In 1995, my wife and I purchased a house in town, a couple blocks from the city park.
It was a small cinder block house on a concrete slab. We learned a great deal about home ownership from the 15 years we lived in that interesting little home.
We learned very early on that we could pour an endless amount of money into projects around the house if we were not careful. So we agreed to tackle a couple small adventures and 1 major remodel every year. This plan would keep us moving forward and out of debt. At least that was the plan.
It is also noteworthy to mention that somewhere in the first week we lived there, my wife discovered that I have no carpentry skills of any kind. In fact, she quickly came to the conclusion that if she needed anything serious done, then it required that we save our money and hire a contractor. This also saved us money on hospital bills.
One day I had the bright idea that we should put up a privacy fence around the small back yard. It was a reasonable plan with a reasonable price-tag.
In an act of courtesy to both neighbors, I mentioned to them my master plan and explained that I was going to purchase all the lumber and do all the work.
Silly me, I expected them to appreciate my wonderful plan.
My neighbor to the south, a kind elderly gentleman, mentioned that our property line was actually 10 feet onto his property. He suggested that I determine where the actual property line is before building my privacy fence.
The city engineer came out and took some measurements and determined that the south side of my house was indeed built right on the property line. So my new fence would be so tight up against the house that I couldn't push a lawn mower between them.
And since I payed taxes on property 50 feet wide, I needed to push my property line to the north 10 feet onto my other neighbor.
Yea.... he was less than pleased.
So I took a measuring tape out and showed that he too paid taxes on a 50 foot wide piece of property and his back yard was a full 60 feet.
And with his help, we measured my back yard, and with the adjusted fence line, I had a back yard that was 40 feet across. Silly me, I expected him to understand my problem.
My neighbor to the north made it clear that this was not his problem and the fence was not going to be moved the 10 feet onto his property unless I paid to have a $2,000 dollar survey.
It is surprising how quickly things can get stupid, even when they are being done with the best intentions.
There are layers of spiritual take-aways that we could glean from my misfortune.
So our spiritual take-away is:
"Do right. Decide to act in a way
that pleases God
in your attitudes, actions, and speech."
Don’t repay evil for evil.
Don’t retaliate with insults
when people insult you.
Instead, pay them back with a blessing.
That is what God has called you to do,
and he will bless you for it.
1 Peter 3:9
Never pay back evil with more evil.
Do things in such a way
that everyone can see you are honorable.
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Romans 12:17
Showing posts with label decisions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label decisions. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Don't Panic
A few years ago, I was asked to be 1 of 2 speakers at a public school Baccalaureate address for the graduating seniors. I was to be the 1st speaker, they called me the “inspirational speaker” and a prominent politician was the “keynote speaker”.
In my world, that is quite an honor and I took it very seriously. Not many career Corrections Officers are asked to be “inspirational speakers”. To this day I am sure the hand of God forced someone to call my phone number because – exactly what “inspirational” information does a Sheriff’s jailer have to offer?
I spoke for about 20 minutes and began wrapping up my “motivational thoughts” when the moderator stepped up to the pulpit and whispered in my ear that the “keynote speaker” had the wrong time wrote down and was in Deer Park. The master plan was for me to “wing it” for 30+ minutes until the “keynote speaker” arrived.
To this day I remember the panic driven thought zipping through my mind, “A priest, a rabbi, and a parrot go into a bar….”
This unexpected development far exceeded my preparation but the good Lord always has a plan – we just have to not panic and be sensitive to His nudging.
I remember turning back to the microphone and saying the first thing that came to my mind:
I spent the next 30 minutes talking about decisions. And how at my graduation, not one graduating senior stood up and announced plans to be booked into the county jail 12 times for “driving while intoxicated”. Not one graduating senior stood up and announced that he would spend 20 years working in the county jail as a corrections officer.
Your spiritual take-away from this blog is this:
But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people.
You are royal priests, a holy nation,
God’s very own possession.
As a result, you can show others the goodness of God,
for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:8-9
The good Lord then filled my mouth with words about the dangers of instant gratification "play now and pay later" decision making. And the rich rewarding impact that a “pay now and play later” decision making process will offer.
My point is this, the good Lord promised to give us words to say, and He did. “I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you!” Luke 21:15.
“I believe God is more interested in your availability as in your ability.”
Sometimes we rely too heavily on our natural abilities and fail to simply make ourselves available as the good Lord’s servant.
They stumble because they do not obey God’s word,
and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people.
You are royal priests, a holy nation,
God’s very own possession.
As a result, you can show others the goodness of God,
for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:8-9
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Boundaries
The NFL is full of sermon illustrations lately.
Their decision making is full of fodder for my blog.
One of my favorite teams is the New Orleans Saints.
They are the classic underdog that fights like a Rocky Balboa boxing movie.
Today the news story broke that they are GUILTY
of putting up cash bounties to "take out players".
In 2009 they had a $10,000 bounty to knock Bret Farve
out of the championship football game.
So most of their coaching staff have a year suspension of some kind.
It sounds like a mess with far reaching impacts.
WHAT spiritual application can be drawn from this goat rodeo?
When they interviewed the coaches, they tried to clarify that the bounty
started out as a positive thing. As a motivational tool to reward players
for excellent performance.
Well, their original motives may have been pure but it is difficult to keep
passionate people coloring inside the lines.
Have you ever started on the right path, making healthy decisions, only
to find yourself elbow deep in offended friends trying to explain
how things went so badly?
Your spiritual take-away from this is: "Set your boundaries on what Gods Word teaches you NOT on what a church denomination or strong religious personality imposes on you".
What lines will you cross and what lines will you avoid at all costs.
At the Bible College I went to, the rule book was something like 500 pages.
They had a rule for every situation and occasion.
I frequently asked about the reasoning behind some of the more off-the-wall
rules. For instance, it was a serious rule violation for men to wear any shirt
that was any shade of pink. And NO, they never could really explain that one.
Why do women have to wear nylons at all times?
Why do men have to have their shirts tucked in at all times?
Ladies can't wear sneakers, men cannot have beards.
You can't sit next to a member of the opposite sex in a church service
more than twice per semester without a courting pass.
You must submit to car search at any given time.
This list goes on for hundreds of pages.
My point is, what started as guidelines to provide safeguards, got confused and rather than providing protection, keeping the rules became the focus.
Instead of having guidelines that provided a safe environment for young people to learn and grow into maturity -- keeping the rules mutated into the thing that pleased God.
My point is this, you need to know where your boundaries with sin are and stay clear of them. But things that are gray areas, don't let them get out of control and take on a life of their own.
I remember hearing it preached from the pulpit that it was a sin to go to a movie theater. Yet you could go to the pastors house and watch the same movie on video.
My rule is: "What Gods Word holds firm -- I hold firm. What Gods Word holds loose -- I hold loose".
"In everything you do, put God first,
and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success."
Proverbs 3: 5-6
"So ever since we fist heard about you
we have kept on praying and asking God
to help you understand what He wants you to do;
asking Him to make you wise about spiritual things;
and asking that the way you live will always please the Lord and honor Him,
so that you will always be doing good, kind things for others,
while all the time you are learning to know God better and better,
We are praying, too, that you will be filled with His mighty,
glorious strength so that you can keep going no matter what happens --
always full of the joy of the Lord, and always thankful to the Father
who has made us fit to share all the wonderful things
that belong to those who live in the Kingdom of light."
Colossians 1: 9-12
Their decision making is full of fodder for my blog.
One of my favorite teams is the New Orleans Saints.
They are the classic underdog that fights like a Rocky Balboa boxing movie.
Today the news story broke that they are GUILTY
of putting up cash bounties to "take out players".
In 2009 they had a $10,000 bounty to knock Bret Farve
out of the championship football game.
So most of their coaching staff have a year suspension of some kind.
It sounds like a mess with far reaching impacts.
WHAT spiritual application can be drawn from this goat rodeo?
When they interviewed the coaches, they tried to clarify that the bounty
started out as a positive thing. As a motivational tool to reward players
for excellent performance.
Well, their original motives may have been pure but it is difficult to keep
passionate people coloring inside the lines.
Have you ever started on the right path, making healthy decisions, only
to find yourself elbow deep in offended friends trying to explain
how things went so badly?
Your spiritual take-away from this is: "Set your boundaries on what Gods Word teaches you NOT on what a church denomination or strong religious personality imposes on you".
What lines will you cross and what lines will you avoid at all costs.
At the Bible College I went to, the rule book was something like 500 pages.
They had a rule for every situation and occasion.
I frequently asked about the reasoning behind some of the more off-the-wall
rules. For instance, it was a serious rule violation for men to wear any shirt
that was any shade of pink. And NO, they never could really explain that one.
Why do women have to wear nylons at all times?
Why do men have to have their shirts tucked in at all times?
Ladies can't wear sneakers, men cannot have beards.
You can't sit next to a member of the opposite sex in a church service
more than twice per semester without a courting pass.
You must submit to car search at any given time.
This list goes on for hundreds of pages.
My point is, what started as guidelines to provide safeguards, got confused and rather than providing protection, keeping the rules became the focus.
Instead of having guidelines that provided a safe environment for young people to learn and grow into maturity -- keeping the rules mutated into the thing that pleased God.
My point is this, you need to know where your boundaries with sin are and stay clear of them. But things that are gray areas, don't let them get out of control and take on a life of their own.
I remember hearing it preached from the pulpit that it was a sin to go to a movie theater. Yet you could go to the pastors house and watch the same movie on video.
My rule is: "What Gods Word holds firm -- I hold firm. What Gods Word holds loose -- I hold loose".
"In everything you do, put God first,
and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success."
Proverbs 3: 5-6
"So ever since we fist heard about you
we have kept on praying and asking God
to help you understand what He wants you to do;
asking Him to make you wise about spiritual things;
and asking that the way you live will always please the Lord and honor Him,
so that you will always be doing good, kind things for others,
while all the time you are learning to know God better and better,
We are praying, too, that you will be filled with His mighty,
glorious strength so that you can keep going no matter what happens --
always full of the joy of the Lord, and always thankful to the Father
who has made us fit to share all the wonderful things
that belong to those who live in the Kingdom of light."
Colossians 1: 9-12
Monday, March 19, 2012
Tim Tebow
OK ~ I like football. See, confession is healthy and liberating.
If you would like to confess....
sorry, but you will have to start your own blog.
2 years ago, there was a young outspoken Christian quarterback
that played college football. His first year in professional football,
he wound up in Denver, playing for the Broncos.
If you don't like football, stick around, I actually have a point to
this illustration.
To make this whole situation more interesting, the NFL players
went on strike and all the preseason training camps were cancelled.
This put the new guys like Tim Tebow at a severe disadvantage.
But he shouldn't worry because 1st year guys never get to touch
the football anyway, right?
Through a comedy of errors, Tim Tebow winds up as starting
quarterback. And through his outspoken testimony for Jesus Christ,
became the laughing stock of the sports commentators and was even
the brunt of a very mocking Saturday Night Live skit.
The interesting part is, even though Tim lacked a lot of the natural
talent that the NFL is accusomed to seeing, he is a natural leader.
The Denver Broncos had totally fallen apart and were a disgrace.
Until Tim Tebow stepped on the field.
Suddenly Tim Tebow football jerseys were the hottest NFL
merchandise in the market and against everyone's expectations,
took the Broncos to the post season playoffs.
Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway (general manager for the Broncos)
made statements to the press that he was personally going to train Tim
and prepare him for a long and distinguished career.
From all appearances, the future of the Denver Broncos rested heavily
on the young shoulders of Tim Tebow.
Then the Indianapolis Colts cut their old, broken down, injured,
quarterback and put him out to pasture. The handwriting was on the wall,
the great old quarterback was in the sunset days of his career and he was done.
Until, John Elway and the Denver Broncos pointed Tim Tebow to the door
and hired the old injured quarterback to replace him. So Tim is looking for
another team and the Broncos have an old quarterback with maybe a season
or two left in him.
Your spiritual take-away from this is simple:
"Are you building your life for the future or are you making decisions that
provide you with fun today but no depth or stability for the future?"
Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man’s life is but a breath.
Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.
“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you."
Psalm 39:4-7
If you would like to confess....
sorry, but you will have to start your own blog.
2 years ago, there was a young outspoken Christian quarterback
that played college football. His first year in professional football,
he wound up in Denver, playing for the Broncos.
If you don't like football, stick around, I actually have a point to
this illustration.
To make this whole situation more interesting, the NFL players
went on strike and all the preseason training camps were cancelled.
This put the new guys like Tim Tebow at a severe disadvantage.
But he shouldn't worry because 1st year guys never get to touch
the football anyway, right?
Through a comedy of errors, Tim Tebow winds up as starting
quarterback. And through his outspoken testimony for Jesus Christ,
became the laughing stock of the sports commentators and was even
the brunt of a very mocking Saturday Night Live skit.
The interesting part is, even though Tim lacked a lot of the natural
talent that the NFL is accusomed to seeing, he is a natural leader.
The Denver Broncos had totally fallen apart and were a disgrace.
Until Tim Tebow stepped on the field.
Suddenly Tim Tebow football jerseys were the hottest NFL
merchandise in the market and against everyone's expectations,
took the Broncos to the post season playoffs.
Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway (general manager for the Broncos)
made statements to the press that he was personally going to train Tim
and prepare him for a long and distinguished career.
From all appearances, the future of the Denver Broncos rested heavily
on the young shoulders of Tim Tebow.
Then the Indianapolis Colts cut their old, broken down, injured,
quarterback and put him out to pasture. The handwriting was on the wall,
the great old quarterback was in the sunset days of his career and he was done.
Until, John Elway and the Denver Broncos pointed Tim Tebow to the door
and hired the old injured quarterback to replace him. So Tim is looking for
another team and the Broncos have an old quarterback with maybe a season
or two left in him.
Your spiritual take-away from this is simple:
"Are you building your life for the future or are you making decisions that
provide you with fun today but no depth or stability for the future?"
Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man’s life is but a breath.
Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.
“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you."
Psalm 39:4-7
Friday, March 16, 2012
Marble Theory
Last summer, I was teaching a midweek Bible Study group and I was talking about how "busy" I was. I was preaching 7 time that week and had a packed schedule. I had allowed myself to become so busy that sleep was an option.
At first glance, it seemed like I was showing them that I was a good employee by working hard. Without realizing it, I was equating busy with success. I had inadvertently fallen into the devil's lie by trying to find validation in "busy".
A very wise and humble Elder in our church that cares for me very deeply, simply said, "Did you pray and ask God which of these appointments He wanted you to cover?"
My friend is so gracious, he didn't embarrass me, nor did he talk down to me, all he was really asking was, "Does God have any input in your daily schedule?"
This seriously rattled me.
I was supposed to be teaching this Bible Study and found myself sitting at the feet on an Elder, learning some very practical, God glorifying principles. These principles have helped revolutionize my life. From that night on, I have slowed down and began developing the habit of asking God for guidance and wisdom in the everyday details of my schedule.
Where the water gets really muddy and confusing, is when you realize that the majority of the requests and opportunities we are faced with every day, are good and worthwhile projects.
This means we have to learn to say, "No" to some good and worthwhile projects or our plate will become overfull that we risk burning out.
Tell me that you have never came home after a busy day and found that you have no energy or passion for your family? All you want to do is sit down and try to recuperate enough to face tomorrow.
Have you ever found that you are expending the very best you have to offer on strangers and business, only to find that your resources are depleted by the time you get home to those you love?
So consider this: Everyday you wake up and the good Lord gives you about 7 marbles.
That means you can do about 7 things very well. If you go beyond 7 things, you can function, but the quality of work begins to slip and you start drawing from your reserves.
What blows is when your first appointment of the day, takes all 7 of your marbles and you don't have anything left for everyone else in your day. By 9:00 am, you are out of marbles and running in the deficit.
This obviously is dangerous because you CAN function by living from your reserves.
I'm not saying you can't SURVIVE -- if SURVIVAL is your idea of quality living.
Your spiritual take-away from this is two-fold:
does "busy" validate you?
what is your idea of "quality" living?
"The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.
My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life."
John 10:10
At first glance, it seemed like I was showing them that I was a good employee by working hard. Without realizing it, I was equating busy with success. I had inadvertently fallen into the devil's lie by trying to find validation in "busy".
A very wise and humble Elder in our church that cares for me very deeply, simply said, "Did you pray and ask God which of these appointments He wanted you to cover?"
My friend is so gracious, he didn't embarrass me, nor did he talk down to me, all he was really asking was, "Does God have any input in your daily schedule?"
This seriously rattled me.
I was supposed to be teaching this Bible Study and found myself sitting at the feet on an Elder, learning some very practical, God glorifying principles. These principles have helped revolutionize my life. From that night on, I have slowed down and began developing the habit of asking God for guidance and wisdom in the everyday details of my schedule.
Where the water gets really muddy and confusing, is when you realize that the majority of the requests and opportunities we are faced with every day, are good and worthwhile projects.
This means we have to learn to say, "No" to some good and worthwhile projects or our plate will become overfull that we risk burning out.
Tell me that you have never came home after a busy day and found that you have no energy or passion for your family? All you want to do is sit down and try to recuperate enough to face tomorrow.
Have you ever found that you are expending the very best you have to offer on strangers and business, only to find that your resources are depleted by the time you get home to those you love?
So consider this: Everyday you wake up and the good Lord gives you about 7 marbles.
That means you can do about 7 things very well. If you go beyond 7 things, you can function, but the quality of work begins to slip and you start drawing from your reserves.
What blows is when your first appointment of the day, takes all 7 of your marbles and you don't have anything left for everyone else in your day. By 9:00 am, you are out of marbles and running in the deficit.
This obviously is dangerous because you CAN function by living from your reserves.
I'm not saying you can't SURVIVE -- if SURVIVAL is your idea of quality living.
Your spiritual take-away from this is two-fold:
does "busy" validate you?
what is your idea of "quality" living?
"The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.
My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life."
John 10:10
Monday, March 5, 2012
God's Good Stuff
The Bible often calls "God's Good Stuff" -- BLESSINGS.
Today we use the word, "Blessing" to describe the prayer we say before eating.
We use the word, "Blessing" to describe.... well, nothing. Today we seldom use the word.
So I paraphrased the word BLESSING into "God's Good Stuff".
Fact #1: God is not the cosmic kill-joy.
Fact #2 God is not looking for excuses to withhold good from you.
Fact #3: God is good -- in every situation -- always working to bring about the best in every situation.
So why is it, that we so often "miss out" on God's good stuff?
Moses is our sermon illustration for this . (Exodus 4:10-17)
But Moses pleaded with the LORD, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.”
Then the LORD asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”
But Moses again pleaded, “Lord, please! Send anyone else.”
Then the LORD became angry with Moses. “All right,” he said. “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he speaks well. And look! He is on his way to meet you now. He will be delighted to see you. Talk to him, and put the words in his mouth. I will be with both of you as you speak, and I will instruct you both in what to do.
Aaron will be your spokesman to the people. He will be your mouthpiece, and you will stand in the place of God for him, telling him what to say."
Our spiritual take-away from this is, "If you allow FEAR to hold you back from OBEYING God, He will find someone else to do the job and get the good stuff".
One of the most amazing verses in the Bible is found in Ester 4:14:
"If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”
Get this, Queen Esther was born to save the Hebrew nation from destruction.
God carefully trained her and placed her as Queen so she would have influence over the King.
But when it was crunch time, she had a choice, she could obey God and get a part of the "good stuff" or she could be controlled by FEAR and let someone else take her place.
And if you notice in the Ester 4:14 verse, that if she refuses to step up and obey God's plan, then not only will God use someone else, but she and her family will die. No pressure.
So your spiritual challenge tonight is, "What does God want you to do?"
There are some things you can count on.
#1. God will demand that you leave your comfort zone.
#2. God will demand that you sacrifice something that you value.
#3. God's purpose will benefit OTHERS (not yourself).
#4. There will be a time when you will feel that God abandoned you.
#5. You will come out of the experience with a better understanding of WHO God is, WHO you are in God's eyes and will experience a deeper love for God because of the experience.
Today we use the word, "Blessing" to describe the prayer we say before eating.
We use the word, "Blessing" to describe.... well, nothing. Today we seldom use the word.
So I paraphrased the word BLESSING into "God's Good Stuff".
Fact #1: God is not the cosmic kill-joy.
Fact #2 God is not looking for excuses to withhold good from you.
Fact #3: God is good -- in every situation -- always working to bring about the best in every situation.
So why is it, that we so often "miss out" on God's good stuff?
Moses is our sermon illustration for this . (Exodus 4:10-17)
But Moses pleaded with the LORD, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.”
Then the LORD asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”
But Moses again pleaded, “Lord, please! Send anyone else.”
Then the LORD became angry with Moses. “All right,” he said. “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he speaks well. And look! He is on his way to meet you now. He will be delighted to see you. Talk to him, and put the words in his mouth. I will be with both of you as you speak, and I will instruct you both in what to do.
Aaron will be your spokesman to the people. He will be your mouthpiece, and you will stand in the place of God for him, telling him what to say."
Our spiritual take-away from this is, "If you allow FEAR to hold you back from OBEYING God, He will find someone else to do the job and get the good stuff".
One of the most amazing verses in the Bible is found in Ester 4:14:
"If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”
Get this, Queen Esther was born to save the Hebrew nation from destruction.
God carefully trained her and placed her as Queen so she would have influence over the King.
But when it was crunch time, she had a choice, she could obey God and get a part of the "good stuff" or she could be controlled by FEAR and let someone else take her place.
And if you notice in the Ester 4:14 verse, that if she refuses to step up and obey God's plan, then not only will God use someone else, but she and her family will die. No pressure.
So your spiritual challenge tonight is, "What does God want you to do?"
There are some things you can count on.
#1. God will demand that you leave your comfort zone.
#2. God will demand that you sacrifice something that you value.
#3. God's purpose will benefit OTHERS (not yourself).
#4. There will be a time when you will feel that God abandoned you.
#5. You will come out of the experience with a better understanding of WHO God is, WHO you are in God's eyes and will experience a deeper love for God because of the experience.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
I Choose
I'm not sure if it is the lingering affects of winter or the incessant pitter patter of half hearted rain showers but I find myself sliding into seasonal despair.
So today, I choose to take my attitude back.
The weather will not dictate my mood. How stupid is that?
To base my happiness on something that changes from hour to hour.
As the basketball great Charles Barkley says, "Knuckle-Head".
Mr. Charles Barkley as made a fortune muttering in his sarcastic dry southern slur, "Knuckle-Head" during basketball commentaries. Sorry, I digress.
So starting today, our daily blog is going to remain real and honest but with a healthy positive perspective.
This became glaringly apparent as I read Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven."
The glaring unavoidable question is, "What kind of light do you choose to shine?"
In your relationships, do the people closest to you, experience the love of God in your attitudes, actions, and words?
I take this topic to heart when I view my life from Gods perspective.
Does Garden Valley Community Church radiate the forgiving love of God?
Years ago I met with a Christian family that invited me over for dinner. After we ate, they began reminiscing about all the many pastors they had known in their life. They told me story after story about how each of these pastors had failed them. They became angry and the bitterness boiled to the surface. Finally in an attempt to offer them resolution from their bitterness, I pointed out that all of those pastors had passed away but one. They were held captive by bitterness linked to people that had been dead for decades. That is a choice.
Jesus commanded us to pray for our enemies and people that don't deserve your forgiveness or love.
“You have heard the law that says,
‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.
But I say, love your enemies!
Pray for those who persecute you!
In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.
For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good,
and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.
If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?
Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.
If you are kind only to your friends,
how are you different from anyone else?
Even pagans do that.
But you are to be perfect,
even as your Father in heaven is perfect."
Matthew 5:43-48
Refusing to forgive and harboring bitterness is like swallowing poison and expecting the other person to die.
So the spiritual takeaway from this is, "Where will you choose to stand?"
In the morning, will you choose to live your life as a child of God that is not ashamed of the life you are called to as a Believer in Jesus Christ?
Or will you choose to remain silent and choose to blend in with the world around you.
Do those around you at work know that you are a follower of Jesus Christ?
Think about this. You will respond to this blog by making a choice.
Choosing not to respond is in itself, a response.
Then he said to the crowd,
“If any of you wants to be my follower,
you must turn from your selfish ways,
take up your cross daily, and follow me."
Luke 9:24
So today, I choose to take my attitude back.
The weather will not dictate my mood. How stupid is that?
To base my happiness on something that changes from hour to hour.
As the basketball great Charles Barkley says, "Knuckle-Head".
Mr. Charles Barkley as made a fortune muttering in his sarcastic dry southern slur, "Knuckle-Head" during basketball commentaries. Sorry, I digress.
So starting today, our daily blog is going to remain real and honest but with a healthy positive perspective.
This became glaringly apparent as I read Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven."
The glaring unavoidable question is, "What kind of light do you choose to shine?"
In your relationships, do the people closest to you, experience the love of God in your attitudes, actions, and words?
I take this topic to heart when I view my life from Gods perspective.
Does Garden Valley Community Church radiate the forgiving love of God?
Years ago I met with a Christian family that invited me over for dinner. After we ate, they began reminiscing about all the many pastors they had known in their life. They told me story after story about how each of these pastors had failed them. They became angry and the bitterness boiled to the surface. Finally in an attempt to offer them resolution from their bitterness, I pointed out that all of those pastors had passed away but one. They were held captive by bitterness linked to people that had been dead for decades. That is a choice.
Jesus commanded us to pray for our enemies and people that don't deserve your forgiveness or love.
“You have heard the law that says,
‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.
But I say, love your enemies!
Pray for those who persecute you!
In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.
For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good,
and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.
If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?
Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.
If you are kind only to your friends,
how are you different from anyone else?
Even pagans do that.
But you are to be perfect,
even as your Father in heaven is perfect."
Matthew 5:43-48
Refusing to forgive and harboring bitterness is like swallowing poison and expecting the other person to die.
So the spiritual takeaway from this is, "Where will you choose to stand?"
In the morning, will you choose to live your life as a child of God that is not ashamed of the life you are called to as a Believer in Jesus Christ?
Or will you choose to remain silent and choose to blend in with the world around you.
Do those around you at work know that you are a follower of Jesus Christ?
Think about this. You will respond to this blog by making a choice.
Choosing not to respond is in itself, a response.
Then he said to the crowd,
“If any of you wants to be my follower,
you must turn from your selfish ways,
take up your cross daily, and follow me."
Luke 9:24
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Examining Priorities
Have you ever read a Bible verse that shook you to your core?
My wife read a Bible verse a couple months ago and immediately shared it with me. Her first thought was, "I can't believe this is in the Bible". Her second thought was, "Has anyone else seen it?"
Carefully read this verse and mull it over. Tell me it doesn't make you a little uncomfortable.
"Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before" 1 Thessalonians 4:11
Make it your priority to live a quiet life
Make it your priority to mind your own business
Make it your priority to work with your hands
YOU obey God's Word
Tell me, does any of these 4 Bible commands (yes they are commands -- not suggestions) sound like the American Dream?
I am NOT going to preach a sermon here, but I do want God to personally challenge you to reexamine your priorities.
"quiet life" -- literally means not to speak inappropriately and to live free of hostility. Does this describe the life in your home? Sorry, that was preaching. The ability to live a quiet life is an example of the life transforming power of the Gospel.
"mind your own business" -- 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12, "we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living."
"work with your hands" -- the Greeks believed that they should never stoop to do manual labor. They believed that working with their hands was degrading. So Paul was challenging Christians to do their best at their jobs. Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters". Luke 3:14, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”
"just as we instructed you before" -- Ask yourself this, "Will you give God's Word the authority to transform your life into a life that pleases God?"
This afternoon I met with a young man that is making some difficult life choices. As he was explaining his options (or lack of options), I was praying and asking God to guide our conversation and thoughts.
Finally I asked the young man, "Do you trust God?"
He was pretty much noncommittal in his answer and beat around the bush.
I congratulated him on being honest. I told him that he needed to move slowly in his decisions and wait for God to transform his life.
He kept asking me "where" I thought God wanted him to work and "where" God wanted him to live.
The truth is, God will work in that young man's life no matter where he goes.
Pastor Rick Warren likes to say, "God is more interested in transforming your life than making you happy".
So your spiritual takeaway for today is, "Will you open your mind to God's Word and allow it to challenge your priorities, your values, your desires, your attitudes, your goals, and your actions?"
My wife read a Bible verse a couple months ago and immediately shared it with me. Her first thought was, "I can't believe this is in the Bible". Her second thought was, "Has anyone else seen it?"
Carefully read this verse and mull it over. Tell me it doesn't make you a little uncomfortable.
"Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before" 1 Thessalonians 4:11
Make it your priority to live a quiet life
Make it your priority to mind your own business
Make it your priority to work with your hands
YOU obey God's Word
Tell me, does any of these 4 Bible commands (yes they are commands -- not suggestions) sound like the American Dream?
I am NOT going to preach a sermon here, but I do want God to personally challenge you to reexamine your priorities.
"quiet life" -- literally means not to speak inappropriately and to live free of hostility. Does this describe the life in your home? Sorry, that was preaching. The ability to live a quiet life is an example of the life transforming power of the Gospel.
"mind your own business" -- 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12, "we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living."
"work with your hands" -- the Greeks believed that they should never stoop to do manual labor. They believed that working with their hands was degrading. So Paul was challenging Christians to do their best at their jobs. Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters". Luke 3:14, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”
"just as we instructed you before" -- Ask yourself this, "Will you give God's Word the authority to transform your life into a life that pleases God?"
This afternoon I met with a young man that is making some difficult life choices. As he was explaining his options (or lack of options), I was praying and asking God to guide our conversation and thoughts.
Finally I asked the young man, "Do you trust God?"
He was pretty much noncommittal in his answer and beat around the bush.
I congratulated him on being honest. I told him that he needed to move slowly in his decisions and wait for God to transform his life.
He kept asking me "where" I thought God wanted him to work and "where" God wanted him to live.
The truth is, God will work in that young man's life no matter where he goes.
Pastor Rick Warren likes to say, "God is more interested in transforming your life than making you happy".
So your spiritual takeaway for today is, "Will you open your mind to God's Word and allow it to challenge your priorities, your values, your desires, your attitudes, your goals, and your actions?"
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
What to do?
My grandfather used to tell me that the problem with picking up a rattlesnake.... is that there is just no good way of turning him loose. Why he insisted on picking them up, I have no idea, but he just couldn't help himself.
I remember hearing my grandmother scream when she found a freshly caught rattlesnake, neatly coiled up in a glass milk jar, cooling off in the kitchen freezer.
Which was highly amusing but that is for another blog.
So, last night as I was shutting down the house, I grabbed a very perfect hunk of Tamarack for the stove. I had no doubt that it would hold a fire all night, so I slid it into the firebox and immediately it began to burn.
Except.... it was about 3" longer than my firebox.
So I have this fine piece of wood blazing away and I honestly have no idea how to resolve my issue without burning my house down.
It was so obvious that things were precarious, that the dogs went and hid in Michele's office. When pugs abandon ship, it is time to rethink your situation.
Now it is time for your Spiritual thought for the evening, "What do you do what you don't know what to do?"
So how do you get started working with God so you can begin making right decisions and showing good judgment?
Here are four keys to point you in the right direction:
#1. Make the decision to let God be God
You'll never make progress in this area as long as you refuse to give up control.
It certainly isn't easy, and it certainly doesn't happen overnight it helped when I realized there was somebody a bit more qualified than me in charge of my life.
"We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer" Proverbs 16:1-4
#2. Study the Word of God
The only way you're going to get to know God and his character is to study his Word. It won't take long before you're able to judge situations and circumstances with a new view. Decisions are easier because you already know in advance the direction you want your life to take.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" 2 Timothy 2:15
#3. Surround yourself with people who are further along in the journey
God puts people in our lives to encourage us when we are down, to teach us when we need guidance, to confront us when we are out of line, to.... well, provide what we need, when we need it. Then you can take comfort in knowing that one day your mistakes may serve to help someone else.
"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" 1 Corinthians 11:1
"God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ" 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
#4. Never give up
Every day, make progress, get to know God a little better. Cut yourself some slack. Little by little as you gain wisdom from God's Word, you'll begin to see the results reflected in your decisions.
"And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up" Hebrews 12:1-3
CLOSING THOUGHT:
I used to have a poster that said,
"Everyone needs good judgement
How do you get good judgement?
Experience
How do you get experience?
Bad judgement"
I remember hearing my grandmother scream when she found a freshly caught rattlesnake, neatly coiled up in a glass milk jar, cooling off in the kitchen freezer.
Which was highly amusing but that is for another blog.
So, last night as I was shutting down the house, I grabbed a very perfect hunk of Tamarack for the stove. I had no doubt that it would hold a fire all night, so I slid it into the firebox and immediately it began to burn.
Except.... it was about 3" longer than my firebox.
So I have this fine piece of wood blazing away and I honestly have no idea how to resolve my issue without burning my house down.
It was so obvious that things were precarious, that the dogs went and hid in Michele's office. When pugs abandon ship, it is time to rethink your situation.
Now it is time for your Spiritual thought for the evening, "What do you do what you don't know what to do?"
So how do you get started working with God so you can begin making right decisions and showing good judgment?
Here are four keys to point you in the right direction:
#1. Make the decision to let God be God
You'll never make progress in this area as long as you refuse to give up control.
It certainly isn't easy, and it certainly doesn't happen overnight it helped when I realized there was somebody a bit more qualified than me in charge of my life.
"We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer" Proverbs 16:1-4
#2. Study the Word of God
The only way you're going to get to know God and his character is to study his Word. It won't take long before you're able to judge situations and circumstances with a new view. Decisions are easier because you already know in advance the direction you want your life to take.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" 2 Timothy 2:15
#3. Surround yourself with people who are further along in the journey
God puts people in our lives to encourage us when we are down, to teach us when we need guidance, to confront us when we are out of line, to.... well, provide what we need, when we need it. Then you can take comfort in knowing that one day your mistakes may serve to help someone else.
"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" 1 Corinthians 11:1
"God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ" 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
#4. Never give up
Every day, make progress, get to know God a little better. Cut yourself some slack. Little by little as you gain wisdom from God's Word, you'll begin to see the results reflected in your decisions.
"And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up" Hebrews 12:1-3
CLOSING THOUGHT:
I used to have a poster that said,
"Everyone needs good judgement
How do you get good judgement?
Experience
How do you get experience?
Bad judgement"
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
The Unavoidable Question: "What do you believe about God?"
“Though God slay me, yet will I hope in him…” Job 13:15a
One of my favorite movie scenes is in Indiana Jones and the Holy Grail. The evil professor shoots Indiana Jones’ father (Sean Connery) and asks, “Dr. Jones, you must ask yourself, what do you believe?” If Indiana Jones believes in the Holy Grail and its healing powers, perhaps his father may live. It made for a very exciting movie.
Of course my 2nd most favorite scene is a few minutes later when the old Templar Knight mutters the timeless understatement, “He chose poorly”. I find myself quoting the old nameless Templar Knight as I watch people making decisions that will clearly end in a train wreck.
Each of us must make a decision on what we believe about God.
No one gets to abstain from this decision.
So look in a mirror and yourself these questions, “What do I spend the majority of the time thinking about?” and “What do I spend most of my money on?” and “When I am stressed, where do I go for strength and comfort?”
The answers to these questions will help reveal who the “god” of your life is.
Job’s faith had grown to the place where he trusted God with his life. Job would rather have his life rest in God’s hands than his own. Job knew that God’s unlimited wisdom and resources would always do what was best in every situation, even if that meant his death.
Welcome to the deep end of the pool.
This Pastor's Perspective on.... DECISIONS
I received so many comments and questions about “decisions” that I felt led to offer a few more guidelines.
The purpose for this BLOG is to do 2 things: (a) give you hope ~ God has a plan ~ He is never surprised or caught off guard; and (b) give you the tools you need to begin making decisions that God can approve of and bless ~ how often do we make selfish, shallow decisions, then blame God when they fail and turn out problematic for us.
Making Decisions God Approves
#1. Humility ~ Psalm 25:9
“He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them His way”#2. Holy Spirit ~ John 14:16
“He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive Him, but you know Him, because He lives with you now and later will be in you” #3. Faith ~ Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take” #4. Wisdom ~ Proverbs 2:6-9
“For the Lord grants wisdom! From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk in integrity” #5. Fear God ~ Psalm 25:12-14
“Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. They will live in prosperity, and their children will inherit the land. The Lord is a friend to those who fear Him. He teaches them His covenant.
#6. Guidance ~ John 16:13
“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own but will tell you what He has heard. He will tell you about the future”
#7. Purpose ~ Philippians 2:13
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him”
#8. Prayer ~ James 1:5-6
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone”
#9. Hope ~ Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. IF you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me”
#10. Life Master ~ Proverbs 16:9
“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps” (16:33) “we may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall”
Monday, December 19, 2011
What Exactly Does God Want From Me?
As I write this, in the recesses of my mind I can hear my dad saying,
"Because I told you so, that's why".
None of you ever heard your dad say, "You live in my house
then you will obey my rules".
In my dad's case, I never had to doubt what was on his mind.
Due to the severe economic downturn, I frequently have people ask,
"What exactly does God expect from me?"
"What does God want me to do?"
"I really want to obey God but I have no idea what He wants from me."
So the question is, "Is my dad a better communicator than God?"
So perhaps the question is, "How does God choose to communicate
with you?"
"Can you know what God wants you to do?"
Rather than wax eloquent and give you my opinions and thoughts,
I instead will share some of God's own Words and step aside while
He leads you to enlightenment and direction.
"For I know the plans I have for you", says the Lord.
"They are plans for good and not for disaster,
to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
(hope)
"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path"
Psalm 119:105
(Read His Words to you)
"But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative --
that is, the Holy Spirit -- He will teach you everything and will
remind you of everything I have told you". John 14:26
(Holy Spirit in you)
"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and he will give it
to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him,
be sure that your faith is in God alone". James 1:5
(prayer)
"Plans go wrong for lack of advice;
many advisers bring success". Proverbs 15:22
(spiritual friends to advise)
"And we know that God causes everying to work together for
The good of those who love God and are called according to
His purpose for them." Romans 8:28
(trust God to be God)
"Because I told you so, that's why".
None of you ever heard your dad say, "You live in my house
then you will obey my rules".
In my dad's case, I never had to doubt what was on his mind.
Due to the severe economic downturn, I frequently have people ask,
"What exactly does God expect from me?"
"What does God want me to do?"
"I really want to obey God but I have no idea what He wants from me."
So the question is, "Is my dad a better communicator than God?"
So perhaps the question is, "How does God choose to communicate
with you?"
"Can you know what God wants you to do?"
Rather than wax eloquent and give you my opinions and thoughts,
I instead will share some of God's own Words and step aside while
He leads you to enlightenment and direction.
"For I know the plans I have for you", says the Lord.
"They are plans for good and not for disaster,
to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
(hope)
"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path"
Psalm 119:105
(Read His Words to you)
"But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative --
that is, the Holy Spirit -- He will teach you everything and will
remind you of everything I have told you". John 14:26
(Holy Spirit in you)
"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and he will give it
to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him,
be sure that your faith is in God alone". James 1:5
(prayer)
"Plans go wrong for lack of advice;
many advisers bring success". Proverbs 15:22
(spiritual friends to advise)
"And we know that God causes everying to work together for
The good of those who love God and are called according to
His purpose for them." Romans 8:28
(trust God to be God)
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Our Journey Through Proverbs Chapter 4
"Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet: stay on the safe path. Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil" Proverbs 4:25-27
Remember playing "Tag" when you were a kid?
Remember running for "base" when someone was about to tag you!
Remember that they could not get you if you were protected by touching base?
Well, Proverbs 4 reminds me of that game of tag. As long as you stayed close to base, you were safe and no one could tag you out. However, if you got distracted and didn't pay attention, you found yourself sitting on he sidelines watching everyone else still playing.
Satan knows how to distract you. He has had thousands of years of practice. He knows what bait will turn your head. And to make it worse, James says we are drawn into temptation by our own desires. So we are walking through a mine field and our spiritual health depends on up keeping our eyes only on things that delight God.
So my question for today is, "When you look down at your toes, where are they taking you? Somewhere that makes God smile or somewhere that makes God cringe?"
Pastor Shane
Remember playing "Tag" when you were a kid?
Remember running for "base" when someone was about to tag you!
Remember that they could not get you if you were protected by touching base?
Well, Proverbs 4 reminds me of that game of tag. As long as you stayed close to base, you were safe and no one could tag you out. However, if you got distracted and didn't pay attention, you found yourself sitting on he sidelines watching everyone else still playing.
Satan knows how to distract you. He has had thousands of years of practice. He knows what bait will turn your head. And to make it worse, James says we are drawn into temptation by our own desires. So we are walking through a mine field and our spiritual health depends on up keeping our eyes only on things that delight God.
So my question for today is, "When you look down at your toes, where are they taking you? Somewhere that makes God smile or somewhere that makes God cringe?"
Pastor Shane
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Our Journey Through Proverbs
"if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!" Proverbs 1:10 NLT
Decisions. Every day each person breathing air is faced with decisions.
Often the unhealthy decision is very appealing and attractive.
God told Adam and Eve not to eat of 1 tree in His vast garden.
When they looked at the 1 forbidden tree, they found it enticing.
Genesis 3:6, the tree was (a) beautiful; (b) delicious; (c) would
give her wisdom.
Is it wrong to enjoy something beautiful that God created?
Is it wrong to taste something delicious that God created?
Is it wrong to desire wisdom?
So what was the big deal?
Simply put, God said "no".
And as His children, we must obey our Heavenly Father, even when it
Doesn't make sense. If we decide to go against God's command, we follow
In our parents, Adam and Eve's footsteps.
Adam and Eve decided that they wanted to be as smart as God and decide for
Themselves what was right and wrong for them.
In reality, they were placing themselves above God by assuming the role of
Judge to determine what they wanted to do and believe.
They chose to be rebellious and followed their pride into a terrible decision.
So please journey with me through Proverbs and learn God's thoughts on decisions.
I'm praying for you,
Pastor Shane
Decisions. Every day each person breathing air is faced with decisions.
Often the unhealthy decision is very appealing and attractive.
God told Adam and Eve not to eat of 1 tree in His vast garden.
When they looked at the 1 forbidden tree, they found it enticing.
Genesis 3:6, the tree was (a) beautiful; (b) delicious; (c) would
give her wisdom.
Is it wrong to enjoy something beautiful that God created?
Is it wrong to taste something delicious that God created?
Is it wrong to desire wisdom?
So what was the big deal?
Simply put, God said "no".
And as His children, we must obey our Heavenly Father, even when it
Doesn't make sense. If we decide to go against God's command, we follow
In our parents, Adam and Eve's footsteps.
Adam and Eve decided that they wanted to be as smart as God and decide for
Themselves what was right and wrong for them.
In reality, they were placing themselves above God by assuming the role of
Judge to determine what they wanted to do and believe.
They chose to be rebellious and followed their pride into a terrible decision.
So please journey with me through Proverbs and learn God's thoughts on decisions.
I'm praying for you,
Pastor Shane
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