All the Answers!

Good Morning! PROVERBS DAY 30: Prov 30:5 Every word of God is flawless, he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Thank you for taking this journey through the Proverbs with me this month. And as you can see the Proverbs are, as I like to call it, The book of Life and Common Sense! If you read these books you can see that it is all wisdom from God on how He would like us to live. And alot of it if you are taking refuge in Him and reading His Word and spending time with Him daily, these ways will become a part of your life, and believe me He is a shield to those who try and do those things. I am glad I did this again and will keep it up. For there is so much Wisdom found in these Vs. Because you see the Word of God is Flawless. And for those people who make the excuse Oh! Well the Bible was written by man. Well I'm sorry we as humans are the highest on the food chain as far as intellect, but we aren't smart enough to understand God and His ways. And we could never think up what is in His Word, or comprehend His Love for us. Because look, He has given us a book! A book that is written plain as day, how to live the way He would like us to. But we can't even do that right! But that is how much He loves us! That He sent His only Son to die for us, because from the beginning He knew we were going to fail. But you see it is through His Son we are not failures, we just make mistakes. It is something that will always happen until that day that Jesus comes back for us, and to reclaim His Kingdom. But until that day God has given us His Word, the Word that was with Him from the beginning. So that we might understand the life He would like us to live. It is a good thing HE is a God of Mercy and Forgiveness, because if you read and truly look at the Bible you will see only one story. And that is Mans failure to have a Relationship with the one who created him. But that the one who created man, loves Him so much that He would do anything to keep that Relationship. Even giving up His only Son. So today get into Gods Word! Sure we are not perfect, but His Word can help us to try and be. And when we're not it reminds us of His Love and Forgiveness. Here's something to ponder in your mind today as we go about our daily things. Imagine if we did not have Gods Word, even for those who don't believe or read it, I'll bet they know one Vs out of it even if it is John 3:16. But just think if we didn't have this to have some structure in our lives. Can you imagine what kind of world this would be? Gods Word is Flawless and one day it will make us Flawless. And then we will be with Him forever. HABD!

What do they think?

Good Morning! Proverbs Day 29: Prov 29:25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. One of my BIGGEST PROBLEM and CHARACTER DEFECTS most my life was worrying what other people thought of me. It was actually a FEAR! And I still have that fear to an extent today and may be some of you can relate. After all we are a people who want to make sure we look good, make sure that our appearance is good, so that when others see us, they will think good things. The problem with this is I found I used to put off this false facade like everything in life was wonderful and all was good. The problem was things may not have been so good. I remember at certain times in my addiction I faked being Happy and there are times today I still do that! You see there are times today I worry so much about what others will think that I don't really tell them what is going on really in my life. I want to make out like everything is good when it is not. You see it is this fear of what Man might think that keeps alot of us getting the help we need with things. Be it Spiritual, Mental or Physical. This fear of man keeps us in a type of denial that says "Just keep up a good appearance and no one will know that you are hurting inside, or that things aren't going all that great! I don't know about you, but I still do that today. I put off like all is good in my life and I can handle this. But the truth is, I'm not always good. I have problems be it Spiritual or Physical and when I say physical that can also include not only sickness, but monetary and mental. And when I say mental, I mean doing Stupid things lol! The point I am trying to make today is we put so much stock in presenting ourselves to man as The Good Christian! That we forget we have problems and we hide them so no one will see. But like I said yesterday God knows whats going on in your heart, He knows whats going on in your life. You can hide nothing from Him. And He will send people in your life to help. The only thing is we have to do is break through that fear of man and what they will think to get that help. So today don't worry about what Man will Think! Trust in God! He does want you to be safe. But we can't be safe if we are hiding all the things that are wrong. We can't get through all the Hurts, Habits and Hangups in our lives if we are hiding them because we Fear Man and what he might think. Today just be who you are in Jesus Christ! And HEY! If you are hurting tell someone. If you need help Humble yourself and ask for it. And if life is good today, share it with someone. But let us not worry about what they might think. Cause you never know! They might just tell you they are in the same boat. And you can help each other get to shore! HABD!

You cannot hide what you do from God!

Good Morning! Proverbs Day 28: Prov 28:13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. We all know that if we confess our sins God is faithful and just and will forgive us (1John 1:9) But in this Proverb there is one word that really caught my eye. The word RENOUNCES! Now I have to admit there are many times I sin and I know it is wrong, and I say to myself, "This is Wrong! I need to stop doing it." And I do for a while, but soon I find myself doing it again. And I ask forgiveness for it again. But it makes me wonder because I have not renounced this sin, does God forgive me each time I do it? In Romans 6:1 Paul asks the question, Do we keep on sinning so that Grace may abound? This is a question I have been pondering. God sees all we do, He knows our hearts and our thoughts. But if we are hiding these sins we are doing, it says we cannot prosper. Does that mean in this world we will not prosper or in the world to come? One thing I do know is we have a forgiving God! But will He forgive us and show us mercy when we keep doing the same thing over and over expecting different results? You know that is the definition of Insanity! Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. But I also think it is Insanity to think we can keep committing the same sins over and over again and expect God to forgive us. I do have some good news for you today He does. But what this Vs is saying is that if we just keep doing it and make NO effort to try and quit, He cannot prosper us. We will stay in the same ole, same ole life we have. If we do not try and renounce these sins that we do, we are just nailing Jesus' hands and feet to the cross every time we do them. So I ask you today is there some sort of sin in your life you just can't seem to stop? I know I have a couple. Well let us ask the Spirit for power, the power to RENOUNCE these sins that are stopping us from being prosperous. For we can conceal from man alot of things, but one thing we cannot do is hide our sins from God. And the only way He can Bless us and make us truly prosper is to renounce these things and get them out of our lives. So today let us not only ask for forgiveness, but let us RENOUNCE Too! HABD!

Can't Get No SATISFACTION!

Good Morning! Proverbs Day 27: Prov 27:20 Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man. In this Vs I believe in referring to Death and Destruction it is talking about Satan. Because Satan is never satisfied. He is the Lion always looking for someone to devourer. But now let me ask you something? Are you Satisfied with your life?As I sit here and meditate on this passage today I see the meaning of our eyes are never satisfied. How many people do you know (and I'm including myself in this) have a pretty decent life. A place to live, the bills are paid, they have transportation, maybe a little money in the Bank. But they are still busting their butts to try and get more. WHY? Because we as humans are never satisfied! I hate to say this but do you know how much of the world, people live with no electric and no running water. Now seriously ask yourself, could you do that? Sure some of you are going "Well if I had to I could" Yea you probably could! But you'd be complaining about it the whole time. Why is it that Satan and this thing called sin makes us unsatisfied people. I know for me I have everything I need. A God who loves me, people who love me, I live pretty comfortably, but I still want more. In Vs 17 it says, As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Now I know this is talking about one person helping another to get through something, or using their wisdom to give someone else more wisdom. But! Can't we also sharpen each other as far as reminding each other how GOOD we have it. Next time you are complaining about what you don't have, stop and take a minute to stop and look at all you do have. The next time you here someone complaining about what they don't have, remind them of the things they do have. Because one thing us Christians do have is A Father in Heaven that loves us. And that is something alot of people don't have in the world today. And that is something else we as people don't want to do either is share what we have. Sometimes not even our God. But that is what He put us here for to share His love. So today I am going to try and live a more satisfied life. I am going to try and concentrate on the things I have, more than the things I don't have. I am going to be more satisfied with my Father in Heaven. Because as I sat here meditating this morning it made me wonder. Suppose God was like us? Never satisfied with us. Suppose He never sent His Son to defeat Death and Destruction for us. Then He could never be satisfied with us. So today look at the Blessings you have in life! We all chase after the wind and it gets us no where. But when we stand on the Rock, we can be satisfied on knowing where we are going. A place where we will spend eternity with the Father. Now why can't we be satisfied with that? HABD!

Why should I?

Good Morning! Proverbs Day 25: Prov 25: 21-22 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head and the Lord will reward you. My Mom used to quote this Proverb to me all the time. I don't know about you, but in the past if someone did me wrong or we didn't see eye to eye on something I was going to get revenge or prove my point one way or another. But I never thought about just being nice and turning the other cheek. That was just to hard to do, and why should I anyway. These people had hurt me! But today I am finding that it is so much easier to be nice to these people, than it is to be mean. And like this Proverb says, it brings greater satisfaction, and I believe REAL SATISFACTION in life only comes from a Relationship with God! So if we have this relationship it is so much nicer and easier to be kind to people than to be mean. And let me tell you people that consider you a enemy or a threat in their life, don't know how to deal with you. I know in so many situations all people want to do is argue with you and fight about things. But, if you don't do it with them, it takes the fun out of it for them. Its hard to fight and argue about something with yourself. The point I am trying to make today is this! In Rom 12:21 Paul tells us, Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. You see when we fight and argue with people we are sinking to their level, we are letting them drag us into evil ways! But when we let God be in control He will show us discipline and how to be kind. And for most people they cannot understand this. Let me put it to you this way here is an example. Say someone comes up to you today and they want to argue with you over something. No matter what it is, and if they are right or wrong. Just tell them they are right. And see how long they hang around. I have found its easier to agree than disagree. Now don't get me wrong! I'm not saying you should let people take advantage of you or walk all over you. But sometimes its better to just be nice and agreeable. Most people just don't know what to do. So today when someone is getting on your nerves and you ask yourself, Why Should I? Ask yourself, Why Not! Just be nice! I think you will find it is so much easier to be nice than to be mean! HABD!

To win you need an Army!

Good Morning! Proverbs Day 24: Prov 24:5-6 A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers. You know when I started this Road to Recovery in 2000 I really didn't know what to do or expect. I knew I couldn't do it on my own, and AA had helped me at times, but there just wasn't the right thing there to make it stick. So I went to Christian Love Ministries in Murphy N.C. It was there that I met some people and one man in particular that gave me the tools (weapons) and guidance (The Word) to help me understand what and who I needed to make Recovery attainable in my life. Because in Recovery, just as Life in this World, we are in a Spiritual War. In Eph 6:12 it tells us, For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. You see it was up at CLM that I realized I needed help to stay clean, I needed help to start living life the way I needed to, I needed guidance. I needed to join the Army and I needed a Commanding Officer! So I had to choose which Army I was going to serve. I choose the Army of Heaven! And it was up there I learned discipline and teamwork to defeat Satan and his Army of Death. I learned that as long as we listened to our Commanding Officer (Jesus Christ and His Word) and stuck together watching each others backs (Being in Recovery Programs like Celebrate Recovery, AA, NA what ever works for you!) That is where we find our advisers and the guidance to wage war against whatever life battles the other Army tries to throw at us. You see you don't have to be an Alcoholic or a Drug Addict to be in a Spiritual War these days there are so many other things in life that Satan uses to steal the Joy and Happiness from our lives. So today we need to join the Army! Last night the question was posed in group, Can I really say that in 10 yrs I am still going to be Clean and Sober! And to be Honest! I can't answer that. But one thing I do know is Today I am! And as long as I listen to my Commanding Officer (2Tim 2:4) and work with the members of our Army I have a pretty good chance of doing it tomorrow. But even Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow. Just today, tomorrow will take care of itself. Cause if we let Him be in charge, we have nothing to worry about. So today get your power from God. Get your knowledge and strength from His Word. And for guidance join a group (The Army of Believers) for together no matter what Satan and His Army are throwing at us today, WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS! For our Commander is always Victorious. You cannot be an Army of one and win! HABD!

Will the Fun be gone!

Good Morning! Proverbs Day 23: Prov 23:17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. Today I want to be honest about something that even if you never had a Drinking or Drug problem, you could have felt this way about becoming a Christian. One of my biggest fears about quitting Drinking and Drugging was my life was going to become boring and there was just going to be No More Fun! But now that I look back I wasn't really having fun. Sure there were those times I had a WHOLE LOT OF FUN! But either felt like crap in the morning or here's the good one, could not remember the fun that I had the night before lol! And here's the other aspect to my fun. Prov 23: 20-21 Do not join those who drink to much wine or gorge themselves on meat. For drunkards and gluttons become poor and drowsiness clothes them in rags. That was another thing about my fun, it not only took up all the money in my wallet to have this fun, but it also occupied all my thoughts and motives. Like when am I going to get off work so I can drink! Or just always thinking of ways to just drink and drug. I was being robbed by you know who, all the fun that could be had in living a sober life. In the King James V. It talks about having a sober mind. Which just means having sound judgement and putting your faith in God. Prov 23:12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. And it wasn't until I got Sober and got into the Word that I learned this instruction and knowledge. And saw the damage that having all that fun was doing in my life. I'm not going to write it all so as your reading your Prov today pay close attention to Vs 29-35. These Vs tell you exactly what life is like when you are drinking and drugging, or womanizing or over eating or into porn or any of those little Hurts, Habits or Hangups we might have in our life that we think are fun and intriguing. But in the end they reach out and bite us like a snake and poison our minds like a viper Vs 32. So today I tell you Do not envy people who are sinners, or people you think are having all the fun. Be Sober in mind. Learn to live a life free of all Satan's so called FUN STUFF! For God tells us in Vs 15-16 My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad; my innermost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. So today that's what I'm telling you! Seek the Lord and His Truth, His Wisdom and His Grace. You will find more Joy, more Contentment in Life and more Fun than you ever thought possible! And the thing about this fun is it doesn't get me in trouble, it doesn't cost me anything and it can be ours to have for eternity. So today lets go have some Fun with Jesus Christ and share that Fun with others, it is Pure, True Fun! HABD!

Putting your pants on!

Good Morning! Proverbs Day 22: Prov 22:2 Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the maker of them all. Let me ask you something? Are there people in your life that when you get around them, you get this feeling like you are walking on pins and needles cause this person is so much better than you? Maybe it is because they have money. Or maybe you feel they are smarter than you. Or maybe in your own mind you just feel they are superior to you. I used to feel this way about alot of people. But this Proverb helps to remind me of the old saying! "Everybody puts there pants on the same way, one leg at a time." This is something that helps me alot today in my walk. Cause so often we measure people and how good they are by what they possess or how smart they are, or even by how happy we think they are. But I have some news for you today! When God looks at us he sees us all the same. He loves us for the person we are on the inside. He also loves us for the person we are not on the inside. Cause if you are like me sometimes we struggle and stumble throughout a day with the stuff on the inside, but He still loves us. Here lately I have been struggling with thinking that money is the answer to all my problems, but I am finding this attitude only creates more problems. In Prov 22:1 It says, A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. I am seeing today that people who have all that money, are no more happier and have alot more problems and pressures than I could probably handle. So today I have to remember it is not the riches I have here that matter, it is the ones I have in my heart. Cause those people who put their pants on in the morning and step out in this world without Jesus in their heart, have not found the True Treasures in this world. So today if you get around someone who makes you feel inferior, remember! They put their pants on the same way as you do. God loves you the same way he does them. And then ask yourself does this person know Jesus? Cause if they don't you possess something they don't have. But you should share it with them. It just might make putting their pants on a little easier! HABD!

Do you take the Easy Way or the Lord's Way?

Good afternoon. I am doing today's Proverb for Daniel, so bare with me. Proverbs Day 21: Proverbs 21:5 NLT Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. This is so true. How many of us have tried or been suckered into those get rich quick schemes. You see them all the time on infomercials. I know we have a series of tapes on how to succeed. We are all after that mighty dollar thinking it will solve all our problems as Daniel mentioned earlier. We all are chasing the mighty dollar but there are some that just don't want to work for it. We all know someone like that. Let's face it today's society people just don't want to work. They think that it should be given to them, that they deserve it. Or the other side of that some people are just dishonest, but Proverbs 21:12 says The Righteous One knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; he will bring disaster on them. Being in business for ourselves it would have been real easy to cross that line especially when it comes to paying taxes. That was not a line I would cross. Proverbs 21:8 The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road. Unfortunately we live in a I want it NOW SOCIETY. Vs 20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. Vs25 says Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work. As earlier blogs have talked about today, I actually want less. Less for myself and more for others. Vs 26 Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give! So today, do you take the Easy Way out and do whatever is needed just to get by or do you do whatever you do as doing it for the Lord. Col 3:23
HABD

That Thin Line!

Good Morning! Hope everyone had a good Sunday and you Dads a Happy Day! Proverbs Day 20: This Proverb I know very well! Prov 20:1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. So today I guess you will hear a little of my testimony! I was a boy of 13 when me and some other boys stole some Cigarettes from one of the guys Dad and went out in the woods and smoked them. Next it was some wine, then beer. I liked the feeling these things gave me, even though the first time I drank I got sick. You know Doctors say that there is a Fine Line between a Social Drinker and an Alcoholic. And that once you cross it, there is no going back. Once you cross that line You are an Alcoholic! But I have some Good News later in this text. Oh another bit of information, Doctors say if you have more than 2 drinks a day, you are an Alcoholic. Just telling you what they say. But back to the kid. Then that boy (me)started experimenting with pot and hallucinogenic drugs and prescription drugs. So that by the time I was 17 I was so far out there my Parents had to send me to a place called the Seed. A Rehab for Kids. You see I had crossed that line. One of Satan's biggest tools to destroy peoples lives is Alcohol and Drugs. They feel so good at first, but as it says in another Prov it sneaks up and bites you like a snake. And that's what it did to me. For most of the rest of my life I was plagued with misfortune (DUIs) broken Relationships and failure (Lost jobs etc!) but in 2000 I found something or should I say someone who changed all that. In 2000 I went to a place called Christian Love Ministries and it was their that I learned that Jesus Christ was the answer! He was the one who had defeated Satan and took the sting out of death. And that Jesus could help me defeat Satan too! I stayed clean for 2 1/2 yrs but then stumbled again. But that is the Good thing about God. He has always been there and always will be as long as we are looking for Him. Now I want to share something. And this is my belief and my opinion. Cause I don't want to step on any toes. In 1Corinth 5:17 It says, Therefor if any one is in Christ, HE IS A NEW CREATION; the old has gone, the new has come. You see there are people today who want to tell me, I am still an Alcoholic and a Addict. But I just can't agree with that. You see thanks to the Blood of Jesus Christ I have not had a drink or a drug in 4 1/2 yrs. When Jesus healed the blind men, were they still blind? When Jesus healed the Lepers, did they still have Leprosy. Now don't get me wrong, if I pick up a drink today or a drug I will be led astray again. But as long as I have Jesus, He gives me the strength to have new days everyday. So to finish this story I struggled all my life pretty much being led astray. But today I am a NEW CREATURE in Jesus Christ and I try and help share the message that He can help others with their Hurts, Habits and Hangups. And that Jesus changes lives. And as my buddy Matt says, "Changed lives, Change lives!" HABD!

Don't put your Faith in a Bank Account!

Good Morning! Proverbs Day 18: Prov 18:11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall. Now today I'm going to talk about one of the biggest things that gets in the way of my Relationship with God and that is MONEY! All through my life I have had a problem with thinking that if I had alot of it, my life would be so much easier and I would be much happier. And lets face it the easier part is true. But I'm not so sure about the happier part. For I am seeing today that the more money people have today the more that money takes a priority in their lives. I am seeing today, especially in this economy where people are measuring how much money they have, to how secure and happy they are. In 1Tim 6:10 It tells us For the love of money is the root of all evil. And I am finding this to be so true. Not only in my own life, but in the life of others to. In Matt 6:24 Jesus tells us, You cannot serve both God and money. And for me I see that in my own life I have been pursing money more than God these days. And it has got me in a bind that only God and some discipline on my part will get me out of. The point I am trying to make today is I think alot of people think the more money they have, the more stable their lives are. When in reality they are putting all their life efforts into making more money. And when we are pursing money we cannot be giving God all of our attention. So today I ask you who is the top priority in your life today? God or Money? Cause we cannot serve both. So I'm asking you for your prayers today that the Holy Spirit helps me and anyone else who needs this prayer to see that it isn't money that makes Happiness in life, but a True Relationship with God. Because He is our only true fortress in life. Money can help pay the bills, but it cannot satisfy the Heart. Only God and His Son Jesus can do that. So which one are you pursuing today? HABD!

Be Careful what you Think and Say!

Good Morning! Proverbs Day 17: Prov 17:5 He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished. You know today with the economy the way it is there are alot of people out there that are losing their jobs, their houses and the things they have worked for, for a long time. And something I have found that I really have to watch myself these days is looking at these people like they are playing the system. Don't get me wrong there are people who know how to get the things they need without doing anything for it. But we all have to remember they will all have to give an account of their actions one day. But for me I have to be careful how I think and what I say about these people, who for some reason they are down on their luck. It is so easy to say, "Oh go get a job." If you have one! But have you really tried to get one these days? Its not so easy. And it is so easy to look down on these people because they are on Unemployment and Food Stamps, but with the economy the way it is going, be careful what you think and say cause we may all be there one day. And the second part of this Vs is very simple! And we have all done it. Did you ever know someone you just didn't like? And lets face it even if you don't hate them, there are people out there that just rub you the wrong way. You would just as soon not have to be around them if it were at all possible. And when something happens to them, maybe they lose their job, or somebody hit their car, or its just one of those things where you can say I told you so! You kind of take joy in their misfortune. We also have to be careful of these thoughts. For when we gloat over other peoples misfortunes and disasters we are only wishing the same on ourselves. For it says right here you will not go unpunished. The point I am trying to make today, is we don't always know all the circumstances somebody is going through. In Matt 7:1 it tells us "Do not judge, or you to will be judged." So today be careful how you think and talk about people. Jesus was a man of Compassion and we all could use a little of that. Today's times are rough, and let me tell you they are only going to get rougher. And it is in these times we need to help one another, not judge one another. So what are you thinking and saying about the less fortunate today? HABD!

Words that Encourage!

Good Morning! Proverbs Day 16: Prov 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Did you know that you can make someones, or break someones day, just by the first words that come out of your mouth to them? I have found that being in the business I am in right now that you can tell peoples happiness just by the way they carry themselves. And I have also found it goes the same for me. People can tell when I am in not so good of a mood, shall we say! LoL! That is why something I have to work on is having Pleasant Words coming out of my mouth. Not just at work, but all the time. In James 3:5 He tells us, likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. As little as our tongues may be they have the power to hurt and destroy and sometimes we don't even realize what we are saying can be hurting someone. So for me I know I always have to be thinking about what I am going to say, before I let it roll off my tongue. And there are other ways our speech can effect the people around us. Prov 16:27 A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. I know for me in my using days my mouth was like a fire. Just about every other word that came out of it was a curse word. I am so thankful today the Lord helps me to keep my speech. Better than that today, cause one thing I can't stand today is to be around someone who has a Sailors Mouth. And that's just an expression, cause all Sailors don't talk like that. And now comes the BIG way we really hurt people with our tongues. Prov16:28 A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. I know I do it, and I know we all do it at some point. But the worst thing we do with our tongue is gossip. Gossip is the biggest destroyer of friendships and relationships there is. And like I said the other day, even if you are doing it with a concerning heart, if you are talking about someone with someone else you are gossiping. So today! And I am going to tell you this is a tough job right here. See if today you can say nothing but Encouraging words. See if you can go all day without saying anything negative of anything or about anybody. Believe me these days it can be just as hard to speak Pleasant Words as it is to Not have a Perverse mouth. And remember people can tell who you are by the way you talk and carry yourself. And if you are a Christian you will want them to see Christ in all you do. So today let us all work on speech that is Sweet to the Soul and Healing to the Bones and lets HABD!

The road of good intentions!

Good Morning! TEX: Proverbs Day 15: Prov 15:11 Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord-how much more the hearts of men. My Dad used to say to me all the time. Daniel! "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions!" And I never really understood what he meant until I read this Proverb. Because I would say that most of us in life, try and do good. And this is good, BUT! There is a problem sometimes with this type of thinking. Some of us think that if we are doing all these good deeds, be it donating to all kinds of Charities, or helping the sick and the old, or helping the homeless or the widows, or even helping other addicts and alcoholics stay away from their addictions, that by doing these things we are on our way to Heaven. But I have some news for you today. It is not what you do today that gets you there. It is how your heart is about doing it. And let me tell you, it tells us right here that are hearts are known by God. This is something I have to watch myself on everyday. Because let me tell you in the past the only time I did something good for somebody was when I would get something good back out of it. You see we can do good deeds all day long, but if it is for our gain, or it is to get recognition for doing it, it is being done with a selfish heart. In Prov 16:2 it tells us, All a mans ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. I know for me, and maybe some of you can relate, but I have to really look today why am I doing something good for someone. Because I have found today that if I do something for someone and do it without thinking about it, and just do it, I am doing it with the heart of Jesus. But if I have to stop and think, Hey! If I do this then later I can get them to do this, or I'll get my name in the paper or the bulletin for this. That is done with a selfish heart. Vs 5 The Lord detests all the proud at heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. You see if we have Jesus in our hearts, Good Works will just come natural to us. But when it is about us we have to plan our works. And that my friends is the Pavement the Road to Good Intentions is paved with. Selfishness! So today! When you get ready to do something nice for someone, look at your intentions. Because it tells us in many places in the Word, that we can't get to Heaven by works! There is only One Way to get to the Father and that is through His Son. (John 14:6) So today! What road are you on? The narrow path that is hard to travel on because it is a path of unselfishness and compassion? Hey! That's Jesus! Or is it a Road that has all the Good intentions of doing what is right and good, but wanting the recognition for it NOW! Or is it done that later on, when that day comes, you can hear, "Well done my faithful servant" HABD!

God's Will or Our Will?

Good Morning! TEX: Proverbs Day 14: Prov 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. You know for many years of my life I thought I knew what would be good for me. I thought that I could live the lifestyle of addiction and still be a productive person. I knew that the way I was living wasn't right, and it was only causing problems in my life, but Hey, I was having fun! I was partying it up and having a good time. When in reality my life was a shambles and I was miserable. And I would be OK, because I believed in God! I believed in His Son Jesus. So I could live the way I was and I was still going to get to Heaven. You know this is one of the biggest Lies Satan tells us. "Oh! Don't worry! You can live how you want, and as long as you believe, you will be saved." Today! I just can't go along with that statement. In 2Corinth 5:17 it tells us that when we become believers in Christ, the new has come and the old passes away. So when I really think about it, there is no way I can live a life of satisfying all my earthly desires and still claim to be a believer in Christ. As it says in the Lords Prayer, Your will be Done! 4 Years ago when I truly gave my life to the Lord, I had to make a decision, was I going to keep on living the way I wanted to? Or was I going to try and live the way God wanted me to? And I want to share something with you today! My life is so much better today. Granted it is not all Peaches and Cream and living in a Rose Garden. But it is way,way better than it used to be. I no longer need a Drink or a Drug to make me feel good. I no longer feel the pain of loneliness and the feeling of being on the outside. But something else I want to share. Being a Christian is not easy, we have to work at it. For all those years it was easy living My Will! But let me tell you you have to put some work into living Gods Will. In Prov 14:15 it says, A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps. And in Vs 18 it says, The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Today I have learned I have to work at being in Gods Will! I have to get in His Word each day, I have to spend time with Him each day. I have to let Him help me plan my steps each day. Because the plans I make only lead to death. So today I am asking you? Who's will are you following today? Gods or Yours? There is only one that is right! And to seek His Will, we have to do some work. Now don't get me wrong I am still not Perfect and never will be until the Day of Jesus! But I am trying to do Gods Will. And it takes work! Daily Bible reading, Daily Prayer, Daily time with God so I can know His Will. Without these things I myself have found it hard to stay in His will. So who's will are you doing today? Yours or Gods? HABD!

Listening?

Good Morning! Hope everybody read Prov 12 yesterday? Man already on Prov 13, man I don't know if it is just cause I'm getting old, but it seems like the days and months just fly by. Prov 13:10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. You know one of my biggest problems in life was I could not listen to advice. And I still find it hard today sometimes. And it is not that I don't think people around me could be right and have the answers, well you know what? That's exactly what it is. My PRIDE has always been a BIG BIG Problem with me. And maybe some of you can relate with me? But in my mind I am as smart and know just as much as the next guy. But something I have learned, and not just in Recovery, but life in general, is that I don't always have all the answers. And something else is that God made us all different and gave us different talents so that we could help each other make it through this life, and he gave us His Word to help us make it to the next with Him. But to do that, We have to learn to Listen! In John 14:16-17 Jesus tells us, And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - The Spirit of Truth. You know! That little voice inside! But something I have learned today is I have 2 voices. I have the one that is usually trying to steer me in the right direction and then I have the one, you know that one sitting on your shoulder saying, Ah no! You got this, You got this figured out. And when I listen to this one, My Pride I usually end up in trouble. But then I am also talking about taking advice from others. I have to say I have alot of people in my life today that I respect and TRY and listen to their advice. But it is not so easy, with that little man on my shoulder. That is why this Vs talks about pride. Cause it not only starts quarrels with others, but it can cause quarrels and turmoil within ourselves. So today I have to learn who I need to listen to. Which voice on the inside, and also WHO on the outside. Cause let me tell you there are alot of people out there today, who's Pride tells them, They Know it All Too! And sure they might have all the knowledge in the World, but that's all it is, Worldly Knowledge. And they are so full of Pride, they can't even see their own unhappiness and pain. So today I have to learn to LISTEN! I need to learn which voice inside is the right one to listen to. And that in turn gives me the Discernment to listen to the people I need to listen to on the outside. Cause lets face it as much as we want to think we know it all, there is One who knows more! Not only in this world,but in the next! And sometimes He sends us other people in this world to get His message. So LISTEN! God may be trying to tell you something today through someone else! HABD!

What is coming out of your mouth?

Good Morning! Proverbs Day 11: Prov 11:12-13 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. Man I have to tell you, I don't know about you, but reading these Proverbs everyday sure is tough. Cause everyday I get slapped in the face by God. There is not one Proverb that I don't see something I am doing or something I need to change. Maybe that's why you don't hear alot of sermons come out of this book LOL!? Its Hard to preach about things that are prevalent in everyday life. Just like today's Vs. I am only going to speak for myself, cause I'm sure there are some of you out there that just don't do these things. One of my worst Character Defects is I like to down other people. Most the time it is people I don't even know or know their situation in life. But I can look at them and find fault and judgment on them just by the way they look or act. This is deriding your neighbor. I am always so fast to know what these peoples problems are and how they should change them. Which is Great! Because then that takes the focus off of me, and all the faults I have. Because it is easier to find ways for these people to change, than it is for me to change my flaws and defects of character. Cause lets face it, what is really wrong with me LOL LOL! My standards and lifestyle are far above anyone else. Again I LOL! And then there is this sin and YES! It is a sin! I don't care how much you deny it, or maybe you only do it because you are CONCERNED as someone I know would say. In the course of the day, we all gossip about someone. Because lets face it, as humans if somebody tells us something, we just have to tell someone else. It may only be 1 person and we will tell them, "Please don't tell anyone!" but we will tell someone. And in turn they will tell one person, and so forth and so forth! It is a good thing God sent Jesus to forgive our sins, cause this one thing would send us all to Hell on a daily basis. Because lets face it, a day doesn't go by, and for some of us it is an hour, where we aren't talking about somebody. Cause Yes! Even when you are Deriding your neighbor you are gossiping. So today I challenge you to see if you can go the whole day without talking about someone, or even thinking in your mind, Man look at this person, they really need to come up to my standards of living. And if you can't! Thank God for His forgiveness and mercy we have through His Son Jesus! Because if life was about living up to peoples standards, None of us, and I mean None of us, could ever live up to His. So why do we think others should live up to ours? Have a Great Day and think about that today while you are Deriding someone or Gossiping about them. And remember God still loves you, even with your faults. But Hey! He only tells Jesus!

How will you be Rembered?

Good Morning! Proverbs Day 10: Prov 10: 7 The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. Do you ever wonder what people really think of you? Vs 1 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother. For many years I was the later of that, bringing grief to my father and mother. But one thing before my dad passed is he got to see me sober again! And all Praise to God! I have been that way ever since. And it is all because I learned the meaning of having some discipline in my life. Vs 17 He who heeds discipline shows the way to life. But whoever ignores correction leads others astray. In 2006 when I got out of jail, I learned a valuable lesson. For 17 months I had been told when to get up, when to eat, when to get exercise and then when to go to bed. It was a disciplined life! But when I got out I learned I had to learn this same type of disciplined life on the outside. I had to learn that, The wise heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.(Vs 8) I had to realize that I didn't know everything and I needed to be trained in the Discipline of the Lord! It was at that point in my life, (Cause I had started using again) I knew I had to do something. So I called Denny the founder of Christian Love Ministries and asked for advice. He let me come up and live in the Half Way House, where I did for 8 months. It was up there that I learned many things covered in this Proverb today like, Vs 4 Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. And that, Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. (Vs 12) And that, The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse. So your probably asking yourself by now, What has this got to do with how I will be Remembered? Well let me ask you this? How do people look at you today? For me I remember all the looks of disappointment I used to get when I was Drinking and Drugging and getting into all kinds of trouble. Vs 23 A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom. But today, I don't see those looks anymore cause I have found something that gives me hope in life, I have found the one true thing that gives me Joy in life, and that is Jesus Christ. Vs 28 The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing. I have learned today that it is not about what people will think about you when you are gone, but it is what they see you doing today. Vs 21 The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgement. Are you nourishing people with Gods Word today. What you are today, is how people will remember you tomorrow! And with that I'll leave you with this last Vs 6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. HABD!

Are you as smart as you think?

Good Morning! Proverbs Day 9: Prov 9:9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his understanding. So tell me, Do you think you are pretty smart? Have you got this whole thing called life figured out? Do you have all the answers that would make the world a better place? Do you know what needs to be done to make our Government run better? Be it state, county, city or this great big Country that we live in. Or how about the Church, I'm sure we all have opinions about that, otherwise there wouldn't be so many different Religions. I know I think I do sometimes, I just think I have all this knowledge that, if people would just listen I could straighten out everything. But you see that is the problem with the world today! Everyone has the answer. But the thing is, We don't know anything! We have forgotten the one thing that gives us wisdom, and that is God! Vs 10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY ONE is understanding. It doesn't say knowledge of the computer, it doesn't say if you have a degree in something. It doesn't say that if you have all the answers. It says we need to know the Knowledge of God. You know today, one thing I am thankful for is that I'm in Recovery. Cause it reminds me that I don't know everything, or I wouldn't be in Recovery. And I'm sorry but I have some bad news for you. No matter how Smart you think you are, we are all in Recovery from some type of Hurt, Habit or Hangup. That is why I love the Serenity Prayer. It reminds me that I am only smart enough to change the things going on with me today. And it gives me the courage to accept the things I can't, like the Government, Religions, People or the way God does things. And that is what I find funny about people today. We all have our opinions about this, and we know what should be done about that. But how many of us are Truly seeking out what God thinks about it. I love to hear people talking about this world and how we need to change this and do that, and when they walk away from each other, Guess What! Nothing has changed! LoL! So today if you think you are so smart and have all the answers. Let me ask you this? Where did you get those answers? Out of the Newspaper, off the Internet or in some Self Help Book. Cause if you are not getting your information from the Book that has the KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY ONE, then you are just getting opinions and let me tell you opinions do not change anything. One thing I have learned today is that without God I am nothing, and without God I know nothing. And I may think that I am Smart and have the Answers, but if I am not looking to His Word for them, then they are just my opinion and as I said before, Opinions change nothing! HABD!

Do you know Wisdom?

Good Morning! TEX: Proverbs Day 8: Prov 8:1 Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? If you read Prov 8 today, it is as if Wisdom is talking to us. It tells us, Vs 5. You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding. For many years of my life I lived foolishly, the only thing I understood was How to be Smart enough to get everything Danny Boy wanted. Be it Alcohol, Drugs, Money, Women, whatever! That was the extent of my Wisdom, I Want, I Want, so lets figure out how I can have it. To me that was being smart. Now if you read Prov 8 real well, you will see that it is pointing to Wisdom, but it is pointing out what and who Wisdom really is. Vs 22-23 The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old. I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began. Now I only know one thing that was with God in the beginning and that was the Word (John 1:1) But here it is telling us that Wisdom was with God in the beginning. So I am going to take that, to have Wisdom, you must be in the Word. Well if there is one thing I have learned about the word, Is the whole thing, The Bible points to one thing, one person, one belief! And that is Jesus Christ! Vs 33 Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Back in those days of Me Me Me, I chose to ignore the Bible and all its teachings and I wasn't to Smart. My life was a mess and in striving to have More, I always had Less. Because I was not wise, and I Didn't have Wisdom. Vs 18 With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. I guess today I have gained a little wisdom, for one thing I do know today, is its not What you have that makes the difference, its who you have. Listen to Vs 35 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. So today I am sharing with you that Wisdom and Jesus Christ are one in the same. Once you invite Jesus into your heart, you are on your way to having more Wisdom. It tells us in 1Corinth 1:30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, WHO HAS BECOME FOR US WISDOM FROM GOD-that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. So there it is, to find Jesus is to have Wisdom! And in this Book is our instruction for life. To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. It is only through Jesus we can learn to fear the Lord and through His Wisdom we learn that, wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. (Vs 11) So today do you know the true source of Wisdom? It is not on the Computer, it is not in Self Help Books, It is not in Books telling you how to have Your Best Life Now! True Wisdom can only be found in a Relationship with Jesus Christ and His Word. Cause let me tell you I used to be stupid! And I still am kind of stupid, but one thing I know and that is Wisdom and His name is Jesus Christ! HABD!

The Adulteress of Sin!

Good Morning! Proverbs Day 7 For the last 3 Prov it has talked about adultery and today it is talking about the Adulteress herself. Vs 10-11-12. Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. She is loud and defiant her feet never stay at home; now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks. Now today I want you to look at sin as the Adulteress in our lives. Sin dresses like a prostitute. It is alluring, it is tempting. Sin is defiant against God and it invades our home. It is every where in the world today. Sin is an Adulteress to us all! Listen to what Vs 1 thru 5 say, My son keep my words and store up my commands WITHIN YOU. Keep my commands and you WILL LIVE, guard my teachings like the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the TABLET OF YOUR HEART. Say to wisdom, "You are my Sister," and call understanding your kinsman; they will keep you from the adulterous (sin) from the wayward wife and her seductive words. (Temptation) Cause I know for me if I do not keep in the Lords instruction, His Word and don't spend time with Him every day. I am like the ox going to slaughter or the bird in the snare. Vs 22-23, temptation and sin take hold of me and kiss me Vs 13.

Adultery and Laziness!

Good Morning! Proverbs Day 5&6 Prov 5:3-4 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double edged sword. I'm not going to go into this alot, cause it is very self explanatory. Adultery is talked about in Prov 5, 6 and 7. Prov 6:29 So is he who sleeps with another mans wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished. This is talking about the fleshly Adultery! But a little something to think about, you know when Jesus comes into your heart, you become his bride. (I know guys its hard to think of us as Brides) So when we let sin or lust over something in this world take priority over our relationship with the Groom (Jesus) we are committing Adultery. But enough about that we all know it is not good to sleep with another mans wife or with another woman's husband. Now Prov 6:9-10-11 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest. And poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. We all know that if you don't work you cannot eat live and pay your bills. But this is just another take on these Vs, and remember these are just my opinions. Views of a Sinner! But I believe that, (and I am just coming out of this and waking up) so many of us when we become Christians that for a while we are On Fire for the Lord! But as we get a little older in our walk, we tend to become a little lazy. We tend to become Sluggards and kind of stagnant in our spiritual walk. We do all the right things, we go to church, we even carry our Bible with us everywhere. We go to Bible study. But when we get out of these things we fall back to sleep. We fold our hands for some rest. Cause lets face it, this being a Christian is a rough job! I need a little play time. So many of us as soon as we are done with these things we rest ourselves right back into the world and all the leisure things it has to offer. And by doing this we rob ourselves of all Jesus has to offer us if we would just be more diligent in our walk with Him. Now don't get me wrong we all need rest and relaxation. But let me ask you this? After church on Sunday are you in a hurry to get out of there? Do you have to get to the Restaurant or get home because the race or a football game is on. Are you neglecting having fellowship with others because the things of the world are more important? Or does the couch just always seem to be calling your name? When we are not working for Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven then we are just Sleep walking! I know it is time for me to wake up and get back to work, spreading the Good News of Jesus! After all we were all asleep with sin, but Jesus gave us life again through Grace and Mercy! So lets get up and share this life with others. And the only time we should be folding our hands is to pray! HABD!

It's about the Heart!

Good Morning! Proverbs Day 4 Prov 4:4 Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live. Its funny! In most of the Proverbs it talks about having Wisdom and Understanding, and most of us think if you have these traits it is all about what you have upstairs. All that Wisdom and Understanding is in your brain, after all that is what you think with, Right? That has always been one of my major problems, I think with my head, before I listen to my heart. You see the Holy Spirit lives in our hearts, not in our heads. That is why The Word tells us to put The Word in our hearts. Here's another example 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. I can't find anywhere in the Bible where it says, Guard your Brain or Protect your Brain. Cause I don't know about you but my Brain is full of anything but Wisdom and Understanding. It can be the Devils playground sometimes if I don't stay on top of it, with the things in my heart. I mean I can think one thing, but deep in my Heart something is telling me, NO! Don't do that, that's not right! You ever had that happen? You see are bodies are corrupt with sin, and if we don't watch what goes on in the heart, we can end up being on the path of evil men. (Vs 14) I know for many yrs of my life I lived fulfilling the desires of my heart. WHY? Vs 19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. You see for many yrs I did not have the Spirit with me in my heart. So my heart was dark and hardened. So I did not know or care why I did the things I did. But now that I have the Holy Spirit, He helps to bring all thoughts and motives to light. But we still have to be careful and on our guard. Cause you know that Lion is lurking around every corner. So there are some things we must do. Vs 24 Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk from your lips. Vs 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. And if you don't understand this Vs, it means watch what you look at, be it on the computer, in magazines or that pretty girl that is walking in front of you right now! Or Guy for you ladies! Oh but you women don't do that! LOL! And Vs 26 Make level paths for your feet and take ways that are firm. Vs 27 Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Yep! On this Road of Life there are many paths we can take. But if we Trust in God and listen to The Spirit, which is in our heart, not our head, God says! Vs 11 I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. So today remember that it is what is in your heart that counts, for Wisdom and Understanding come from Gods Spirit and it can live no place but in our Hearts! HABD!

We are on a Journey!

Good Morning! Proverbs Day 3 Prov 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths (Road) straight. This is one of my favorite Proverbs. When I was up at Christian Love Ministries in the Half Way House 4 yrs ago I had that written on a big piece of paper on my door, so I had to look at it before I went out into the world. I think I'm going to do it again! We sing a song at CR, its called Road to Recovery, I love it, cause whether you want to face it or not, we are all on a Road. The Road of Life! And we all have some type of Hurt, Habit or Hangup we are dealing with, or have dealt with on that Road. But for me, unless I remember that God is in control and that I need to try and follow him, my road ends up getting bumpy and curvy and if I don't watch myself I may take a wrong turn somewhere. In Vs 7 It says, Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. As I talked about yesterday we all think we are Smart, but unless we find the Lords wisdom and understanding. (Vs 13) we will end up like the people in Vs 34-35 He mocks proud mockers, but gives grace to the humble. The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame. And we are all fools if we don't understand we need God in our lives. It was when I found that I had to lean on the Lords understanding and not mine that Vs 23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. Now there are times on this Road that my foot still stumbles, but guess what? God is always there to catch me, for the Lord is my confidence and He will keep my foot from being snared. Vs 26. But if you are reading with me the Proverbs you will see the point I am trying to make today. It is a point that is so easy if we have the Wisdom and Understanding of the Lord. And that is we need Him in every thing we do. We need the Grace and Mercy He has shown to us by giving His Son to die on the Cross so we can be Forgiven and have a Relationship with him. We need Him so that on this Road we are on we can help each other and walk the path together in Love. Because God is Love! And to keep us from the wrath that will overtake those who think they are so Smart. Vs 33 tells us, The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous. So today before you go out on your road to travel today, sit down and have a talk with God. Get in His word so you can push out your understanding and replace it with His. And believe me, He will direct your paths. HABD!

What makes you Smart?

Good Morning! Prov 2:6 For the Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Do you think you are smart? Do you know people who think they are smart? Well I think in our own minds we all think we are smart! But listen to Vs 1 and 2 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands WITHIN YOU, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your HEART to understanding. You see God is telling us that it doesn't matter how Smart you are, if you don't have Jesus in your HEART and the Word of God WITHIN YOU, then you are not to smart! In Vs 6 He tells us He has given us those things, Jesus and His Word, WHY? Vs 9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair-every good path. You see we could have been straight A students, we can have Bachelors, Masters, and Doctor Degrees in all sorts of things, but if we don't have God and His Word in our hearts we are not smart. Because when we take the Wisdom and Understanding of the Lord and use it, it is then that, Vs 10-11 Wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge (of God and His commands) will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. You see for most of my life I thought I was smart. I knew what life was all about, but the truth was, my life was a MESS! It wasn't until I really found the Truth, the Way and the Life (Jesus) that I started to have some wisdom in my life. And one thing I have found today, is I can have all those degrees I talked about earlier and I can have all the computer savvy and knowledge of the world, but if I don't have Jesus in my heart I am Stupid! In a song by Toby Mac he sings, "I don't want to gain the Whole World and lose my soul!" because in this world today, that is what everybody is trying to do. Be smart enough to have all the things this world has to offer, but if we are truly smart and truly have Wisdom we will see it's not about this world, but the next. For in Vs 21-22 It tells us, For the upright will live in the land (Heaven) and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land and the unfaithful will be torn from it. So it doesn't matter how smart you think you are today! If you don't have JESUS in your Heart and the Wisdom of Gods Word Within You, you are just chasing after the wind. For when we find God and His Salvation through His Son then Vs 5 you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God and when you do that YOU ARE SMART! HABD!

Running with the Crowd!

Good Morning! I have to put this one in too! Prov 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. And believe me most my life I was a fool, and I fought authority and discipline. And I always was Running with the Crowd. Prov 1:10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them. When I was younger I had a real problem trying to fit in. When I was in the 5th grade we moved from Ohio back to my Native state of Fla. Well needless to say, it was hard trying to make friends in the 6th grade. Everybody had their own little click and trying to get into one was hard. But there was this one group that looked cool, they always seemed like they were up to something and having a good time. But what they were, were a bunch of guys always into mischief. But I got my chance one day, they were all in the little corner store down the street from my house and I approached them and started talking with them. One of them said, "Hey Dittman! Put this candy in your pocket and follow us out the store." I knew it was wrong, but I did it anyway, because I wanted to be part of the crowd. How many can relate to this story? Vs 1:17 tells us, my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths. That is how I got into drinking and drugging, cause that is what the Crowd was doing. And lets face it, how many of us started smoking and are still smoking today, because it is accepted by the crowd. And even once we became Christians there are certain things we look over in our lives, that are sins, but they are accepted by the world, so its OK for us to do them. In Vs 32 it tells us, For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. Today we don't have to Run with the Crowd. We don't have to measure up to what the world says is OK and is the right way to live. We just have to measure up to Gods standards that He has set for us. And that doesn't mean we have to be loners in life, cause there are lots of Christians out there trying to live the same way. So lets try and help each other out. Now we may be part of a Crowd again, but I think being a follower of Jesus Christ has its own perks too. So what crowd are you going to be in today? The sinners? Or the sinners who have been washed with the Blood of Jesus. Today I know which Crowd I want to run with. How about you? HABD!

Journey through the Proverbs!

Good Morning! Proverbs 1:1-2-3 The proverbs of Solomon son of David king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair. OK I know it is only the 31st of May. But did you know that if you read one Proverb a day in 1 month you will have read all of them. This is something I haven't done in a while. So starting tomorrow we are going to take a journey in the month of June through the Proverbs. I can't believe I haven't done this for so long. And if you have never done it, I challenge you to do it for 1 month. There are so many of life's problems answered in the Proverbs and I am positive that if you are going through some kind of struggle, if you have some type of problem you are dealing with, if you have some type of sin or temptation you are dealing with, or you just want to gain some wisdom and learn about discipline, before the month is out you will have found your answer here in the Book of Proverbs! But watch out also cause you may also see some things that need improving on in your life. But in any case we are going to take a trip through the Proverbs. Now I will just concentrate on what God puts on my heart everyday. But starting tomorrow see if you can't make at least 10 minutes of time to read 1 Proverb. And lets face it, don't you owe God at least 10 minutes out of your day any how? So have a Blessed Day and get ready for some Wisdom! I know I could use some! Blessings!

Moving Ahead

Good Morning! Philipp 3:13 Brothers I do not consider to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do; Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. You know in many parts of the Gospels, Paul talks about running the race. For me I believe he was talking about life. This is the race that we all started when we were born. And one thing I have learned about this race, is there have been times in all our races, when we weren't giving our 100%. Or we swerved off the track and got behind the rest of the pact. What I am getting at, is we have all made mistakes in this race called life. These mistakes can hinder the rest of the race if we let them. In this Vs Paul is telling us to forget what is behind. And that is something we all need to work on. Because so often Satan likes to bring up our past and the mistakes we've made and slow us down in our race, the life God has waiting for us. One thing I have learned in my Recovery is that if I dwelt in the things I have done in my past, I would never be able to move ahead. If I still looked at all the mistakes I have made in life up to today, I probabley still would be drinking and drugging. But listen to what Paul says in Vs 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. You see it is because of Jesus, that today I press on. It is because of Him my life is not the same as it was 30 yrs ago, 15 yrs ago or even 6 yrs ago. Shoot even 1 week ago. The thing I am trying to say is that for us to ever move ahead in Gods plan for our lives, we have to subject ourselves to His will and we have to put off those things that hinder us in our race.(Heb 12:1) And one of those things is my past. I cannot run a good race if I am dwelling on all the mistakes I have made in my life. Today my focus has to be on Christ Jesus and the plan God has for through Christ!. So if you have made some mistakes in your past, and we all have, don't let them keep you from pressing towards the Joy, Peace and eternal life God has waiting for you through His Son Jesus! Learn from the past, don't dwell in it. And run the race of life the best you can in Christ Jesus. For there is a Crown for you in the end! And HABD!