Happy Independence Day tomorrow! As we think about independence, I'm reminded of how many people are seeking financial independence. Others seem happy to be dependent on family members or the government to take care of them. Proverbs has a lot to say about our finances and reminds us that we need to remain dependent upon the Lord, through our financial ups and downs. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart." Even our currency reminds us of this- "In God We Trust." Our passage in Proverbs today also reminds us that "He who trusts in himself is a fool" Prov.28:26. Another verse in our passage says that "He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor" 28:8. Yet another says, "A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him" 28:22.
With all that Proverbs has to say about money matters, I need to remind you that it is a book of maxims designed to make you thirst for the God of wisdom, not make you rich. Otherwise, it's easy to get the idea that if I would just be generous, I would become very prosperous. "A generous man will prosper" 11:25. Here's another example of such, "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first-fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing. And your vats will brim over with new wine" 3:9-10. O that we would seek first and foremost to grow the wealth of our character, caring relationships, communion with Christ, and kingdom contributions.
Don't get me wrong; there's plenty of good, financial advice in Proverbs. Most of it is common sense advice which you already know, such as work hard, don't cheat to get ahead, save for the future, stay out of bad debt, don't pursue wild speculations, give generously to the Lord and the needy. But I want to dig out a principle in Proverbs that often gets ignored by the Christian book writers on finances. Here it is- "A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away" 13:23. For that matter, injustice can sweep away a wealthy man's hard earned money also. Proverbs often stresses the law of the farm, that if you work hard, you can get ahead. But that proverb reminds us that "the law of the storm" can sweep away all of a farmer's hard work. "Injustice sweeps it away." Powerful storms can destroy big trees, big cars and big dreams.
Let's give modern day examples of such injustices. You worked hard to get through a specialized training institute, only to find out that the organization was a scam, with no job opportunities as promised. James Schmidt experienced that. You worked faithfully for a company for over 30 years, but now that you're ready to retire, you discover that your pension was squandered. You are one of the best workers in the company, but you just found out that the company is going out of business. You carefully diversified your money in mutual funds, as you were advised by the experts, but the stock market bubble burst and all your life's savings were decimated. (That happened to me in my mid 20's; fortunately, I didn't have much to lose.) You were safely driving when an uninsured driver hit you, and now your huge medical bills are forcing you into bankruptcy. You heard that a wise investment was to buy a two flat and rent it out, but your tenants have not paid you in months and have worn down the place. You went with a private placement that only the well informed know about, promising rich returns, but the representative absconded with your money. (That happened early in my marriage to the tune of $20,000. I wasn't trying to be greedy, but wise. It was legit, but the rep wasn't.) You bought a fixer upper just before the housing market bubble burst and now you're under water with the home. You started a small business, but it failed, losing your money and that of loved ones. (Been there too, with lots of tears.) You invested lots of money in a new business venture you carefully investigated, but you ended up losing big time when it was shut down by the SEC. (Been there also with many more tears.)
What is the lesson here? (Don't invest where Dave is investing!:) Maybe so, but also know that despite all your prayers, due diligence, hard work and wise advice, the law of the storm still prevails. It's not fair, but the storm doesn't care. It would be nice to think that the Lord will nudge you away from such financial mistakes, but that is just magical thinking. (I know believers who think like that.) It storms on both the just and the unjust. Bottom line, trust in the Lord with all your heart, especially when you go through such storms. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world" John 16:33. "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord" Job 1:21.
1.- The law of the storm affects everyone. You may never know if the person you're talking to is going through a storm that has them seeking for help and hope. (Or perhaps they soon will be in a storm.)We know that Christ is our rock and shelter in the time of storm. We also know that the greatest storm is yet to come to every person- death and judgment. That's why it's crucial that we are taking opportunities as we talk with people to pass on good news. We can do that so easily now with the greatestminimovies.com cards or by sending unsaved friends and family members the link to it. Please watch another one of its videos and share it's name and briefly what it was about.
Here's what Nic P. shared a week ago on the blog about reching out: "I invited one of my students to New Life. Her name is Ronita. She is in her 50's and recently lost her husband to cancer. I gave her one of the mini movie cards and she said she had a lot of questions and is going to watch the videos on her break time at work. Those cards are great. They are non threatening and almost everyone likes watching videos. It's a great way to give out the gospel especially if you struggle with timidity."
2.- Read Prov.28:15-28 and pick out a verse and share some of your thoughts regarding it. As always, write in on your MP3 card and look for opportunities to share it.
3.- Optional: Misery loves company. If you've gone through a storm of any kind, where life just didn't seem fair, please feel free to share.
Hope you have a great Independence Day and it doesn't storm. :)
PS- Please help me and yourself out. Go directly from here to the scoreboard and update your scores. I need to tally all the results for Monday's blog totals and honors. Thanks!
1.- The law of the storm affects everyone. You may never know if the person you're talking to is going through a storm that has them seeking for help and hope. (Or perhaps they soon will be in a storm.)We know that Christ is our rock and shelter in the time of storm. We also know that the greatest storm is yet to come to every person- death and judgment. That's why it's crucial that we are taking opportunities as we talk with people to pass on good news. We can do that so easily now with the greatestminimovies.com cards or by sending unsaved friends and family members the link to it. Please watch another one of its videos and share it's name and briefly what it was about.
Hope you have a great Independence Day and it doesn't storm. :)
PS- Please help me and yourself out. Go directly from here to the scoreboard and update your scores. I need to tally all the results for Monday's blog totals and honors. Thanks!
1. I watched Say No to Religion. It's a short video talking about Jesus came for a relationship, not for us to follow a religion.
ReplyDelete2.prov. 28:18 The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe,
but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.
An alternative translation says, Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.
I believe this talks alot of a man's character. If your motives are ill, false, you work and live in a dishonest manner, you are always at risk of finding yourself in trouble. But living with purpose and walking in good character and integrity protects us even in the worst times. I think this shows the protective nature of God. Willing to give instruction and promise of what ways can provide security to our lives.
My brother Eddie great words. Always insightful. Be safe my brother enjoy the holiday weekend.
DeleteGreat video Eddie. So good to talk with you the other day my mighty warrior friend.
DeleteGood words Eddie! Have a good weekend bro.
DeleteThat's a great video, love how it points back to Christ.
DeleteI also watched say no to religion. Very direct to to point . Thank you for your comment.
DeleteGreat thoughts on that great verse Eddie!
Deletethanks Eddie for breaking that down to my terms I can understand better.
Delete1. I watched the video The bridge: good news. It explains how Christ bridges us into eternal life.
ReplyDeletePro.28.22." The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them." This is a good Scripture, sometimes I catch myself being stingy.
George thanks for sharing. God bless. Have a great 4th of July.
DeleteRon Hutchcraft does such a good job in explaining the bridge to life, doesn't he George.
DeleteYes Dave! He is the only bridge to eternal salvation.
DeleteGeorge, that was a good film. Thanks for the post.
Deletethanks George for the post and expressing what you see, example of how I have to repent of how I feel at times about my bad thoughts.
Delete1- What if I do nothing. Is the video I watched. If you do nothing you will go hell. Also if you don't choose Jesus to will also go to hell. There is a reward when you choose Jesus. Being a good person is not good enough to get to heaven. Jesus paid the price so we can go to heaven. The only person good enough to make it to heaven died for us who are not good enough.
ReplyDelete2- Proverbs 28:19New International Version (NIV)
19 Those who work their land will have abundant food,
but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.
A great verse. I believe hard work at the end will pay off. We can not be lazy and do nothing.
Be safe my brothers. Have a great 4th of July.
That's a great video to call people off the fence isn't Vince. Best of blessings my brother.
DeleteI agree with you bro. Hard work always pays off. You have a good 4th too brother.
DeleteYes, have a blessed 4th of July, enjoy with family
DeleteSounds like an interesting movie . Got to watch it next time. Thank you, Vince
Deletethanks Vince, it is a great verse, sorry for the delay in response, i have heard this in many ways recently "DUE DILIGENCE" I have heard it in scripture and in my business loan package. A little confusing, argumentative, and encouraging.
Delete1. Good God? Evil World! Reminds me of a book I read, can't remember the author. But he said that evil happens for two reasons, People hurt people and natural disaster. First God values free will more than the absence of sin. And, once sin entered the world, it became imperfect.
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 28:23 He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor the he who flatters with the tongue. Afterward is often way after. Defensiveness usually puts up a wall that rejects opinions that don't align with ours.
Great words Rick! "Defensiveness usually puts up a wall that rejects opinions that don't align with ours."
ReplyDelete1. I watched I thought. It was good video for people to rethink where theyre at in their faith. It's also a good video for those who don't know Christ. Good video!
ReplyDelete2. Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. (Proverbs 28:26 ESV) I use to believe I was in the right according to my mind. I use to compare myself to others because I did not want to confess that I was sinning. I realized i was in the wrong and needed to focus on his word. Ever since I started focusing more on reading his word. It opened my eyes that I was very lost in my own mindset.
Very insightful words James. I have a relative that needs to heed your words and God's word. He has set it aside and is lost in his own confidence.
DeleteGood words James.
DeleteGreat post James! I love that after I posted, I look at you post and We watched the same video and picked the same verse! :D Great minds!
Deletethanks James that was one of the first videos I saw when Dave put up the mini-movies option. Great video thanks god bless you
Delete1. I watched "The Bridge" A couple things I got from it. We were created to revolve around Him, not the other way around. The other way is called sin. Jesus is the the bridge to God.
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 28:26 (NIV) Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
I pray that we put our trust in God's wisdom and not our own. Have a safe fourth of July! God bless.
Thanks Sam! I know you have shared the message of that bridge to life with many. Way to go!
DeleteI pray we continue to revolve our lives Round Jesus.
Deletethanks Sam amen and hope your 4th was safe god bless you.
Delete1- Watched A man feel into a hole.
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of people I've had conversations with. Most are stuck believing believing in ways that will save them.
2- Proverbs 28:18
The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit. -NIV
Sometime ago at an old job i began to slack off on some things and because I was the boss I really didn't have much to worry except for corporate and the owners. Eventually my distract manager called me out on something and it almost cost me my job but he gave me a second chance. If i would have walked more in integrity with a clean conscience of what i was doing rather than keep slacking off and getting in trouble.
That's a good verse to go along with the video you watched Lou.
DeleteThanks also fro sharing about what happened at work in the past. Glad you've learned from it.
I hope everything is going well on new job Lou!!
DeleteWow Luis thanks for sharing that reminds me of when I was living in my own sin. I used and abused my power and really didn't care until the DM caught me. I still denied and got angry because I thought he was wrong. It did cost me my job.
Delete
ReplyDelete1.- watched video "Set Free"
A good and true testimonial story of the life of Zack who is in prison when he accepts God into his life, and leaves the life of addiction, stealing, racism and learns of God's love. He now serves with prison Pastor mentoring other fellow inmates. A glories illustration of how God's love and transformation of souls is limitless and abounding.
2.- Prov. 28:26
Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
Wow what a coincidence, I just had a deep conversation with a neighbor of mind yesterday, who I will attest is in the fool category of this verse. No amount of reasoning or evidence will ever move him to acknowledge there is a God or that Jesus resurrected and that the Bible is true. Said it was a book that was written by men to serve their self best interest only. He had no proof of any of this and he just chose to be attacking and combative. I ask him if he had some more time to talk more and he said he did, so I asked him if he could sit awhile with me so I could read the book of John. Well, that set him off in a new state of attacking, telling me why I couldn't see through the lies, he said he felt I was smarter and that he was surprised at what he was hearing from me, that I sounded like a preacher. I told him that God loves us all unconditionally and for us not to judge people, I told him I loved him and asked that he just accept me as I am, a believer. Told him that even though one may have eyes one could still be blind and not see and though one may have ears, one can still be deaf to what their hearing. I told him what has just transpired here between us is living proof of how one is blind n deaf, he still didn't understand, and said he see's and hears me. I than told him also how God gives the gift to the blind to see and the deaf to hear through the Holy Spirit. He than attacked the Holy Spirit, he will definitely have his time and will be judged.
Lord, I pray you have mercy on his soul. Elderly man, his name is Mike, is friendly with everyone, is set in his ways, some believe he has some Nazi influence? I always talk do him and shovel his walkway during winter and call him to check up on him at times when I haven't seen him around. It's not for me to judge him, Lord knows I have many of my own faults.
3.- My family is definitely in some turbulent times up ahead for We are in the process of getting a divorce. Pray that God strengthen us and that we stay grounded and focus, that divorce comes to a just and amicable resolution. It's been draining, taking a lot out of the family.
Brother Armando, it takes a lot of courage and patience to share with an unbeliever. May God change his heart and mind to repent. Blessings my brother :-)
DeleteArmando, way to speak the truth with compassion to your neighbor. He is definitely in the fool category. "Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up."
DeleteI'm sorry your wife is so adamant about getting a divorce. I know you've tried much to reconcile with her and sought help from leaders at New Life.
Armando, reading your story I started to judge you neighbor, thanks for the reminder at the end that it's not for us to judge. I'm going to pray that Mike open his ears and heart to hear the Word and accept Jesus.
DeleteArmando thanks for sharing your experience, I wouldn't know how to handle that with the attacks & rejections, I probably would have gotten upset, flustered and prideful and would have walked away. Maybe because I'm inexperienced but I'm learning. god bless you and yes we cannot judge but just experience the process. Lord Help us. I will keep you and your family in my prayers through these tough times. Love conquers all.
Delete1. I watched "I don't think a loving God would judge me" The following quote stood out to me "God is a loving God but He's also a just judge"
ReplyDelete2. "Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty." Proverbs 28:19
Reminds me of people who chase after "Get rich quick" schemes
Yes indeed Robert. Speaking for get rich quick schemes, "Do you know how to make a small fortune in such? Start out with a large fortune:)
DeleteRobert, I thought the same thing when I read verse 19. People need to remember if it looks to good to be true it probably is.
DeleteYes, I agree, Robert. It does sound like a warning about get-rich-quick schemes. That was a very good verse choice! I'll copy that as an extra verse to my MP3 too.
Deletethanks Robert I believe that we are still treated like human beings regardless,l that is our learning grounds and base to prosperity and spirituality. That quote "get rich quick" brings to mind a gathering I was invited to by a friend of mine for a MLM company out there called ACN, Had to cancel that meeting, even tho I gave him my word that I would show up for support.
Delete1. What does God look like? He looks like Jesus as he came to earth to show us who he is. He is Love, he is Spirit, he is perfection , he is caring , perfect character, nurturing and leading, he is the 1 and only we must follow. He won't fail us.
ReplyDelete2. " those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty. " Proverbs 28:19
I have witnessed several people who have unobtainable goals- like being a pro athlete when they have only decent skills-- and then they give up on it after 39 plus yrs of chasing a dream without looking to the Lord-- and then they bleed their parents dry and blame them. Work hard and look to the Lord for his will.
Powerful story to illustrate that verse Jack!
DeleteJack, thanks for the text earlier. I admire how consistent you are on the blog.
Delete1. "Prodigal girl". This has to be my all time favorite parable about the redemptive Love of God!
ReplyDelete2.In the end, serious reprimand is appreciated far more than bootlicking flattery. (Proverbs 28:23 MSG)
3. Life is clear skies right now:)
Very good Dave. Was great seeing you earlier today.
Delete1: I watched good god evil world. Its very powerful I like how he made 5 points about why god doesn't stop volcano's, earthquakes, floods. Etc.
ReplyDelete1. It reminds us that we are on a sinking ship not a paradise ride.
2. It reminds us how frail we are.
3. It reminds us who's really in charge.
4.it reminds us of our relationship with our creator.
5. It reminds us of gods promise to us that even though we deserve to die for our sins, god is going to make a new Paradise earth that will All never be ravaged by sin and storms.I found this to be the most powerful video I seen so far.
2. Proverbs 25:15
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
Glad you liked the video so much Jose. Skeptics attack the belief in a good God because there is evil and suffering, so it's good that you are armed to respond to them.
Delete1. What does God look like-good video, we just need to look at Jesus. Everything in the Bible about what Jesus did is what Gos is about. This has also confused me growing up in the Catholic church. I thought Jesus was seperate from God I thought it was God and his son Jesus. I didn't know Jesus was God.
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 28:20 A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished
As men, many of us are ambitious. we want to clinb the ranks in our line of work. Many times it doesn't happen. We see bad people get farther ahead and we think why do they get all the good breaks. In the end though, it doesn't matter what you did in your career or how much money you made, God is going to judge us for what we did for him and not ourselves.
Chuy, You're right, when our time comes money isn't going to matter. It remind me of Matthew 19:24 - Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.
DeleteGreat insight Chuy and that is something very important to grasp as we make important life decisions. Have a wonderful 4th of July with your family. You are the key to making that happen.
DeleteExcellent point Chuy! "In the end though, it doesn't matter what you did in your career or how much money you made, God is going to judge us for what we did for him and not ourselves."
Delete1) I watched the "suicide" clip.
ReplyDelete2) The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper. (Proverbs 28:25 NIV) I always ask GOD to take charge and guide me and my decisions.
Who better to place in charge of our life than the Author of our life. By keeping His commandments and nourishing ourselves on the Word, we can do a better job of making wise decisions that can lead us to prosperity.
DeleteWise man Ricardo!
Delete1 – “What if I choose to do nothing” is a short video that is straight to the point on what will happened when you die. There are two options, if you are not a disciple of Jesus you will go to hell or if you accept Jesus as your savior you will have eternal life.
ReplyDelete2 – Proverbs 28:26 Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. This verse reminds me of the way I use to be, I use to do things my way, not even thinking about what was right or wrong. It wasn’t until I started coming to New Life and reading the Bible that I knew that I needed to do it God’s way. I still struggle sometimes and slip into old ways but God has ways of reminding me that I need to start listening again. The more time I spend reading the Word and going to small group the less I lose focus and slip into my old ways.
Awesome George! Yes, I have seen it time and time again: A new believer comes to Christ and he seeks the Lord by reading the bible, joining a small group, getting mentored, and just soaking himself in the presence of God more and more and more........ and then, Wisdom starts to come out of that new believer in everything he does, because he is saturated by the Word of God and His presence. Keep yourself saturated in the Word of God my brother :)
DeleteVery good George! And very good advice from Israel.
Delete1. Sorry I missed yesterday on trip with family to visit in laws. Having trouble pulling up videos. I will watch the mini movie this weekend. but spoke with a friend for an hour over phone might be joining M3.
ReplyDelete2. He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor Than he who flatters with the tongue. (Proverbs 28:23 NASB)
Flattering makes you weak and builds distrust. A rebuke brings you respect and also gives wisdom. The person rebuked may not respect you in the moment but overtime will respect when your rebuke comes to pass. Flatterers can't be trusted. Beware!
good insight into that passage my brother :) Yes, beware a flattering tongue
DeleteI just read your words to my wife Nic and she then told me she thought you sent me a text to my old phone which she now has about going out of town. Hope its a good time . Thanks for reaching out to another friend.
Delete1. Watched "lives changed", it can definitely relate to people who have been around abusive parents, drugs, neglect, for the person who has so much hate for a reason... but how amazing one can have encounter with Jesus through the least of friends and have a changed life through Him.
ReplyDelete2.http://bible.com/116/pro.28.16.nlt A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life.
I'm definitely no king, but I am a leader, provider, Manly for my wife and future baby girl :) and I pray not to be that stubborn guy who lacks understanding and common sense.
*MANLY MAN
DeleteI love the full responsibility that you are taking on behalf of your wife and family :) Yes, you are a godly Manly Man :)
DeleteI know God has great things in store for you Ish...and that you will the very man He has called you to be for your family! :) God bless you brother!
DeleteI love your heart Ismael! And I agree with Israel and William.
Delete1. "Adam and Eve were just Myths" was the video I watched. Basically, many people state that stories about Adam and Eve, Noah and the ark, Sodom and Gomorrah are just myths that people believe in foolishly. Yet, many ancient societies and cultures (non-christian peoples) have written literature about this great past flood.
ReplyDeleteWe have a better witness though, Jesus Himself states in Luke 17:24-30 " For the Son of Man in His day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other. But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. “It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. “It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed."
2. Prov 28:19 says "Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty." -- The man who works his land shall have plenty of bread to eat and will have enough to spare. But he that follows fantasies or after vain people who are empty talkers or keeps company and spends his time with people like this, he is a man whom will experience poverty and will remain dependent on others or the government to take care of him. Let us not be this kind of man!
Yes Israel, let us have diligent hands and feet.
DeleteVery good thoughts, Tio Is!
DeleteExcellent Israel! Thanks for taking the time to include that powerful Scripture passage from Luke 17.
Delete1. The video I watched was titled Draw Me A Picture. Many of the videos in our greatest mini movies library are profound and moving, but sometimes we're looking for simple answers to our questions. In the modern age of superfast access to information, even online videos are being shortened into 3-second vines. The title "Draw Me A Picture" should speak to those people who feel they don't have time to sit and watch a "touchy feely" video with an inspiring soundtrack. For the cut and dry among us, "Draw Me a Picture" does exactly that. It provides a quick introduction to who Jesus is and why we should care to know Him. We won't always reach the people we are trying to introduce to Christ, but even planting the seed in their mind that thy should care to learn more about their Lord and Savior can one day produce great fruit in their life. By distributing our cards, we are scattering seeds of truth and life. We are creating opportunities for people who would otherwise live their whole life separated from God to know Him.
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 28:23 "Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor, rather than one who has a flattering tongue." It isn't always easy or pleasant rebuke wrongdoing or wrong living, especially when it comes to correcting someone close to us like a friend or even our spouse. Nobody likes being told that they are doing wrong, but we have learned through our study of Proverbs that only fools despise correction. Better to be in temporary disfavor with our friend or spouse than to allow them to continue on a path that leads them to disfavor and separation from God. Leading by example certainly helps.
Very good insights on the proverb, Osiris! I really enjoyed reading it, and I completely agree!
DeleteWise words once again my friend.
Delete1) I watched Suffering Servant. I liked how the entire movie text was straight from scripture.
ReplyDelete2) Proverbs 28:26 "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered."
Jeremiah 17:9 ""The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?"
We are to put our trust in God alone not our hearts or what we feel. Our hearts change, but God does not.
Great stuff brorher!
DeleteI especially like your words Alex "Our hearts change, but God does not."
Delete1. The mini movie I watched was " say no to religion".
ReplyDeleteBasically it tells us that our life with God is not about religion but about our relationship with God.
2. Prov.28:20. Honest people will lead a full happy life . But if you are in a hurry to get rich, you are going to get punished.
Honest people meaning those who don't desire great wealth will be blessed. A person who is in a hurry to get rich, that is by illegal or sneaky ways will be punished.
Bueno Louie!
Delete1. I watched "falling plates" great video! It was basically about how He gave us everything and in return we sinned. So then we started searching for ways to fill the void and nothing would work. So He gave His life for us. He wants for us to know Him. He is Jeaus!!!
ReplyDelete2.Proverbs 28:23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.
Good Phil! Hope you and the family had a good time at the zoo yesterday. Enjoy the weekend my friend.
Deletelives change, biggest thing is not where you start but where you finish
ReplyDelete2) proverbs 28:22 if you chase what you are after in this case money sometimes your end up having nothing because you lost everything trying to just get money
Good words Andre- it's not where you start but where you finish.
Delete1 I just watched falling plates. Very excellent video! It talks about how people are trying to fill the God-shaped hole that is in their lives and failing at it, but that Jesus fills that hole perfectly and gives us life abundantly.
ReplyDelete2 Verse 27 stands out. I think it is important for us to reach out to the poor and help them with their basic needs and to help them learn a skill to get them out of poverty.
3 We investing in my wife's friend's restaurant in Manila. She promised a return that sounded too good to be true. A few weeks before the money with the interest was supposed to be paid out she asked us to invest again with the same percentage of increase for another 6 months. We decided not to. It turns out it was too good to be true. She said she couldn't pay us just yet and made promise after promise, but didn't have the money to return. She kept emailing us regularly, but after 9 months we told her we decided to cancel her debt to us.
Wow Ed, that's pretty crazy how that happened to you and your wife. You really showed mercy in canceling the debt. Very encouraging.
DeleteVery good Ed. Do you know if her restaurant is still in business?
DeleteBrother Ed, sorry to hear that. I hope it hasn't caused an estranged relationship. Forgiving their debt was a tangible example of how God has forgiven us our debt to Him. Wow, you truly displayed God's love!
Delete1) My wife and I watched "I thought"
ReplyDeleteIt was great video that basically started with a collection of misconceived thoughts someone had about life in the World. It moves on afterward to misconceptions that this person had about God, Christ, and Religion. Finally, it goes on to explain what the Lord had revealed to this person about who He is, and his true power. The relationship is strongly emphasized as well. This is one video I can definitely see myself refereeing people to. Loved the soundtrack as you read too!
2) The verse I chose is:
Proverbs 28:26 "Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe."
Trusting in themselves. A perfect example of us as fallen men. We want something, we need something, and ultimately we look at our own ability to obtain it. I have fallen prey to this many times, especially when dealing with things in my heart. For some reason, the natural response in me is to try and fix it alone. The Bible calls that a fool. Continuing to pray for Wisdom, and then walking in it when it is received....that we will be safely kept.
Greeting William. Like you I'm a night owl this late evening or early morning? I agree with your comments on the mini movie which I just finished watching. So glad to have young men like you joining M3.
DeleteGlad you liked the minimoive, "I Thought" My daughter Mariah picked out the soundtrack and many of the slides. She has a real gift in this area.
DeleteOh that we would be quick to look to the Lord and not lean on our own understanding.
1) I watched the minivideo called “I thought”. I really liked it. I gives those that watch it such powerful thoughts concerning their eternal destiny.
ReplyDelete2) Proverbs 28:27 > Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.
I don't want to close my eyes to the poor and homeless that I often see when I drive around our neighborhood. We (my family) are going to put together small packets this weekend to have on hand in the car to give to those who are asking from handouts at the street corners. Included in the packet with be a gospel tract.
Glad you liked the video Dave. Have a blessed 4th weekend. Oh, I talked with Michael at length yesterday and will be introducing him to the group Monday.
Delete1. I just watched "Smart." I at one time have have spoken boastful about things until i realized how foolish i actually was. I was a huge step where i feel backwards but i thank God for what he did. I thank God for letting me realize my actions and i pay for him to help me with any future thoughts or words that i might say.
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 28: 26 Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
It took someone else to point out my flaw. Yes i was upset but in the long run i thank that person many times. It has made me a better person in so many ways.
P.s. i would like to thank everyone who kept my mother in prayer. The surgery was successful! Thanks be to God Almighty! Now is a long road to recovery. Than you again brothers.
So glad the surgery was successful. Hope you get some needed sleep over this long weekend.
DeleteI wish, currently at work. I work the next four days. I'm off by Wednesday afternoon.
DeleteProverbs28;17 A man tormented by the guilt of murder will be a fugitive till, death; let no one support him.,,,, I am pretty sure this is physical death and not the murder in your heart for a fellow being, Right.......When I started the job I'm at we have a 401k, GOD told me not to put the money in stocks so I didn't, my friends who did put In stocks and put more money in lost a lot of money in 08, we have the same amount right now
ReplyDeleteYou're right Flo, that's referring to physical murder.
DeleteGlad you were spared great loss. I suspect because of our country's great debt that another huge stock market plunge awaits us. Tough times. Glad we have the Lord.
1- Good God, evil world. This mini movie is reflective to me about questioning, doubting, believing, trusting and walking I think. The video Questions and has the alternative to the questions and doubts. Love is the ultimate sacrifice that was shown to us humans or me. I have felt like It seems to be a little futile to speak about the lords teachings in my life to others. Maybe due to being in-experienced, but at times I try to be loving in gods word and express how JESUS has helped me change my ways tremendously and how much work I still require. it seems like I'm being tested still on my own. I maybe do not have the proper technique or just haven't practiced it properly.
ReplyDelete2- PROV 29: v. 9. If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instructions, even their prayers are detestable. While I was at great america yesterday with family, I was with my daughters in line to get on the american eagle "awesome ride" but my youngest daughter did something that was not to my pleasure, she made the sign of the cross because of the fear in one that exists. I need some insight of this please. I told her not to do that because it was not necessary and I really did not explain to her properly why. I need to talk to her about it properly because this passage reflects how people talk or express themselves from time to time. I don't have a full understanding of how to approach it.
Brother Guillermo, I hope you had a great time with your daughters and didn't have to wait too long to get on the rides. As for your question(s) please call me at your convenience. God bless :-)
ReplyDeletethanks Robert I did have a wonderful time with all my family and really doesn't matter the time I wait on the rides it was about my wife and my girls and my family, I realized that quickly. but yes I will call you soon have to make pancakes for my daughters
Delete1. - A song of good news, will help me get through the big storm that is about to come. I only have faith in Jesus Christ who came to die for the sin of the world and only through him we are giving a new life. He is all I need with the storm come my way. I pray for Gods grace in my life and to help me continue to run the good race, to do God’s will and glorify him with my life. Amen.
ReplyDelete2. – Proverbs 28: 25 the greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.