Proverbs 7

Solomon has devoted a lot space in his book to the subject of Adultery. I think that should indicate the importance of sexual purity. From what I know about Solomon’s personal life, I feel like I’m reading a letter from a friend or maybe even a father figure. The letter would start with something like…”I’ve really messed this part of my life up so learn from my mistakes.” It is entirely possible that Solomon wrote many of the proverbs we have today before he acquired hundreds of wives and concubines, it’s hard to say.

I find it striking that he begins a section devoted to avoiding the temptations of an adulteress with this:
“My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.”

Sounds to me like a formula to avoid most of the temptations that come our way. Turn your attention to the Word of God. In Psalm 119 it says,

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

I believe that each of us should find 3-4 passages of scripture that deal with an area of temptation and commit those to memory. Then we will be following the advice found in Psalm 119. Go ahead try it. If you struggle with jealousy then find a few verses that will put your focus back where it needs to be and memorize them.

In Proverbs 7 as Solomon goes through the process that a woman can seduce a man he shows us the consequences of our sexual sins. It’s not getting caught, causing your spouse pain, or guilt for going astray. You see it is much more serious than that. He says, to follow the path of the seductress is to dig your own grave (v 27).

If you are following a seductress down a path, wondering where it might lead realize this, it leads to your death. You will start to slowly die from the inside out. It may be exciting at first and not feel like your dying but you are on a roller coaster that is about to fly off the track. The ride is fun at first, but pretty soon you’re out of control and only a crash landing brings the ride to an end.

Maybe you’ve convinced yourself that the women online aren’t adulteresses…quit lying to yourself. I’ve been there- trust me it’s a slow death.

Maybe you’re thinking the flirting and conversations at work or school won’t lead to anything…quit lying to yourself. Read verses 10-23.

Maybe you need to commit a few verses to memory. Here are some I’ve been working on:
Proverbs 25:28
I Peter 5:8
Colossians 3:5
I John 2:16
Proverbs 5:18, 19 (my favorite)

Look at 7:18- the adulteress says, “let’s drink deep of love until morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love!”

We have to realize that we often confuse lust with love. We convince ourselves that our lust (our desire to please ourselves) is really love. Lust and love are two very different things and when we can call lust by its real name it loses so much of its power and hold over us. As long as lust is concealed it controls us, but once it’s brought to light we are free from its grip.

Take the first step and call your sin by its name. Go ahead say it out loud to God. Now find a trusted friend and tell them where you’ve been struggling. Find your verses and start to fight back, but remember that when we fail God’s grace is sufficient.

Which verse from this chapter get’s your attention and why?

37

I've always liked the number 37. When the teacher would ask for a number to use as an example for a math problem, I'd yell out 37. Usually she was looking for a number like 5 or 10 for simplicity sake. Apparently 37 isn't that simple of a number.

Today I turn 37, and for the next year the non-simple number of 37 will describe my age. I am one of those people who get introspective on birthdays. I think about the last year and I look ahead to the next one. So hear are some of those thoughts. Next post will get us back on our look at Closing Gaps through Proverbs.

This past year has been a blur. I didn't sleep at a hospital, which was a great improvement over the previous year! I did visit a couple times for minor procedures, but that's not too bad. I was incredibly blessed by CCV with a 2 month Sabbatical, during which God called me to Flagstaff. That was pretty cool. My dad has lived with us this past year, and it has been awesome. I just read the opening of Outliers and it mentions the benefits of 3 generational living and I can attest to that firsthand. It is truly a blessing to have him with us. Everyone is better for it!

This past year has been the best so far in regards to my relationship with Kristi. She is an incredible woman with so many talents and ideas. She supported my decision to come to Flagstaff and is ready to help win this city for Christ. I look back and realize the first 5 years of our marriage sucked. The next 5 we were learning how to raise kids and deal with each other without trying to change each other. The last 4 years have been the best and each one is getting better. I know people say this all the time, but my wife is truly my best friend. Usually when people say that, they really don't have any other friends so by default the best friend position doesn't require a lot. Well that's not my situation. I have a couple of other guys I am close too and consider them incredible friends. But the last few years I have developed a friendship with Kristi that is unique and incredible. As I look to this next year ahead, I am excited to live this adventure with her.

The next year I am looking to grow in many areas. I believe that this season of life is God preparing me and assisting me in closing some of the gaps that still exist. I will chronicle those efforts this coming year here in this blog. I am looking at spending a lot of time and energy putting what God is doing in my life into formats that can help others who need Him in their lives as well.

Here's to 37 more.

Proverbs 6

"My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hand in pledge for another, if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth..."

Ever read a passage from the Bible and wonder what the heck it's talking about? I don't know about you but in today's culture it doesn't seem this is applicable anymore. I mean come on, who strikes a deal with his neighbor and gets "ensnared" by a pledge to someone else.

Oh wait, what if your neighbors are named Bob and Thelma Visa on one side of you, and on the other side of you is the Mastercard family? What if those are the neighbors Solomon is talking about. Oh snap...that hits closer to home. I don't have neighbors named Visa or Amex, but I carry around their pictures in my wallet like they are my Pride and Joy. So this post will serve mostly as a time of confession and if it moves you toward Godly action then good for you!

Today we are facing an epidemic of being trapped by what we have said. What we said when we signed the Mortgage or the Credit Agreement was that we would pay back all the money we borrowed. Right?

"But Chris it isn't my fault, if only the economy hadn't tanked then I'd be fine right now. You see I'd be able to refi my house and pull out the equity..."

Hey I'm right there with you. I bought a house 5 years ago that is worth 45% of what I paid for it, and now Barack is going to help me with the balance. So please don't read this as a condescending poke at anyone in debt right now. I'm in over my head at the moment (thanks for the floaties Barack ;).

Here is what we need to focus on at this point-- Living according to the financial principals of God's word would have avoided this whole financial mess. Not only mess on Wall Street but also the mess on My Street.

Solomon continues: "Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise..."

In other words don't rest until you are out from under the mess you got yourself into.

God's financial plan is simple...don't owe anyone money. Take care of your family. Take care of those around you.

If only we would start putting this simple and sound advice into practice...if only! I want to challenge you to take small step toward financial freedom. The next thing you think about buying- don't. Start with something as simple as coffee or cheeseburgers. Small victories over our habit of sending and over-indulgence will help us all take the steps we need toward God's financial plan.

If you find yourself worrying about money think about this statement:

You and I control what we make and what we spend. Worry doesn't change the bottom line of either category. Diligence and Discipline in all areas, but especially money always "pays off" in the end.

I believe that the government will find more ways to spur on the economy faster and many people who are unemployed today will find jobs soon. What if all the smart people started living below their means? Could we avoid the next inevitable down-turn? I bet we could.

Maybe today we need to quit looking to Wall Street or The White House to solve our problems, but turn to the pages of God's Word and investigate what it says about today's issues.

What are some simple ways you've found to save a few bucks recently?