3. As a young man I had a lot of zeal but very little wisdom concerning direction. I have been and probably always will be extremely naive concerning the ways of the world and how to achieve “success”. But I have an infinitely wise Father Who has guided me and allowed me security and privileges that allow freedom in serving Him. He has opened doors for service that I could never have planned or imagined. I’ve sought to serve Him and He very definitely has established my plans.    

I’ve recently given more thought to the future and its uncertainties and potential pitfalls. Such thoughts can easily be stressful and disconcerting, but I return to the thought that we each are called to serve diligently today and let the ultimate Planner establish the plans. And He will!  

This present moment is a sacred trust. We can squander it through idleness or we can make the most of the moment and redeem the time (Colossians 4:5). The great privilege of the moment for me is to share these words with you. If they have blessed, encouraged and directed you then the Lord has established His plans through this work that I gladly commit to Him.  

May the sense of His direction encourage you in your diligent service to Him today.  

Steve

The word “gullible” is not in the dictionary. Before you look, think about that statement and consider this verse:

“The naive believes everything, But the sensible man considers his steps.” (Proverbs 14:15)

Often in the Proverbs wise and foolish people are compared and contrasted. For example:

“The naive inherit foolishness, But the sensible are crowned with knowledge.” (Proverbs 14:18)

The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way, But the foolishness of fools is deceit.” (Proverbs 14:8)

The greatest comparison of all between the wise person and the foolish person is Jesus’ famous Sermon On the Mount:

“everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24)

“Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.” (Matthew 7:26)

Many of us consider ourselves to be “a people of The Book”, an admirable quality. That implies that we are “heed-ers” as well as readers, which is perhaps the bigger challenge. Doing is more challenging than reading.

You’ve probably heard the statement made by Mark Twain, the famous writer, when asked if it troubled him that he didn’t understand everything he read in the Bible. His reply was that he was more troubled by what he DID understand. Indeed, the clearest teachings of all concerning love, forgiveness, and decisiveness with sin are the most troubling because practicing these clear teachings is truly challenging.

The gospel of the kingdom that we declare is validated by the practice of the clear teachings concerning love, acceptance and holy living. The believability of our message is directly related to the personal practice of it in our lives.

May the dynamic Spirit of God within us continually enable and equip us as we both read the words and work on the walk.

Steve

Bite your tongue. That’s how we advise caution in speech or express regrets over something said. And if the advise is taken literally most of us will have badly scarred and damaged tongues because problems with speech are universal.

Proverbs 12 compares and contrasts wise and foolish speech:

“An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will escape from trouble. A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, And the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him. There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips will be established forever, But a lying tongue is only for a moment. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight. ” (Proverbs 12:13,14,19)

James describes in less-than-flattering terms the dilemma of the tongue and speech:

“For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.” (James 3:7-8)

Much as we wish it could be otherwise, there is no permanent taming of the tongue. Because of its inherent evil nature it requires constant vigilance and supernatural control by the Spirit of God, but inevitably there will be lapses when it will escape control and do irreparable damage.

The best solution for the problem of the tongue is proactive training for its positive use. These verses provide some excellent guidance:

“Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” (Colossians 4:6)

“let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:14-15)

May our speech be a blessing to all we are in contact with today.

Steve

You’ve been invited to dinner at the house of the seven pillars. No RSVP is required and any attire is acceptable. However, don’t let these easy terms deceive you as to the value of the offer. The finest food and drink anywhere in the world is being served, and it is imperative that you attend.

“Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars; She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine; She has also set her table; She has sent out her maidens, she calls From the tops of the heights of the city:”Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks understanding she says, “Come, eat of my food And drink of the wine I have mixed. Forsake your folly and live, And proceed in the way of understanding.” (Proverbs 9:1-6)

Don’t be offended by the invitation. After all, who likes being called naive and lacking in understanding? But in comparison to this offer by divine wisdom even the wisest of us are sadly lacking.

The sumptuous feast of wisdom will nourish us with the healthiest food of all: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you” (Proverbs 9:10-11).

True wisdom begins when we develop a jaw-dropping awe of our Creator. We’re not talking about mere intellectual understanding of His great attributes; we’re talking about stop-dead-in-your-tracks speechless awe, like a child lost in wonderment at that which he/she cannot begin to mentally grasp. That kind of awe consumes us with a hunger for knowledge and understanding of the Infinite One.

The wisdom of the ages is that we live all our days in sheer amazement at the grace and favor of the One who has offered us the vast riches of the kingdom of God through His Son the Messiah Jesus. This child-like awe and amazement is our enduring source of godly living and passionate service.

Just writing these words has stirred up quite an appetite. It’s time to make my way once again to the house of seven pillars and enjoy the smorgasbord. I’m counting on seeing you there as well.

Steve

Having an affair sounds much better than committing adultery but the difference is only verbiage. And however it is worded, it can be more than an illicit sexual relationship; it can also be a love affair with this present world and its system.

Proverbs seven portrays the seduction of an undiscerning young man by an adulterous woman. The scene in this chapter has lessons and applications, whether the temptation is to physical or spiritual adultery.

“For at the window of my house I looked out through my lattice, And I saw among the naive, And discerned among the youths A young man lacking sense, Passing through the street near her corner; And he takes the way to her house” (Proverbs 7:6-8)

The unwise young man in this story deliberately traveled near the home of the adulteress, indicating that he was willing to surrender to sin. Trouble comes when we place ourselves in a position to succumb to temptation. We begin by mentally toying with sinful behavior; by mentally traveling a path that takes us to the place of actually consummating the temptation.

“With her many persuasions she entices him; With her flattering lips she seduces him. Suddenly he follows her As an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as one in fetters to the discipline of a fool, Until an arrow pierces through his liver; As a bird hastens to the snare, So he does not know that it will cost him his life.” (Proverbs 7:21-23)

Sin in all its forms works the same way: it begins with a choice to place ourselves in proximity to temptation, we then allow ourselves to savor the allure in our minds, and then we take the ill-fated step.

Citizens of the kingdom of God are well aware of how the process works and stand guard against it. We battle sin in the mind long before we stand at the battle front of action. We “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11). His “schemes” are predictable but tragically effective against the unprepared.

By listening to the voice and word of God rather than the tempting allure of the world we can stand as men and women of integrity in a sinful world.

Steve

Is your home haunted or hallowed? This may seem like an odd question but the spiritual climate of a home is evident to a discerning Christian. I’ve been in homes where a disturbing darkness and evil seemed apparent, but I’ve also visited in the homes of men and women of God where a peaceful and warm presence was especially soothing and inviting.

“The curse of Yahweh is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the dwelling of the righteous.” (Proverbs 3:33)

It’s been said that home is where the heart is but it can also be said that home is where the real heart of things is. Home is the place where our true nature is evident. It is in the home that we either harbor evil or nurture righteousness. Our home is either a satanic stronghold or a godly sanctuary.

The activities that take place in a home are the true indicators of what is at the heart of a home. The tragic legacy of our times is the alarming frequency of domestic violence, the culmination of hatred and evil. This is the fruit of fixation on evil entertainment, resulting in destruction communication and behavior.

Proverbs 3:32 says, “For the devious are an abomination to the LORD; But He is intimate with the upright.” Those who saturate themselves with ungodly television programming, internet habits, and violent video gaming ultimately become an abomination to the Lord. But those who nurture godliness through healthy communication, reading and study, and uplifting music and entertainment foster intimacy with the Lord God. The home becomes a sanctuary of the Living God.

It’s been said that who we are when we are alone is who we really are. This certainly applies to the home because this is the one place where a couple or a family are alone and are free to be their true selves. Home is the place where we enjoy discretionary time (however little of it we may have amidst the frenetic pace of most people’s lives) and so it is in the home that we nurture that which we value. Sooner or later that which we value and nurture becomes evident because, as Jesus said, “you will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:20). We are that which we are absorbed in and the home is the key place where we indulge our true appetites.

May we seek the Lord’s wisdom in purging evil practices from our homes and nurture His presence through godly habits. Through His intimacy with us as godly people may others who visit in our homes also be drawn to the Holy One we resides there in us.

Steve

We pursue that which we value. That’s the essence of Jesus’ statement in Matthew 6:21 – “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Because of this inseparable connection it is vital that we value the right things, such as wisdom, as the writer of Proverbs admonishes us:

“My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Guarding the paths of justice, And He preserves the way of His godly ones. Then you will discern righteousness and justice And equity and every good course.” (Proverbs 2:1-9)

The descriptive action words and phrases in these verses clearly indicate that the pursuit of wisdom can be no half-hearted effort. Words such as “attentive … incline … cry … lift your voice … seek her as silver and search for her as hidden treasure” suggest passionate pursuit. The reward for such seekers is genuine awe and knowledge of the Lord God and the wisdom that only He can give. This wisdom becomes the guardian of our steps and the guide for our lifestyle.

I fear that we live in the age of the lukewarm. Surrounded by modern conveniences, life’s necessities are easily attainable even by the poorest of us. With the threat of survival removed from our daily existence it is far too easy to live passionless lives. Affluence anesthetizes us such that we dabble in things like justice, outreach, and spirituality rather than passionately pursuing them.

Several years ago I found myself contemplating that which I believed in so strongly that I would be willing to die for. Out of that soul searching came a passionate belief in the great truths of Scripture that today guide my life and ministry. Believing that this day is a day of training to rule the world with Christ at His return is my motivation to get out of bed in the morning. And while this wisdom and knowledge from the Lord is my guard and guide, I sometimes wonder if the lure of the lukewarm has diminished my fervor.

Where is your passion? What do you believe in so strongly that you would be willing to die for? May your answer to these questions drive you in passionate pursuit of that which our Father alone can and will provide.

Steve

“Like sand through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives”. So goes the opening of a popular daytime television program. Those words well reflect thoughts found in Psalm 90:

“As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:10,12)

Few people consider their bank account to be a source of limitless funds, but often we view our lives as a source of limitless days. Of course aging changes that perspective and middle age is the painful reminder that we potentially have only as many days ahead of us as behind us.

Wise financial planners budget their money and people of wisdom budget their days. Wisdom calls for us to appeal to our Creator to “teach us to number our days” (train us to make them count). Each day is a rare and precious gem, never to be seen or experienced again. It is a gift of opportunity and potential that can be invested or squandered.

The apostle Paul admonishes us to “be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16). A foolish person devalues the day through laziness and pointless pursuits; a wise person invests in people and the things of eternity.

This moment is the only moment we may have. We will have invested it wisely if we use it to know our Creator better through His word, and cultivate greater intimacy with His Son and our Savior. This moment will be wisely spent if we use it to convey our feelings for someone we value who has made a difference in our lives, or if we reach out in compassion to someone who is hurting.

We can let the sand sift through our hands or we can grasp the granules and value their purpose and meaning. That’s the opportunity of the moment. And that’s why writing these thoughts at this moment is the wisest investment I can make. If these words have caused you to pause and consider the moment and invest wisely in others and for eternity then my time has been well invested.

Maximize this day.

Steve

Presidents and government leaders don’t write songs of praise to the One true God, but there was one leader who did. The tune was lost long ago but the lyrics remain. Perhaps a catchy tune will stick in your head as you read the lyrics:

“O LORD, in Your strength the king will be glad, And in Your salvation how greatly he will rejoice! You have given him his heart’s desire, And You have not withheld the request of his lips. For You meet him with the blessings of good things; You set a crown of fine gold on his head. He asked life of You, You gave it to him, Length of days forever and ever. His glory is great through Your salvation, Splendor and majesty You place upon him. For You make him most blessed forever; You make him joyful with gladness in Your presence. For the king trusts in the LORD, And through the lovingkindness of the Most High he will not be shaken. ” (Psalm 21:1-7)

Far from being a ploy to get the “religious vote”, this song of King David was an honest and humble tribute to his Father who had given him everything. Such a song today would likely be more of a political liability than an asset.

An old hymn appeals to us to count our many blessings and “name them one by one”. Such is the content of King David’s song of praise: he enumerates on God’s blessings of strength, salvation, his heart’s desire, his crown, length of life, and joy. He sums it up well by stating his resolute trust: “For the king trusts in Yahweh”. God’s past blessings are not forgotten but instead are the basis for present and future trust.

If a mighty king’s song of praise is to his Father, then ours should be as well. Carefully recalling and listing specific blessings is an excellent place to begin. These serve as the basis for our song, poem, story, or testimony. And they serve as the foundation for abiding trust and faith.

We all have lots of problems and challenges, but we also have abundant blessings that easily escape our notice unless we “name them one by one”. How about taking a few moments today to specifically list a few of the vast blessings you’ve received. Who knows; maybe there is a beautiful song in there somewhere!

Steve