Proverbs 14
1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
10The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
28 In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
35 The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
As I knew it would, the POLITICS post left open many subjects. Among many of the topics skirted was that of Godly leadership. I am by no means an expert on that subject and don't plan on holding a seminar anytime soon. However, there are places in Scripture that I find clues on how to recognize a Godly man who has been placed in a position of leadership.
As I began to read through Proverbs 14 in preparation for this post, it became evident that I better just post the entire text and highlight those portions that seem to speak directly to the inseparable issues of Godly leadership and righteousness. My belief is that our Founding Fathers understood the link between these two and endeavored to write our charter documents according to these principles. It is also evident from their writings that they believed that the prosperity and longevity of a nation was directly linked to the morality of the nations citizenry.
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism who should labour to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and citizens. The mere Politician, equally with the pious man ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity."
George Washington spoke these words as part of his Farewell Address. They show his clear understanding and belief that all men, whether servants of the public or not should understand the importance of religion and morality to the strength of this nation.
Abraham Lincoln -- "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book."
George Washington -- "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God or the Bible."
Patrick Henry -- "The Bible is worth all other books which have ever been printed."
Andrew Jackson -- "That book, sir, is the rock on what our republic rests."
Sir Isaac Newton -- "There are more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history."
Immanuel Kant -- "The existence of the Bible, as a book for the people, is benefit which the human race has ever experienced. Every attempt to be little it is a crime against humanity."
Thomas Huxley -- "The Bible has been the Magna Charta of the poor and oppressed. The human race is not in a position to dispense with it."
Theodore Roosevelt -- "If a man is not familiar with the Bible, he has suffered a loss which he has better make all possible haste to correct."
Woodrow Wilson -- "When you have read the Bible, you will know it is the Word of God, because you will have found the key to your own heart, your own happiness, your own duty."
I include the quotes above only as evidence that through centuries, leaders of our nation as well as others accepted the necessity of the Word of God in the lives of people. Where are those men today?
As I look on the modern political scene there is no question of the greed and corruption that drives our world. "In God We Trust" is belabored at every turn by panic and uncertainty over markets and unemployment numbers. Instability throughout the Middle East and uneasy friendships in Europe and Asia have caused us worry and fear over the future. How can we claim God as our refuge yet worry about our 401k's?
June 6, 1944, Franklin Roosevelt led our nation in prayer. Heard across the nation on public radio, our President demonstrated his understanding of the "separation of Church and State." He knew it did not apply to the simple admission of God's existence and his almighty power over the affairs of men. When did his example become a "moment of silence"? How can we have a nation that cries out to God via a moment of silence?
I suppose this is a true blog post. Thoughts, sometimes rambling but all related regarding what we may never see again. Our politicians are expected to lie to us. We expect them to speak of their private faith. We expect them to keep it private enough that it's not even visible in their public policy. Contrast that with Proverbs 14 and with the example set by our Founding Fathers.
I'm frequently convicted on these things in my own home. MP's posts on wisdom made good reading and food for thought as well. After all, Godly men are not just needed in our governmental offices, but in our homes as well. Looking after the spiritual training of their families so that the next generation understands what their leaders should look like. Judging from the statistics given to us regarding divorce, marital infidelity, unwed mothers, juvenile delinquency, perhaps it's no surprise that there are few Godly leaders in public office. There don't seem to be many in our homes either.
May we pray that God raises up leaders who know Him and His Word. May we then look in the mirror and realize He's called us.
October 31, 2008
Reformation Day 2008
"Out of love and concern for the truth, and with the object of eliciting it..."
Opening words of the 95 Thesis
Martin Luther, 15 October 1517
With these words, which were actually written in Latin not German, the event commonly know as the Reformation was set in motion. The document itself is aimed primarily at exposing the practice of the sale of Indulgences to the light of what the New Testament teaches about the forgiveness of sin solely by God's grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. A clear case is made that God, and not the Pope, is the only one who can "remit guilt" of sin. And at the time the hammer struck the nails, fixing it to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, I can imagine little notice being taken. This would soon change.
In a nutshell, buying an Indulgence (certified by a slip of paper) was literally buying a lesser (or in some cases, completely erased) punishment for sins. In this case, it was supposedly a special Indulgence being pushed on the faithful, most of which could neither read or write, neither German or Latin. They simply believed what they were told.
Much of the receipts would go to a massive building project, Saint Peter's Cathedral in Rome. But, the points that Luther sought to discuss were aimed at a corrupt and blasphemous practice, not a building. And the result was astounding: the Light of the gospel of the grace of God in Christ Jesus tore through the darkness of superstition and outright lies of Rome. It ripped the Christian world in two. It birthed the grounds on which martyrs died, wars were fought, kingdoms were lost and gained. It also corresponded the advent of mass printing, and to widespread distribution of the Word of God in Dr. Luther's German and other languages very soon.
So my reflection on this first annual Reformation Day post is simple: "Love and concern for the truth, with the object of eliciting it" is not a one-time call, but a standard the body would do well to keep close to us today. This is not far at all from the admonition we find in 1 Timothy 4:16, "Keep a close watch on yourself and your teaching. Persist in this, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers." There were and are many enemies of God's truth. These enemies lie both within our own wicked hearts and in the enticements of the world which threaten to draw is into sin and error.
If we have any love for the truth of the gospel within us it is the work of the God of the universe. I pray that this day would find us willing to make the stands in our own lives that we must. We have a great Helper and the greatest truth ever revealed to man if we are united to Christ by faith. Lets display love and concern for the truth even if it costs, and it certainly does and will.
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.
Opening words of the 95 Thesis
Martin Luther, 15 October 1517
With these words, which were actually written in Latin not German, the event commonly know as the Reformation was set in motion. The document itself is aimed primarily at exposing the practice of the sale of Indulgences to the light of what the New Testament teaches about the forgiveness of sin solely by God's grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. A clear case is made that God, and not the Pope, is the only one who can "remit guilt" of sin. And at the time the hammer struck the nails, fixing it to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, I can imagine little notice being taken. This would soon change.
In a nutshell, buying an Indulgence (certified by a slip of paper) was literally buying a lesser (or in some cases, completely erased) punishment for sins. In this case, it was supposedly a special Indulgence being pushed on the faithful, most of which could neither read or write, neither German or Latin. They simply believed what they were told.
Much of the receipts would go to a massive building project, Saint Peter's Cathedral in Rome. But, the points that Luther sought to discuss were aimed at a corrupt and blasphemous practice, not a building. And the result was astounding: the Light of the gospel of the grace of God in Christ Jesus tore through the darkness of superstition and outright lies of Rome. It ripped the Christian world in two. It birthed the grounds on which martyrs died, wars were fought, kingdoms were lost and gained. It also corresponded the advent of mass printing, and to widespread distribution of the Word of God in Dr. Luther's German and other languages very soon.
So my reflection on this first annual Reformation Day post is simple: "Love and concern for the truth, with the object of eliciting it" is not a one-time call, but a standard the body would do well to keep close to us today. This is not far at all from the admonition we find in 1 Timothy 4:16, "Keep a close watch on yourself and your teaching. Persist in this, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers." There were and are many enemies of God's truth. These enemies lie both within our own wicked hearts and in the enticements of the world which threaten to draw is into sin and error.
If we have any love for the truth of the gospel within us it is the work of the God of the universe. I pray that this day would find us willing to make the stands in our own lives that we must. We have a great Helper and the greatest truth ever revealed to man if we are united to Christ by faith. Lets display love and concern for the truth even if it costs, and it certainly does and will.
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.
October 28, 2008
Tim Challies
I have added a new blog to our blog roll, Challies Dot Com. It is chock full of book reviews, most of them as good as the books that they are reviewing (if they are good books, anyway)! Someone had mentioned the book Christless Christianity to me and I found a review of it on his site. I am very much looking forward to getting the book but the review was an excellent preview of what I hope to be in the book.
He has reviews of a wide variety of books, to many to mention here. You can often find his reviews on Amazon.com and the comments can be encouraging and wildly critical at times. I was very amused by the comments that he got after writing a scathing review of the popular book, The Shack. You'd just have to hunt it down yourself but it was interesting and somewhat indicitive of the exact things Challies was trying to say about the book!
He has reviews of a wide variety of books, to many to mention here. You can often find his reviews on Amazon.com and the comments can be encouraging and wildly critical at times. I was very amused by the comments that he got after writing a scathing review of the popular book, The Shack. You'd just have to hunt it down yourself but it was interesting and somewhat indicitive of the exact things Challies was trying to say about the book!
October 27, 2008
POLITICS!!!!!
Well, at the request of MP (notice the blame shift!) I suppose it's time to weigh in on current issues.
I'll skip the economics since it changes daily and who really knows whether things are as bad as we're being told or not. Ever heard the phrase "It's the economy, stupid"? Well, it ANNOYS me!! I have never and hope to never vote based on economic issues and quite frankly cannot believe a believer would ever do so. The Scripture teaches that the Father takes care of our physical needs so why would I ask or vote in such a way to empower the government to do so? However, the race for the Presidency has elements that have concerned me for years and that seem especially poignant this year.
This primary season was interesting to watch. For the first time in history, the Democrats began talking about Faith. We saw arguments over how much ones Faith should influence them in decisions made while holding office. We saw arguments over whether the Republicans had duped the Religious Right into voting with them based solely on morality and family issues. There were even "church leaders" debating as to whether global warming, poverty, and AIDS were moral issues on par with abortion and the sanctity of marriage. It was a great time!
Skip ahead ...... both parties choose a candidate. Arguments change to those of experience and qualifications. Liberal or Conservative. Who's the better bridge builder to the other party. (Notice anything missing?) Then each candidate picks a VP candidate designed to bolster areas where they've been considered weak. Obama picks a foreign policy guy with years of experience (so much for "Change in Washington) and McCain picks a no-name governor from Alaska who appeals strongly to the Religious Right (so much for reaching across the aisle).
Now, let me pause a moment to point out that I have not yet endorsed either candidate as I believe both are attempting to appeal to the widest number of voters in order to win the election and may not be telling us the whole truth of their intentions.
MORTAGE MARKET CRASH ------- STOCK MARKET CRASH ------- UHH OHH!!!!
Ummmm ..... what happened to those issues of morality and Faith? When was the last time we saw the Republican candidate point out that Obama signed and fully supports full access to abortion (including partial birth) on demand and funded by the government (watch carefully as he unveils his health care plan). When was the last time you saw McCain appeal to the concerns of the "values voters" and speak about his pro-life stance or his view on marriage? The VP debate brought about the topic of homosexual marriage or civil unions but it was a passing question and largely overshadowed by economic and wartime issues.
We must support individuals who have a basic understanding of right and wrong. It's that simple. If a man or woman does not understand that the "lawful" taking of innocent life is an abomination before God, how can he possibly appeal to that same God for guidance on other issues as he leads this nation? The Word speaks of a man who builds an idol from wood. Some of the same tree he then uses for firewood, some to build a shelter. Aren't we also creating a God of our own making when we pick and choose which areas He might have an opinion on? What sort of fickle Faith is it to pray for financial success or strength and victory in war while we refuse to stand on a basic premise such as protection of the innocent?
A former pastor of mine used to say that it doesn't matter who is in the White House but the important thing is who is in God's house. I'd have to agree. But, I cannot vote to place someone in the White House who obviously failed to gain any spiritual understanding while sitting in God's house! I don't care about the Republican or Democratic platform. I suppose you might call me a single issue voter (though the Second Amendment and other Constitutional issues get me going as well).
While we may not have ever been "God's people", as a nation, there was a time when we honored Him and His role in shaping our existence. When visiting the poll on November 4th, do not forget that economic hard times come and go. Famines and pestilence have and always will plague nations. But, we who are believers have a duty to place our honor of God in proper perspective to our need for financial comfort.
Here's my point: Our next president will pick at a minimum, two Supreme Court justices. The values and beliefs of these individuals will direct the course of our laws and their interpretations for the next generation. Whether they will interpret the Constitution as a "living document", subject to change depending on our changing moral point-of-view or see it through the eyes of our Founders will direct their decisions.
Now, I officially announce my endorsement of Mike Huckabee for President of the United States!! But .... since he won't appear on the ballot, I'll take what I can get in the pro-life arena.
I'll skip the economics since it changes daily and who really knows whether things are as bad as we're being told or not. Ever heard the phrase "It's the economy, stupid"? Well, it ANNOYS me!! I have never and hope to never vote based on economic issues and quite frankly cannot believe a believer would ever do so. The Scripture teaches that the Father takes care of our physical needs so why would I ask or vote in such a way to empower the government to do so? However, the race for the Presidency has elements that have concerned me for years and that seem especially poignant this year.
This primary season was interesting to watch. For the first time in history, the Democrats began talking about Faith. We saw arguments over how much ones Faith should influence them in decisions made while holding office. We saw arguments over whether the Republicans had duped the Religious Right into voting with them based solely on morality and family issues. There were even "church leaders" debating as to whether global warming, poverty, and AIDS were moral issues on par with abortion and the sanctity of marriage. It was a great time!
Skip ahead ...... both parties choose a candidate. Arguments change to those of experience and qualifications. Liberal or Conservative. Who's the better bridge builder to the other party. (Notice anything missing?) Then each candidate picks a VP candidate designed to bolster areas where they've been considered weak. Obama picks a foreign policy guy with years of experience (so much for "Change in Washington) and McCain picks a no-name governor from Alaska who appeals strongly to the Religious Right (so much for reaching across the aisle).
Now, let me pause a moment to point out that I have not yet endorsed either candidate as I believe both are attempting to appeal to the widest number of voters in order to win the election and may not be telling us the whole truth of their intentions.
MORTAGE MARKET CRASH ------- STOCK MARKET CRASH ------- UHH OHH!!!!
Ummmm ..... what happened to those issues of morality and Faith? When was the last time we saw the Republican candidate point out that Obama signed and fully supports full access to abortion (including partial birth) on demand and funded by the government (watch carefully as he unveils his health care plan). When was the last time you saw McCain appeal to the concerns of the "values voters" and speak about his pro-life stance or his view on marriage? The VP debate brought about the topic of homosexual marriage or civil unions but it was a passing question and largely overshadowed by economic and wartime issues.
We must support individuals who have a basic understanding of right and wrong. It's that simple. If a man or woman does not understand that the "lawful" taking of innocent life is an abomination before God, how can he possibly appeal to that same God for guidance on other issues as he leads this nation? The Word speaks of a man who builds an idol from wood. Some of the same tree he then uses for firewood, some to build a shelter. Aren't we also creating a God of our own making when we pick and choose which areas He might have an opinion on? What sort of fickle Faith is it to pray for financial success or strength and victory in war while we refuse to stand on a basic premise such as protection of the innocent?
A former pastor of mine used to say that it doesn't matter who is in the White House but the important thing is who is in God's house. I'd have to agree. But, I cannot vote to place someone in the White House who obviously failed to gain any spiritual understanding while sitting in God's house! I don't care about the Republican or Democratic platform. I suppose you might call me a single issue voter (though the Second Amendment and other Constitutional issues get me going as well).
While we may not have ever been "God's people", as a nation, there was a time when we honored Him and His role in shaping our existence. When visiting the poll on November 4th, do not forget that economic hard times come and go. Famines and pestilence have and always will plague nations. But, we who are believers have a duty to place our honor of God in proper perspective to our need for financial comfort.
Here's my point: Our next president will pick at a minimum, two Supreme Court justices. The values and beliefs of these individuals will direct the course of our laws and their interpretations for the next generation. Whether they will interpret the Constitution as a "living document", subject to change depending on our changing moral point-of-view or see it through the eyes of our Founders will direct their decisions.
Now, I officially announce my endorsement of Mike Huckabee for President of the United States!! But .... since he won't appear on the ballot, I'll take what I can get in the pro-life arena.
October 26, 2008
The Great Commission - GO!!!
Matthew 28:19: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Mark 16:15: And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
Ever been to an old fashioned tent meeting or any week long revival meetings? They are normally evangelistic in nature (all for that) and are somewhat pep rallyish in nature (not so much for that). They seem to serve as a way to get the body of locals to attend a little extra church, meet a new speaker (it seems that the churches normal shepherd rarely leads these meetings), and invite the unchurched to attend them. I think something is missing. I think that the point is being missed altogether.
GO.
GO OUT.
Move along, get going, leave the area, make tracks. According to Vines Expository Dictionary, it marks the end of a conversation, such as, "you go on your way, we're done here."
Go. It is a very crucial part of evangelism and the part no one seems to be able to get past. We all seem to have a grasp on the fact that we need to spread the Gospel, or at least it appears that we do. We give to missions, we cry when someone confesses Christ, we might even leave a tract when we finish our meal (please leave a decent tip when you do). So we get that we should be sharing the Gospel. We often seem to think that it is the pastor's job to be doing it though. So, that means that we try and get the world to come in to our arena. We invite them to church, try to get them to rallies, tune our radios to Christian radios stations at work, etc. But we don't actually GO!
I once offended a guy (no, really) by saying that Christian music wasn't meant for him. It was meant for Christians. I think that church is the same. My church is meant for Christians. It is meant for Christians to come to for nourishment, for guidance, for accountability. It is a place that Christians should be gathering together in order to GO out. It seems fairly simple to me.
The point of this post is that we should be going out and witnessing. Not waiting for the world to join us on Sunday mornings. Will they come? Sometimes, yes. Should we be waiting for that event? Absolutely not!
So what are you waiting for? Find yourself a sinner and experiment on him!!
Mark 16:15: And he said to them,
Ever been to an old fashioned tent meeting or any week long revival meetings? They are normally evangelistic in nature (all for that) and are somewhat pep rallyish in nature (not so much for that). They seem to serve as a way to get the body of locals to attend a little extra church, meet a new speaker (it seems that the churches normal shepherd rarely leads these meetings), and invite the unchurched to attend them. I think something is missing. I think that the point is being missed altogether.
GO.
GO OUT.
Move along, get going, leave the area, make tracks. According to Vines Expository Dictionary, it marks the end of a conversation, such as, "you go on your way, we're done here."
Go. It is a very crucial part of evangelism and the part no one seems to be able to get past. We all seem to have a grasp on the fact that we need to spread the Gospel, or at least it appears that we do. We give to missions, we cry when someone confesses Christ, we might even leave a tract when we finish our meal (please leave a decent tip when you do). So we get that we should be sharing the Gospel. We often seem to think that it is the pastor's job to be doing it though. So, that means that we try and get the world to come in to our arena. We invite them to church, try to get them to rallies, tune our radios to Christian radios stations at work, etc. But we don't actually GO!
I once offended a guy (no, really) by saying that Christian music wasn't meant for him. It was meant for Christians. I think that church is the same. My church is meant for Christians. It is meant for Christians to come to for nourishment, for guidance, for accountability. It is a place that Christians should be gathering together in order to GO out. It seems fairly simple to me.
The point of this post is that we should be going out and witnessing. Not waiting for the world to join us on Sunday mornings. Will they come? Sometimes, yes. Should we be waiting for that event? Absolutely not!
So what are you waiting for? Find yourself a sinner and experiment on him!!
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