BUILT BY GOD'S DESIGN

The Source of True Knowledge

Mon, 13 May 2024 12:41:37 GMT

Don't be a fool

The Source of True Knowledge

Proverbs 1:1–7 (NLT)

The Purpose of Proverbs

These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.

2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,

to help them understand the insights of the wise.

3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,

to help them do what is right, just, and fair.

4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple,

knowledge and discernment to the young.

5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.

Let those with understanding receive guidance

6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,

the words of the wise and their riddles.

7 Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

King Solomon is accredited with being the wisest man who ever lived. Jesus even acknowledges the credentials of Solomon when he proclaimed, “Matthew 12:42 (ESV)

42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.”

Solomon wrote most of the proverbs found in the book by that name and he clearly states the purpose: “to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise,, to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just and fair.” So, if these things appeal to you, then Proverbs should be a daily read in your life.

Proverbs are observations and conclusions drawn from observing and listening to the wisest of his time. They are not predictions or promises, but rather, sound advice for a disciplined and successful life.

Solomon ends the opening paragraph with this observation: “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Fearing God is understanding the total awesomeness of who he is, that he is all powerful, all-knowing, all-seeing. That He IS wisdom and knows everything and views then end of a thing from before its beginning. The good news is, not only is God all these things, but He loves you more than you love yourself and he desires good things for His children. Therefore, He can be trusted to guide my life and my decisions. He can be trusted to discipline me, to correct my harmful behavior. If I met you on the highway in the dead of night and flagged ou down and told you not to proceed because the bridge has been torn in two and if you continue on this road you will plummet to your death, you would be a fool to ignore my warning. God through the book of Proverbs, is flagging you down in the middle of the night. He’s not trying to ruin your trip or delay your passage. He is saving your life! Don’t be a fool! Heed His Words!

Jesus Next Door

183:796304241 (Scott Williamson) — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 03:41:50 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

When asked to pinpoint what mattered most to God, Jesus did not beat around the bush or speak in code. He said (to paraphrase), “This is what matters most to God: Love the Lord your God with the entirety of who you are and love your neighbors as much as you love yourself” (Matt. 22:37–39). Even though Jesus’ words in Matthew 22 are crystal clear, most followers of Jesus will be quick to admit that they struggle to live them out. I am convinced the journey to becoming a person shaped by the two greatest commandments—to love God and love people—often begins in the place of prayer. God is love and loves all people. I have found that if I consistently come into his presence through prayer, it is impossible to not begin loving God and those around me more fully. This is the simple focus of this thirty-day prayer journey. It is designed to help you practically grow in love for God and the people he has already put around you in the places where you live, work, and play. As we get started, here are a few practical suggestions to help you get the most from this prayer journey:

# 1 CHOOSE PEOPLE TO PRAY FOR Since this guide is designed to help you pray for the people God has already put around you , it is important that you begin this journey by identifying a few people for whom you plan to pray each day. You can pray for your next-door neighbors, your coworkers, friends from school, the barista at your favorite coffee shop, or someone in your own family. You get to choose. But before you go any further, take a moment to write down the names of the people for whom you will commit to pray each day over the course of the next month.

# 2 CHOOSE YOUR PEOPLE TO PRAY WITH Once you have determined whom you will pray for, take a minute to identify who you will pray with during this season of prayer. Learning to pray not only for others but also with others will revolutionize your life with Jesus. We are made for community, and, like nearly everything else in life, prayer is better when experienced with other followers of Jesus. Make it a priority to pray together throughout the month, whether in person or through a virtual platform like phone calls, text messaging, or video chats. Get creative, but stay connected to others!

# 3 ESTABLISH A DAILY ROUTINE It amazes me how God can use a series of seemingly small but intentional choices to bring about monumental change in our lives. Don’t underestimate the power of establishing a daily prayer routine as you begin this journey of praying for and with other people. What follows is a list of simple ideas to help you establish a daily prayer routine: Find a Quiet Spot It doesn’t matter if it is a comfortable chair in your home, a park bench along the trail you enjoy walking, or your favorite table at a local coffee shop.

Simply find a spot each day where you can give God your undivided attention. Clear Your Mind Jot down any overwhelming thoughts or nagging items that might keep you from enjoying God in prayer on your mental to-do list. Some of these items will be things you might need to discuss with God in prayer, while others will be distractions that you can address later in your day. Take it a step further by turning off your phone to free yourself from unwanted distraction. Finally, set aside two minutes to simply sit in silence with God. Before you ask him for anything, enjoy the gift of his presence. Read, Reflect, and Pray Each daily meditation contains a short devotional

thought, a passage of Scripture to read, a few questions for reflection, and daily prayer points to guide you as you pray for yourself and those around you. Like a spiritual appetizer, this guide is here simply to help get your conversations with God started each day, but my hope is that this will be a springboard into deeper places with God each day. Take Action Finally, I believe God will give you ample opportunities each day to actively participate in the ways of Jesus as you pray for those God has placed around you. Jesus says we are blessed when we put his words into practice, so proactively look for opportunities and take a step of faith as God prompts you each day.

Dave Clayton. Jesus Next Door (Kindle Locations 225-235).

A New Creation

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 22:09:09 GMT

Ok. The World Has Lost Their Ever-loving mind!

Hasbro toys today announced the brilliant idea to change the iconic childhood toy "Mr. Potatoe Head" to a gender neutral toy called Potato Head. I presume they will then give our kids all the appropriate parts to either make our toy male or female depending on how they 'feel' that day. This is seriously getting beyond insulting.

In Christ, and in God's design for humanity, their is no "gender confusion", no "gender fluidity". We were created according to Genesis in God's image. He made them "male" and "female". He gave Eve to Adam to be HIS WIFE and the two became one flesh. God made us in every way distinctly male or distinctly female. It is only when people pitch God to the curb and "everyone does what is right in their own eyes" that we get this kind of chaos, confusion and moral perversion.

I'm not being cruel or insensitive. It was never God's design or intent for any of us to be confused over something so basic and so obvious as gender. He didn't design us to be confused over sexuality either. When we defy God's design and choose our own path, the end result is always chaos, depravity and every kind of sinful behavior.

Trust God with all your heart. Dont lean on your own understanding. (In other words, dont just do what seems 'right' or 'logical' in your own eyes) In all you do let God guide. Let God decide. And He will take you on a journey that is His perfect design for you life. No confusion. No depravity. No sin.

And then you will be free to enjoy Mr. Potato Head without feeling like your'e doing something wrong, offending someone else, or just generally confused over whether "Mr" P is a boy or a girl. Quite frankly, I've never seen a kid who cared.

Smile! God Loves You!

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:59:00 GMT

Because of Christ and His redemption I am completely forgiven and fully pleasing to God. I am totally accepted by God

If you grew up like I did, the above statement probably seems foreign to you. My church background and training taught me pretty much the opposite. I believed that I was never 'fully pleasing to God' and that my acceptance was conditional upon my behavior. Because of this, many people live in fear rather than joy and peace.

JUSTIFICATION

Romans 5:1 says - Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This means we should be 'at peace', not in turmoil, not living in fear of rejection. When we don't believe we are fully pleasing and totally accepted by God, we will value the opinions of others far too much. We will seek the approval of others because we think it is 'attainable' whereas God's approval is 'unattainable'. But according to scripture we have been 'justified'.

RECONCILIATION

Colossians 1:21-22 says "And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him." Notice that God has declared you "holy and blameless and above reproach". My theological understanding of this verse has been that this was speaking of "after death". That somehow, after I die, when I stand before God, I will be holy, blameless and above reproach, but while I'm living, I'm not any of these things. But scripture says I've been "reconciled to God" and therefore am fully accepted. That means I don't have to fear rejection.

PROPITIATION

The bible also declares that Christ is the "propitiation" for our sin. The word "Propitiation" means The removal of God's punishment for sin through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In 1 John the bible says:

1 John 2:1-2 (ESV)
^{1} My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. ^{2} He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

So, according to scripture, Jesus death removed the rightful punishment for our sins - all of them. This isn't a "get out of jail free" card where it makes no difference what I do. I don't want to trample under foot the sacrifice of Christ, but scripturally Christ has removed the punishment for sin. I do not have to suffer wrath of God for sin. Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe.

My Armenian background has left me confused on this issue, and perhaps you as well. My understanding didn't include this idea of propitiation. In my understanding, Jesus died for my sin, and when I got saved they were all forgiven. But what about my sinful thoughts, words and actions since then? My Armenian understanding made me feel that these weren't covered until I asked, meaning that I was seemingly always in a state of unacceptability before God. Understand this, Jesus died to forgive all our sin. Past, present and future. Accepting this fact doesn't make us arrogant or proud. It makes us appreciative that our right standing with God is totally dependent upon Christ and not ourselves.

REGENERATION

A wrong understanding of my Armenian background has always caused me to stop short of one other very important biblical truth: that of regeneration. We speak of being "new in Christ", but the longer I live with myself, the more I realize that there are many things about me that are still 'the same'. My conclusion, although never spoken, is that this 'new creature' is a euphamism, a metaphor, and not truly a reality. The definition of regeneration includes this statement: "As to the nature of the change, it consists in the implanting of a new principle or disposition in the soul; the impartation of spiritual life to those who are by nature "dead in trespasses and sins."

Illustrated Bible Dictionary: And Treasury of Biblical History, Biography, Geography, Doctrine, and Literature.

The regeneration happened in my soul and spirit, not my flesh. My flesh wars against the regenerated man inside. Nonetheless, according to scripture, as a child of God, I have been 'regenerated'.

Titus 3:4-7 (ESV)
^{4} But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, ^{5} he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, ^{6} whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ^{7} so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

This regeneration came totally and completely from God. It has nothing to do with me. As believers, you and I have been made complete in Christ. We no longer need to experience the pain of shame. Again, it's not a free pass for bad behavior. It is to free us from the guilt and pain of shame.

Colossians 2:10 (NKJV)
^{10} and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

For many, we have lived in constant "unworthiness", continual shame, unending guilt and a feeling of failure. All these are lies from Satan designed to rob you and I of our joy and cause us to have a wrong opinion of who we are, who God is, and what we should value. Remember, Satan's Lie is Self-Worth = my performance + other's opinions of me. God's truth is, as His child, because of Christ and His redemption, you and I are completely forgiven and fully pleasing to God. You and I are totally accepted by God.

I hope this helps someone today.

My True Worth

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:38:00 GMT

Are you "an approval addict"? Are you controlled by the fear of others' opinions of you? Welcome to my world. There are a number of reasons people become "approval addicts". It can be that your parents disciplined by withdrawing their affection when you misbehave. But that certainly isn't the only reason. If you get sucked in to this trap, however, it will completely control your life, just like any other addiction. Some are completely controlled by how others view their appearance. They seek surgical options or workout and diet options in order to become "good enough".

Satan has a lie that he has propogated through the ages: Self-Worth=performance+Other's opinions. According to this lie, a persons worth is totally dependent upon how hard they work and how others view the results. The problem with this equation is that peoples opinions are fluid and you never know if you've done enough work to be "of worth". So you try harder! But then, even though 100 people express approval, it only takes the disapproval of one person to totally ruin your day. For the rest of the day, and maybe even the week or longer, that comment in replayed over and over in your mind and controls your mood and your behavior. Eventually, this addiction leads to depression as you can never be totally pleasing to others and are therefore "worthless" in your own eyes.

The question that we need to ask ourselves is this: "why do I value the opinion of those who do not hold me in high regard?" You see, there is an opinion of us that is infinitely more important. It is an opinion where we are held in the highest regard. God considers you of inestimable value and thus gave His Son to purchase you. When you and I received Christ and committed our lives to Him, our sins were completely forgiven. Forgiveness equals acceptance. Acceptance equals worth. God decided you were "worth it" so He gave His son in your place.

The Bible says that God is Love. Using that description of God's Character, look at 1 Corinthians 13 and see your heavenly Father as He is.

My Father is very patient and kind. My Father is not envious, never boastful. My Father is not arrogant. My Father is never rude, nor is He self-seeking. My Father is not quick to take offense. My Father keeps no score of wrongs. My Father does not gloat over my sins but is always glad when truth prevails. My Father knows no limit to His endurance, no end to His trust. My Father is always hopeful and patient.

(Robert S. McGee. The Search for Significance: Seeing Your True Worth Through God's Eyes (p. 74). Kindle Edition.)

Looking at 1 Corinthians in this way, I hope you can see that true love, God's love, holds you in ultimate regard and treats you accordingly. In contrast, the people that have been controlling your life have done so by behaving in exactly the opposite way that 1 Corinthians describes.

The desire for success and approval constitutes the basis of an addictive, worldly self-worth. Certainly, withdrawal from this dependency may cause us some pain as we change the basis of our self-worth, yet we will begin to discover true freedom and maturity in Christ only when we understand that our lives mean much more than what success or the approval of others can bring. We can do nothing to contribute to Christ's free gift of salvation; furthermore, if we base our self-worth on the approval of others, then we are actually saying that our ability to please others is of greater value than Christ's payment. We are the sinners, the depraved, the wretched, and the helpless. He is the loving Father, the seeking, searching, patient Savior who has made atonement for the lost and has extended to us His grace and sonship. We add nothing to our salvation. It is God who seeks us out, convicts us of sin, and reveals Himself to us. It is God who gives us the very faith with which to accept Him. Our faith is simply our response to what He has done for us. So then, our worth lies in the fact that Christ's blood has paid for our sins; therefore, we are reconciled to God.

Robert S. McGee. The Search for Significance: Seeing Your True Worth Through God's Eyes (p. 69). Kindle Edition.

I hope this helps to heal or at least bring those of us who need healing, to take a true look in the mirror and respond.

Father,

It is very difficult to acknowledge that I have fallen victim to Satan's trap, but I freely confess that my fear of rejection has become the primary motivator in my life rather than the truth of how much You love me. To quote Thomas, "Lord I believe. Forgive my unbelief". I know everything that I've written today is true. I don't know exactly how to embrace it and let it become the driving force in my life. Therefore I need your help and guidance as I learn to accept your approval as the only approval that matters. Help me to understand "who I am" in Christ so that I can experience the joy and peace that Christ promised this relationship would bring. I do not know how to do this on my own and freely admit I am completely dependent on you to 'save me'. Help others who are going through this same struggle. I fear there are many. Heal me and use my experience to heal others if that is your desire. Thank you! I love you!

Delight in your way

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:26:00 GMT

Delighting in your way

Psalm 37:23-24 (ESV)
^{23} The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; ^{24} though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.

Yesterday I wrote extensively about this scriputre, but didn't focus on the condition that must be met. This scripture says our steps are established by the Lord. There's two ways to look at this scripture. One, our steps are established by the Lord, and he catches us when we fall -PERIOD. The second is conditional. That when we delight in the path we are on, God catches us when we fall. The inference is that when we dont delight, He doesn't catch.

I read this verse in a few different translations and realize the difficulty in translating the original intent. That said, I will point out the obvious: the unquestioned truth is that if we take joy in our circumstances, God will protect us. Every day is a good day if you know the Lord. Every circumstance in life may not be comfortable, but I can still rejoice in the fact that I'm saved and loved.

So, whatever circumstance you and I are living in, we need to pray and seek for that ability to "delight". I know that's easier said than done. Today I will embark on some 'uncharted territory' in my life and admittedly have a truckload of emotions but delight isn't one of them. So my advice is "pray till the delight comes".

Father,

I continue to be "up and down" on this whole concept of 'delighting in my way'. Doubt and confusion at times create that 'fog' that causes me fear and frustration rather than delight. I acknowledge my struggle to truly 'believe' that I can delight in stressful circumstances, but I know that your word is true. I commit myself to delight in my path today, even though I have huge amounts of fear and 'failure feelings' about that path. I will rejoice anyway. This is a good day, because today you will help me become more like your Son. Today is a good day, because you are walking with me. This current journey is a good one because the outcome will be for the glory of God.

So, I choose to delight in my path today. Thank you for letting me walk THIS road.

Make Him Smile: Are You Lost In The Fog?

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:31:00 GMT

Make Him Smile: Are You Lost In The Fog?

Are You Lost In The Fog?

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Am I Mis-Aligned to be blessed?

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:56:00 GMT

The Love Passion

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:56:00 GMT

Eating Broccoli in a "Krispy Kreme" World - Part 2

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:18:00 GMT

Eating Broccoli in a "Krispy Kreme" World

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:34:00 GMT

I Know My Redeemer Lives

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:47:00 GMT

I Press Toward the Mark

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:04:00 GMT

Why Does Easter Matter?

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:25:00 GMT

Passion for the Passion

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:32:00 GMT

The Dawning of a New Era

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:34:00 GMT

The Greatest Job Ever

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:18:00 GMT

1Chron. 6:33-48

Psalm 84

Do I Consider Myself "Unworthy"?

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:05:00 GMT

Matthew 8:8

The Peace of God

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:20:00 GMT

Does Your Life Stink?

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:38:00 GMT

He Knows Your Name

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:22:00 GMT

Psalm 139:1

Uselessly Kindling Fire on the Altar

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:23:00 GMT

Malachi 1:10

Malachi 1

Who's In Your Circle?

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:32:00 GMT

Matthew 26:1

Have you ever been pulled in many directions?

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:27:00 GMT

Matthew 26:1-3

Experience Builds Faith

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:18:00 GMT

Prayer for release from prisonActs 12:5 (NASB) 5 So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.One of the "Sons of Thunder" was killed just a few days earlier and then Peter, the chief of the Apostles was arrested and placed in prison just before the Passover. I would assume this was one year after Christ had been murdered. The gospel was still costing people their lives, and it looked like the leader was once again going to die. Things seemed pretty hopeless. Or did they?The church believed that God could rescue Peter. The church believed that God could do something about their situation. This time, not as a result of the Spirit-filled Apostles, but by the prayer of the people, a miracle took place. This wasn't the first time something like this had happened. Peter and John had been thrown in jail before and God "opened the door". So I'm sure John, who just lost his brother at the end of a sword, let the charge for people to pray for Peter's release. He had absolute confidence that God could rescue him just as he had rescued the two of them before. Experience increases faith.Trust in the Lord today. Gain some new experience and draw from some old experience, but let faith grow and abound in your heart!

How's Your Net?

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:10:00 GMT

Born To Worship

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:57:00 GMT