Category Archives: Proverbs

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Buck Up, Soldier!

Tough Faith Needs Tough Times

Synopsis: Scripture is quite clear: troubles are an unpleasant but essential part of the journey toward Christian maturity. Solomon said, “If you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn’t much to you in the first place.” James said, “Consider it pure joy when you face various trials.” Hebrews said, “Others have suffered far worse than you… So don’t feel sorry for yourselves.” Tough but necessary words. The 17th-century French bishop Francois Fenelon offered this helpful perspective: “God is your Father, do you think he would ever hurt you? He just cuts you off from those things you love in the wrong way. You cry like a baby when God removes something or someone from your life, but you would cry a lot more if you saw the eternal damages your wrong attachments cause you.” That being true, I guess it’s time to buck up!

Buck Up Soldier

Moments With God // Proverbs 24:10

If you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn’t much to you in the first place. (The Message)

I read this morning in my daily quiet time how the apostle, beaten for preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus, rejoiced “because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” (Acts 5:41) Now that is some tough, gritty faith. And we see that kind of thing repeated throughout scripture, reminding us that tough faith requires tough times.

When I was a little kid, I would usually run to my mom rather than my dad when I got hurt, frustrated, or felt picked on by my older siblings. Why? Because my mom would usually hug me, dry my tears, and baby me in all sorts of ways. My dad, on the other hand, would typically say, “buck up, bud,” or “walk it off, kid! Rub some dirt in it! Get over it!” or “dry it up, little man or I’ll give you something really to cry about!”

It’s not that my dad was uncaring; he just didn’t want me to be soft. He wanted to toughen me up for the day when I would really have something to cry about. Looking back, I am grateful for the balance that a tender mom and a tough dad brought into my life—but I am especially thankful for the grit my dad ground into me. It has served me well on the sometimes tough, unfriendly, and demanding path I have trod in my adult life.

But to be honest, there are times even now that I fall back into my whiny-kid mode. That happened recently when I complained to the Lord about some disappointments I thought were unfair for him to allow into my life. I suggested that if he didn’t start doing his job better, it might be time for me to scoop up my marbles and head home. And with typical timing, the Lord sent a reminder that, in essence, repeated the same fatherly admonition I heard so many times growing up: “Buck up, bud, this ain’t nutin!” This time it came in the form of an email from the East African coordinator of our church-planting ministry. My African friend shared the testimony of one of our church planters who just had a contract taken out on his life. Yea, that’s right, a guy with a gun was trying to kill him simply because he had come to a village to preach the Gospel—and our guy was rejoicing how the Lord was using him!

Wow—I guess my troubles are puny compared to that!

Hebrews 4:12 says, “In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don’t feel sorry for yourselves.” (The Message) What is the writer saying? If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!

So I am going to shelve the complaints until I shed the first drop of blood for the cause of Christ. And if you hear me whining between now and then, you have my permission to say, “Buck up, bud, or I’ll give you something to cry about.”

Now, what about you? Maybe it’s time for you to toughen up a bit, too!

Memorize James 1:2-4, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The next time you are tempted to whine, quote this verse instead.

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Getting Unstuck From Relational Kindergarten

Social Intelligence

Synopsis: Do you lack emotional and social intelligence? Most people who do are usually not curious enough to even wonder. That is why they are stuck in relational and professional awkwardness. But if you do, then why not just go to some straight-shooter in your world and ask them what they think. And let me add a good rule of thumb: if they are honest enough to talk about your elephant in the room, and even if they don’t do it with a lot of grace and tact, “take it like a grown-up!” Then do something about it. Don’t stay stuck in emotional kindergarten or remedial manners class. With God’s help and good friends, you can develop self-awareness and get on the path to becoming a winsome person.

Moments With God // Proverbs 23:1-2

When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.

Some people just don’t get it! They are relatively attractive in their physical presentation, they are reasonably intelligent, and they have skill sets that should allow them to be successful. For all intents and purposes, they should be flourishing vocationally and relationally.

The problem is, that they have gaping deficits when it comes to emotional intelligence and social awareness. When it comes to knowing how to interact with people and act in certain settings, they are unaware, detached and we might even say, totally clueless. The light bulb is in the socket, but it ain’t burnin’ too bright if you know what I mean.

That’s the kind of person this proverb is describing. Although the particular emphasis here is on table manners, the greater thought has to do with both the kind of self and social awareness that will allow a person to have friends, move up the ladder of success in their career, get the kind of traction that allows them to make an impact in the world, and enjoy the life-long love a spouse who just flat out adores them and children who admire them into their own well-adjusted adulthood.

I’ve run into people like that occasionally, and invariably they will complain that they have no close friends, or that they just can’t seem to catch a break at work, or question why God doesn’t seem to provide them a serious love interest even though they’ve prayed about it. Even if they are aware of their shortcomings, some will even say, “Well, people ought to just accept me…I am what I am.”

Well, if that’s your attitude, good luck. You’ll probably be saying that to the very end when you are old, lonely, and miserable!

Here’s the deal: If perhaps after reading this you’re wondering if you lack emotional and social intelligence, why not just go to some straight shooter in your world and ask them what they think. And let me add a good rule of thumb: if they are honest enough to talk about your elephant in the room, and even if they don’t do it with a lot of grace and tact, “take it like a grown-up!”

And then do something about it. Don’t stay stuck in emotional kindergarten or remedial manners class. You can develop self-awareness, you know. How?

One, ask God. He is in the business of answering prayer. His indwelling Spirit wants to have more control of you, and as you yield to him, good stuff will start to happen. James 1:5 tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” In fact, this entire book of Proverbs was written to “impart shrewdness to the morally naive, and a discerning plan to the young person.” (Prov 1:4)

Two, ask someone who seems to be socially skilled and relationally successful for a few pointers—then start implementing their interpersonal tips in a way that is appropriate for you. The Apostle Paul exhorted his disciples, “Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” (Phil 4:9)

And three, look around. Watch people. See how others behave in social settings. That should give you a clue as to what is appropriate or not. And just a caveat here: Make sure you are in proper social settings. Be smart about it, because you’re probably not going to pick any redeeming social graces in some of the questionable places that now seem to be acceptable in our unguarded age. Again, taking our cue from Paul, “pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.” (Phil 3:17)

You may never be the slickest person in the bunch or have the smoothness of some people—and that’s okay. But God does want you to be a person of grace—and he’s got plenty of that to give you, free of charge. No matter where you are on the emotional-social continuum, I hope you will access his unlimited supply.

Much of the book of Proverbs has to do with our personal development, and the truth is, not too many people have the personal fortitude and self-awareness to pull off growth in these areas on their own. Most of us need a partner to hold our feet to the fire for personal growth. So I challenge you to not let another week go by without bringing someone onto your personal development team.

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Fifteen Minutes of Fame

Be Famous For Being Godly

SYNOPSIS: Far too many people today gain fame when they’ve made no real contribution to the world. They are famous for being famous — or famous for being infamous — which, if it gains them time in the spotlight, is perceived as good and worthy since the results justify the means. The Bible, however, says rather than being famous for being wealthy (or being bad or even being famous), we ought to pursue good character and allow our reputation to grow for that reason alone. God doesn’t care how much money we have, how many cars are in our garage, what kind of clothes we wear, if our crib is big, or how many social media followers we have. When we stand before God someday our lives will be evaluated by the godly character we’ve forged during our years on earth.

Fifteen Minutes of Fame

Moments With God // Proverbs 22:1

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

If I were writing Proverb 22:1 today, I would add “fame” to the mix alongside riches. Fame and riches are the twin gods at which our culture now bows to pay homage. People want to be rich and famous, willing to do just about anything to get both.

Have you noticed how willing and quickly people are to appear on TV news to talk about some unfortunate event that has befallen their family? I was stunned not too long ago when a mom and dad paraded their teenage son in front of the cameras to talk about the many years he had been held hostage by a child molester—just a few hours after his rescue. Or how about young women who are willing to take pretty much all their clothes off to get on TV? There’s not a “Miss America” pageant anymore where at least one of the contestants exposed themselves, no pun intended, for having racy photos circulating on the Internet. And what about all the “tell-all” books that come out after some aid leaves the service of a well-known politician?

It seems that far too many people today gain fame when they’ve made no real contribution to the world. Many of today’s brightest stars are famous for being famous — or famous for being infamous — which, if it gains them time in the spotlight, is perceived as good and worthy since the results justify means.

The Bible, however, says rather than being famous for being wealthy (or being bad or even being famous), we ought to pursue good character and allow our reputation to grow for that reason alone. God doesn’t care how much money we have, how many cars are in our garage, what kind of clothes we wear, how big our crib is, how many people want to be like us, or how many social media followers we have. When we stand before God someday — and someday will be sooner than we expect — our lives will be evaluated on the character we’ve forged during our years on earth. If we were known for charity, kindness, generosity, humility, and the like, that, along with love for God will count. Everything else will evaporate in the presence of the One who judges the content of our character.

As you get older, it is easy to pick on young people and point out all their flaws (which I’ve heard is proof you’ve gotten old), but I am especially alarmed at today’s youth culture and its obsession with fame and wealth. Ask today’s youth what they want to do with their lives, and far too many of them speak of the kinds of things that will bring them celebrity, and all that goes with it, rather than that which will actually add value and better the world. How sad…and disturbing. And they alone are not to blame; some of that falls at the feet of their parents.

I think it is high time that parents once again begin to teach their children that reverence for God, sterling moral character, and sacrifice for the good of humanity rather than fame and wealth are what lead to a good life. Parents need to wean their children off the negative influence of this corrosive media culture—and that will be quite a challenge in this day and age — and begin to pour into their lives the eternal values of the Kingdom rather than the fleeting values of this world.

I am grateful for my own father, who taught me from my earliest years on, values that are best captured by this profound little poem he often quoted,

Tis one life will soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last!

That pretty well sums it up, wouldn’t you say!

Take 10 minutes to write your personal constitution — what you believe in as non-negotiable core values, what you are willing to stand for, and die for, what you want to be remembered for at the end of your life, and most importantly, how you want God to see you when you stand before him. Review it every day this week — and most of all, live it every day this week.

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Who Really Controls The White House

It Is Not The Current Occupant

Synopsis: This one truth trumps—no pun intended—all your concerns: God is in charge! He allows politicians to be elected, he keeps presidents on a short leash, and at the end of the day, whether rulers rule well or not, God will accomplish his purposes. He is in control—he reigns over all! History is really His story. It always had been, it is right now, and it shall be tomorrow. Let that give you great comfort and cause you to be much saner in the next election season.

Who Controls the White House

Moments With God // Proverbs 21:1

The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.

Hey all you Republicans out there, relax, the president is on a short lease. And for all you Democrats, you need to chill out, too. For those of you who still believe it’s all Donald Trump’s fault, or for anyone who’s convinced President Biden is the Antichrist, lighten up! If you’re thinking the man or woman who occupies the Oval Office will be the one calling the shots, think again:

God is in charge!

I love how Daniel 2:20-21 reminds us that all the political convulsing we do, especially in an election cycle is ramping up—which in today’s world means all the time—is really nothing more than a tempest in a teapot when stacked up against the plans of the Almighty:

“Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.”

Now I’m not saying that politics is unimportant or that the upcoming elections won’t have consequences. The truth is the party given the power to rule greatly affects the cultural-moral-spiritual direction of America and the person in the Oval Office has great bearing on both the outward strength and the inner fortitude of our nation. It matters, and as believers, we are obligated to be well informed and actively engaged in our political process. But can I remind you again of this one truth that trumps—no pun intended—all your concerns?

God is in control!

God allows politicians to be elected, he keeps the president on a short leash, and at the end of the day, whether rulers rule well or not, God will accomplish his purposes. He is in charge—and in control. As someone has correctly said, history is really His story. It always had been, it is right now, and it shall be tomorrow.

God rules!

I hope that gives you great comfort, and I hope it will allow you to be a little saner and kingdom-focused as the politics of the election season heats up well beyond the point of sanity.

I love what Benjamin Franklin said at Constitutional Convention of 1787: “God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel.”

Let me say it one more time just in case you missed it:

God reigns!

Take A Moment: Read I Timothy 2:1-4, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” Now, like the current occupant of the Oval Office or not, pray for your president every day this week! It will please your Heavenly Father!

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Counterintuitive Blessing

Give A Beatdown, Lose Your Blessing

Synopsis: We live in a culture where we are taught to stand up for our rights, defend ourselves, never let anyone intimidate us, if necessary (and it’s always necessary) destroy our opponent — and getting nasty to do it is now our weapon of choice. On “the street” you are tagged as weak if you let someone get away with any kind of personal offense without throwing a few nasty bombs back at your antagonist. But is it really weakness or is it wisdom to overlook an insult? King Solomon wrote that it’s to our honor to avoid strife. He also pointed out that only “a fool gives full vent to his anger, but wise people keep themselves under control.” If however, you tend toward anger and are quick to retaliate when you have been offended, you might as well hang a sign around your neck that reads, “I’m a fool.” But if you have developed the ability to control your emotions when irritated, Solomon would call you prudent, wise, honorable, and yes, even bless-able.

Moments With God // Proverbs 20:3 (NLT)

Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.

It’s everywhere—on talk radio, the street corner, the classroom, the ball field, in the home. People are throwing bombs, verbal bombs, that is. Rather than winning arguments through respectful persuasion, which is what wise, intelligent, mature people do, they are resorting to name-calling.

We live in a culture where we are taught to stand up for our rights, defend ourselves, never let anyone intimidate us, if necessary (and it’s always necessary) destroy your opponent — and getting nasty to do it is now our weapon of choice. On “the street,” you are tagged as weak if you let someone get away with any kind of personal offense without throwing a few nasty bombs back at your antagonist.

But is it really a weakness or is it wisdom to overlook an insult? King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived outside of Jesus Christ, wrote that it’s to our honor to avoid strife. He also pointed out that only “a fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” (Proverbs 29:11)

If you tend toward anger and are quick to retaliate when you have been offended, you might as well hang a sign around your neck that reads, “I’m a fool.” But if you have developed the ability to control your emotions when irritated, Solomon would call you prudent, wise, and honorable. He is describing a person who shows discretion, has tremendous foresight, exhibits great patience, and uses careful judgment. It is a person who takes control over their anger.

Proverbs 16:32 describes that person this way: “Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.” Proverbs 20:3 in the Message translation states, “It’s a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights.”

You will most likely have the opportunity for either foolishness or prudence this week, perhaps even today, because someone has insulted or irritated you. When that happens, just remember: you were not called to retaliation—nor to foolishness, but to blessing. That’s what the Apostle Peter, a man who preferred the sword to the cross until his transformative experience with baptism in the Holy Spirit, later wrote,

Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. (1 Peter 3:9)

At this point, I think you get the point: Be honorable, be wise, be patient, be self-controlled, and be a source of blessing, even to the people who don’t deserve it. Why? Because God will bless you for it.

Take A Moment: If you struggle with impatience, quarreling, and anger, then consider offering this prayer: Lord, increase my patience this week with those who would irritate or insult me. Remind me as many times as needed that I have been called to give out blessing to those who would curse me. Enable me through your indwelling Spirit to love them just as you love me even when I have offended you.

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It’s All The President’s Fault

Take Responsibility for Your Own Life

SYNOPSIS: Shifting blame for problems is humanity’s national pastime, going all the way back to  Eden when Adam blamed Eve, then Eve blamed the serpent, and the serpent didn’t have a leg to stand on. But Proverbs 19:3 reminds us, “Some people ruin themselves by their own stupid actions and then blame the Lord.” Listen up my friend, raging against God or blaming anybody other than yourself is risky business! It’s counter-productive to your personal growth. It reduces you to perpetual victimhood. It keeps you from exercising the one ability that makes you the highest order of God’s creation: personal responsibility. Instead, take ownership of your own flaws and failures and do something about them (cf. Gen 4:7). Whenever you do that, it’s a good thing.

Blaming is risky business.

Moments With God // Proverbs 19:3

A man’s own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the Lord.

I knew that title would get your attention, depending on which political party you subscribe to!

Now, just relax—I’m not making a political statement. If you were about to get all right wing—chill! If you’re a lefty—same to ya! My point is, whether you’re a conservative or liberal, you probably like to blame. If you’re a part of the human race, you’ve just got that blame gene coiled tight and ready to spring. It’s our national pastime as human beings, going all the way back to the Garden of Eden when Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent and the serpent didn’t have a leg to stand on.

I like the way the Message translates Proverbs 19:3—it doesn’t get much plainer than this:

People ruin their lives by their own stupidity, so why does God always get blamed?

Have you ever known anyone to blame God when the mess they were in was the result of their own foolishness? No exaggeration—I meet people on a weekly basis who do that. Perhaps you would have to admit that even you have been guilty of pointing the finger at God?

  • Have you ever overspent, or exercised poor financial management, or purchased something you couldn’t afford then blamed God for a bank account that won’t pay the bills?
  • Have you neglected the spiritual disciplines—Bible reading, prayer, worship, regular church attendance—then wondered why God doesn’t seem to speak to you in times of distress?
  • Have you withheld your tithe and then blamed God for the loss of a job, or unhappiness in your vocation, or a rotten work environment?
  • Have you been undisciplined in eating, sleeping, and exercising, then been upset when God didn’t give you a physical healing?
  • Have you ever allowed a negative personality trait to go unchecked and then wondered why God doesn’t give you close friends or help you sustain a dating relationship or find a mate?

My guess is that some of you reading this right now are getting mad at me. But raging against me, or God, or blaming anybody other than yourself is risky business! It’s counter-productive to your personal growth. It reduces you to perpetual victimhood. It keeps you from exercising the one ability that makes you the highest order of God’s creation: personal responsibility.

You will notice two key words in that verse. The first one is the word “ruin.” In Hebrew, it’s salap, which means to distort, twist, or pervert. It means to twist the facts or distort reality, and it leads to clouding one’s ability to think clearly. If you are in the habit of casting blame against God, you will end up with twisted thinking and lose touch with what is truly going on.

The second one is the word “rages.” In the Hebrew, it is the word za’ep, which means to fume or to storm. It was used to describe breathing hard or blowing, like a storm blowing in and raging. If you are a blamer, your twisted thinking will cause you to rage unreasonably against the wrong object.

If that is the case with you, quit raging against God, or others, and get mad enough at your own foolish behavior that it leads you to take ownership of it and do something about it. That is taking personal responsibility.

And whenever you do that, it’s a good thing.

Notice how God says this very thing to Cain in the famous line from Genesis 4:7,

If you do what is right, will you will be smiling (TEV). But if you don’t do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.

So seriously consider what God says in terms of your own life. Then, go do the right thing!

Take A Moment: Do you have a trusted and honest friend? I hope so. Ask them if you have any character deficits for which you are not taking personal responsibility. And here is a rule of thumb for this kind of activity: Whatever they say—believe them.

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The Tragedy of a Vandalized Life

Offer All of Your Life To God—All of It!

SYNOPSIS: In light of all that Jesus did to pull your no-good carcass out of the HOV lane to eternal hell, it is only right and fitting that your 24/7 existence should be offered in such a way that it is a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. Obviously, this is the only appropriate, logical, and pleasing way to worship him. So, use it in such a way that God will receive your life as an offering of worship placed before his glorious throne.

The Tragedy of a Vandalized Life

Moments With God // Proverbs 18:19

Slack habits and sloppy work are as bad as vandalism (The Message)

When you made the decision to follow Christ, you entered a binding contract with God Almighty that all of your life would be lived for his glory alone. All of your life! Not just some of it; not just your time in church; not just your early morning devotional time—you committed every split second of it to him! Soli Deo Gloria!

Now as serious as your responsibilities in that deal are, what you get out of it is still unbelievably grace-weighted in your favor, times infinity! You see, in light of all that Jesus did to pull your no-good carcass out of the HOV lane to eternal hell, it is only right and fitting that your 24/7 existence should be offered in such a way that it is a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. Obviously, this is the only appropriate, logical, and pleasing way to worship him.

Now in case you haven’t picked up on it yet, I’m simply quoting what Paul said in Romans 12:1—just paraphrasing a little, since Paul didn’t know what an HOV lane was.

Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for ( (Rom 12:1, The Message)

God created you, and through his death and resurrection, Jesus recreated you, so that you could take your everyday, ordinary, sleeping, eating, going-to-work, walking around life—that about covers it—and use it in such a way that God will receive it as an offering of worship placed before his glorious throne.

That is why even seemingly innocuous stuff like the private thoughts you entertain and the personal habits you tolerate and the unheard words you speak are extremely important—because God knows, God sees, and God hears. (If you think I am overstating it, go back and read Psalm 139.)

The simple fact is that God Almighty wants even your unguarded life to reflect his glory and grace. The Apostle Paul said it well in Colossians 3:23-24,

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Since, as Isaiah 49:16 says, our “walls are ever before him”, let’s keep off the graffiti. What a tragedy it is to offer him a vandalized life—either in our 24/7 life or on the day we stand before him. He deserves better—and we can do better!

Take A Moment: Read the entirety of Colossians 3 at some point today, and reflect on how well you are offering the various dimensions of your life “as unto the Lord.”