Life Changing Advice!
A new series through the book of Proverbs.
Many of us did not grow up with a dad who wisely mentored us. We can't change the past, but we can change the future for many. That's what we're all about in Multiplying MANLY Men. The book of Proverbs is an outstanding" father to son" mentoring manual. "My son(s)" is used 17 times in the first 9 chapters of the book. The ultimate Father of this father is urging young men to pursue a life of wisdom. I'm excited to have you help me create a mentoring manual of sorts especially for the many young men whom you will impact over the rest of your years as you multiply manly men. I'll reveal more about that soon. For now, I want to take you on a fly-over of the book of Proverbs, piloted by Dr. John Stevenson. (Coaches, he's the one who gave us an overview of the book of Titus). Because I respect your time, I only ask you to watch the first 8 minutes of his video. As you do, copy down insights you glean. I'll ask you to share one with the team in just a bit. If you don't learn something from him, you get a full refund. But you are wise and wise men are always gathering knowledge (Prov.10:14).
1.-Let's now read the introduction to this great book of wisdom- Proverbs 1:1-7. Share one insight from it and or from what you gleaned from Dr. Stevenson's video?
2.-Write on your MP3 card the theme verse of this book of wisdom- "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Prov.9:10
Announcements
We have a war to win, but sad to say, there are some believers who seem like they would rather fight each other over even what Bible to read from. Some argue saying, "The King James Version is the only right Bible!" Sunday's blog has a very good video refuting that. And what about the Catholic Bible with it's extra books? The video touches on that as well. So watch it this week and put your comments there on Sunday's blog.
Speaking of Sunday, this coming Sunday marks the beginning of the softball season. Several of you are involved in such, so you wouldn't be able to meet at Jack's at 3:00. Eddie wisely suggested that we meet after first service in the break room at church, so that's what we will do. (It's the room in the Northeast corner of the building just past the men's restroom.) I know that this may mean some changes in driving to church, but if you need a ride home after church so your family can leave after first service, we will make sure you get a ride home. The meeting will start at 11:30 and be done by 1:00. A free will offering will be taken to help cover our costs. (Jack has all our receipts for those who want to see our open books:) And special honors will be bestowed. Thanks for the small sacrifice to be there. Udabest! Feel free to invite men you are seeking to enlist.
Speaking of honors to bestow, I would like to honor the following men who were unstoppable last week. Despite all kinds of challenges you were unstoppable- Alex, Andre, Antonio, Armando, Daniel, Dave, Eddie (he blogged when he wasn't in Cuba, where there wasn't any internet service), George D, George R, Ismael, Jack, James, Mike, Phil, Ricardo, Robert, Roger, Sam and Vince.
Also a few of you scored 25 points or more last week- Dave H-27; George R-28; Eddie-31; Sam-36; Phil-46!
And those scoring 50 or more- Ismael-54; Jack-69 and Robert-72!
Some of you are short-changing yourself and your fire team by not daily going to the scoreboard. Please do that. It's also a great way to motivate yourself to improve. Self-motivation is often the best. Aim to be in the +25 group this week. Set an example that you would want others to follow. And if you need any help, just reach out to me or other team members who are pace setters. We are here to help each other grow.
1. The wise listen and add to their learning, and the discerning get guidance for understanding proverbs and parables, sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and understanding.
ReplyDeleteWhat a major lesson in life theses verses are as we move forward to recruit believers to become disciples. We must have wisdom attained through M3 to lead others in the right direction.
We will also run across fools who reject our teachings because of laziness and they will have no wisdom nor understanding so they do not produce the fruit we desire. Let us use discernment to get guidance for understanding the true meaning of the writer so we can teach others as we lead disciples.
Lord give me your vision so I may gain wisdom
To understand your teachings so that I can lead others to your kingdom
2. Did it
Amen Jack. Continue being humble and moldable before the Lord.
DeleteJack thank you for starting us out this week with your exhortation to teach and reach others for Christ.
DeleteGreat to see you are on mission for God Jack. Keep up the good work.
DeleteGreat insight Jack, thank you for sharing those wonderful comments.
DeleteBrother Jack, may he Lord open up the flood gates of heaven and pour upon you an unction so large that it would overflow and splash upon others the blessings of salvation.
Delete1. The book of Proverbs is largely made up of parallelisms. For example, in one line will be what a wise person would do and the next what a foolish person would do.Proverbs 1:7 NIV
ReplyDeleteThe fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
2. Did it.
Good Eddie! So glad to have you back to share your fire with us.
DeleteWelcome back Eddie! Thanks for the insight on proverbs.
DeleteWelcome back Eddie.
DeleteWelcome back from Cuba. We serve a God that has no borders.
DeleteBrother Eddie, welcome back. I bet you could've stayed longer enjoying the sights, culture and ministering to the masses :-)
Delete1. Great video. Really like how the author contrasts the book of Proverbs with the book of Psalms.
ReplyDeleteVery useful 5 point outline that is good to keep in mind when reading the book of Proverbs:
a. Book of wisdom
b. Speaks to our intellect
c. Teaches us life out in the street
d. Teaches us how to practice holiness before men
e. Love your neighbor as yourself
Prov. 1:7 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction". Great verse for us to apply in our daily living as we seek to multiply manly men.
Excellent Roger!
DeleteBrother Sam, yes "Great verse for us to apply in our daily living as we seek to multiply manly men." May the Lord continue using you as an instrument of righteousness in His hands!
Delete1. Proverbs 1:7 ESV The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. When we start to submit to God. We start to gain knowledge and understanding. But if we go off of are own understanding we are fools that are lost in this world. I've learned from the video that proverbs is a guideline on how to live your life out holy and pleasing to god. Good video!
ReplyDelete2.Did it.
Amen, no better way to live our lives than to follow God's teachings in the book of Proverbs
DeleteJames, the reason why you like the video and the book of Proverbs is because you are a wise man. Fools despise wisdom and discipline.
DeleteBrother James, I'm glad to hear how much you're learning and applying from God's Word!!
DeleteThanks save for the video it taught me that every book has its purpose that we need to live by as long as we read the good word. I liked how it compares to the verse in exodus.
ReplyDeleteExodus 28:2-3
Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor.
Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest
Also I will finish listening to the difference in bible versions and comment a bit later, I tend to loose focus when I'm only assigned a small amount of information, and it leads me to read or hear more so I can make sense of it
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Good Guillermo! The passage in Exodus reminds us that wisdom means skill. May we live lives that are skillful in honor to God. Following his word will enable us to do such.
DeleteFor the vision is yet for an appointed time...though it tarry, wait for it...”
ReplyDelete(Habakkuk 2:3, KJV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
God has an appointed time to fulfill the visions, dreams and desires in your heart. Just because it has taken a long time or because you’ve tried and failed doesn’t mean that it’s not going to happen. Don’t give up on those dreams! Don’t be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. Our God is a faithful God. No matter how long it’s been, no matter how impossible things looks, if you’ll stay in faith, your appointed time is coming.
Yes, God's vision will always come to pass, but that doesn't mean that our vision and dreams always will.
DeleteBrother Guillermo, King David had a desire to built God's temple. God said no because he was a man of war and had shed blood, but fulfilled the dream through his son King Solomon. David was still instrumental, in that he provided the plans(blueprint), revenue and materials for the massive construction project he was to oversee. Even if we don't fulfill our dreams on earth, we can set forth the foundations for our children and generations to come.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteProverbs = rules for living. Where else would you want to gather your advise from? No better place than the living word of God.
ReplyDeleteProverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
As John Stevenson put it. "It is a fear that draws us near to Him, a fear that brings wonder."
Not a fear that makes us run from Him, it is a fear that we are in awe of.
That's some good fear!
DeleteWell put Sam! And thanx for mentoring my buddy Michael Johnson. He looks up to you man. You are doing Gods work. God bless
DeleteGood quote Sam! May the Lord continue to fill with His Spirit of wisdom as you build up other men and your family.
DeleteBrother Sam, your post reminded me of the song "How great is our God". I'm encouraged by your diligent seeking and service to the Lord!!!!
Delete1. Proverbs= Rules of life
ReplyDeletea. Provides contrast
b. Speaks to our intellect
c. Teaches us how to live holiness before men
d. Teaches to love your neighbor as yourself
e. It stands separate from God's covenant (no mention of Moses or Israel)
f. Utilizes observation of nature instead of "Thus says the Lord"
God spoke in various ways: Moses- Theophany (a visual manifestation of God's presence/glory)
Prophets- Spiritual communications
Sages- Insightful observations
Chapters 1 through 9 appeal to wisdom
God bless you brother Roman.
DeleteThanx for sharing that wisdom brother!
DeleteYou are a careful student Robert. No wonder you know the word so well!
Delete1.The Book of Proverbs provides wisdom and understanding concerning wise behavior. The Book of Proverbs is like a handbook on living right and prudently the necessary foundation of that wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Proverbs warns us about sins, dangers of the tongue, foolishness alcohol gluttony, lust, inmorality falsehood , laziness and wrong company.
ReplyDeleteGood points George! It is a handbook on living right. It sure could help us if we could just obey it.
DeleteVery good George! Look forward to chatting with you soon.
DeleteBrother George, yes, thank God He has provided us with life's operating manual. The key is whether we open, read and apply it :-). Keep up the great work brother :-)
DeleteB=Basic
I=Instructions
B=Before
L=Leaving
E=Earth
Proverbs- Book of Wisdom and Instruction / Book of life.
ReplyDeleteI liked how the video broke down the differences of Psalms and Proverbs.
Psalms-Book of worship
Proverbs-Book of wisdom
Psalms-speaks to our spirit
Proverbs-speaks to our intelect
Psalms-teaches how to be Holy before God
Proverbs-teaches how to be Holy before men
Psalms-Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind
Proverbs-Love your neighbor as yourself
Excellent contrasts you reminded us of Phil! Thanks!
DeleteBrother Philip, you're a great student of the Word!! You're HUNGRY :-)
DeleteLet the wise hear and increase in learning,
ReplyDeleteand the one who understands obtain guidance,
(Proverbs 1:5 ESV)
I want to be able to learn fro book of proverbs and speak to others about living a better life. I am new to reading the bible and still learning a lot. I want to gain wisdom and insight to be able to lead others.
Awesome stuff Andre! Proverbs is a great book to read from regularly, as we now know that it is instructions for life!
DeleteYou came to the right place Andre to grow in the word and to help multiply yourself into others. What a great band of encouraging brothers you also now have!
DeleteAmen brother together we will grow stronger.
DeleteAndre I am so glad that you have made the commitment to be part of M3, you will surely be blessed and continue to grow in godly wisdom to be able to reach many for Christ.
DeleteBrother Andre, you're on the right path!!! "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5
Delete1. You have to learn to listen to what God is telling. It is wise to listen to what God is speaking to you. Who better to listen to than the all knowing. Where else can gain wisdom of such?
ReplyDeleteThat's right Lucas- God reveals His all wise thought to us. How wonderful is that?!
DeleteI like the verse of Prov. 1:5 let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who
Deleteunderstand obtain guidance. That's my prayer to hear more of God's word and to increase
in understanding and to obtain guidance from those who more wise in the word of God.
Amen brother, you are so right there is no other place where we can get godly wisdom but from God through his Word.
DeleteBrother Lucas, may the Lord quicken your spirit and open your spiritual ears, eyes and heart to hear and be attentive to His still small voice.
DeleteI like when the video talks about being lazy you rob from yourself. That could be interpreted also as when you are mad/angry at someone you don't talk to them. You are also robbing them and you of precious time. Once my grandmother got mad at my Aunt her sister and did not talk to her for five years. Thank God they started talking again because my grandmother past away two years after they started talking again. But what a waste of time/ loss time. You can never get back the loss time between your family, friends and other relationships when you hold a gauge. I my book you are a thief who stole time from you and others. I heard many times in my life this statement "God don't like ugly."
ReplyDeleteAs for Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom." I believe you can learn from fear and we know the Lord loves us no matter what. He does not like the sin that comes from us but He loves anyway. So that's why we as believers embrace wisdom and try to stay away from fools who despise wisdom and discipline.
Thanks for sharing that pointed story Mike!
DeleteBrother Mike, it's so true and unfortunate that families and friendships become estranged. God first reconciles us to Him then He gives us opportunities for reconciliation with each other. He's the God who makes beauty out of ashes and restores the years the locust have eaten!
DeleteA little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. (Proverbs 24:33-34 NIV) I liked these verses because it's like a motivation, just because we are saved doesn't mean that's where it stops! We must work at it, we are fisherman of men! A fisherman doesn't eat if he doesn't fish, right?
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, it doesn't stop with our salvation. That is just the beginning and it takes a lot of work to be obedient to God's word.
DeleteBingo Ricardo!
DeleteBrother Rich, I have a confession to make regarding a pet-peeve of mine, I have difficulties sympathizing with lazy people!
Delete"The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10b-12
my laptop has less then 5 min of power and i might have lost the power cord with my book bag and my bible. In short I wont be able to comment as i would normally. My apologies
ReplyDeleteHope you find your power cord, issues like that can be very frustrating. I thought I was the only only having technical difficulties today. This morning I had finished typing on the blog and pushed the 'publish' button when it all disappeared, since it was already time for me to go to work didn't have time to rewrite everything.
DeleteFortunately I was able to get it done ance I got to work.
Ugh! Been there too! That's so frustrating when the power dies just before I can finish my sent :)
DeleteBrother Tony, may the Lord provide you with a fresh anointing of His Holy Spirit and presence and the peace that surpasses all understanding to guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus!
DeleteWhat I got from this is that Proverbs is a book of wisdom made from insightful observations. Here common sense and moral actions are what we learn from this book. Also, the verses were not written in one full swoop from an author, but the passages were collected over time. It is an instruction book written by man through God to help us learn how to live.
ReplyDeleteLord Jesus, help Chuy, as a new believer, to learn and develop the skills of godly living in his home and before the world.
DeleteWow! Well said Chuy!
DeleteBrother Chuy, years ago I heard the following acronym for the Bible that has been very helpful to me:
DeleteB=Basic
I=Instructions
B=Before
L=Leaving
E=Earth
1. Proverbs 1-7a, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
ReplyDelete2. Dit id. Prov.9:10, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
Heavenly Father, grant Oscar and the rest of our M3 team to truly worship you with reverence and awe.
DeleteWelcome back Oscar! Those are great verses speaking of the fear of the Lord- a vital subject worthy of looking at tomorrow :)
DeleteBrother Oscar, I pray you're refreshed and renewed, welcome back :-)
Delete1.-Let's now read the introduction to this great book of wisdom- Proverbs 1:1-7. Share one insight from it and or from what you gleaned from Dr. Stevenson's video?
ReplyDeleteI liked the comparisons Dr. Stevenson charted between Psalms and Proverbs. It shows the Bible communicating and reaching to both our hearts and our intellect.
Proverbs 1:7a > The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
John MacArthur made this statement in the Bible Study notes: “ The fear of the Lord is a state of mind in which one's own attitudes, will, feelings, deeds, and goals are exchanged for God's.” That's the kind of fear I desire to have.
Thanks Dave. I also liked the simple pithy way ol' Adrian Rogers used to put it- "The fear of the Lord is love on its knees."
DeleteBrother Dave H, yes, let God's heart desires be our desires! Good study commentary as well :-)
DeleteDr. Stevenson pointed out keys for me. One of them is "wisdom" I used to think being wise is basically a person has been through a lot in life and learned right from wrong but I liked how Dr. said that wise in proverbs is skill of living and not have to go through all the mistakes and say "oops I've learned my lesson".
ReplyDeleteDid it
Also how it corilates with fear, explaining oneself not drawing away from God but near and also being in awwwwww and in wonder of God.
DeleteGreat Ismael! Oh Lord, help us all the more be awe struck at times. I confess those times are too few and far between.
DeleteBrother Ismael, "I used to think" is common among many of us Christians. Thank God He is renewing our minds " Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
DeleteI like how he showed the difference between psalms and proverbs. I never realize that proverbs teaches us how to live Monday- Saturday. I guess I was so closed minded on it being just a book of wisdom. I have already learned some good stuff. I pray the Lord continue to fill me with more wisdom and knowledge. Not only me but all the men of M3.
ReplyDeleteAh Vince you're making me :)
DeleteBrother Vince, I come into agreement with your prayer! God bless :-)
DeleteAmen, Vince. May we all continue to grow In wisdom and knowledge
ReplyDeleteall of tehse things from recisving knowledge to dispensing of it, all come from teh fear of teh lord. Much like seeking teh kingdom of God: Matt 6:33 "Seek first the kingdom of God and his rightousness and all these things will be added to you. " Seker of peach need to fear the Lord. Seekers of instruction need to fear the Lord. Seekers of understanding need to fear teh Lord. and understanding will be added and equipped.
ReplyDeleteDid it
Brother Gary, yes we thank God that He's the giver of all good gifts! I pray the Lord expand your capacities of wisdom and knowledge to know Him more and more each and every day!
Delete1.-Let's now read the introduction to this great book of wisdom- Proverbs 1:1-7. Share one insight from it and or from what you gleaned from Dr. Stevenson's video? The video to me explains a good overall concept of proverbs. Describing the definition of proverbs - "to rule" or "book of rules", while giving wisdom or the skills of living. These teachings of proverbs refer to, are historically proven guidance, instructions on how all of us are to live a joyous, harmonious, loving life with everyone, self and all of God's surrounding creations. Thank you Lord for your loving Word, your spiritually lifting Word! Proverbs 1:2 "for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;"
ReplyDeletePs.36:5-7 "Your love, O Lord reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O Lord, you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings."
Brother Armando, it's evident that you're applying the Words of Wisdom to your life :-)
Delete1.-Let's now read the introduction to this great book of wisdom- Proverbs 1:1-7. Share one insight from it and or from what you gleaned from Dr. Stevenson's video?
ReplyDeleteProverbs 1:7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. I like how Dr Stevenson explains “Fear of the Lord” that it is a fear the draws us near, one that brings wonder. I think a lot of people who don’t read the Bible or go to church Bible would think it means to be afraid of the Lord, it’s interesting how this one little words meanings can be so different.
Brother George, great point brother! For the Christian, fearing the Lord is to have reverence, respect and awe! For the non-believer fear is exactly that for he/she is storing-up wrath on the day of the Lord. 1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
Delete1. Regarding the video, I liked how the speaker contrasted the two books (Proverbs and Psalms). I do agree with the speaker that Proverbs does speak to our intellect while Psalms speaks to our spirit.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the reading, I really like Psalms 1:7 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Brother Alex, yes God gave us both, spirit and intellect and thus makes provisions through His Word for our sustenance! God bless :-)
Deletelet the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— (Proverbs 1:5 NIV)
ReplyDeletethe wise don't get to stop listening, as there is ongoing learnings to be had. We don't ever get to say we've fully arrived in wisdom
Great to see your post brother Daniel :) I agree, we should never stop "Praying for Wisdom", just like it says in James 1:5-8, "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
DeleteLet's ask in Faith :)
Brother Daniel, yes "there is ongoing learnings to be had." It's humbling to realize that the more I learn the more I realize just how little I know! God Bless :-)
Delete1. The video does a good job in outlining the book of Proverbs and the exhortation of seeking and embracing Wisdom. First, the word "Proverbs" in the greek, comes from the word that means "to rule or to govern", thus proverbs =rules and advice for Governing our lives!! In this day of vast information about anything, Knowledge is plentiful, but Wisdom is so Scarce. Wisdom means far more than knowing a lot, it is the ability to see things through God's perspective and have a discerning heart, for everyday living!
ReplyDeleteSome of the most annoying people are "Know-it-alls", a person that has a dogmatic opinion about everything, closed minded to anything new, resents discipline, and refuses to learn. Solomon calls this type of person a "Fool". Let's not be a "Know-it-all" , instead, let us be open to godly counsel and wise insight. Remember, only God knows it all :)
2. did it
Brother Israel, excellent point "Remember, only God knows it all". Deuteronomy 29:29 "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law."
ReplyDelete