Jesus on a Tortilla Chip? Only in America

Check this out, if you need a laugh (but you have to do it soon - as the auction ends this next Friday and will only be posted for 30 more days)

Proverbs 22 - keeping your name

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1, NIV).

In this age of "do whatever it takes to get ahead" very little is mentioned anymore about the value of your word, or keeping your name honorable. What am I doing right now to keep my "name" honorable for generations to come, so my great, great grandchildren have something honorable to look upon with a good memory? O Lord, you are the only one who can keep my name good, and you do it for the glory of Your Name!

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (Psalms 23:1-3, NIV).

Trike

Proverbs 21 - Marital Discord

Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. (Proverbs 21:9, NIV).

I'm sure this one could go both ways, husband or wife, but I couldn't resist the picture.

Trike

PS - this passage is NOT my experience. I am married to a wonderful, loving, kind, beautiful, caring and godly woman. (Is that how you wanted me to write that, honey?)

Proverbs 20 - the wisdom it takes to counsel others

The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. (Proverbs 20:5, NIV).

Lord, give me the wisdom, patience, and courage to be a friend to those who are needing me to "dive deep" with them. Lord, give others the same as they dive into my "deep waters" to help me become more like You. It will be painful, but the reward of You is worth it!"

Trike

Proverbs 19 - Disciplining children

Yes, I am back... for those of you who were following this daily, I apologize for the weeklong silence - we took a needed R and R trip to San Diego with the Chmieleski family. And it was wonderful! I really enjoyed hanging out, playing cards, swimming in the pool (ocean was about 33° F!) and going to Sea World. My kids favorite was a night at Dave and Busters, an INCREDIBLE video arcade that has all the latest and greatest games. Good times, and good memories.

I am caught up on my Proverbs reading, and will be catching up here online with you all as quickly as I can. From Proverbs 19, verse 18 hit me:

Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death. (Proverbs 19:18, NIV).

I know there has been a lot written about disciplining children, and it is not my intention to enter into a wild discussion about spanking here. However, biblically, disciplining and punishing children FOR THEIR GOOD is a common theme. Never is abusing, beating, or excessively carrying out anger condoned. Never is punishing a child because you are angry and need to lash out at them acceptable.

However, it is also not okay biblically to simply "reason" with a child. Children are not "reasonable" in the sense that you can rationally communicate truth to them. They need clear, loving, and certain boundaries. One thing my principal told me when I was an eighth grade teacher I have never forgotten. He said, "It is not the severity of the punishment, it is the certainty of it." That has been my philosophy with my kids since then. Kids do not need severity, but loving, certain, clear boundaries.

This proverb even goes so far as to say that if you don't provide these boundaries, you are contributing to him or her becoming a fool, and you become a "willing party to his death." Wow!

Trike

Proverbs 18 - Pride

Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. (Proverbs 18:12, NIV).

I fully believe that God has designed the human heart to run most effectively and sufficiently on Him. He is the one who is our "gas" for our tanks. He is the one who will satify the deepest longings of our hearts. He is the one who we were designed to worship - and not just for his own purposes. No, we are most satisfied and happy in life when we are in a dependent, loving, worshipful relationship with God. He gets the glory! We get the joy! Simple, yet incredibly important point that I need to remind myself of every day.

The pastor of the church where Hope was born, John Piper, has written very effectively about this. My favorite of all of his books is one of his first - "The Supremacy of God in Preaching". The title makes it sound like it is a book about preaching, but it is not at all really. It is a book about God, and how he desires to be the center of our lives. This desire of God to be glorified and our desire to be satisfied ARE NOT in conflict - they are beautifully harmonious.

However, each one of us is also hardwired by the great fall of our ancient ancestors (Adam and Eve) into thinking we can become self-suffient. We say to God, "No thanks, I've got it taken care of - I can fill myself up with accomplishments, family, sex, TV, March Madness, porn, and a whole host of other things. The god I have created in my own image is much better than the real deal because I am in control of this one."

The reality is, however, this "god" NEVER satisfies. As much as I struggle with all the things in life that I try to substitute for God, I know (and I am convinced all people do) that it never satisfies. Mick Jagger sings it. You can hear it on any secular love song, or especially any country song. The Beatles said, "All we need is love" and then they broke up. [Little Larry Norman quote there for anyone paying attention.]

Piper says in his book, The Supremacy of God in Preaching

We take the mirror of God's image, which was intended to reflect his glory in the world, and turn our backs to the light, and fall in love with the countours of our own dark shadow, trying desparately to convince ourselves (with technological advances or management skills or athletic prowess or academic achievements or sexual exploits or counterculture hair styles) that the dark shadow of the iimage on the ground in front of us is really glorious and satisfying. And in our proud love affair with ourselves, we pour contempt (whether we know it or not!) on the worth of God's glory.

My we learn to be humble, get honor and give God glory.

Trike

PS - I'm hoping to be able to blog in San Deigo as part of a family R and R trip - but if not, I'll post a bunch when I get back next Thursday. Peace out, for his glory and our joy!

Proverbs 16 & 17 - a two for one day!

Been insanely busy here as we are preparing to go to San Diego as a family with the whole Chmieleski clan. This is going to be a great time of connecting as pastoral families, and to get some R&R in light of the recent events at Hope. We are all pumped to be going.

Anyway, here's the two proverbs that impacted me and that I am working on memorizing/meditating:

4 The LORD works out everything for his own ends--even the wicked for a day of disaster. (Proverbs 16:4, NIV).

15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent--the LORD detests them both. (Proverbs 17:15, NIV).

God is just. He allows nothing to pass by that will not receive his justice - nothing. In fact, that's why the cross is so scandelous to some - God HAD to pour out his wrath upon Jesus (Romans 3:15) in order for his justice to be satisfied. No, this is not "divine child abuse" because the son willingly laid down his life (John 10:18). These proverbs encourage me to know that God is just - he will punish all sins, including mine! That is why Jesus Christ is so very, very precious to me.

Trike

Proverbs 15:17 - Proof that South Beach is better than Atkins...

Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred. ~ Proverbs 15:17

Seriously, great proverb! Read it last night before I went to bed at about 2am, so that's why the late post.

Trike

Proverbs 14 - The privitization of the heart

Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no-one else can share its joy. ~ Proverbs 14:10

In these recent days, I have given a lot of thought regarding the beauty, wonder and danger of our heart. Proverbs 4:23 tells us that we are to "Guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." From it can come all kinds of things - beauty, wonder, love, creativity (as I sit here at Dunn Brothers typing this, there is a elderly man pouring his heart into a pencil sketch of a young girl [his grand-daughter?] - it is wonderful!), passion, and kindness. However, as I have seen all too frequently from myself and others, out of this same place, "the heart" as proverbs calls it, can come evil beyond belief, unbridled anger, lusts that would make Hugh Hefner blush, and bitterness and unforgiveness that will burn in hole in us and everyone around us if we let it.

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to believe that bitterness and unforgiveness will ruin your social life, and your health. In fact, there is a whole organization called A Campaign for Forgiveness Research committed to the study and promotion of forgiveness for the enhancement of life and well-being here. This secular organization has promoted studies that show, among many other things, that "studies show that letting go of anger and resentment can reduce the severity of heart disease and, in some cases, even prolong the lives of cancer patients."

Why then, do we allow our "secret heart" to turn so black? Why then do we constantly return to the 'vomit' of dark thoughts, bitterness, lust and incredible selfishness? Is there any hope for our darkened hearts?

Yes there is, and it quite simple - Paul states in 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

The answer is to allow the Spirit of God, through the Word of God to TAKE CAPTIVE EVERY THOUGHT and make it OBEDIENT TO CHRIST!! This requires a daily dose of God's word and prayer (a devotional life - what a concept!) that will free us from the bondage of the waywardness of our private hearts. Is there any dark parts of your (and my) heart that needs the light of Jesus to shine on it? Let it go... Let Jesus absolutely transform you... Simply confess it to him, and allow him to change you. Repeat this process as long as it takes to let it go and receive healing. Be diligent about your heart, because it WILL WANDER AWAY if you don't!

"O God of my heart, transform and change my private heart of darkness into a valley of flowering, obedient thoughts to You!"

Trike

Proverbs 13 - Hope

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. ~ Proverbs 13:12

Just think if we would have named the church Deferred Hope Community Church...sorry, it's late and I'm tired...

Proverbs 12 - Use thy tongue for good!

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. ~ Proverbs 12:18

To quote Spiderman's uncle, "With great power comes great responsibility..." Words have amazing power - to hurt or to heal.

Watch out for beautiful women who lack discretion... Proverbs 11

Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. ~ Proverbs 11:22

Women are a thing of beauty...those that lack discretion are dangerous...

Proverbs 10 - what do I delight in?

A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom. ~ Proverbs 10:23

I have always felt that a great indicator of how I am doing with God is to ask, "What is it right now that would give me joy?" If the answer is something that is out of bounds of God's ways, then I am not doing well, and my heart needs work! If it is something like communing with him, or fly fishing so that I can enjoy God, or that I can enjoy my wife deeply through communication and friendship, then God is active. Ask yourself, what do I take pleasure in, what do I delight in?

Proverbs 9 - Do I handle people's criticism well?

“Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. ~ Proverbs 9:7-9

One of the very hardest things about the Christian life is that I need to listen to the correction or rebukes of people around me. Now, I will be the first to admit, some people have very poor motives when they correct others: Revenge, Hatred, Arrogance, Concealment of their own faults, and, quite frankly, just plain old Meanness. However, I am instructed to look for the "kernal" of truth in what they say, no matter how small. What can I learn from this? What can benefit me for the future in what they are saying? Is this simply malicious, or is there something, ANYTHING, that I can take away.

That, to me, is the difference between someone who is a mocker and someone who is trying to become more like Christ. As one of the leaders at Hope, I take a certain amount of hits. It is a LOT less than most pastors I know, but they are still there. Each time this happens, I need to ask myself what element of this is true, and what else is going on in our relationship that would precipitate something like this. "O God, make me a wise man who "will become wiser still, and who will take correction as a gift from You!"

Trike

Proverbs 8 - The arrogance of wisdom

But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” ~ Proverbs 8:36

If you stop and think about it, it is quite an amazing thing for "widsom" to claim that "she" is the only way to life. That if you spurn her as your first lover, you are in fact relegated to becoming a fool, someone whose life is leading only to the pathways of death. This it TOTALLY TRUE, since God is the author of wisdom from infinity past (see the rest of chapter 8 for this insight.) Interesting thought... and great verse..."wisdom" is totally justified in it's boastfulness then. [not like the picture!]

Take it easy there, Big Boy! - lessons from Proverbs 7

With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. ~ Proverbs 7:21-23

This is a little note to all the men out there, most specifically, ME! Sex is not something that God designed for us to be out of balance on. It is not something he created in order for us to abuse women. This can happen passively by "secret lusts" or thoughts of fantasy or it can take place actively by taking advantage of women sexually without the bounds of marriage. It is a TRAP, gentlemen! Do not get DUPED! Sex is an absolutely wonderful, worshipful thing when it is done in the boundry of a loving, godly, safe, adventurous marriage relationship.

I need to hear this every single day. The testosterone in my body, my culture, and my own worldly desires keep screaming at me that the girl on the magazine cover or the woman I see walking down the street is something to be "conquered." She is someone's daughter, someone's baby, someone's little girl on her daddy's knee - and perhaps someone else's wife (or wife to be!). She is ultimately God's daughter.

Any other lies I (or we) tell ourselves that our lust is "okay" or that it is "not that bad" does not consider how very dangerous this whole area can be to our very lives, especially our lives with God. Guys, this can wipe us out. It can take us out of the game. It can quite literally ruin our lives. When we bow down at the alter of lust we fail to seek the One who really satisfies and we settle for a little hor dourve instead of the banquet feast God has for us.

All that to say to us men: Spring is coming - Guard your hearts!

Trike

Proverbs 6

Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? ~ Proverbs 6:27

Simple verse...Simple to interpret in context.... We all need to quit farting around with sin - especially the sin of lust! You can not play with this fire and not get burned. I NEED to constantly be reminded of this, so Proverbs 6:27 is the winner for today. Nuff said...

Day Five - Are we wise yet?

Today was a great day of worship at Hope, and then having a few people over for lunch. Been a bit busy, so I think I will just give you the verse that hit me today, and give you more tomorrow.

For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. ~ Proverbs 5:21

See ya tomorrow,

Trike

Day Four of our March to Wisdom

Once again, I hit a chapter that I have been ministered to for many years. The following passages have meant a lot to me in the past, and especially verse 23:

7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7, NIV).

18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. 19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. (Proverbs 4:18, 19, NIV).

23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (Proverbs 4:23, NIV).

25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. (Proverbs 4:25, NIV).

Proverbs 4:23 has been one of the most important verses in my life. It kept me from several bad moves in my realationship with women in my college years. It kept me from allowing my "urges" to drive me instead of my God given "passion", which I think is so important for this current generation to also think about.

Since I have already memorized those verses, I needed to look for something new, and, once again, was pleased to find vr. 26

26 Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. ~ Proverbs 4:26

I am at a point in my life where I need to constantly decide to chose between what is "good" and what is "best", especially in my role at Hope and with outside minsitry opportunities. There are just so many things one can give themselves too, but only some are "firm."

Also, this is a great verse to think about when it comes to being enticed by sinful urges. The footnote in the NIV says that the verse could also read, "Consider the paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm." I need to seek wisdom daily for good decisions to not give myself to sinful urges or to settling for what is good as opposed to best. "Father, make this happen by your Spirit, for your glory and for my joy!"

Trike

Day three - Proverbs 3

Well, today the Lord did a cool thing. I really enjoyed all of Proverbs 3, but some of the verses that really impacted me I have already memorized:

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. (Proverbs 3:5-7, NIV).

9 Honour the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. (Proverbs 3:9, 10, NIV).

27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. 28 Do not say to your neighbour, “Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”--when you now have it with you. (Proverbs 3:27, 28, NIV).

Such great wisdom to live by! However, this time through Proverbs 3, verse 34 hit me:

He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. (Proverbs 3:34, NIV)

Wow! I was hit once again how God really dislikes pride and arrogance in our lives. He loathes those who are proud, and especially those who mock those are correcting us. This passage actually says that God "mocks" those who are mockers. Amazing... Reminds me to keep my heart humble, or God will do it for me!

See you tommorow for Ch. 4,

Trike

Proverbs 2 - Day TWO

Well, I've gotta confess, the proverb that God really put on my heart was actually 5 verses long (gulp - remember, I am committing myself to memorize these things... and I don't even remember where I put my car keys today!). Anyway, here is today's for me:

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. ~ Proverbs 2:1-5

After reading that passage I have two instant reactions:
1. I get fired up! Such a great thing to pursue! Such a challenge! Do I really WANT to know and fear God THAT bad? Am I willing to forgo all else to find the "pearl of great price" (Matthew 13:45-46)?
2. I feel so lazy! I am so easily satisfied with how far I have come, with the knowledge and blessings that have come from knowing Jesus Christ as I already do. Yet, I want so much more. I want to know him and fear him and love him with more and more of my heart. I want him to daily influence and intervene in my daily existence from the mondane to the magnificient.

I'd love to hear what God is teaching you this day. Yesterday's comments were great!

Trike