Being a Wise Guy (or Gal)

Consider this: "It's God that answers."

What comes to mind with the statement? Does it give you peace? Is it a bit of an indifferent feeling, or do you feel I need to offer a little more before you can respond to the questions?

My sarcasm has a way of interrupting progress and hurting feelings, especially when I get on a roll. My dealings with children often causes me to be aware of my mouth and I remind myself of the importance of modeling good behavior for the adults and children I connect with daily. However, the reality is I do have my moments...There is a little wise guy/gal in all of us if we are honest with ourselves. In thought, tongue, or actions, it is the wise guy who gets the laughs and attention--not only in life, but on the main stage...With such glorification along with some of the perks that come in putting others in their place, who wouldn't want to have a small measure of "wise guy" in them?

Proverbs 16 starts out with some peaceful truths that should hopefully remind us that he will answer when we're "wise"--the right way--in him:

"To human beings the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. People may think all their ways are pure, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." (Proverbs 16:1-3)

To transition due to my being a little behind with my posts each day, Proverbs 17 discusses the positive traits and characteristics of a friend. A familiar passage is verse 17:

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

What type of wise guy are you? Are you using your words to hurt, put down, kill & destroy, OR do you put truth out there in order to strengthen your neighbor?

Remember the say growing up, "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say it at all"? I think we need to remember to check our attitudes at the door in order to be better for those in our environments. Working to be more appreciative and cheerful makes life so much sweeter.

For work, we're aiming for continuous improvement in several areas. And, while the heart of my organization is learning and teaching, the reality is nothing can be accomplished without the establishment of strong, solid relationships. Relationships require us to keep wisdom in view in making decisions in the best interest of others. From strong relationships are such descriptors as trust, love, joy, peace, kindness--fruits of the spirit that are spoken of in Galatians.

If your tree is bearing "bad" fruit, perhaps you're not putting the right things into it that are needed for proper growth: a little (holy) water, some food (daily bread/the Word), and of course "son"light.

What type of "wise" guy/gal are you? One who is wise in the Lord and attracting/drawing in others to Christ, or are you avoiding the Good Director's plan for your life in order to have a show full of drama???

The awesome thing about a journey with Christ is he always allows for second, third, and fourth performances to perfect your role. And, he won't recast you if your motives are right and you desire him to be in control.

Each day we're on some one's main stage. Work to have your performance feel right the first time in order to not feel like you have to do it over and over. This comes with studying the lines to become the best wise guy you can be.

Break a leg!

Cross Eyed...for Jesus

As I continue to read a chapter out of Proverbs a day, I realize some subtle things which are likely the obvious but certainly okay to have manifest when reflecting on these daily readings. This is a journey in life where believers are encouraged to "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). This is how we're to make decisions about the difficult situations and choices that face us daily. From jobs to relationships, walking in faith is how we make hard decisions about life.

It is easier to accept putting major decisions in God's hands, but there is the question of how to approach simple, daily choices/decisions. Are we still seeking God? And, is it more of a walking by sight than faith? In reading Proverbs, it can become a bit hazy given the instructions and simple statements on living. However, one of the MAJOR themes from the book of Proverbs goes back to Chapter 1, verse 7: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

In satisfying the deepest desires of my heart, I'm working to better walk in faith. Today's message at church was a powerful depiction and analogy of our faith walk compared to Jesus'. We all have our tree, or cross, to bear; however, it is important to move from the tree into the cave--Christ was buried in a cave and we're to nestle in our caves, our secret places, to seek Him--in order to move beyond: Christ's resurrection/our triumphs...I'm giving the really QUICK bite to what was a deep and powerful message, but I'm hoping that I'm capturing some of the highlights, which will allow for further study and excitement in your own study time.

Currently, I am seeking faith in many--if not all--areas of my life. At the forefront, I am thinking of my "first" date from last evening. First dates have a tendency to be awkward and an annoyance, yet at the same time exciting and what could lead to major impacts for the future...It was a good first date. I'm walking in faith and keeping sight of the cross along the way.

What Have You Done for Me Lately?

Chapters 13 & 14 have no direct central themes. With each line or verse, there is a simple statement of good and not good. Essentially, the two chapters focus on contrasting good and evil in a variety of different scenarios from how we govern to what we say.

Last night I went and enjoyed the new movie G.I. Joe, seeing another picture of good versus evil. As I watched, I kept asking with the plot development, "What's the point? Is this drama necessary?" However, I am the type of person who asks that question often. I often think we complicate life so much more than necessary.

So, today I was checking my email and had a forward from my auntie titled "7 Percent". You will understand why it's given this title at the end, but that's not why I've posted it:

7 Percent

A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, 'Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.'

The Lord led the holy man to two doors.
He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in.

In the middle of the room was a large round table.

In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.

The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly.

They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful.

But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.

The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.

The Lord said, 'You have seen Hell.'

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exact ly the same as the first one.

There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water.

The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking.

The holy man said, 'I don't understand.'

'It is simple,' said the Lord. 'It requires but one skill. You see, they have learned to feed each other. The greedy think only of themselves.'

When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you.
Its estimated 93% won't forward this.
If you are one of the 7% who will, forward this with the title '7%' .

I'm in the 7%
Remember that
I will always share my
spoon with you.

The theme of this refers back to one of the two most important commandments the Lord asked us to follow: To love God with all our heart AND to love our neighbors.

These two chapters in Proverbs mention quite a bit the difference between the poor and the wealthy, but it notes that riches are stored up in heaven with the virtues of giving, loving, helping, and being honest.

How are you living? Have you done something (good) for someone else lately?

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

While there is no scriptural passage to my knowledge that directly speaks to cleanliness and God, there is nothing better than having a clean home, office, or wherever it is you dwell the most. One of the items on my "to do" list has been to do some thorough cleaning of my home. Today, I was able to do just that. Yeah, yeah...Most people want to just relax and rest on their vacation. I am not to be excluded in that number, but my studies in Proverbs have kept me being a little more dilgent and less idle...And, that I can back with a verse!

Whoever loves discipline loves, knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. - Proverbs 12:1

To truly live a disciplined life, there has to be some order and organization in one's life. I realize a big part of why I am not where I'd like to be has to do with this lack of structure.

Keep in mind that a close, related word to dicipline is DISCIPLE. I am a follower of Christ. Not only can I know the word, but I need to live it...and in every aspect of life: talk, walk, thought, etc.

So, on this evening as I prepare for slumber, I rest knowing that I've ridded myself of much clutter. I will be donating and giving away about 7 bags of goods. I threw away about 6 (or more) garbage bags of JUNK. Putting in this type of work will allow me to really enjoy the remainder of my time off, but spiritually I pray it will show him that I'm making space for the blessings he has for me. This season is not just about the physiological, but EVERY aspect of me. I'm aiming to cleanse the heart, but this will mean having to touch or change some things around me...maybe there is some connection to the cleanliness/godliness saying.

Got Christ? Go Tell It!

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise." - Proverbs 11:30

So the youthful tune "This Little Light of Mine. I'm Going to Let it Shine!" overwhelms my spirit as I type. The day's proverb and study is not so profound, but truly important for us to exercise in the way of doing: discipleship and testimony, winning souls and speaking on God's goodness.

We often feel uncomfortable having to share our "religious" beliefs. As a girl, I recall my Brownie troop leader giving us sound words of advice for life, which have remained with me: "There are three things you should never discuss with friends: Politics, Money, and Religion." I'm not sure she put them in that order, but I can remember the image of where I was sitting and what I was doing when she said it to us...And that was MANY MANY years ago, people!

Excuses are made for why we do not express the goodness of God to others: I don't want to impose; People will think I'm crazy; I'm not really confident in sharing--what if they ask me tough questions or challenge me?!

Stop your excuses. Let's impose!

The Word tells us there are great rewards in winning lost souls (Daniel 12:3). I am not saying you need to do it for the reward that come...Think of it as the benefits it gives and offers to someone. You never know the powerful and positive impact you could have on someone in just sharing how God's been good to you. It doesn't have to be some major, life-changing story...Your personal encounter(s) with him will be meaningful enough if it is important and meaningful to you.

Do not be ashamed to tell somebody about how great He is. The joy we share and have in Him should not be a secret!