New School Year!

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young–let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance–for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:1-7 NIV
Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. 4:5-8 NIV
Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble. 4:10-16 NIV

Though there are those in the WH administration who do not think an education is important, those of us who know The Lord, know wisdom and knowledge go hand-in-hand and we should never take access to a quality education for granted.

So, on this first day of a new school year–I’m praying for the students who are entering schools all over the place. I know that some schools (not in Michigan) started weeks ago, but this is the first day for many of our public schools and having access to education through public schools is important.

Of course, Betsy DeVos will never understand that and neither will trump supporters since they think getting an education makes a person “an elitist,” and therefore they are happy to stay ignorant and trump is also happy for them to say ignorant; he can continue to dupe them into believing anything he says. I guess they don’t realize he has a Bachelor’s degree, but then again, the way he talks and writes, no one would believe that anyway.

I’m straying from what I need to say: to the students who are crossing that threshold of your school building–have a wonderful first day and a great exploration throughout the school year. Stay respectful and inclined to learning.

This is a particular emotional day for me since my grandson is beginning his last year of high school–at 15 years-old and will soon be driving (in a few days) on his own. Time flies and next year, he’ll begin his first day of college.

I pray that every student, in every school, will clear their minds of old lazy habits and prepare to receive wisdom and instruction from every teacher in every classroom; by the end of the school year, all will be more knowledgeable about every subject taken than when they were on the first day.

For those 17 years-old and older–pay attention in your history and government classes so you will vote wisely and consider country over political party agendas.

Have a safe and wonderful day!

How We Avoid Hate!

To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Proverbs 16:1,2
When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone's way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them. Better a little with righteousness than much with injustice.  7,8
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. The wise are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction. 18-21
A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good. 28, 29
Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. 32

One of the most significant ways we can avoid situations that lead to hate is to understand how hate manifests itself. Hate doesn't just show up out of the blue--it is planted, fertilized and nurtured to fruition by those who are insecure, fearful, and resentful (and incapable of rational thought).

People who have severe doubts about their own ability to accomplish things resent those who are confident and their lives demonstrate their confidence. Generally speaking, they will fertilize their insecurities by blaming others for what they have not achieved, and the more they blame others, the more they nurture their hatred. They teach their children to hate others because of fear--not knowledge--and those fears for the most part are baseless because insecure people--don't venture far from their base of comfort. In other words, they have not lived a full life--one in which they ventured far from home and experienced life outside their parameters of their comfort zone.

The same people are incapable of understanding that we can be passionate in our disagreement with others, but we don't have to allow the disagreement to lead to hate. We must understand that it is our right to disagree, but we can disagree, agreeably which won't lead to wars or rumors of wars or bullying rhetoric. Hate spreads when people who are incapable of rational thought never realize that they are not always right and that others don't have to agree with them. They have yet to understand what "individuality" means.

If God had wanted clones--He could have created them. We would all look alike, think alike and never have any need to use our brains or vocal cords.

What we must do to avoid the proliferation of hatred, bigotry, and senseless fear is to realize we all have something to contribute to society in productive, constructive ways and none should be ignored or disregarded simply because of race, ethnicity, religion, gender or any other factor. We must realize that God created one race of people--the human race with one blood surging through all--it's red--no matter the color of skin is.

With insecurities--comes the tendency to think a person or a group of people is superior to another. In order to perpetuate the lies--they create all sorts of false data, write books with suspicious documentation to prove they are superior to others. We see this in the beliefs of all the "white nationalists" or other hate groups who actually believe they are superior to every other group of people. They do not know or understand that the cradle of civilization began on the continent of Africa and that skin tones changed as man migrated to cooler climates. Education would be extremely beneficial to debunk all these myths, but for those who hate--irrationally--they tend to think that having an education is synonymous with being elitist. Therefore, they revel in their ignorance and nurture their hate.

There's an adage that says, "ignorance is bliss" and we can see that being true for those who choose to blame others for their shortcomings and positions in life. They're happy with their ignorance and would rather hate than learn to live peaceably in society.

We know that when we disagree (especially in households), we should never allow the sun to go down and we're still angry. Be passionate in disagreement, but ready to concede the possibility of being wrong and be willing to do the research to make a verifiable point and not just rely upon "an opinion" with no legs.

We can avoid planting the seeds of hatred and bigotry by recognizing that we are part of a greater world and we don't have a right to expect others to live  by what we think or believe. We can educate ourselves (with all of the accessible technology) and not hold others accountable for what we don't accomplish. We can learn to love--unconditionally--just as God loves us and with that love--there's no room for hate. We can stop fertilizing and nurturing hatred by accepting responsibility for what we do and say or for what we don't do. We are responsible for everything we say--good or bad--and everything we do--good or bad and we cannot blame others for our actions or inactions.

When we learn to critically analyze why we think what we think, believe what we believe, or do what we do--we'll discover there is more to life and living than what we think we know.

Fools and Boasting!

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; and outsider, and not your own lips. Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but a fool's provocation is heavier than both. Proverbs 27:1-3 NIV

Whenever we have to promote ourselves as being, "the greatest, the best, the most wonderful," of anything--we indicate we do not trust the judgment of others.

If we take an honest look at the path trump has taken to the White House, we find (with careful scrutiny) he has been his own public relations promoter. The fact he lies about it is another issue, but he is the one who "called the press" and boasted of his exploits. He is the one who proclaims his net worth (which varies according to his feelings). He is the one who claims he is the only who can "fix the ills of the world." More recently, his claim to coining the phrase, "priming the pump" is so ludicrous that many--including me--laughed at his lack of understanding of history. He also claims that "using solar panels to build a wall" is his idea when he actually got it from two contractors who were bidding for the contract. His claims also include having influence over Carrier and Ford and other companies when in fact, decisions made by those companies occurred long before trump was elected, but it didn't stop him from trying to take credit for those company's decisions.

Let's face it--whenever people boast of their own prowess and knowledge--it's because it would be difficult for others to do it--without evidence to document what they say.

Since it would be "gossiping" to some extent to talk about other people, I have to use myself as an example. I have seldom commented on how others perceive my ability to teach because I don't know what they're thinking unless they tell me. I love to teach and I have one goal when I teach--to make sure those sitting in front of me know more than when they first attended class. I tell each class--I'm there to help them to succeed since they need no help to fail.

According to my students--at least those who passed my classes--my goal was met. Those who didn't pass the class either were slothful in attendance and did not complete required work.

Whenever I've been observed by colleagues or those in academic positions to observe me as part of an evaluative process, I've always been commended on my approach to teaching and engaging students in the process. Those written comments are documented as part of my employee file.

The student evaluations also document my ability to engage students in the process of learning as well as my own audit of every class. I always ask my students for their input on how things are progressing, what they need to know that has not been introduced, or if I need to try a different approach to information discussed. Their responses to my inquiries are always helpful and in a few instances, I've adjusted what I do based on their comments.

As another testament to my teaching ability, I was nominated by students to be included in the "Who's Who of Teaching" for several years in a row.

If I had to assess my own abilities as a teacher I'd have to say, "I'm not the person to ask." I love teaching and I love what I teach both in a secular settings and in ministry. I've been told I've very passionate when I present information and guide discussions and that would be true. If I didn't have strong beliefs in what I do, I couldn't do it well.

That being said, I have nothing to boast about when it comes to being president of the United States. I haven't been in politics before now, but I'm looking forward to the challenge and opportunity to serve Everyday Americans. I know enough about leadership not to provoke those who are in alliance with me and to not abandon those who are looking for a leader to lead for all--not just some of the people, and to seek those who know more than I do to place in positions of authority.

Praying For Wisdom!

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. By wisdom the Lord laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew. My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:13-24 NIV

In light of all the uproar and disastrous policy-making in Washington, DC by those who appear to lack wisdom, we must pray for wisdom--for them and for us. If they refuse to hear The Lord speak to their hearts, we must be open to hearing The Lord speak to our hearts and proceed with wisdom and knowledge in electing future legislators and in making the best decisions for our bodies and healthcare--if we plan to see long life.

We must look to The Lord for our example--moving in wisdom, knowledge and understanding and when we do, we'll end up with the results He promises--blessed beyond measure with riches and honor, long life, peace and sweet sleep. There's no need to fear when the love of Christ abides in our hearts and we know how to love others--unconditionally.

Father, in the name of Jesus,

We acknowledge that our wisdom is as dust in the wind and we have no idea where the dust will land or what will become of it. To You, O Lord, we look for direction, seeking Your Wisdom and knowledge in order to complete the journey of life You have planned for us.

Forgive us for thinking in our arrogance that we did not need You; we need You every hour of every day and our hearts are open to hearing what You have to say. We are determined to obey You in all things and we know that love covers a multitude of sins and that You know our motives for doing everything we do. Help us to keep our focus on You, Your Word deeply embedded in our hearts, and our tongues always exercising caution and wisdom so others will hear what we have to say.

Lord, for all those who have hardened their hearts against You and hearing what You have to say about all things, cut away the insecurities, the fear, the hate, the bigotry, the animosity and envy that has hardened their hearts and replace all that is not like You, with love overflowing.

Let compassion, wisdom and understanding reign in the hearts of all who are in positions of authority so that none have any reason to fear the outcome of decisions that affect millions of lives. Pour knowledge and understanding into the hearts of those who choose persons to be in positions of authority so wisdom wins and none will know lack--of anything.

We give You praise and thanks for all You have done and all You will do on behalf of all those who sincerely love You and act as You will have us to act--representing all You are. Let no one deter us from following the path You have established for us so You and only You get the glory for all we do.

Amen!

No matter what happens in life--we must move forward knowing that with Jesus going before us--we have nothing to fear when Love is our guiding force.

I encourage all to seek wisdom, knowledge and understanding for all upcoming elections and seek The Lord as to who will provide us great leadership, acting out of love--not envy, hate, or pride--doing what is right for the sake of doing what is right--not drawing attention to self--acting out of
pride.

I have sought The Lord and I'm seeking a path to run for president in 2020--making an official announcement in 2019 and I encourage all to seek the Lord and then obey what You hear.

What Have We Learned?

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.”So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so.God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day. And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day. And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:1-21 (and the rest)
God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19 NIV
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord's people. 1 Corinthians 14:23 NIV
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10 NIV
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:24

In the beginning, God created all that was ever created and without Him, nothing was created. He created--took nothing and made something out of it. Man "invents" using what already is to change it into something else. God is not a man that He should lie, Man lies. God is not the author of confusion and chaos--Man is. God is not unjust--Man is fickle and justice is not equal for all when man makes decisions. All of God's promises are, "Yes and Amen." Man's promises waffle betwixt and between roller coaster emotions and constantly changing societal acceptances.

There is a difference between the God of Heaven and the god of this world for the god of this world--the arch enemy of God-- has created nothing but chaos and confusion in the minds of the weak and gullible.

When we know how God functions--from the beginning to this very moment--we know without doubt that He would not "choose" absurdity over wisdom and knowledge. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."Proverbs 1:7  "Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you." Proverbs 4:5-8 NIV  God creates, Satan destroys!

Until the gullible cease to say, "God chose Trump to be president" or "God elected him," I will continue to dispute it with everything in me, according to The Word of God.

God--not human--has no need for those things humans involve themselves--like "elections." When the Children of Israel cried for a king, God allowed them to choose--though He spoke to prophet-Samuel and had Samuel anoint David--the people still had to choose. And when we look at the history of the kings who ruled--sometimes those choices were not good ones and the kings were evil and committed all sorts of debauchery and wickedness.

As stated before and is being stated by many--this futile rhetoric about God choosing Trump--is driving more people away from God and church than drawing them to God. God doesn't have a problem with us making mistakes, but when we don't learn from the mistake and keep perpetuating it, then that's a problem and God will allow us to wallow in the consequences of our choices.

Now, what have we learned?

Shedding Ignorance!

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. Ephesians 4:11-19 NIV

Ignorance by definition is a lack of knowledge or understanding. To some degree, no matter how much knowledge we think we have, we are all ignorant about some matters, but when wisdom reigns, we recognize what we don't know and if we need to know--obtain the knowledge about the matter so we are no longer ignorant about it.

The ignorant are not so. They have not been introduced to wisdom and therefore wisdom cannot reign in their lives so they cling to ignorance like some children cling to a moldy, filthy, blanket--their insecurities--won't let them be relieved of the blanket long enough for it to be cleaned and so it stinks and all sorts of bacteria breed within the fibers and spreads disease, causing more stench. But that insecure child--the one that clings to that moldy, malodorous blanket--doesn't seem to mind the stench, the filth, or the bacteria clinging to them.

That's how children act--and it's forgivable because they are children, but when adults and over-aged toddlers cling to ignorance--there's a problem. Now, like the children--adults cling to their ignorance out of fear--the fear that knowledge will force to see truth and the fault of what they once believed. So they will wear their ignorance with pride--not realizing how foolish they look and they won't care.
We cannot force people to shed their ignorance--they have to want to shed it and exchange it for knowledge, but they can only do that--when they allow wisdom to reign in their hearts. Therefore, the ignorance we see in those who profess a love for an idiot--is what the ignorant want and there's nothing we can do about it.

What is amazing to me is how many people appear to idolize a person who is about to create havoc with their healthcare, poison their streams, and pollute the very air they breathe, just so corporations can get rich not having to follow any guidelines for safety reasons. The ignorant believe--because it's what they've been told and will not research any information for themselves--that de-regulations allow corporations to hire more people. They don't bother to think about the "safety" issues that will persist, their only concern is the money they'll make, but it they'll end up spending--not enjoying--on healthcare issues. There is no fair exchange with de-regulations and the only ones who will profit by it are the corporations--not the people who work for them.

The ignorant have no problem with the dissolution of the Department of Education because they don't have an education--no wisdom to see what the end result will be.

The ignorant have no problem with streams being polluted by toxins dumped into the water because they seldom drink water--at least from what I've seen of the interviews conducted in the local pubs.

The ignorant have no problem with air pollution as a result of the chemicals and toxins in the air and they apparently see no problem with everyone eventually having to wear masks like those in China. There's a reason why products are made so cheaply in China--there are no safety regulations.  People wear the masks to protect them from the toxins in the air, but the death rate in China is up--but since the productivity in China is driven by American companies who are saving a bundle in manufacturing--no one cares about the people who are incapacitated by the air and water pollution and fact that their fish is poisoned and they eat it and sell it others.

But why should Americans living in America worry about the Chinese and their problems? We'll soon have the same problems and as it is in every society, only the strong will survive and in this case--only the rich who can afford to drink filtered water, hoard goods in sheltered areas, and live in air-filtered environments--will survive, all because the ignorant disdained knowledge and truth and voted for an idiot who only cares about himself.

Even so--those of us with wisdom and knowledge must keep pouring out truth so that on the day we all stand before God in judgment--we can say honestly say--we did not wear ignorance as a skin-tight garment, but shed it in exchange for knowledge so we would know truth.

Think about it! What are you wearing or what's clinging to you? Is it ignorance or wisdom? I choose to wear wisdom with pride in the knowledge that God would not have me ignorant about those things or people who are not his. I shed that ignorance a long time ago and have no desire to reclaim it. What about you?

30 Days of Prayer and Praise--24!

The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure. Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity. The seas have lifted up, LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea— the LORD on high is mighty. Your statutes, LORD, stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days. Psalm 93 NIV

Day Twenty-Four

Lord Jesus,

Thank You for speaking to Your servant David, inspiring encouragement for all when needed.
Lord, we who know You, know that You and You alone have the power to turn night into day, and mourning into laughter. We also know that the darkness where evil ferments in the hearts of the wicked can only be dispelled by the light of Your love. Help us to show love to all, whether we agree with them or not, but love enough to speak truth and not allow them to live a lie.

Lord, as we journey forth this day, prepare the hearts of those in authority to hear from You through those of us who are willing to be used by You. Encourage the heart of every person who is standing up and speaking up for justice for all and never allow our hearts to fail because of rejection. Give us another path and another until we find the one that leads us to the hearts of those who are in position to make decisions for millions of people--so they'll put country before party agenda.

Lord, lead others to the fold, in which plans are established to protect the rights of the poor and needy--regardless of skin color, ethnicity, gender or any other thing that the small-minded feel makes any people inferior.

Thank You for visiting our hearts and energizing our spirits to get the job done--not just today, but every day.

Thank You for all those who diligently worked to see a reversal of events with our Congressional leaders. Bless them mightily for their perseverance and dedication and love for all.

As we continue on this journey, to encourage our lawmakers to do what is right, help us to find a way to demonstrate, You are still on the throne, and You see all and hear all and know the plans and plots of the wicked.

We give You praise O God! We magnify Your name and lift You up--as our banner and standard in the battles that are ahead of us. But we know, with You going before us, the battle is already won.

In Jesus' name we pray and thank You, Amen!

Wisdom's Turn!

Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 13:10 NIV
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 NIV
Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but whoever respects a command is rewarded. Proverbs 13:13 NIV
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. Proverbs 13:14 NIV
Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction. Proverbs 13:15 NIV
All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly. Proverbs 13:16 NIV

If we are honest with ourselves about ourselves and look closely, we will see us in any of the Proverbs--not those just listed here, but any of them. When we are willing to see ourselves, we'll see others more clearly and understand we are standing in the room marked, "improvements needed" and won't judge others negatively simply because we have not shared their walk in life.

When wisdom speaks--we should certainly listen since this wisdom--comes from above and is not contingent upon what mere mortals think.

The Difference!

The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 NIV
The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale. Proverbs 18:11 NIV
Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. Proverbs 18:12 NIV
To answer before listening— that is folly and shame. Proverbs 18:13 NIV

How can a person respond to anyone--intelligently--before hearing what is said or asked?  When they respond without hearing the whole matter, it creates confusion and in many cases, after a person has had a chance to think about what they said--before hearing--they end up back-pedaling or switching positions on an issue or the question posed to them.

If a person has knowledge about a subject or is at least willing to seek knowledge from those who are wiser than he/she is--they might respond without hearing the whole matter out of anticipation. But if they anticipate the wrong question, the answer won't make any sense at all. The wise course of action--hear a matter--in its entirety before speaking and when an answer is not known--don't try faking knowledge because the truth will be exposed and that's when the back-pedaling begins.

We must check our hearing to make sure we understand every nuance of every word before we attempt to respond to questions. We must be aware of our surroundings and check our sensitivity monitor. We cannot say the same things in every venue without regard for those who are listening to us. This does not mean we cannot speak truth--we simply need to be mindful of who is listening and phrase the truth without offending the hearer.

Of course there are those who are so arrogant and high-minded in thinking whatever they say is appropriate they never think before speaking. As a result, they always have to pull their foot of their mouths within hours of speaking rashly. It is this arrogance and haughtiness that will eventually expose them for who they are and then--they shall be humbled before the masses.

In certain venues or circles--those who have great wealth tend to think their wealth entitles them to say anything that comes to mind. They believe their economic status provides them with fortification/safety not afforded to others and they won't suffer any wrong they do. Not so--the wealthy and the high-minded shall fall prey to their own arrogance and then some--if not most--will blame the media and anyone else for their downfall. They will whine louder than a petulant toddler who has been allowed to have their way about everything. Wise parents teach toddlers that they cannot have their way about everything and they must follow rules. When we see overage toddlers acting out--pouting, and whining--we know they never learned that lesson; but the lesson will be learned.

The difference between thinking one is fortified by economic status and those who know the name of The Lord is a strong tower--the righteous run into it and they are saved--from themselves and those things over which they have no control. When a person does not know The Lord--they don't realize the measure of surety and safety they have in Him. In the midst of the storms--regardless of how devastating the damage from the "natural" storms or the spiritual storms--Believers know--everything will be all right. We can stand on our faith in The Lord and face whatever storms come--knowing we'll be victorious.

Let's pray for wisdom and then carefully listen to God when He responds so we'll know how to respond to others--after we've heard the entire matter. That's the difference between the wise Believer and the foolish faking they Believe.

Mockers and Fools vs Wisdom and Knowledge!

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Proverbs 14:1 NIV
A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them. Proverbs 14:3 NIV
The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. Proverbs 14:6 NIV
Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips. Proverbs 14:7 NIV

Looking at The Word through Solomon's insights, there really is no competition between the foolish and the wise. Wisdom trumps foolishness every time.

Wise people build--their houses with solid foundations that will endure the test of time and storms. Any foundation that is week and has not been properly shored up, will buckle and eventually cave in causing destruction to the whole house. And whenever there is a problem with the foundation, steps should be taken to make sure it stabilizes before it crumbles and falls.

The building principle is true of every aspect of our lives--we build relationships on solid foundations. We build careers on solid foundations and we build up our faith in God, on the solid foundation of The Word.

Pride speaks without thinking--not considering its ways or how what is said will affect the hearer. Pride doesn't care and since pride doesn't care--they are often revealed as fools. While the wise are careful to research and think before speaking, mindful that words carry impact and impact affects those who hear their words.

The mocker--those who mock others for whatever reason--seeks wisdom in all the wrong places and from the wrong people and therefore never obtain what he/she is seeking. But those who have knowledge and wisdom, easily discern what the fools never understand.

Solomon reveals the valuable lessons he's learned throughout the Proverbs and carried over into Ecclesiastes--the wisdom he gained from God who gives liberally and from making mistakes in his disobedience. He learned that wisdom never leads anyone astray, but a fool--will also find himself lost, without direction, never knowing right from left or up from down--when to stay and when to quit--when to speak and when to be quiet.

With all that Solomon has to say about fools--and there is quite a bit--we, who read The Word with understanding, are without excuse in recognizing a fool when we see or hear one. And if we are wise, we know to stay away from fools for there is no knowledge or wisdom in them and all they do--is mock others--because they have no foundational substance in the make up of their character.

Now, we need to think--before making a decision about what we've read--and determine where we are in the greater scheme of things. Are we in the camp of the wise or the foolish?

The Wisdom of The Wise!

The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge,

but not so the heart of fools. Proverbs 15: 7

A mocker doesn’t love one who corrects him;

he will not consult the wise. Proverbs 15:12

He who is wise listens,

He who is foolish, scorns and mocks.

He who receives correction earns respect,

He who mocks correction earns disdain.

He who seeks The Lord first is encouraged,

He who ignores The Lord is dismayed.

Those who praise God in the beauty of Holiness,

Are filled with hope and never despair.

Those who know--God--not just about Him,

Are blessed to be His children.

Is it wisdom or fate to speak what God says,

To obey when God speaks, and receive what God has?

The wisdom of the wise keeps flowing freely

While the ignorance of fools keeps them enslaved.

Are you wise or foolish, blessed or cursed?

Is Everything Meaningless?

“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course.All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again. All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing.  What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:2-9 NIV 

Unless a person understands the stage of life Solomon was in, one could think that Solomon was decreeing that life was not worth living. But that is far from the case and since his proclamation came before Christ arrived, we know that every moment of life is precious in His sight and when we accept His gift of salvation--everything has meaning.

Having received the gift of wisdom--beyond measure of any other mortal--Solomon lived according to God's Word until he connected with many women who did not know God and in fact worshiped other gods. Gradually, he began practicing some of the forbidden rituals (the danger of being unequally yoked in faith and beliefs) and by the time he realized he fallen far from where God desired him to be, he realized he had wasted the gift given to him. Wisdom without knowledge produces disasters. Knowledge without wisdom is just as catastrophic. This is why we're told, "Wisdom is the principle thing, and in all our getting, get understanding."

Giving a teenager a car when they don't know how to drive usually has negative consequences. They know what the car is, but they do not know the details of how the car functions and without instruction, the car may never move and doesn't benefit them. However, with instruction and knowledge of not just how the car functions, but also the laws pertaining to legally driving, and understanding consideration on the roads, the car benefits them.

We have been given a great gift--salvation--and until we know what it means and begin to practice the instructions in The Word--we may never benefit from the gift. If we never understand the benefit of salvation, life really is meaningless.

With the abundance of grace we've also been given, we learn from our mistakes and commit to doing better and as we continue in life, we'll see just how great our God is and how wonderful life can be--even when we miss the mark--as long as we get back on the path.

There are valuable lessons living provides for us, so let's live to the glory of God and learn how we please Him and be a blessing to others. Living for Him, gives life meaning that is sometimes difficult to understand and express, but so worthwhile.

What's Hanging Around Your Neck?

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. Proverbs 1:7-9 NIV

In teaching the role of words in a sentence and in understanding word usage, it is important to note that a pronoun can never be used without an antecedent (the noun it is replacing). Looking at verse 9 in this passage--"They" is referencing instructions and teaching. If obey the instructions and teaching received from parents becomes grace on our heads and adornments around our necks, how on earth did we get to the place in which so much sin abides in the world?

By deductive reasoning we can conclude that since there is so much sin in the world that one of two things have happened: either parents are not instructing and teaching children how to do what's right or the children have deliberately disobeyed and ignored the instruction and teaching of the parents.
On a natural level--the interaction between a parent and child most people can relate to this.
However, on a spiritual level, most have apparently missed the intent--God is our Father and we are His children--therefore, we should obey His instruction and honor His teaching.

When we ignore and disobey His instruction and teaching our heads explode with delusional thinking--we can get away with it and even entice others to ignore and disobey, not realizing what we have set ourselves up for with the consequences. "We should never be a stumbling block to others."When we're exposed our heads hang in shame and guilt, while our necks strain from the weight of our hanging heads. The foolish can never hold their heads high--unashamed of their deeds because there is no pride in being foolish.

Given this thought--about instructions and teaching--what's hanging around your neck? Is it pride in honoring God's Word or shame and guilt from ignoring it?

Lord, help us to develop and maintain reverential fear of You in obedience to Your Word so all might see wisdom enacted in our lives as we honor Your instruction and teachings.

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The LORD is great!” Psalm 40:16 NIV

How can anyone say anything about someone they don't know? A surface knowledge of anyone is not enough knowledge to judge anyone or make any determinations about them. Getting to know people on more than a passing greeting, level is how we determine our level of knowledge of others.

Although some may read a bible, go to church on a regular basis, sing in the choir, usher on the usher board, serve on the trustee or deacon board or pulpit committee or even preach in the pulpit--unless there is a thoroughly, intimate knowledge of God and how He wants us to live, we can't say much about Him and tell the truth.

When I listen to some people talk about Jesus and then every other word falling from their lips is profanity, I have to wonder--do they really know Him? I've even witnessed people do all manner of evil and then say, "Thank You, Jesus!" I'm confused. Why would anyone thank Jesus for them not getting caught in doing evil? People can do this because they don't know Him. If they really knew Him, they would be ashamed of the evil they do.

And then there are those who think they know Him because of their parents' relationship or affiliation with a church. Really? They think affiliation with a church or well-known pastor makes them know Him. They think their association puts them in a position to say, "I know the Lord!"

What I've learned through the years is that no matter which church I attend, what role I played in the church, or how many messages I preach--none of that puts me into a right relationship with God. It is having an experience with God--one in which He makes Himself known, leaving no doubt as to who He is and what I mean to Him--that brought me into a personal, intimate relationship with God. So when I say, "The Lord is great," it's because I have seen Him working on my behalf. I have known Him to move mountains out of my way and I have heard Him speak to me--on a consistent basis--guiding me along the path He established for me. Oh yes, I know Him!

Because of His love for me, I discovered who I am in Him and do all I can to live for Him, since He loved me enough to die for me. He loved me before I was born and the discovery of Him praying for me in the Garden of Gethsemane changed my life and my attitude about living a life to please Him. How great is our God! He didn't wait for me to put in an appearance to love me, or me to shout and dance in church; He loved me before my mother and father, before their parents and before their parents--from the beginning of time--He loved me, and no demon on earth or principality in the air, will ever make me doubt Him.

Now, how many people can truly say, based upon their personal knowledge and experience, "The Lord is great?" Where are they who can truly proclaim His goodness and promote others to live for Him? Now is the time for every born-again Believer to make themselves know and make His greatness known so others can say, "The Lord is Great!"

On The Journey--Beth!

How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
Blessed are You, O LORD!
Teach me Your statutes.
With my lips I have declared
All the judgments of Your mouth.
I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.
I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.
I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word. Psalm 119:9-16 NKJV

The question that was asked so long ago, should still be asked and answered in the same manner. How can people cleanse themselves (free themselves from sin)? By living according to The Word! The Psalmist is pleading with God--Don't let me go astray--help me to stay on the right path.

And then there are the declarations--He has hidden the Word in His heart so he won't sin against God. Have we hidden the word in our hearts? Have we read it enough that we remember? Have we studied enough to understand it? Do we allow God's Word to be our guide in everything we do?

Do we love to hear the testimonies of those who have experienced God in their lives? I mean real testimonies of God's miraculous intervention, like the woman with the issue of blood, being saved from a horrendous situation, or just being kept--in our right minds. Do we love to hear those testimonies? Better yet--do we have a testimony? Coming into the knowledge of Jesus Christ should be a testimony for everyone who is claims to be saved and has chosen Him to be the light of their lives.

Do we declare--with our own lips--God's goodness or are we content to share the testimony of others because we are ashamed of who we are? Do we proclaim God's Word in its entirety--the blessings and the curses--or do we simply sugarcoat The Word in order not to offend others when we need to correct them?

When was the last time we told God, "I am so happy to know Your Word and to know that it is Your Word that will keep me safe from harm?" Are blessed by knowing God's Word or do some feel inhibited or intimidated by God's Word?

Have we reached a place yet--on our journey in life--that we can say, "I will meditate upon Your Ways O God, I will always consider what You have said before I do anything or say anything to anyone else.  I will be happy and favored to study Your Word and I will share each revelation You give with others so we might have peace in the land?"

For knowing God's Word and living His Word (by everyone) will surely bring peace upon the earth since knowing Him, loving Him, means loving all. And how can we cause harm to those we say we love?

With all of the chaos and violence and killing everywhere we turn, we know that people have not yet learned Love--they have not hidden His Word in their hearts and they are certainly not living it. Perhaps, it is because we have not taken the time to meditate upon His Word and allow His Word to become deeply embedded in our souls and spirit.

If we allow Holy Spirit to guide us in all we do--after having meditated and studied The Word--He will keep us on the path of life that God has designed for us. If we don't study and meditate upon The Word in order to receive revelation knowledge--Holy Spirit won't be able to get through to us for we have not anchored The Word in our hearts.

Think about these things, calmly and meditate upon God's Word without distraction or interruption and see what He is able to show you.

Twelve Days of Kindness--Day 12!

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8 NKJV

When we have obtained a like measure of faith , "For He has given to all a measure of faith," we can add to that measure of faith to strengthen our knowledge and understanding of who Christ is and how we are to conduct ourselves.

With all diligence--consistent determination to do what is right, we add virtue--a moral sense of ethics, based upon God's Word. Then to virtue, we add knowledge--a consistent study of God's Word. To knowledge we add self-control--the ability to operate in wisdom, not emotional turmoil. For our emotions will lead us astray, but those who control emotional outbursts appear wise and others will respect their ability.

When we have learned self-control, we then add perseverance--a stubborn determination to do what is right at all times--no matter what the circumstances are. And to perseverance, we add godliness--functioning in the true nature of Christ--no lies, no deceit, knowing He sees all we do.

With our Christlike nature, we add brotherly kindness--being kind to everyone and with kindness we add love for if we have not kindness--a genuine concern and consideration for others, we will not love.

If we don't have love--we have not Christ--for He is Love.

The last eleven days have been a joy--an eye-opening experience--to extend kindness and observe the responses of others to the kindness. On this last day, the twelfth day of kindness, I pray all who extend kindness, will receive 100 times the kindness they have extended.

Prayerfully, when all are celebrating the birth of Jesus on tomorrow, some will remember a kindness extended to them in the past twelve days and will go out of their way to extend kindness to another. That's what this season is all about--the giving of the greatest gift--Jesus Christ--who because of Him--we have eternal life with Him and can love to overflowing because of the love He has for us.

So, go forth and show kindness--every day--and watch how the world will change because a little kindness, goes a very long way.

Wisdom Continues To Speak!

Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it. Ecclesiastes 7:11,12 NIV

If any lacks wisdom, let them ask of God who gives it liberally and will not find fault with those who ask. (James 1:5 paraphrased). If God will give us wisdom when we ask for it, why don't we ask Him, instead of trying to impress others with wisdom, we don't have.

Wisdom thinks before acting.

Wisdom is calm and rational.

Wisdom seeks increase in understanding.

Wisdom pays no attention to rumors and will not encourage negative responses to anything.

Wisdom contemplates every matter before making a decision.

Wisdom rises above the fray of adversity in the hands of the foolish.

Wisdom obeys authority and as a result is an authority of all who seek her.

Wisdom speaks truth at all times, even when truth hurts.

Wisdom admires wisdom in others who know God, stays far from the foolish who think they know more than God.

Wisdom resolves problems and does not cause them.

If wisdom is an inheritance, then we must resolve to gain more wisdom and the only true wisdom comes from God. For if we leave an inheritance of wisdom in our children, they will the capability of making wise decisions, after gathering all the information they need in order to make the decision. If we leave wisdom as an inheritance for our children, they will be empowered to keep wisdom flowing from generation to generation.

But if we have not wisdom to exercise in all things, what are leaving as an inheritance for those we leave behind? Money, by itself is not the answer for we know fools and their money are soon parted--they spend it as fast as they get it. Money can be taken or lost and the Word tells us that "the love" of money--the desire to obtain it by any means--is the root of all evil.

But wisdom--once obtained--belongs to the one who has obtained it and it can never be taken or lost. For true wisdom is the ability to seek knowledge and understanding of what the knowledge is.

I am a consummate researcher. Anything I desire to know, I research and then I research more to gain a better understanding of what it is I have researched. This is a constant cycle for we--none of us--will ever know all there is to know. We just keep learning (as wisdom dictates) and I look forward to learning something new--every day.

If we scorn wisdom and getting understanding of knowledge, we defeat ourselves and the enemy wins. "Wisdom is the principle thing and with all of our getting, we must get understanding."

If we are willing to hear and obey, wisdom will continue to speak to our hearts.

Identifying A Fool!

We often discount what fools (the foolish) say and do because we recognize they are void of understanding. But do we know how to recognize a fool and save ourselves some time when we encounter them? There is much to be said about the attitude and behavior of a fool. We would be wise to know who it is we're dealing with--before we become like them.

In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride,
But the lips of the wise will preserve them. Proverbs 14:3 NKJV

Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips. Proverbs 14:7 NIV

The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure. Proverbs 14:16 NIV

The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. Proverbs 15:5 NIV

The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. Proverbs 15:15 NIV

A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool. Proverbs 17:10 NIV

It is to one's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. Proverbs 20:3 NIV

Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Proverbs 26:4 NIV

It is not the person who speaks loud or long that is wise, but the one who offers hope, exercising wisdom in all they say.

Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them. Proverbs 26:12 NIV

Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them. Proverbs 29:20

What do we do when we know we're having an encounter with a fool?

Go from the presence of a foolish man,
When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge. Proverbs 14:7 NKJV

What we do with knowledge determines how wise we are. Wise people always seek those who are wiser than they are for knowledge and instruction.

One who does not know how to lead others will get nowhere and those who follow leaders who don't know where they're going, will never reach a destination.

He Knows!

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is in on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. (Psalm 139:1-8 NIV)

The Creator knows who and what He has created; He knows the number of hairs on our heads, the number of brain cells that still function, our thoughts before we think them. There is nothing about us that God does not know and there is nothing we could ever hide from Him.
The eyes of the Lord are in every place--beholding the good and the evil, so why do we think we know more than Him? Though we do things in the dark and out of sight of people, our deeds are never hidden from Him.

Sometimes, I wonder--if people really understand that we will never know more than God--and there are some things that He will never allow us to discover because He knows--once we obtain certain knowledge, we have a tendency to think we are gods and can control our environment and circumstances, when the truth is--we have difficulty controlling our thoughts and tongues.

If we cannot control those things within the scope of our "choices" what makes us think, we can ever be wiser than God? James reminds us that the tongue, "that little member of our bodies that lacks control" ignites anger and starts wars--not knowing how to discern truth from lies. But those thoughts we allow to deceive us into speaking things we don't understand--that is where the confusion begins and ends. When our thoughts are not on things above, but below, we allow the enemy to enter and influence what we think and what we think--governs what we do or say.

I've often told my students that when a person refuses to know how to think for themselves, they will always be controlled by others. One of the reasons our society is in such sad shape is because people are influenced by others rather than drawing their own conclusions after gathering information and analyzing it, logically--not emotionally. Our emotions are fickle and subject to change faster than the wind moves in a storm, and no one should ever make a decision based upon their emotions. For more often than not--when emotional decisions are made--the irrationality of those decisions spring to the forefront and cannot be changed and the domino effect is put into motion, where one bad decision is made after another. God knows!

And because He knows how we react in our emotional states, He has provided us with wise counsel in His Word, but we must seek the wisdom in His Word, before we allow our thoughts to lead us into dangerous territory which could cause our demise or the demise of others. Before He created us, He knew our flaws and shortcomings, our emotional imbalances and rigid irrational thought-processes. He knew and loved us anyway because He also knew He had provided a means of escape from our own destination of destruction. "Trust in the Lord. Don't count on your own understanding, but in all things, acknowledge Him and determine to do things, His way." (Proverbs 3:7,8 paraphrased) So much wisdom found in the Proverbs!

God knew we would need Him and He knew some would never read His Word with understanding, so He came down to earth in the form of a man--Jesus--died, saved us from ourselves and provided us with His spirit to dwell within us--guiding us to His Word. He knew then and He still knows what we need more than we do. So, when are we going to realize--We need Him to guide us in all things and especially in controlling our tongues? We can fool ourselves and think we are all that, but without Him, we are nothing and will accomplish nothing of worth. He already knows--when will we get a clue?

Where Are You, God?

"Do not hold against us the sins of past generations; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are desperate need. Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name's sake. Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" (Psalm 79:8-10 NIV)

Not only are other nations questioning where our God is--those who claim to Believe are asking the same question. Of course the naysayers ask the question to belittle and ridicule Believers, but when Believers ask the question--we know the nation is truly in trouble. Why?

If Believers are asking God, "Where are You?" they have not understood just how close God is to those who Believe. It's not a source of amazement for the unbelieving to ask the question, for they do not have access to Him through right relationship to know the answer to the question, but certainly--Believers--who understand God's Word and are in right relationship with Him, should never ask this question. We know where He is--He dwells within us.

However the real problem is not in knowing where God is--since He is omnipresent--He is everywhere at the same time, but in knowing that He gives "all people free will" and will not force us to do anything. Therefore, anything we do--without specific direction from God is subject to failing or creating disaster.

Many people are asking, "Where is God when mentally disabled or challenged people shoot others?" God is right there in the midst of the shooting, but He will not force anyone to do what is right. So, the gunmen--in every situation--act without benefit of God's instruction and they are prey of the enemy who hates all of us and when he can influence the minds of others to do evil--since they don't believe in God anyway, they do evil.

But we must understand--in order to do evil--we must have a mindset that "desires to do evil" or the enemy would not have any power over us. People have to submit to the devil's influence just like they have to submit to God's influence. It is a free will choice we make when we choose to be influenced by any source.

So, now the question should not be, "where is God?" but rather where are we in a relationship with Him? Do we truly Believe or are we just religious, operating in rituals of out traditions that hold no true meaning of anything? I'm sure, when we stand before Him on the day we are judged, we're going to discover that God will have more respect for the naysayers than those of us who claim to Believe, but never had a relationship with Him. He's told us that He would rather we be--hot or cold--and not lukewarm because lukewarm, wishy-washy people make Him ill (Revelation 3:16 paraphrased).

Instead of us raising the question as to where God is, we should raise the question--where are we? I can imagine with all of the stupid things occurring in the world, that God is asking the question, "Where are my children who claim to know me?" Why would God ask this question? Because if we are His children, we would know how important communication with Him is and our obedience to Him. We cannot pattern ourselves after the world and the worldly way of doing things; He has called us to a standard of Excellence because He is Excellent in all His Ways and if we truly belong to Him, doing things His way should not be a burden to any.

Where are you, in your relationship with God? God is right here--waiting to embrace us in right relationship with Him.