People Skills
I have a beef with our schools. One of the most basic skills is not taught. Yet students will need this skill no matter what job they take. It's people skills. Thankfully Proverbs is full of such. We are beginning a new section of the book, chapters 10-31, and these chapters are full of wise maxims on life. Many focus on character- what you're like even when no one is around. But many others are about caring relationships (aka love or people skills)- what you're like when others are around. Both are essential for success in life. I want to focus especially on people skills as we work our way through the rest of Proverbs. Don't you wish courses on people skills would have been required when you were in school and for students today? Think how much better off our friendships, work relationships and marriages would be with a good grounding in successful people skills. Years ago I even gave a talk on this subject from the book of Proverbs entitled, "How to Bring out the Best, Not the Beast in People" It's in the Resources section in the upper right corner of our blog. (Yes, you get Brownie points with me if you listen to it. Juslemeknow:)
Read Proverbs 10:1-15 now and look for a verse or phrase to share that resonates with you on people skills.
Here's my pick-"Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs" 10:12.
Hatred is a strong word. Hopefully most of us aren't feeling hatred toward our spouses. That can lead to murder. Then again, some of the most godly people have felt such. The late Ruth Graham was once asked if she ever felt like divorcing Billy. With quick wit she said, "Divorce, no. Murder yes!" I share that because I want you to breath a sigh of relief. Even really great marriages have hard feelings within them at times. The late, great Charlie Shedd shared that he and his wife Martha, of over 40 years, had a great marriage. It was rare that they had conflict. But when they did, they could be intense. He shared after one ugly argument, he came down to the kitchen the next morning to find a note which read,
So what do we do with our angry emotions? Great question which we will deal with tomorrow. But first and foremost, we must practice forgiveness. "Love covers over all wrongs." Could you make a list of things your spouse has done to deeply hurt you? So could I, and I've been tempted to write them down for future ammo! But "love covers over all wrongs." We are not asked to forget such wrongs. "Forgive and forget" is not found in the Bible. But "forgive" is. It's very damaging, as you may have regretfully discovered, to go back and expose or uncover your spouse's past wrongs. (But love covers over all wrongs.) We certainly wouldn't want our spouse, friends or God to do this to us. When I have so wanted to throw my wife's past wounding ways in her face, I'm often reminded of God's great forgiveness of me. "forgive...even as in Christ, God has forgiven you" Eph.4:32. "Love covers over all wrongs." Next to that phrase in Prov.10:12, I wrote these words in my Bible, "So love as Christ has loved you." O help us to do the same for others Lord. Fill us and flow through us, for we confess, that we don't have the strength to forgive and love like that. We need You!
1.-So what verse or phrase did you pick from Prov.10:1-15? Write that on your MP3 card and then write it out for us. (It could even be "Love covers over all wrongs."10:12.)
2.-Now imagine that you are mentoring a young man. Ideally share about a time that you either failed or fortunately succeeded in practicing the verse you picked for your MP3. Such personal stories really bring truths home to the heart.
Announcements
Yahoo! Everyone was Unstoppable yesterday! Despite challenges I'm sure many of you faced, you persevered. Way to go! You are warriors setting a great example, especially for the new men you are enlisting. We've had four great guys join us in just the last 10 days- Osiris, Nic, Ed and Dave D. Another brother is soon to be introduced. You are multiplying manly men!
1. " the wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invite ruin" proverbs 10:14. Did it
ReplyDelete2. Starting my career after college- most of my business meetings were with senior executives and I being young wanted to have my say and feel that I must have input in the discussions so I would get all tensed up and think of what I wanted to say and wait for the right moment for my outburst to show my naive views.
What actually would happen was that I quit listening to others as I got more uptight waiting for the right moment to throw in a comment I thought would have an impact. But what I didn't realize was that I had missed an incredible amount of valuable knowledge that would strengthen me and my wisdom. It didn't quite lead to ruin, but it was beginning to stunt my growth in knowledge and learning-- so I was wise enough to learn from my mistakes and quickly realized that I should listen, analyze, research, get insight, and the calmly reply with valuable input. The same applies to both business and Gods word -- for us to effectively live by it and use it to lead others.
What you shared is gold Jack! So glad you gained the self-examination to see what you were doing and correct it.
DeleteThis is tremendous advice for young people. Some of us older people need to heed it yet as well.
Thanks for sharing! Good advice.
DeleteJack thank you for sharing that great story. For sure now days young people need to learn to listen, they can avoid so many mistakes but just listening to good advise.
DeleteGreat advice Jack. Just listen, reflect, and reply.
DeleteThat's good advice Jack! It reminds me of a question I heard somewhere over the years on communication - "Are you listening or waiting to talk?"
DeleteThanks for sharing jack. Humble postures are the best.
DeleteExcellent advice for old and young alike, Jack. To recognize an opportunity to humble ourselves in order to be built up stronger and wiser by God can be life-changing! Who are we but doors leading to the Father's love and grace if we but choose to trust in His wisdom rather than our own.
Delete1. Prov 10:2 "Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death."
ReplyDelete2. I have a side job that I do for an attorney that involves cleaning out houses when someone passes away so the house can go on the market and get sold. This one house I was cleaning was very dirty, smelly and involved a lot of work during a really hot summer. There was no electricity in the house so I could not even have a fan on to help with some air circulation but eventually I was able to finish it.
When done I would usually report the amount of hours worked to the attorney and he would pay me. But this time just for a second I considered adding a couple of hours since it was a hard job. But right away I caught myself and knew that it would not be right. After all the attorney trusted me and had done so so many years and never had I cheated him. So I wasn't going to start now.
Right after I reported my hours the attorney called me and told me that for this job he was going to pay me one third more an hour than what I usually get paid, because he recognized it was a lot of work done in a short time.
Wow that minute I praised and thanked God for His generous provision. I can't imagine how I would have felt if I would have lied about my hours worked and then got paid even more, I would have felt so guilty and would have regretted it.
So if I would have gained more money by lying at that moment in the end I would not have gained because my conscience would have eaten away at me until I made things right. Doing the right thing delivered me from pain in the future.
I applaud your strength and conviction to preserve your integrity. It truly is a great feeling knowing you have done the right thing, against all earthly logic. How many in your position wouldn't have lied to get a little ahead, but there is no joy or value in ill-gotten rewards. I recently went through one such moment where I had to attack in prayer to keep myself from doing something very foolish, but through God's wisdom, I prevailed. I can't even describe the joy I felt to have had the strength and love of God to turn from that situation knowing I had made a manly decision. The heavens celebrate everytime a man rejects sin and temptation as you did to bring honor and glory to our God who strengthens us. Amen I say to you, brother. Keep up the good fight!
DeleteRoger what came out of my mouth was- "What a great story!" And what a great illustration for others of the verse you picked.
Delete1. Proverbs 10:9 ESV Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
ReplyDelete2. This verse pretty much explains how I lived my life when I was living in sin. I went to church every Sunday pretending to be a good Christian trying to hide my sin from others. I avoided a lot of people just so I wouldn't be found out. Little did I know the great powerful god knew I was a fake. I couldn't hide from him. I knew I had to change. Now I feel I'm walking securely in gods ways. I'm no longer hiding my sin.
Good job exposing the truth to the light and letting God do great work in you.
DeleteI'm smiling with joy James!
DeleteThere's freedom in honesty. I've learned it too James!
DeleteProverbs 10:11 (NIV) The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of Psalm 19:14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
“In every encounter we either give life or we drain it; there is no neutral exchange.” -Brennan Manning
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) The tongue has the power of life and death,and those who love it will eat its fruit.
I pray that we are careful, conscious, thoughtful, and loving with our words. May we be led by the Holy Spirit regardless of who we encounter. Speak life every day, God bless you brothers.
Good words and quotes Sam! And I bet you've got some great stories from your past that illustrate such.
ReplyDeleteI want to give a quick shout out to all the men who are involved in Points for progress for any type of addiction and applaud all you men!! For God has given us strength in victory day by day brothers!!! Keep battling! :)
ReplyDelete1. Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
ReplyDelete2. On May 8th my MP3 card said "I have made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl''. Well i failed miserably on that one. ;(
Hey stand tall Phil. Dust yourself off. Get cleaned up by the Lord by repenting to Him and walk away, turn away from that. Walk towards Victory man.
DeleteWriting down that verse is a start, but without "Covenant Eyes protection on your computer, you've got way too much temptation still at your fingertips, It's like a drunk trying to remain sober sitting in a bar. You will make it Phil. Read what I sent you, follow the steps and you will become victorious.
Delete1. "Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. Proverbs 10:12
ReplyDelete"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8
2. I regularly ask God to give me the supernatural strength and ability to love and forgive repeat offenders. I must confess that I don't possess that ability in and of myself. Today God intervened in a miraculous way and when it happened, had I not been sitting I would have fallen over.
Being in management has worn me down over the years and dealing with subordinates would be impossible were it not for the Lord's covering. A few years ago a subordinate went so far as filing false charges that I had physically assaulted him. When upper management investigated, reviewed the videos and gathered all the evidence, they realized he was lying. What hurt me the most was not the accusation, but that it came from a self-professed Christian believer. Yesterday I had to ask him a work related question. What I received was an insolent response and belligerent behavior. I informed my superior, wrote up the report and prayed.
This morning, he approached my office and asked if I could forgive him for his behavior yesterday. I responded "absolutely" and thanked him for taking the difficult step. I expressed that I longed for a loving, joyful, peaceful relationship especially with fellow Christians. I shared that God reconciles us to Himself and then to one another. I apologized for any offense I may have caused him and we terminated our conversation. I received and accepted his request in the spirit and humility that it was given.
Over the years, I had noticed positive changes in his behavior but I wasn't sure why. I've been praying and waiting for years and it has been a long time coming but I can rejoice today and share this praise report not because of what he did (apologized), but because of the work God is doing in us all. Before being reconciled to the Lord, I would not have had the ability to forgive. "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14-15
I can now forgive because I've been forgiven!
Thank you Robert for sharing that great example of how you faced a situation with God's love and not your own desires or feelings about what you wanted to do. But rather you continued faithful and constantly prayed for him and God is rewarding your faithfulness. Thank you for being such a great example for us to follow when faced with difficult situations.
DeleteThis is powerful testimony of God's amazing grace and its power to transform us. Having dealt with similar situations (false accusations) I know how difficult it can be to forgive those who seek to harm you. You handled the situation so well because you did what we often fail to do in the heat of anger: bend a knee, turn to God, and let Him fight the battle. His wisdom is without flaw and we need only to turn to it to find the solutions to even our most daunting problems. I admire your resolve to love even your enemies as the Father loves unworthy and undeserving us.
DeleteThat's a wonderful story Robert. How good it is when brothers dwell together in unity.
DeletePsalm 133:1 "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"
DeleteRobert, thank you brother for letting your light shine day in and day out, setting an awesome example of godliness. You have encouraged me and so many others on this blog and I truly want you to know that your encouragement is used by God in a very powerful way in my life :)
DeleteGreat personal story. "The fervent effectual prayers of a righteous man avails much.
Delete9 Honesty lives confident and carefree,
ReplyDeletebut Shifty is sure to be exposed.
1)Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. - Proverbs 10:9
ReplyDelete2) growing I always seem kids have money and the newest clothes when I asked them who bought them all their stuff they would by selling drugs. I remember in my lowest point I needed money and I knew where I could go if I wanted to sell drugs. I sat there thinking it it was the right thing to do . The next day when I was going to start selling I read in the newspaper the a guy I grew up with got caught and I realized I didn't want to be some that looked at doing illegal things just because things were not going my way. Live life right and don't compare yourself to others. God always awards people that keep faith him in this world or the next.
Very good life story Andre to illustrate the verse. "God always awards people that keep faith him in this world or the next."
DeleteI like those words of yours. Some seem glued to this earth, but the finish line is heaven.
1. Proverbs 10:3 "The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
ReplyDeleteProverbs 10:9 " Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
2. A common piece of advice I frequently share with my students (particularly the sneakier one) is, "It is not what we do when people are watching, but what we do when they are not that defines our character." When I was turned from God, I lived as though I was invisible. I probably had good reason to wish I could be invisible just to hide my shame from the world, but instead I convinced myself that my sin could be hidden from even those closest to me. In my heart, I kept wicked desires. In my mind, I conspired to satisfy those wicked desires. Who would know? My sin was carefully locked away and guarded where no one could find it...right? Wrong. The Lord "thwarts the craving of the wicked" and "whoever takes crooked paths will be found out" (Proverbs 10: 3 and 9). Despite my best laid plans to see my wicked and lustful desires satisfied, the Lord would not allow me to continue on the path to ruin. Like a loving father watching after his straying son, He stood closely by and watched as I stumbled through my self-inflicted blindness...but His gentle hands and strong arms were there to catch me before I hit the ground too hard. My mother, too, (I lost my father at age 19), must truly be touched by the Holy Spirit, because it wasn't more than a few hours after I'd set about my crooked paths that she was calling me up, asking me how my day was going, and seeing right through my lie when I'd reply, "Everything is going great!"
There is nothing we can hide from the loving eyes of our loving God. Yet, even when we try...even when we think ourselves invisible to Him and set upon sinful deeds, He watches us lovingly and speaks to our heart. A dear Sunday school teacher of mine, many years ago, put it like this: "You know how when you are doing something you are not supposed to your heart starts beating really hard and fast inside your chest? Well, that is Jesus knocking at the door of your heart, cautioning you against going any further. All you have to do is listen."
God bless you, brothers.
Great story Osiris! And a helpful way of warning ourselves or others regarding when our hearts are beating really fast when contemplating doing something we ought not.
DeleteGreat advice brother :) Glad to see and hear how God is working powerfully in your Life :)
DeleteWise Sunday school teacher, who happened to be informing a future teacher. What irony lol.
DeleteKnow therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. (Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV)
ReplyDeleteProverbs 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.
ReplyDeleteI believe that person has to treat people like they want to be treated. Unfortunately some people I have come across in my life had bad things to say about others and done bad things to others. But when the roles were reversed they became very angry. I try to be mild manner in life. God has taught me to be slow to anger and quick to love especially when it comes to my wife and kids. My wife and I had our ups and downs but God always intervene and that's why we are going on thirty years of marriage. We put God in the center of our marriage and our conflicts always work themselves out.
Great advice Mike. Putting God in the center.
DeleteVery good Mike- to be slow to anger and quick to love, not just to listen.
Delete1.If we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit we will walk with integrity.
ReplyDeleteThese are great scriptures not only for the young believers but all believers and people in general. We will reap what we sow that's one of God's laws. So if we do crooked things they will come back and bite us. Proverbs10:9
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
Psalm 25:21
May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord , is in you.
Prov. 10: 14The wise store up knowledge,
ReplyDeletebut the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
Chase after knowledge and understanding. I've took this to heart. I take notes, I seek godly counsel and mentors, I try to read and educate, because I know I dont know everything. But I would just qualify this and say when you do get knowledge to pass it down and share with others and that's what I try to do. Listen, learn, read, gain insight, filter, apply, own it and pass along.
Great advice Eddie and you model it well!
DeleteAmen Eddie. I really like your point about filtering. All advice is not good advice and many deadly lies are wrapped in truth.
Delete1.-Prov.10:1, A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
ReplyDelete2.-I have been successful because I put God first in everything I do, like in work, care for my family and friends. I work for God in this world and I serve people because God said to love one another. I do it because is a command of God and not a feeling. I know that serving people is not easy but I practice everyday then it becomes joyful and I know it glorifies God. So young man work for God and just God and know that your labor is not in vain. Amen.
Bueno, bueno Oscar!
DeleteGreat words Oscar. those are strong words to say to a young person. but its the truth
DeleteBrother Oscar, great perspective! "work for God and just God and know that your labor is not in vain."
Delete1)Proverbs 10:1 A wise son brings joy to his father,
ReplyDeletebut a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
2) When I read this verse it reminds me how some youth have told me the reason they act the way they do is because that is what they were taught. Many of them were youth without a father figure in their life. Their mom would tell me all the time to pray for their children. I know that it's a cop out to say, "oh well I am the way I am because of someone else". I feel we can make a decision to be great person. Be a cycle breaker and a legacy maker. I am a friendly guy. love to talk to anyone. One reason is because that is how God made me. I also feel that as I grew up my parents had me among people, so it was a normal thing to be around people. I always try to make my parents proud. They have told time and time again that they are proud of me. I am grateful to be blessed with great parents.
It seems your applied wisdom had rewarded your parents with joy, great job.
DeleteYou are a friendly person Vince and easy to talk with. The Lord will continue to use you to influence others for good and God.
DeleteBrother Vince, "Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?" Luke 6:39b. I thank God that He has given you spiritual sight that you may lead many to the Lord :-)
DeleteProverbs 10:13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,but a rod is for the back of the one who lacks sense. When I was a young man I was very foolish and the rod visited me quite often in many different forms. Probation, incarceration, homelessness, failing health. Unfortunately I wasn't even wise enough to learn from pain. I was devoted to my ways but I never stopped to inspect them. Eventually I left the habitat of the second part of the verse and moved into the blessing of the first part. I started researching the bible and eagerly investigated to find out what it meant, and how it worked. This began my journey towards wisdom which never ends but has revolutionized my life. Once I was homeless now I own a home, Once I was a substance abuser now I have self control, once I ignored pain when it shouted to guide me now I pay close attention to avoid unnecessary pain and drama. Let my failures be evidence that actions without understanding are dangerous, and that although integrity is an expensive commodity the dividends greatly out weigh the cost.
ReplyDeleteVery good Antonio. What's the old saying..."If you think education is expensive, think what stupidity will cost you:)"
ReplyDeleteBrother Tony, "Let my failures be evidence that actions without understanding are dangerous, and that although integrity is an expensive commodity the dividends greatly out weigh the cost." I know I've said this before but I must reiterate that your writing style is poetic, you've been gifted. Great testimony, you make me want to shout, Hallelujah!!
DeleteHe who walks in integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will be found out. (Proverbs 10:9 NASB). I've been on both sides of this fence. Currently with M3, my recovery group, sponsor, and great friends I am feeling a new feeling of security especially in regards to sin and accountability in walking with the Lord. what I mean is, it is good to have guard rails. Sure I can jump them at any time but it's a way better feeling knowing they are there as to having none at all. It feels good to be encouraged and surrounded with a cloud of brothers keeping me in check.
ReplyDeleteAmen to that Nick I've been on both sides and a clear conscience is a powerful inner defense.
DeleteBrother Nic, the feeling is mutual "It feels good to be encouraged and surrounded with a cloud of brothers". God bless you :-)
Delete1Proverbs 10:8 NIV
ReplyDeleteThe wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
2.To the young mentor, this for me was always hard to take in. Whether in my young and stubborn years as a teenager or as a young adult I always seemed to follow my ways. I thought I knew it all, even when my dad would share some of his wisdom, I cut in between I say I know but just like our heavenly Father, my dad always gave me choice. We'll usually I would choose mine. Not the best choices I might add but the point of this I'm always in need of guidance through my dad now my heavenly Father, because without Him I have no direction, no structure, I walk aimlessly. It's time to open my eyes, open ears and open my heart to the Lord.
You have grown in much wisdom, Ismael as you have feared the Lord your God and sought His guidance.
DeleteBrother Ismael, I tell my kids that when I hear them say "I know" what I hear is "I don't want to hear it!" I thank God He has prepared the soil of your heart and has made it receptive to all that is of Him.
Delete"Sometimes God has to break our backs to bend our knees!" (Author unknown)
1) Proverbs 10:6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
ReplyDeleteThe righteous seek to be in a right relationship with God and also with people. And so they are observant of others, desiring to be a blessing to all who they encounter. But the wicked are only into themselves. They will be nice and use flattery to manipulate people to get what they want. But when someone causes them inconvenience or confronts their careless disregard for others, they can easily explode in violent, harsh, hurtful language against them.
2) There is a 2nd shift group team leader where I work named Roger who always seems to be in a bad mood. His normal way of talking to someone under him is in anger. He is known to get abusive in the way he speaks to others. If he didn't have the experience or the ability to get things done one way or another, I don't think he would be employed at the company. But his rudeness to other team members is tolerated by the upper management. I very much dislike having to deal with Roger because he is also so quick to blame others for doing wrong things without getting the whole story. He doesn't care to hear about the reasons or for the extra problems or issues he has to deal with. And so speaking with Roger easily gets me roused up and angry too. I know I blow it when I quickly let myself get dragged me down to his level of responding. Roger just ignores me when I try to be friendly or compliment him on something. What has worked best is when I purposely try to not get angry or upset when I have to talk to Roger. Shooting off a quick prayer before engaging with Roger often helps. I've seen Roger actually calm down a degree or two sometimes.
Brother Dave H, agreed "But the wicked are only into themselves". "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." Luke 10:19 I believe this passage can also be applied to personality types, God gives us the wisdom to know how to handle them without causing us harm.
DeleteTherefore, "I (Jesus) am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16
1 – Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
ReplyDelete2 – When I married Janette 10 years ago I didn't realize her ex-husband (Adrian’s father) would be part of the deal. It seemed like he did things just to interfere with our plans and I didn't like the way he treated Janette. I didn't want to have to deal with him and just seeing him would make me angry. I let my feelings for him interfere with my marriage and cause issues for me and Janette. It wasn't until a couple years ago after I started coming to small groups at New Life that I knew I needed to change my attitude towards him. He’s Adrian’s father so he’s going to be around and I realized I’m not going to be able to change him. Now I pray that he will find Jesus and ask God to help us to get along with him.
Luke 6:32-36 (32)“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them... (35) But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. (36) Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Brother George, "I realized I’m not going to be able to change him." But we know the One who can, Jesus! Continue your intercession though faithful prayers and be amazed how God can move Heaven and Earth on your behalf!
Delete1 Prov 10:4 says, "Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich."
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 22:29 says, "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men." This is a powerful cross reference to me, when I think about being diligent at work! God blesses the work of our hands when we work hard and when we work as unto the Lord Himself :) The past 6 years in the real estate market were very tough for most realtors, as over half of them left the business, however, the Lord helped me to have my best 6 years of real estate ever! Wow, God gets all the Glory!
Brother Israel, "when we work as unto the Lord Himself" thank you for being the salt and light to this lost and broken world!!!
DeleteWhoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. (Proverbs 10:9 NIV)
ReplyDeleteAll the secrets and lies I hid in my heart for many years of living without integrity were revealed and brought hurt upon hurt in my life and in those close to me. Never again! Now living under grace upon grace.
Brother Daniel, "Never again!" thanks for taking a stand not just for yourself but also your loved ones. God Bless :-)
Delete. 1.- Proverbs 10:15 "The wealth of the rich is there fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor." 2.- This verse selection was from my son Cris this morning on our drive to his school, this verse reminds me of the old classic story of Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol, and Ebenezer Scrooge. Mr. Scrooge is a good example of how no amount of wealth can give you the real treasures of life. Mr. Scrooge was a miserable selfish unhappy miser, haunted by his conscious. Where as his employee Bob Cratchit was poor and still was happy and high spirited, grateful for everything he had and never let his poverty corrupt his spirit. This story ends with my interpretation when the Holy Spirit intercedes and changes Mr. Scrooge to a caring loving generous person. Witness to the power of God in his complete transformation to all who acknowledge and except Him. Also as this verse is applied to me. I can only say that the increased wages I received through the years has given me income to accumulate some assets, materialistic things, that have severely made me a slave to my debtors. I can surely use my circumstance to inform the youth on how not to fall into some of the bad decisions I have done and that it would be wise for them to seek the word of the Lord to help them be better steward of there finances. 1 Tim. 6:17 "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."
ReplyDeleteBrother Armando, great reminder that we're not to trust in money, but to trust the LORD Jehova Jireh, Our Provider!
DeleteProverbs 10:12-"Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all wrongs."
ReplyDeleteSometimes people who are close to us make us angry. We can bicker back and forth explaining who is right and who did what. Time that could have been spent enjoying each other is taken away when we do this. I noticed that when my wife and I argue with each other, we sometimes hold grudges. When we don't hold grudges, we are very forgiving of each other. There is no point in holding grudges because it brings tension with each other. Its alot more enjoyable when we just forgive each other because all the tension is gone.
Brother Chuy, "The things I need to remember, I don't. The things I want to forget, I can't!" (My own) Lol :-D. Great advice to follow, thanks God bless :-)
Delete1. Proverbs 10:8 "The wise in heart accepts commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin."
ReplyDelete2. For a while, I was getting in trouble a lot because I was prone to speak too much and without much thought. As a result, there was a lot of tension in my relationship with my family. I became shocked at how much trouble l was causing with my mouth. I then decided to work hard at controlling it. The results were very quick to come. I had a way more peaceful relationship with my family as a result, and I was way less stressed out than before. I do still have trouble with controlling my mouth, but I keep working at it. It is definitely worth the work.
Brother Alex, I'm glad you've seen positive results from restraining yourself. "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," James 1:19b
Delete1
ReplyDeleteDid it
I picked out verse 10:9 from our reading today. To walk in integrity is one of the most impressive things we can speak of as we involve ourselves and take a stand in our families showing leadership as well as taking in accountability. As a part of M3 there is integrity all around us and we are dedicated to each other in such a bond.
2
The first thing i can think on is the numerous times that I had forgotten or gotten to busy to call back to a mentee and the conviction surrounded me that I let the business of life get in the way of raising up a another individual;
Prov. 10: 14The wise store up knowledge,
ReplyDeletebut the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
Chase after knowledge and understanding. I've took this to heart. I take notes, I seek godly counsel and mentors, I try to read and educate, because I know I dont know everything. But I would just qualify this and say when you do get knowledge to pass it down and share with others and that's what I try to do. Listen, learn, read, gain insight, filter, apply, own it and pass along.
Brother Gary, we all fumble the ball on occasion but what matters most is that you get right back at it. God bless you :-)
ReplyDeleteSo I apologize for being MIA but I'm gonna play catch up this is what the lord spoke to me about for some reason, I really could not make out solomons proverbs from 1-12 except 12 of course but this is what came to me.
ReplyDeleteMP3 card day 5/13/2015
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up conflict,but love covers over all wrongs.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15,
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You for Your peace that rules my heart. I choose Your peace today and thank You for guiding my every step. I thank You and bless You for Your faithfulness to me in Jesus’ name. Amen."
One thing I have always wanted is to live in peace but with that I have to have love.