Mon.6.22.15...Be Like the Good Samaritan...Prov.24:1-14

Today, I've invited Eddie Morales, who recently got back from a mission trip to Queretaro, MX, to share with us his thoughts from our passage in Proverbs 24:1-14. It's good and challenging stuff.
"Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?" Prov.24:11-12
There is not a lack of people in need of rescue. Today there are so many people on the road to death whom we can aid in a variety of ways; by educating them, taking a stand on their behalf, sharing our resources, opening up our house and so on. I think about the story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). The men who were supposed to represent righteousness and holiness, passed by. 
Yet, the despised Samaritan, who was expected to walk on by the man in need, was the very one who came to his aid. I think as men of God, we should not be quick to pass to the other side when someone is in need. I do understand that this comes with caution, good judgment, and balance. But what is stopping us from really loving and having mercy on our neighbor, especially when we have the capacity to help?
God put it on the heart of a couple to do exactly this- to reach the lost, have mercy, seek justice, and show compassion. My friends, Jose and Joann Carrillo, recently moved to Queretaro, MX with their two children, to show Christ’s love to some of the neediest people in the world…orphans. They said good-by to their friends and relatives, left their jobs, sacrificed, and fund-raised to help aid the needy and broken. 
Although the physical needs can be more noticeable, we must not limit ourselves to those people just headed for physical death through drugs, alcohol, disease, abortion, hunger or violence. I think most men, while they look healthy on the outside, are facing the danger of spiritual death. People need to hear the life-changing message of the gospel. This is something that has been given to us freely, but as you know, it cost more than we could ever afford. Freely we have received, now freely we are to give. May we be on the lookout to give out this message of life whenever possible. Timely. Appropriately. Salted with grace and love. It could just be our persuasions and examples of the gospel that may be the means of rescuing someone from eternal death.
I understand it's easy to make excuses. “I don’t have the time to stop and help.” “That guy looks scary to approach.” “I don’t know enough to lead someone to Christ.” The second part of the proverb reminds us that even though we can make excuses, nothing can be hidden from God. He searches and weighs of our hearts, and one day we will give an account to him for all of our actions, good and bad.
Again, we need to exercise good judgment when helping others, but I think helping someone in need demonstrates character. And helping someone doesn’t have to be radical, but then again it could be. There are no limits to love at the end of the day. I love Peter and John’s response to a beggar in need in Acts 3. “Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give to you.’” They offered the man the greatest gift of love, Jesus.
Here are a few brewing opportunities to think about where you could help. The Convey of Hope is looking for volunteers to assist in their connections tent, praying for people and then following up with them as potential mentors. The Convey of Hope is a faith-based organization that brings groceries and many other resources to communities in need. This year they will be in Chicago on August 22, 2015 and looking to serve over 10,000 people in the Marquette Park area. I will have more information coming soon.
Also, Midway is going to be starting Urban Life Skills- a youth mentoring program for at-risk youth to serve as a way to prevent them from getting involved in gangs and to foster character and leadership development. Imagine leading people in prayer and potentially leading several people to Christ or reconnecting them with the Lord. Imagine mentoring young men in the ways of the Lord!
I know we have responsibilities, families to lead, jobs to work at, and ministries to pour into. These are not excuses per say, they are commitments and responsibilities to tend to. But if at all possible, "do to one what you wish you could to for many." Tell people what Jesus has done for you. Show them a real, authentic gospel. At the end of the day, people are looking for hope. Why not offer them the hope of the world?!

1.- Thanks Eddie! Now let's read our passage today, Prov.24:1-14. Pick out a verse, write it out, and share some of your thoughts regarding it. As always put it also on your MP3 card or phone and then look for opportunities to share it with others. Way to enrich others!

2.- Recently, we did a mini-series on FRIENDSHIP. This is a great group to build and deepen lifelong friends. One of the ingredients for deepening such is being on a team. Some of you are doing that this coming Sunday on a softball team. For those of you who aren't, let's eat together. Yum! That's another great way of building and deepening friendships. As you know, this Sunday at 1:00, we will be having an M3 fellowship meal at Jack's home (10749 Cherrywood Drive, Palos Park). Please indicate here if you are coming and if you are bringing your mate or date. As we mentioned Friday, today is the deadline for signing up. If not enough people are free to come, we will simply reschedule it. 

Announcements
Congratulations Mark Estrada on winning yesterday's MMA competition! I wouldn't want to go in the ring against you. I would need the good Samaritan to come along afterward.

Congratulations Fire Teams! All teams scored over 25 points average for last week. And that's not including your fire team captains who were knocking it out of the park. Again, you will note the U column represents in this case the men who were Unstoppable each day last week. Way to go! Louie Ojeda just started with us last week Monday and was not only Unstoppable, but also put up 30 points on  the board. Excellent Louie! 

Hey, here's a challenge. If for one week, each of you will score 25 points or more and be Unstoppable, I will go in the MMA ring against Mark Estrada. That was a typographical error. I will take on your greatest warrior in an underwater breath holding contest. If I lose, I'm buying free soft drinks for all present. Offer ends the end of this summer. Let the game begin. 


Fire Team 128.57Fire Team 431
Eddie MoralesUR543George RabielaUR1117
Phil RaymondU30Rich GuardiolaU46
Alex DyckmanU25Chuy Cervantes16
Ismael AndradeUR228Fire Team 5033.4
Luis OrtizU37Jack RogersUR497
Gary RemsonR117Andre VargasU26
James SchmidtU34Armando HernandezU46
William DyckmanU29George DohertyUR126
Fire Team 2031.75Jose BillegasU18
Sam VargasUR368Roger VinlasacaUR161
Oscar Nunez32Fire Team 6027.75
Israel FuentesR131Dave GarrattUR?73
Flo JuarezU34Horacio De La Torre35
Lou OjedaU30Ed Lake16
Fire Team 3035.2Dave DeBoerU29
Robert RomanUR1123Mark Estrada31
Guillermo Baez34
Vince DiazUR140
Antonio PalomarUR127
Nic Palhegyi27
Osiris AldayU48

130 comments:

  1. 1. Prov 24:13,14 "My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.
    14 Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off. "
    I really like how these verses compare wisdom to honey. Both of them are good for us and taste great. If we are to seek after wisdom we will have a good future full of blessings that can only come from God and we will continue to receive them as long as we abide in His Word.
    2. Thank you very much for the invitation Jack but unfortunately I will not be able to attend on Sunday.

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    1. Yes indeed Roger, wisdom is sweet to the soul! :)

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    2. Brother Roger, the verses you selected reminded me of Ezekiel 3:1-3 & Revelation 10:10
      "If we are to seek after wisdom we will have a good future full of blessings that can only come from God and we will continue to receive them as long as we abide in His Word." well said :-)

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    3. Amen. I pray that we abide His word. Have a blessed day Roger.

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    4. "If we find it" . I liked your comment" If we are to seek". God's wisdom is so precious, that some of us have to pray extra hard to obtain his wisdom. That's where I fall in. I also need help when I type these comments and reply's. Takes me forever.

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  2. Proverbs 24.6.ESV for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory. This verse showed me this is what m3 is all about. It's all about gaining wisdom so we can wage up war. Then sharing I wisdom with others so we can claim victory. I pray that each one of us continue to grow and continue to advance your kingdom. Amen

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    1. Amen. I also pray we in m3 grow and move forward for Christ. GOD bless

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    2. Very good James! And thanks for praying for us too!

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    3. Brother James, I come into agreement with your prayer, God bless :-)

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    4. 2. Sorry thanks for invite but I'll be heading to Florida for the next two weeks.

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    5. :) Thanks brother. Have a nice vacation.

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    6. Amen James thank you for that prayer

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    7. Amen that we all may continue to grow and advance His kingdom

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  3. Proverbs24;1 Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company. I like this verse because many people think that drinking with their friends every weekend is ok, but its what they do when their drinking that might make it wrong. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying drinking is bad just remember you don't live there....( I work for liquor company so I would be a hypocrite to say don't ev ery drink).....Sorry I will not be able to make it I work that night, have fun

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    1. Yes Flo, do not desire their company.
      Thanks for bringing up the subject of alcohol. In a few weeks, we will be looking at what Proverbs and other verses of Scripture say about it.

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    2. Thanks Florencio I abused the drinking scene and one I learned in my recovery PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS stay away from what will affect you and give you bad consequences, I have been sober by the grace of God for 5 years and he has lifted that obsession and people, places and things do not affect me anymore. I have bands of brothers

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    3. Florencio, always remember, you have a band of brothers

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    4. Florencio, always remember, you have a band of brothers

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  4. 1.Don’t interfere with good people’s lives; don’t try to get the best of them. No matter how many times you trip them up, God-loyal people don’t stay down long; Soon they’re up on their feet, while the wicked end up flat on their faces. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭24‬:‭15-16‬ MSG)
    I love this because it inspires me to always get up after bang-ups and failures.

    2. I will be in MI. Love you guys!

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    1. When you fall down, get up. I've seen that in you since you were a little boy Dave, getting knocked down when we had pillow fights. You got up with a smile on your face and came roaring back to the battle!

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    2. Dave, it's the down times when our true character shows. Focus on our Lord to pull us through down times and make us stronger

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    3. Someone once told me , "if you fall, land on your back, so you can see when Jesus lifts you." There is always hope in Jesus.

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    4. Someone once told me , "if you fall, land on your back, so you can see when Jesus lifts you." There is always hope in Jesus.

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  5. 1. "Rescue those being led to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter." Proverbs 24:11
    God speaks loud and clearly through this verse- and Eddie thank you for bringing it home to us as this is our great Commission. Your Love and caring nature spills over to us and we need to take bold steps to help save those in need and help bring them to the Kingdom.
    This is what M3 is all about and it's great to be among this great band of brothers in Christ.
    2. Yes

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    1. It's an honor to have you fighting on our side jack. God bless you bro.

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    2. Thanks Jack. It was a privilege to write for you guys on what God's speaking to me. Bless you Jack!

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    3. Jack you are a blessing to us all, thank you brother.

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    4. Jack and Eddie , thank you both and bless you.

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    5. Jack great words of encouragement thank you

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    6. Jack and Eddie , thank you both and bless you.

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    7. It would have been funny if your would have said you were not going to be at your hosted event. LOL. Great verse Jack.

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  6. Proverbs 24:13-14

    Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.

    Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
    I like how the word of the lord is compared to honey and its sweetness. Continue feeding the sweetness of the lord and become wise in his teachings. Every day I get something new to look forward to and apply it in my every day life. Thanks to Eddie for being an example of the teachings of the lord and the searching for the honey. Also God bless the family that is making a sacrifice to feed that sweetness and make life changing experiences God bless you.
    2- I will not be attending sorry and thank you. Birthday and anniversary coming up this week, I'm turning 37 and 4 years of marriage and going strong. I will remain teachable and in search of more honey.

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    1. Brother Guillermo, Happy Birthday and Anniversary. May the Lord bless you with many more years in health, peace, prosperity and love :-)

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    2. Happy anniversary brother and happy birthday. God bless.

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    3. Same verse I have, like your words, none sweeter than honey. Happy anniversary and birthday brother. Bless you

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    4. Thank you all gentleman love ya guys

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    5. Amen we all need to become more wise in His teachings everyday

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  7. 1. "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;" Proverbs 24:3
    Reminded me of Psalm 127:1 "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

    Brother Eddie, good word! "do to one what you wish you could to for many."

    2. Lord willing, my wife and I will attend :-)

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    1. Good fall up verse. Thanks for encouraging me with scripture. It helps keep me focused. God bless bro.

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    2. Brother Robert, you are a great builder of God's house, I am thankful of your encouraging words. Blessings

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    3. Robert, God bless you. you always have an encouraging word. Also thank you sending me God's word on daily basis

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    4. Robert, God bless you. you always have an encouraging word. Also thank you sending me God's word on daily basis

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    5. Great reference there Robert!

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    6. In your verse's we see both the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man.

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  8. Verses 11 & 12 stand out the most. I've reached out to a few pre-believing friends lately and I didn't get the kind of response I was hoping for. Verse 11 & 12 remind me that It is a matter of life and death and that I should not get discouraged, but should pray for and reach out to other pre-believing friends.

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    1. don't get discouraged. Just keep prayerful and keep being that godly example. Its the Holy spirits job to convict and transform, all we can do is point people in his direction.

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    2. Thanks for reaching out Ed. As you know, there are different soils, and sometimes even the hardened soil is broken up by God's plow at a later time. Then the seed bears fruit.
      Yahoo, you're done with teaching!

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    3. Brother Ed, you have planted a seed in their life. Dave said it best but it was only paisley because of your actions. Hope all is well brother.

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  9. 1. : ) I guess you know my thoughts and verse that stuck out to me today. Prov. 24:11-12. Even have another opportunity, went to a mercy training for childrens hunger fund. We're partnering with them and could open up opportunities to reach families and those in need with the cure of Christ.

    2. I will not be able to meet, I have other community engagement meeting and softball afterwards. Thanks though.

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    1. Great job Eddie. keep up the good work that God has placed in your heart.

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    2. Welcome back Eddie, you are a strong Godly man, unstoppable!

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    3. God bless you brother. GREAT JOB!

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    4. God bless you brother. GREAT JOB!

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    5. great job on the acts of service eddie.

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  10. 1) Proverbs 24:11-12 (NIV) 11 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
    12 If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
    Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?

    This is about the great commission. The harvest is plentiful. I have a strained relationship with my father. I didn't grow up with him much and when I did, it wasn't pleasant. We have made amends. I spoke to him yesterday and noticed that he is still stuck in the past and blames my mother for most it. He has a heart of unforgiveness. I told him that he needed to forgive her. He still thinks that she is bad mouthing him. I told him that she doesn't ever mention him. He is catholic and at one point went to a baptist church. From what I gathered, he is not saved. I will continue to make opportunities and reach out to him and my family. Oh God! I pray that we all seek to help our future brother and sisters.

    2) We are in.

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    1. Brother Sammy, amen! I'm glad you have restored you relationship with your father. I have know doubt that God will use your faithfulness and draw your father to Him.

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    2. Bless you Sam that you called your dad on Father's Day, despite hurts he has caused. Sounds like you ministered the truth in love to him. Will he read the Scriptures?

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    3. Proud of you my brother, We're all here for you.

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    4. Proud of you my brother, We're all here for you.

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    5. Great job there Sam at reaching out to your father with a forgiving heart just looking to tell him of God's special plan that He has for his eternal life.

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    6. Great job reaching out and talking to your father, Sam!

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    7. Thank you brothers for the encouragement

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  11. 1. - Prov. 24:13. Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.

    Honey here to me is associated with God's word, precepts and commands that are ordained through His teachings in the bible. Prov. 7:3 "Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart." One who abides by them, is acquiring righteousness, knowledge and wisdom. God's word is nourishing to our body, spirit and soul. "Sweet to your taste"


    Prov. 16:24 "Gracious words are a honeycomb sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

    Loving, kind and caring words are pleasing and uplifting to one's spirit and heart.

    1 Jn. 4:7 "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God."

    Jn. 15:12 Jesus said, "My command is this; Love each other as I have loved you."

    2.- Yes

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    1. Brother Armando, "God's word is nourishing to our body, spirit and soul." refreshing :-)

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    2. Amen, brother Armando. Honey from the jar is sweet, like our sharing of the Word in M3, but how much sweeter it is when a man applies himself and drinks it straight from the honey comb that is the Bible.

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    3. Excellent statement Armando, that well summarizes the book of Proverbs, "One who abides by them, is acquiring righteousness, knowledge and wisdom."

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    4. Great comment and reply's. I once told brother Dave G. that reding and writig was not for me ,but you band of brother have a lot of great input.

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    5. Great comment and reply's. I once told brother Dave G. that reding and writig was not for me ,but you band of brother have a lot of great input.

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  12. 1. Proverbs 24:5-6 "The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength. Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers." My strength comes from the Lord; so to, does my wisdom, for His Word is a fountain of knowledge. If I shall prevail through any adversity in life, it is by the power of God...through the great power that I draw from His word. We are in a state of perpetual WAR until the day our Savior returns to end it, but we do not fight alone. The Word provides us with guidance, and those who dwell in the Word are our advisers. I count you, brothers, among my advisers, for you have chosen to dwell in the Word. Armed with this knowledge and the gift of the Holy Spirit, we will fight, and we will win.

    2. I do plan on attending.

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    1. Great words you wrote Osiris- "We are in a state of perpetual WAR until the day our Savior returns to end it, but we do not fight alone. The Word provides us with guidance, and those who dwell in the Word are our advisers. I count you, brothers, among my advisers, for you have chosen to dwell in the Word. Armed with this knowledge and the gift of the Holy Spirit, we will fight, and we will win."

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    2. Brother Osiris, you were blessed to be born with pen in hand. Love the way you share the knowledge God blessed you with.

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    3. Brother Osiris, you were blessed to be born with pen in hand. Love the way you share the knowledge God blessed you with.

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    4. Brother Osiris, as always, great insight :-)

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    5. Keep up the good work brother!

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  13. Proverbs 24:1 Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them. This reminds me of Psalms 73, great chapter/sermon. The bad guys seems to have it all together. He has all the stuff and everything always seems to work out for him. But it comes with a heavy price, for the wages of sin is death.

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    1. Powerful and sobering reminder Rick- "He has all the stuff and everything always seems to work out for him. But it comes with a heavy price, for the wages of sin is death."

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  14. 1. Proverbs 24: 3-4 NIV "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. "
    In this verse one can say that our body is the house. Understanding our body we can establish a foundationto fill out heart, mind, body and soul. We can treat our body as a temple of the Lord or let our just crumble to ruins.

    2. Sorry guys, I will not be attending. Thank you Jack for opening your house and David for the offer.

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    1. That's an interesting application of that verse Horacio. "We can treat our body as a temple of the Lord or let ours just crumble to ruins." One rather rotund preacher once jokingly said, "Every time I feel the urge to exercise, I just roll over until the urge passes." :) Cute, but not wise.

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  15. 1 Prov. 24 : 3-4 Homes are built on the foundation of wisdom and understanding . Where there is knowledge, the rooms are furnished with valuable, beautiful things.
    To me, a house is referred to a man. If a man puts Christ first in his life, he is blessed with Godly wisdom. The knowledge he gets and practices make him and his family more solid, closer and peaceful. Going back to Prov 23:23, Truth, wisdom learning, and good sense -these are worth paying for , but too valuable for you to sell. Once you have the understanding of God' s great love, only a fool can turn away.
    2 yes, to pot lunch

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    1. Alright Louie! we are so blessed to have you with us. Keep up the great work!

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  16. 1 Prov. 24 : 3-4 Homes are built on the foundation of wisdom and understanding . Where there is knowledge, the rooms are furnished with valuable, beautiful things.
    To me, a house is referred to a man. If a man puts Christ first in his life, he is blessed with Godly wisdom. The knowledge he gets and practices make him and his family more solid, closer and peaceful. Going back to Prov 23:23, Truth, wisdom learning, and good sense -these are worth paying for , but too valuable for you to sell. Once you have the understanding of God' s great love, only a fool can turn away.
    2 yes, to pot lunch

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  17. 1- Proverbs 24:5-6
    5 The wise prevail through great power,
    and those who have knowledge muster their strength.
    6 Surely you need guidance to wage war,
    and victory is won through many advisers. - NIV

    5-6 It’s better to be wise than strong;
    intelligence outranks muscle any day.
    Strategic planning is the key to warfare;
    to win, you need a lot of good counsel. -MSG

    I especially like verse 6 in the message version, "strategic planning is the key to warfare, to win, you need a lot of good counsel". This reminds me of Ephesians 6. We are in a war and we need to plan our strategies on how we are going to win the war in our lives. As well as having some good brothers along side you to help us in our battles.

    2- I will have to excuse myself from this fellas. Have fun.

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    1. Excellent words Luis- "We are in a war and we need to plan our strategies on how we are going to win the war in our lives. As well as having some good brothers along side you to help us in our battles."

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    2. Battle Stations men! Good stuff Lou!

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  18. 1) :8 The one who plots evil will be called a schemer.
    With the actions we employ we arm other with the adjectives to define us.

    2) I won't be able to make it to Jack's I will be out of town.

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    1. Antonio, this is very good- "With the actions we employ we arm others with the adjectives to define us."

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    2. Thanks Dave you are a great encouragement.

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    3. Brother Tony, so true and concise :-)

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  19. 1. Proverbs 21:3
    To do righteous and justice is more acceptable to the lord than sacrifice.

    This verse stood out to me the most. I use too think sacrific was the biggest part of being a christian, but as i grow wiser in the lord, i understand that our father would rather us do good deeds and live righteous lives than to sacrifice anything.

    2: Yes me and my wife will be attending.

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    1. Yes Jose, twice in Matthew's gospel, Jesus said to the Pharisees, "Go and learn what this means, "I desire mercy, (loyal love), not sacrifice." Sacrifices can be a substitute for loving obedience.

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  20. 1. Proverbs 21.:10 If you faint in the day of adversity Your strength is small.
    We need to be strong for our families when faced with the difficult times. Things happen that can break us, but as long as we believe that God is with us, we have no reason to feel hopeless.
    2. I can't make it.

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    1. Years ago I went thru some amazing difficult times .I knew God , but he was not my focal point. My health , family life suffered. Since then I have learned to trust in God. God let a us go thru these time to make us stronger. It
      also happens so that we can look up ask the Father to help us . God is all powerful and all loving. He knows our situation, and never leaves us. Thank you , Chuy

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  21. Great job Eddie for the insightful blogpost! Always love hearing your wisdom great friend :)

    1) Some very powerful scripture in today's reading! Loved several, but one that struck near to my heart was:

    Proverbs 24:3 "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;"

    This has been my hearts desire for the last couple of months. Being newly married, and 26, I have at times succumbed to the thinking that I lack wisdom to lead my own household. Thankfully, I have the word of God to turn to, along with a mighty group of Men. I knew how Solomon asked for only Wisdom when offered anything by God, and so I wanted to do the same and continually go before the Lord in prayer to acquire it. I want Wisdom from God. How to Lead my wife, guide my home, grow my faith---these I want over any blessing of wealth, strength or intellect! I pray in faith, as it says The Lord grants Wisdom in abundance to those who ask.

    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 NIV)

    I want to build my house on that!

    2) I initially wasn't going to be able to make it to the dinner at Jack's house, however due to a change in plans, I will gladly be there with my wife! Very excited to finally make it to a M3 Meeting!

    PS, Awesome job Mark, on the MMA win Sunday! I couldn't be there to see but I was definitely excited to hear you won!

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    1. Great prayer. Keep up the pursuit.

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    2. Good post, Will! I really liked it. Keep up the good work!

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    3. Amen brother! There is no greater wisdom than the word of God.

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  22. Will, Awesome tie in with that scripture in James. Yes, we could all use more wisdom in our everyday lives and in every area of our lives. Thanks for sharing bro.

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  23. Proverbs 24:11 Rescue those being led away to death, hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

    Unfortunately I cannot make it to the dinner at Jacks house this Sunday :(

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  24. 1) Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭24‬:‭1-2‬ NIV)

    2) I won't be able to make it

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  25. 1. Pro.24.3." By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;". So much is based on wisdom. by studying the scriptures we get to know the word that became flesh. Jesus Christ is the Living Word , if we have Christ in our hearts we have the Living Word. That we might not sin against God. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
    2.I won't be able to make it to Jack Sunday I have to work.

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    1. SO grateful George that you are dedicated to wisdom

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  26. I recall a time when I blindly would go out of my way to server others. I almost impressed myself. What we can carry out for tomorrow is balance while simultaneously focusing on the the most important. That being which is not myself. There might be business and there might be fear and there might even be people that will raise up against up against. this is why I choose verse 24:10
    --If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.

    -I like to refer to this as being clutch and not failing when we are to be counted, because it is only God that gives the strength and actually bring us to the people that need God’s heart through us; or even the opposite that the people that are leading toward death (spiritually) are brought toward us that we can be encouragers.

    2
    I will make a point to go and see if my finance can come with

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    1. Great words Gary. God is our strength. When we are weak, He is strong.

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  27. 1. – Proverbs 24: 14 Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

    2. – I will not be able to meet.

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  28. 1- Proverbs 24:14 New Living Translation (NLT)
    14 In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul.
    If you find it, you will have a bright future,
    and your hopes will not be cut short.

    A great verse to take keep in mind. I like the way proverbs shows the importance of wisdom. May the Lord give M3 wisdom. MEN who are filled with wisdom.

    2- sorry my brothers I will not be able to make it to jacks house. I hope you guys have a great time.

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    1. Your a real wise guy Vince. I'm glad that I can mean it in a good way brother.

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    2. I agree, Vince! I like the way the whole book of Proverbs shows the value and importance of wisdom too. By the way, good verse choice! :)

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    3. Brother Vince, "May the Lord give M3 wisdom. MEN who are filled with wisdom." I come into agreement with your prayer :-)

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  29. 1) Proverbs 24:10 > If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!

    During the return road trip of our vacation from California, we were driving through Utah. The cities and small towns were becoming very scarce and further apart. I notice one sign that showed the symbol for gasoline at the next exit. The gas gauge on our van was at the ¼ mark, so I decided to exit the Interstate and refuel. At the bottom of the exit ramp another sign showed the gasoline symbol and pointed left with the words “12 MILES”. My wife and I agreed that 12 miles one way and 12 miles back was too far of a detour to go for gas. There has to be a gas station ahead that is nearer the Interstate. So we got back on the interstate and watched for signs of a gasoline station or a small town. About 20 minutes later the low fuel light came on on the dash board. I became alarmed. After a few minutes, I pulled over to the side of the road to evaluate our situation. There were no cellular signals to be able to make a call or check internet or to send a text message. I have a Nokia cell phone which still picked up GPS from satellite. We figured out that the next town was over 50 miles ahead of us. I felt this was a time of trouble. It seemed doubtful that we would have enough gas to make it to the next town. I explained the situation to my family and we all prayed for God to help us reach that town. We turned off the air conditioning and just opened the windows a little bit. We turned of the radio and unplugged everything that was being charged from the cigarette lighters. After a few miles, a sign gave the name of the town ahead and and said 51 miles. After a few more miles road began to descend on and off for the next 15 or so miles and we were able to coast down most of it. A few more miles and we could see what could possibly be a town way further ahead. Our hopes were higher the closer we got. God answered our prayers and granted us to make it all the way to the gas pump. I think we were running on fumes and prayers. We all cheered and praised Him. We did not falter in our trust and dependance upon God's help when things appeared really doubtful.
    Psalms 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.My heart leaps for joy, and with my
    song I praise him.

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    1. Wow, Thank God :) Woo Hoo..... this is an amazing story. You were also very wise to stop and assess the situation and turn off unnecessary items in the van, Great thinking Dave... Wow, God is soooooo gooooooood all the time. I am so glad you guys were kept safe and sound :)

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    2. You can say that again Israel. Great story on our reliance of God. I like that you said that fumes and prayers got you there.

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  30. My son, eat honey, for it is good, Yes, the honey from the comb is sweet to your taste; (‭Proverbs‬ ‭24‬:‭13‬ NASB)My son, eat honey, for it is good, Yes, the honey from the comb is sweet to your taste; Know that wisdom is thus for your soul; If you find it, then there will be a future, And your hope will not be cut off. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭24‬:‭13-14‬ NASB)
    Wisdom is like precious desert. Devour it!

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    1. Brother Nic, "Wisdom is like precious desert. Devour it!" love it! Reminded me of Jays potato chips slogan, "Can't stop eating 'em" :-)

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  31. 1) Proverbs 24:11 "Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter."

    If we know the Truth, how can we say we love a person if we stay silent as he walks on a path to his destruction?

    2) I'm unsure if I will be able to go.

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    1. I like your question "If we know the Truth, how can we say we love a person if we stay silent as he walks on a path to his destruction? " hmmm..... I need to reflect on this a bit, because many times I feel like I am too silent ....

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  32. 1 – Proverbs 24:5 The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. This reminds me of the saying – “work smarter not harder” If we use God’s wisdom we are able to accomplish more by working smarter trusting in God’s way than we are by working harder and trying to do it our own way.
    It also reminded me of 1 Timothy 4:8 "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."

    2 – I can’t make it Sunday. I’ll be thinking of you as I’m eating the bag of 12 peanuts and ½ can of soda on my way to Portland. :)

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  33. 1.http://bible.com/111/pro.24.1-2.niv Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.
    Oh how we been relating such topics as to what friendship look like, listening through wisdom of our Father. Also rebuking such groups that will drain us down to the pits of wickedness, and this verse certainly reminds of that for selfish desires is only temporary, but salvation is forever.

    2. No I will not be able to attend this sunday brothers. Than brother Jack for always opening your home to us!

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    1. Great verse selection, I chose the same verse! It must be true, "birds of a feather surely do flock together" :) We think alike :)

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    2. Amen brother. Salvation is forever

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  34. 1) To do righteousness and justice
    is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.


    (Proverbs 21:3 ESV)

    I think this is powerful because we sometimes like to take things in our own hands and do wrong by it. instead let God be the one who punishes.

    2) I would be able to go on sunday

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    1. I agree with your analysis of this verse :)

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  35. 1. Prov 24:1-2 says "Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble." -- this verse serves as a reminder, that our peers can be our Biggest threat to our moral lives, so BEWARE and very careful with whom you keep as company!! 1 Cor. 15:33 also states "Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

    2. yes, i can attend

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