Honest Scales

Scripture – Proverbs 16:11: Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.

Reflection: Once again, Proverbs takes me right into daily living and practical applications. These are God’s directions for His children. They don’t all stay neatly packed away in some “spiritual” place. They impact the nuts and bolts of real life.

When I deal with someone in business I know to be a Christian, I don’t necessarily expect a discounted price or even the best price. What I do expect are “honest scales and balances.” I assume I can trust person. He or she will not take advantage of me.

Likewise, for myself, people should be able to expect the same from me. I’m to demonstrate basic honesty in my life. If I get too much change, I’m to give it back. If I’m not charged enough, it’s my job to let them know. If I’m paid in cash, I’m to report it when I file my taxes.

What other ways do “honest scales” come into play in your life? I’ll keep an eye out today and watch for temptations to fudge on this. Lord Jesus, give me your grace and power to live honestly this day.

An Invitation: A small group will be meeting this coming Sunday morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.

Pleasing God First

Scripture – Proverbs 16:7: When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

Reflection: Here’s an interesting thought. If I focus on living a life pleasing to God, even my enemies will live at peace with me. Again, many things come to mind. That’s part of the fun of having such short verses each day.

How pleasing are my ways to the Lord? As I go through the day I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll give it a high priority. When I’m talking with people or whatever else I end up doing today, I’ll consciously please God. I’ll see what difference that makes for me and for the people around me.

A second question that comes from this verse is who are my enemies? I don’t have a ready answer to that. I can’t think of any people I would call enemies. There are those I don’t get along with so well, but they’re certainly not working to do me harm or overthrow me.

And finally, just for fun, mull this over: What would happen if the United States made this a guiding principle for foreign policy?

How Will I Succeed Today?

Scripture – Proverbs 16:3: Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

Reflection: Now here’s a verse that uses some interesting words. To begin with, I have to recognize this proverb is part of God’s direction for me. I also recognize my human nature leads me to read these words from a self-centered perspective. In light of that, I’ll discipline myself to read them from the perspective of my spiritual nature.

First of all, I see the phrase “whatever you do.” “Whatever” is an all-inclusive word. There’s no loophole here – no way to get around it.

So I’m to take whatever I do and commit it “to the Lord.” What are the implications of that? And how do I do that? “Whatever” is a big word!

Then I stop and wonder about the meaning of “your plans.” Today I have an agenda – a list of things I plan to do. On a broader scale I have plans for our church and for my ministry through the church.

Whatever my plans, I’m called to commit them to the Lord. And the promise is these plans “will succeed.” What does that mean? What does it mean for you? What does spiritual success look like? Well, whatever the answers are, this should be an interesting day.

A Cheerful Look

Scripture – Proverbs 15:30: A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

Reflection: These Proverbs have a way of touching day to day life in practical ways. They give snapshots of how the Lord would have me live. Today we have another example that’s easy to understand even as it may be difficult to put into practice.

We’ve all experienced grumpy people in our lives. How do they affect you? How do you react to them?

There are days when I’m that grumpy person. That comes from a number of causes. You understand. How do I affect other people on those days?

Most days, though, I have the option of bringing a cheerful look and/or good news. How has a cheerful look affected you? How did you react to it?

I’ll be aware of my demeanor today. What kind of attitude will I give? Will I reflect the attitude of others? Or will I consciously bring a cheerful look and tone?

An Old Lesson

Scripture – Proverbs 15:16-17: Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil. Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.

Reflection: How many times have we heard this same lesson? When we already have enough, having more does not make life better. It only brings more concern or turmoil. Being satisfied with simple things is a key to wholeness. Cultivating love for people is far better than living in competition with them.

We all know this is true. Living with simple trust and faith in Jesus Christ is the path to wholeness and holiness. How many times do we have to hear this same lesson before we put it into practice? Maybe today we will start fresh. What’s there to stop us?

Just Asking

Scripture – Proverbs 14:21-22: 21He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy. 22Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

Reflection: Most all of us remember the Bible’s command to love our neighbor. (For one example, look again at Luke 10:25-37.) The easiest way to deal with that command is to turn the idea of “neighbor” into someone other than the one living next door.

What if we take this literally? Who are the people living next door to me? How do I perceive them? What do I think about them? Do I despise them or complain about them?

How often do I stop to consider the needs of my neighbor? What do they need in terms of help I can offer? What do they need in terms of friendship and kindness?

Will I let myself love my neighbor today? How will I demonstrate that? How much more blessed will I be at the end of the day because of that?

An Invitation: A small group will be meeting tomorrow morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We’ll meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.

Reading for Sunday, October 26
Scripture – Proverbs 15:3-4: 3The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. 4The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Three Truths

Scripture – Proverbs 14:14-16: 14The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good man rewarded for his. 15A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps. 16A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

Reflection: This passage lifts up at least three different truths – all tied together under the wider theme of wisdom.

1) God is just, and His justice will prevail. As we live faithful, good lives, the Lord will recognize that. He’ll recognize His children. We may see that in this life or the next. But we will see it, and we can live with the assurance God will work it out. The faithless will be fully repaid.

2) Some people give away their ability to think things through. It’s frightening to think there are people who will make their election decisions based on the political ads on TV. I’m reminded not to make simple-minded decisions, but to give thought to my steps.

3) Affirming a proper perspective of who God is keeps me on track in life and discipleship. In these current times, my faith is in Christ. He lifts me above the economic concerns around us. He is the Lord of life. He is the one to follow and trust for direction in life today.

An Invitation: A small group will be meeting this coming Sunday morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.

People of the Kingdom

Scripture – Proverbs 14:11-12: 11The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish. 12There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

Reflection: These are very interesting words that have been chosen. They highlight the difference between the world’s perspective and that of the Kingdom.

The “house” of the wicked will not last. The things of this world will not last. Believe me, I know how attractive things are and how tempting it is to acquire them. A house is one of primary things for a lot of people. That’s one reason the current foreclosure business is so frightening. What seems so solid and secure will not last.

In light of that, the “tent” of the upright will flourish. As people of the Kingdom we recognize every thing here is temporary. We are free from the need to chase after them. We are free to follow Christ and continue His ministry.

What’s one thing you could stand to loosen your grip on today? Let it go and see what happens.

To Be A Wise Person

Scripture – Proverbs 12:15-16: 15The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. 16A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

Reflection: What does it take to be a wise person? As I think of people I consider wise, one thing I see in them is peace. They seldom get rattled or upset. They shrug off insults – often with a laugh. They still are open to advice.

Sometimes I live like a fool. I still slip into the pettiness of life. I’ll get all worked up over things that don’t really matter.

Today, I’ll let God’s wisdom lead me. I have several things on my agenda. I’ll approach the day peacefully – ready for whatever else may come. Today I will be a wise person.

How about you? What wisdom do people see in you? What wise decisions will you make today?

Open to Correction

Scripture – Proverbs 12:1-3: 1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. 2A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a crafty man. 3A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.

Reflection: How do you handle correction when it’s given to you? Unless I ask for help, I often resist and/or resent it. And I must admit that really is stupid.

I guess pride is the main thing that gets in the way. I hesitate to admit I don’t know how to do something. I’ll spend a lot of time trying to figure what to do – usually getting frustrated along the way. All the while, there are people around I could simply ask to help me.

Or there’s something I’ve been doing one way for years. Then someone comes along with an easier way to do it. Again, I resist changing because……well, it comes back to acting stupid.

Today’s technological advances have changed a lot of things. This is particularly true in the ways we communicate with one another. I will keep myself open to correction today. I’ll stop resisting new ways. How about you? What’s one new thing you might open yourself to or try out today?

Financial Freedom

Scripture – Proverbs 11:24-25: 24One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. 25A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Reflection: One of the crazy things about God’s economic plan is no matter how much we give away, we will always have all we need. Especially in this day, when we’re facing such an economic upheaval in our country, this is an important truth to lift up.

God entrusts money to us. It’s His money. He simply trusts us to handle it and manage it and use it on His behalf. In that process, His promise is I will always have what I need.

If, indeed, as we affirm, the wisdom of Proverbs reflects God’s guidelines for daily, faithful living, then we can rest easy in these economic times. We will not be drained by generosity. We will be refreshed by it.

Pay attention this week. When will you be tempted to tighten your grip on money? In those moments, look for ways to loosen your grip and experience the freedom of letting it go. Try it and see what happens.

Living Within the Banks

Scripture – Proverbs 10:17: 17He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

Reflection: “Discipline” is a tough word these days. Our culture places so much value on personal freedom, many people resist any thought of being told what to do or not do. The idea of being corrected is met with defensiveness and resistance.

Yet this is part of the wisdom of God’s way for us. We often confuse discipline with punishment. Sometimes punishment is part of discipline. But daily discipline itself leads to life.

I think of the banks of a river. When the river stays within its banks, the water flows with power and direction. When it overflows its banks, it becomes a meandering flood, causing all kinds of trouble for many people.

What disciplines do you live by on a daily basis? What’s one that Christ would have you focus on today?

Walking with Integrity

Scripture – Proverbs 10:8-9: 8The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. 9The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.

Reflection: One of the things I learned a long time ago is, if I tell the truth, I don’t have to worry about keeping my story straight. I don’t have to try and remember what I told this person or that person. There’s great freedom and security in that.

There’s a daily devotional book some of us follow called Men of Integrity. My goal is to make that more than a catch-phrase. I have tried to maintain my integrity before God and people. The more I do that, the more secure my steps in life are.

Lord, please keep teaching me what integrity and honesty mean. Help me let those values become part of who I am in all I do. Thank you for your grace in my life when I fall short.

The Value of Wisdom

Scripture – Proverbs 8:10-11: 10Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, 11for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Reflection: “Wisdom is more precious than rubies.” MY first thought is, that’s why we pay for college. We take on loans and spend money for our education because we value that. We give it a high priority.

However, education is not the same as wisdom. We can choose instruction and we can gain knowledge. At the same time, these proverbs point again and again to the value of wisdom. And I don’t think we can teach wisdom.

Wisdom can be modeled. It can be seen in other people. It cannot be acquired by taking a class. It can only be humbly received, trusted as a gift from God and then put into practice.

I’ve learned to recognize wisdom. I don’t always make wise decisions. How about you? What role does wisdom play in your life? How can we practice living wisely today?

No Secrets

Scripture – Proverbs 5:21-22: 21For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. 22The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast.

Reflection: Here’s a truth I often ignore. Sometimes I still find myself trying to hide things from God. It’s like there are things about myself I don’t want Him to know.

Obviously, I can do that with people. I’m sure you do it, too. There are things I keep to myself because I’m afraid of what people would think about me if they knew.
Yet with God that’s part of His grace and love. There are no secrets I can keep from Him. He knows exactly who I am. And He loves me. At times I find that truth disconcerting. Most often, though, I find in it great freedom. For I can relax in God’s presence I don’t have to pretend at all.

If I try to cover my sins, they tie me up. If I confess, Christ sets me free. What a great relief that is!

An Invitation: A small group will be meeting tomorrow morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We’ll meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.

Reading for Sunday, October 12
Scripture – Proverbs 6:6-8: 6Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! 7It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, 8yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

A Powerful Guide for Life

Scripture – Proverbs 3:5-6: 5Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Reflection: This is a very familiar proverb for many people. It’s also a powerful guide for living – for individuals and for churches.

1) Trust in the Lord with all that I am. I will not trust in money or power or myself. Christ is the one I follow. In Him we have all we need.

2) Lean not on my own resources for figuring things out. My ideas are not always the best. Sometimes I flat out don’t have a clue what to do or how things will work. God’s call always trumps what makes sense to me. This is a huge part of living by faith.

3) Acknowledge the Lord in all that I do and am. My ways will be His ways ideally. In my heart of hearts, I will acknowledge Him always in all situations.

4) He will give me trustworthy direction. Christ will not lead me astray. He will always have my best at heart. I can count on that, as I count on Him.

Note: Over the next few days I won’t be posting anything. Here are the readings for those days. Why don’t you try your hand at some reflections? I’d love to find some of your thoughts when I get back to this.

Reading for Wednesday, October 8

Scripture – Proverbs 3:9-10: 9Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Reading for Thursday, October 9

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

Reading for Friday, October 10

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

Words That Are Hard to Ignore

Scripture – Proverbs 3:3-4: 3Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Reflection: Right from the start, I can see the main problem with these proverbs. They are too clear and too simple. It will be hard for me to ignore them or pretend I don’t understand.

Love and faithfulness are two virtues to embrace and live with each day. They are things most people will respect and appreciate if they see them. However, sometimes I don’t love. For various reasons there are people I find myself refusing to love.

Faithfulness, as well, can be forgotten. I sometimes let myself drift off the path Christ has for me. Sometimes I get discouraged because faithfulness doesn’t seem to be leading anywhere.

I’ll pay attention today. When am I withholding love? When am I losing focus on being faithful?

Lord, thank you for your clear words. Guide me today to live in love and faithfulness to you.

The Beginning of Knowledge

Scripture – Proverbs 1:7: 7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Reflection: Respecting God for who He is marks the beginning of knowledge. It doesn’t mean I’m afraid of God. It means I know His power is greater than anything or anyone.

Maybe it’s something like driving a car. When I get out on the road I remember what a powerful machine I’m operating. I’m not afraid of the car. At the same time, I respect what it can do. And I realize its power is in my hands.

Now, obviously a major difference is, I control the car. I do not control the Lord. However, the Lord gives me great power. This power comes through faith and knowledge. It’s refined and strengthened through discipline. It’s used in wisdom.

Over the next few weeks we’ll be considering lessons found in various proverbs. Most of these are short, simple and to the point sayings. Will I receive them in wisdom – as part of God’s direction for my life? Or will I despise them like a fool? The choice is in my hands, as it is in yours.

An Invitation: A small group will be meeting tomorrow morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We’ll meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.

Reading for Sunday, October 5
Scripture – Proverbs 2:12-15: 12Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, 13who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, 14who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, 15whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.

Peace at All Times

Scripture – 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18: 16Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 17I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write. 18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Reflection: That’s a goal I’ve adopted for myself: to have the Lord’s peace “at all times and in every way.” Most days I achieve that. I’ve discovered it’s not hard to do. It’s primarily a matter of discipline.

When I feel myself getting frustrated or short on time, I only need to stop and let the peace of Christ come and rule in my heart. I know that sounds simple. Yet the fact is, it is just that simple. It’s not my peace. It doesn’t come from somewhere in me. It comes to me from God. All I have to do is let it in.

I still get caught from time to time. I’ll let myself get frazzled. I don’t know why I do that. I just forget to step back a moment and let peace take over.

When do you get stressed and frazzled? What keeps you from letting the peace of Christ take over? It’s not hard to let it in. It’s really not.

As we leave the Thessalonian letters, let’s take Paul’s final blessing with us: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.”

An Invitation: A small group will be meeting this coming Sunday morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.

A Great Line

Scripture – 2 Thessalonians 3:11-15: 11We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 13And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. 14If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. 15Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

Reflection: What a great line: “They are not busy; they are busybodies.” I think of a number of people I could use that line with. Then I remember it sometimes fits me ,as well.

When I find myself lapsing into idle complaints about people, politics, church business, etc. – I’m just being a busybody. I’m doing nothing constructive. I’m acting like I’m better than someone else. It’s a place I don’t need to be.

I will focus on “doing what is right.” I will practice being a follower of Christ He can be proud of.

A Clear Command

Scripture – 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10: 6In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. 10For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”

Reflection: One of the problems with some of the Thessalonian Christians was related to the return of Christ. They expected that to happen very soon. In light of that, some of the church members simply stopped working. They quit their jobs. They relied on others in the church to provide food for them. Since Christ was coming soon, they assumed there was nothing more to do but wait.

Paul makes it quite clear that’s not the teaching or the example he gave the. So the others are commanded to simply stay away from those who are idle. Let them fend for themselves.

Hmm……..people who are not contributing to the life and mission of the church are to be ignored. How might that apply to us today?