November 2015 – Vida4U

November 23, 2015

“Attitudes that bring success” Part II (Proverbs 12)

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish (vs.1).

A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised(vs.8).

He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding(vs.11).

A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompense of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him(vs.14).

***This devotional represents my career life and my thankfulness to a God who has been more than faithful.***

“He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread:” Life is a balance, especially seen through the teachings of scripture. Working to meet ones needs is commended in scripture, verses those who are not willing to work for themselves or their families. Yet not just our needs but the scriptures speak of giving to those in need as well, but what defines “in need.” It refers to those who are working but come up short ( single moms), or were working but because of an injury can no longer work or the aged are some examples. This is different from able bodied individuals who are unwilling to met their own needs but rely on others – hand outs, government aid etc. To some extent our welfare system fosters irresponsibility by giving money to these individuals. When people go without they become willing and/or creative about making money which inturn builds self respect. We have taken that away. The difficulty is when children are involved, which in most cases they are. It’s a tight rope, a balance between caring for the children and enabling those who should have the care of the children to continue being irresponsible. However I still believe there is a better way than just handing out money. To throw money at a problem in hopes that it goes away does not work, the problem is deeper than that.

Someone “that tilleth his land shall be satisfied.” Satisfied ” Sabea” has multiple meanings. It refers to one’s labor and or efforts but it goes beyond just being full. It also means being content with life, having seen God provide through your efforts. It means a person who is happy with themselves because they are doing what is right by working and providing for their family. It’s impossible to be content with life if you are not first content with yourself. Sabea means this, right with God and “tilling my land.” Sabea is a good word, a healthy word, both physically, and emotionally but all that is taken away when people are given “crutches instead of shovels.” They will never be satisfied as long as they are takers and not givers. However on the other side there are those who are driven and work too much. Most of us work long hours and hence it is easy to have our identity wrapped up in our jobs. However our identity and self esteem needs to come from our relationship with the Lord, not work. Here’s a saying, ” do we work to live or do we live for work?And even if we are not working long hours but we live for work, our identity is still misplaced. The sum total of who we are exceeds what we do at work or anything else for that matter. To truly be satisfied, this balance must be maintained. Without this balance we burn out.

but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding(vs.11). Reyq is the Hebrew for vain. It has several meanings, worthless, a pitcher that’s empty or a person whose worthless, or an object with no content, evacuated. What comes to mind is a period of time in my life when I just was not making enough money to make ends meet. I was working three jobs, my regular wholesale nursery job, in the evenings I made an attempt to sell water purifiers and on Saturdays I helped mow and blow about eight Carl’s Juniors. It made for a long day. This was a super hard time in my life, I hardly got to see the girls. Often times being in bed by the time I got home from mowing or selling water filters. I learned through the coarse of these months that selling the water purifiers was a pyrimaid set up based on much hype and delevoping what was termed as a “down line.” People that you enlisted that purchased the product to sell. There was really no sales going on just people getting hyped up and buying minimum orders. The guy I was helping mow the Carl’s Juniors was one of the few that actually sold something. This get “rich scheme” quickly became a vain per suit to me and once I felt that I felt free to leave it. I owed my family my best effort but this was energy and time wasted. I was so happy to be home in the evenings again. The term ” evacuated” or I like the term a “black hole” was how I began to relate to all the pyrimaid schemes that have since come my way.

A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompense of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him

This verse became my compass. Whatever my future job would be I was going to work for it, and maintain a work ethic that was readily know by my actions and speech. I had requested my two weeks vacation and knowing that the owner and I were not getting along I sought to start my own maintenance business. By the time the two weeks were over all I had was a lot of frustration. Not having experience in marketing, I didn’t know how to. However I was determined to not move the family a fourth time pursuing the next promotion by interviewing at different wholesale nurseries. My first day back from my vacation my boss called me in and fired me. At the time the girls were six and eight. I remember it as if it was yesterday, though it was May of 1989. As I walked to my truck the Lord began speaking to me using the scriptures, which He often does. He quoted Abigail as she spoke to King David, “…but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God;” (1Samuel 25:29) basically how the Lord had David in the palm of His hand, He had me. I was scared but I knew God was in this.

After living on the credit card for three months I landed my first commercial maintenance job. It replaced my salary dollar for dollar. It took me three days to cover the grounds and on the other two days I sought to get more contracts. I found my Christian principles in business as giving me preference over other contractors, in that my clients sensed my honesty and could believe my words. Bible studies during my lunch half hour had been a habit for years and now I found them even more critical, feeding my body and soul at the same time. It was exceedingly hard work, working harder than I thought I ever could, but the company grew. God was the owner and I was his assistant and since then till now that has not changed.

Satisfied in the true Biblical sense has God in the middle of it. However I know several clients, not believers but are really good guys who emit a sense of being satisfied with their life. They have worked hard and are now reaping the benefits. Being good husbands and dads their actions reward them and there is satisfaction in that. I love these guys, but I challenge them to go deeper, to not stay docked at the port they built for themselves but loose the ropes and be willing to trust God to give them a life that is fuller and more meaningful. To be willing to explore the ocean of faith. We will fine that our safe predictable docks are quite restrictive and lacking the fullness of life that only a life of faith will experience. Life with God is bigger, it’s more riskier, but when God is at the helm it’s a satisfaction that way exceeds that of mans.

Father God,

We live in a world that seeks to redefine all that You say. Instead of finding our true identity in just You, it says we need money, wealth, fame, a great job and so on. Money is nice to have but it won’t make us better people, oftentimes we are worse because of it. To live for fame may be a cover up for low self esteem and a great job if it comes through honesty and hard work is probably the only thing you would agree with. However if it becomes a stumbling block from knowing You, then it has become a dangerous distraction. Give us wisdom to not be so foolish as to live for this world. For your faithfulness exceeds this world and knows no boundaries. Thank you and Amen.

November 23, 2015

“Attitudes that bring success” (Proverbs 12)

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish (vs.1).

A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised(vs.8).

He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding(vs.11).

A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompense of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him(vs.14).

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad(vs.25).

In school some considered me “teachers pet,” but I was never that. Teachers pet to me was obvious. They behaved like an angel when the teacher was present and were quite the opposite when they were with their peers. I have always enjoyed learning and so I was know for asking questions ( hence, teachers pet). Especially in math I asked a lot of questions, because math was hard for me. There were times in my classes that I was the only one asking questions, making it super awkward. I felt in those times that I must be a real dummy. However the teacher must have sensed my awkwardness and would encourage me, commenting that my questions were thoughtful and that she appreciated the fact that at least someone was paying attention. That made me feel good though I paid for it afterwards. Still, it was my education and if the rest didn’t want to learn, that was their choice. So the verse “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge:” was and is an easy fit for me. And if this is our attitude towards earthly principles, how much more diligent should we be with eternal truths?

Some of us struggle with receiving instruction/correction from others, why? The statement, “I already know that” might be true or it might be that we think we know it. However the person trying to teach us realizes that we really don’t. As a manager of people, now for many years, I really appreciate my employees that are teachable. Those that feel that they already know, it does no good trying to explain the work to someone with that attitude. They won’t hear me. I’ve learned to just put them on the job, wait for about ten minutes and they will be calling me with questions. It never fails. However, why do I have to go through this with them each time? Why do they not just listen the first time, or with the example of school, why did not more classmates ask questions? Based on their posted test scores, they should have. How many times does our insecurity, our fear of what others think of us, get the better of us? We knew we should have asked that question, but held back because we didn’t want to appear stupid. To love knowledge means we are willing to run that risk. To love knowledge becomes more important to us than what others think of us. It’s a big step towards freedom. Freedom from the fear of man and a growing freedom in accepting myself. We will never know everything and that’s alright.

God was using this period in my life to teach me about myself. To accept that I had strengths and that I had weaknesses. That He loved me just the same and that my weaknesses didn’t need to define me. That I could learn and develop my weaknesses into strengths. Some weaknesses, e.g. Sports were just going to be. I would never be as good as some of the faster more agile classmates. I would always be “second string,” and I needed to accept that. To be ok in our own skin goes a long way to receiving instruction with gratitude. And in learning new and purposeful things, it builds upon our self esteem. My insecurity cannot rule if I truly know that God loves me. To be ok in His book means the world to me, and it should mean the world to you as well.

“but he that hateth reproof is brutish,” or “baar” means someone who will not listen, hence someone who will not learn and spiritually it means someone who is “stupid.” The Hebrew definition literally uses the term “stupid” in reference to the ways of God. I would much rather be unlearned in certain aspects of earthly life than to be stupid in the eternal ways of God.

“A man shall be commended according to his wisdom.” Halal, means to shine, to praise, to boast. Instead of being praised/admired for the outward, which is the curse of this society, we are praised for our wisdom which reflects our person. If praise is merited it should be for this, not for how attractive or sexy we are. These are passing qualities that do nothing to further or deepen relationships. Another very interesting definition of halal and how it is used most often in scripture, is in reference to the Levites. Their jobs were to praise the Lord during the morning and evening sacrifices. And this to me is the true fulfillment of wisdoms use, it leads us to praise the “Wisdom Giver.” For all wisdom and the ability to gain it comes from our Creator, The Lord.

“But he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.” Perverse or “Awah” is a loaded word. It means twisted, to do wrong, to bend, physically distressed, a person mentally disturbed and it also refers to preventing and or perverting right behavior which is a clear picture of our society. There are those who say right is wrong and wrong is right so as to excuse and or commend their own “Awah” behavior. Jesus accused the Pharisees of perverting God’s truths, blind guides leading the blind. Jesus words fit well into today’s world and the fall out is seen in our society. The overuse of both legal and illegal drugs, the inability to live with someone ( we’ve become too me oriented), misuse and overuse of sex to qualify a potential mate and there is so much more. If we go into sex trafficking, pornagraphy and its affects on the family, as well as on the participating individual, we get a much clearer picture of our society. We have such a desperate need to return back to the ways and truths of God. Our “accepted sins” are a twisting and perversion to the human soul. They steer us away from the purity and joy found in the love of God. Yet, there is always hope found in the patient and forgiving love of God. Remember the words of Christ when he addressed the crowd who wanted to stone the woman caught in adultery. After convicting the crowd of their sins, he addressed the woman and said, “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.”( John 8:11). The only one that could condemn her, did not. Repentance and receiving His forgiveness, whether it be for a specific sin or a life of sin is a new beginning that is offered to those who would.

“…Shall be despised,” shame or contempt. Individuals who are given over to perverse behaviors are in general contemptuous by society. Even when they leave or seek change the effect and affect of these behaviors are difficult to escape. They maintain a stigma of being less. Where as in their past life style they are accepted. It makes it hard for them to get away from their past and start over. I sure the woman caught in the act of adultery found the same problem, even though Christ himself forgave her. Our society and individuals have suffered much because God’s Word has been disregarded and or misrepresented and the fallout of that is being reaped daily. As individuals we have the opportunity to live changed lives, to live lives that seek to glorify God, not only being a blessing to our souls but to others as well.

Father God,

Let us be lovers of the knowledge that is first pure and then peaceable. We can build a solid foundation in our lives. For your truths will enable us to stand in the days of difficulty and trail and not only stand, but be bettered by it. Give us wise hearts and minds that see through the clutter and false promises of this earthly life.

Thank you and Amen

November 23, 2015

“True Strenght” Proverbs 11 (Part III)

“True Strenght” Proverbs 11 (Part III)

A gracious woman retaineth honor: and strong men retain riches.( Proverbs 11:16)

As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion (vs. 22)

He that diligently seeketh good procureth favor: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him( vs.27)

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise ( vs.30)

He that diligently seeketh good procureth favor: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.”

This now is in stark contrast to our last devotion where because of hurt, lack of love and guidance we become self focused in trying to fulfill the void we were left with. Paul mentions an interesting principal for another problem that with some understanding could be applied here. A way to cure stealing Paul says is to work and then give to those in need “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth (Eph.4:28).” This obviously deals with a changed heart, however we are also dealing with a very basic human need in all of us. We need to feel as though we matter. The need to give, to be helpful, to live in such a way that I am connected to a larger circle than just me. Without this sense of contributing, be it physically, emotionally, or spiritually, my life really has no purpose. To live as such, a no purpose life, causes depression and emotionally one implodes on themself becoming more self centered. The most miserable people in my opinion are those who are all about themselves because you can really never satisfy yourself. Self centeredness is a reoccurring debt that is always demanding payment ( the Kardashians come to mind). So as in stealing, a similar way to cure self focus is to seek the good of others “he (or she) that seeketh good.” This is a complete recalibration of one’s soul that in itself is a miracle.

How does it happen? It can start small with a friend inviting us to a function, like “kids day,” and volunteering to help with some activity and finding joy in helping. Other times the change occurs through brokenness. Everything we thought we had was taken or we destoryed it with our own hands. At this point the soul is forced to seek help, to reach outside of itself and be willing to change. To get to this point, that we seek help, is a critical first step.

The more likely way of change which probably is true for most of us is when we have our first child. The care of something that is so innocent and helpless changes you. Prior to being a parent our tendency is to focus on ourselves. However the care of a baby is amazing and life changing. sleep deprived and all. For some, it is a steep learning curve that requires internal recalibration but once that is made the joy of having the care and love of a little life was totally worth the refocus. The joy of giving to your child(ren) and seeing their happiness makes all the effort worth it. Becoming responsible and “doing it right,” is how self respect and feeling good about ourselves starts. Internally I believe many of us know what is right, and the shouldering of the responsibility of the care of another fuels more change, even unto the care of our fellow man. We experience verse 25 of the same chapter “he who waters will themselves be watered,”or as our verse of study says, “He that diligently seeketh good procureth favor:” this is how we were meant to live, in community not separate isolated lives.

In contrast to this is “but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.” Mischief (Raah) meaning all shades of evil, from a white lie to murder. Depending upon context Raah describes the full spectrum. I had a very knowledgeable C.P.A many years back that was helpful and made sure we kept everything legal and above board. He also did investments which we did not participate in. He was our accountant for several years and I really liked him. One day however I received a phone call from his secretary saying that the F.B.I had arrested him and taken him to jail. We were all shocked, his wife, his staff and clients. Apparently the F.B.I had been watching him for some time and he was using investment money illegally. I never knew the exact charges, but what a surprise. The same law he made sure I followed was the same law he tried to go around. Raah came home and it came home with severe consequences and had a great business going for him.

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” I love this verse. What is the ” fruit of righteousness,” is it not love, peace, joy, forgiveness, kindness, patience etc., all the qualities of a Christ like life. How can you go wrong when these qualities have permanent residence within your soul. Not only do you bless others but these qualities bless you as well. Health is more than the food we eat, though that is very important true health goes deeper, it goes to the soul and spirit of the individual and the fruit of righteousness promotes and maintains an inward healthy me. I’m convinced that so many of our illnesses, especially reoccurring ones, have to do with the state of my “inner me.”

Next what is meant by a “tree of life?” Considering the region in which the scriptures where penned, a green and flourishing tree meant water. As a desert traveler this green tree literally meant life. Not only did it signal water but it was an opportunity to get out of the scorching sun and rest in the shade. It was also the means to refill the depleting skins with water ( thermoses were made from animal skins) and an opportunity to hunt as game came to drink and rest. So truly a green and thriving tree did represent life. So our fruit of righteousness represents life to the weary of soul. It’s restful to find someone you can trust, someone that has your best interest at heart. It’s peaceful to know that your loved and accepted, that the only person you have to be is you, flaws and all. And lastly love nourishes, so it is satisfying, a much needed pit stop on the race track of life. To demonstrate and be these qualities to others how can you not “win souls?”

Father God,

Thank you for this time in your Word. To study and make application is like that green tree in the desert, it satisfies our soul. Let us do our part to present ourselves with a readied heart, with a pen and Bible in hand and expect to be taught from a Father who is anxious to draw His children nigh. Thank you and Amen

Move Forward. in His Grace – Arthur

Is this not what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ, to be Christ to the world? As Paul said he was an ambassador in chains for Christ. Though he was chained his demeanor and the words of Christ where not. There are far too few of us that represent Christ as Paul did. Yet though Paul was uniquely called, we have the same access to the Holy Spirit as he had, the real question is do we want it and our we really to pay the cost to have it, truly dieing to self?