Ch. 757 - Fields and Vineyards

'I went past the field of the sluggard,
past the vineyard of the man who
lacks judgment;
thorns had come up everywhere,
the ground was covered with weeds,
and the stone wall was in ruins.
I applied my heart to what I observed
and learned a lesson from what I
saw:
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest -
and poverty will come on you like a
bandit
and scarcity like an armed man.'
[Proverb 24:30-34]

I think the sight and lesson described in these verses can be applied to our very being and hearts, at times. If we don't keep up in our relationships with God, and don't come to Him for nourishment, we will become thorny, dry, and remain unpruned. This is not good for us. We need the living water, the bread of life... and we need the true, strong protection of our God to surround our hearts and spirits. Neglect is an awful thing. It says we care not about ourselves - but God created us as His dear children and abusing ourselves in such a way is disrespectful to our Creator. Turn to Him to be nourished and grown in ways that we cannot make happen ourselves.

Ch. 740 - None but Him

'Who can say, "I have kept my heart
pure;
I am clean and without sin"?'
[Proverb 20:9]

As sad as it may be, I do believe that no one can - or will ever be able to - say this. It is something that we can and should strive for, of course. But when it comes down to it, no one is entirely pure-hearted. There is no one who can say they are clean and without sin. That is, no one but our Lord, Jesus Christ. And that gives me a hope beyond all concern and doubt and worry and fear... because I know that while I may not be able to answer the proverb's question in the affirmative on my behalf, Someone can and He has taken my sin away.

......

Click here to revisit Chapter 221.

Ch. 700 - Zeal

'Do not let your heart envy sinners,
but always be zealous for the fear of
the Lord.'
[Proverb 23:17]

How often do we think about our fear - or lack thereof - of God?
Just a thought.

Ch. 689 - Nourishment

Sometimes I find myself overcome with anxious thoughts about the fact that it seems like we simply do not get it. What's more, sometimes it seems like we simply cannot get it - and we never will.

Pray for hope.


'Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.'
[Proverbs 3:7-8]

Ch. 675 - Humiliation.

Presuppositions.

It's amazing how simple "vibes", assumptions, and antecedent thoughts can affect a person in regards to what they say and do. Sometimes those presuppositions are made justly, but usually they are not.

Caves.
Why would you go into a cave in the first place?
"Exploration!"

I'll give you that.

But perhaps it's that you want to get away for a bit.
Meditation.
Reflection.

Or maybe you're trying to hide.
Distancing yourself from an "enemy" or simply people...
But they just wait outside.

Either way, you're alone.

Besides, you know what? When thinking of caves in a simplistic manner, you can only leave the way you enter. So eventually, you have to face the reason you entered the cave in the first place.

"Back to reality."

How often do we let ourselves fall into that trap?
Separation.
We burn bridges.
We close doors.
We put up walls.
And we dig ourselves into deep holes.

Why do we place barriers between ourselves and people?

People.

The saved.
The lost.
Strangers.
Acquaintances.
Friends.
Family.

We were made to be relational.

Fellowship.
Community.
Love.

What am I so afraid of?


'A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for adversity.'
[Proverb 17:17]

Ch. 659 - Dissension and Gossip

'A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.'
[Proverb 16:28]

Gossip separates people, period...

Ch. 263 - 'Guard Your Heart'

'Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.'
[Proverbs 4:23]

Alright, I'm getting to the bottom of this. Everyone always thinks that this verse means you should protect your heart in regards to others breaking it and whatnot. Don't let yourself get hurt, basically. But that's not the only thing it means. If you continue after this verse, you will read this:

'Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left, keep your foot from evil.'
[Proverbs 4:24-27]

I believe these verses are telling you to guard your heart from sin. 'Do not swerve to the right or the left, keep your foot from evil.' Stay on the straight and narrow. Don't turn away. Don't let your guard down.

After all, God lives in our heart.
Do we want the dwelling place of God to be in shambles?

Our heart is where He does His work on us.
Do we want all of His hard work to be diminished?

Our heart represents our nature, our character.
Do we want to be turned into characters of sin?

However, I think it does have to do with love as well. I mean, you don't give your heart to just anyone, right? You give it to the one you love. So you should guard your heart in that regard. However, as Christians we give our hearts to God, because it is Him whom we love. So when we have done this, when we have accepted Christ as our Savior, and when we are found to be walking with the Spirit, we can say that we are guarding our hearts. We are guarding them because we have died to sin and are thus protecting them from the enemy and being tainted by the outside world.

Ch. 262 - Wading

I feel like I'm in a baby pool. No matter where I turn, no matter where I step, I am in shallow water. I am desperately seeking deeper waters to dive into. Most of the time I feel like I am learning, but not growing. I am not being stretched. I am not being challenged. I am not being stimulated. I've been saying this over and over, I know. But it's true. Intelligent conversation is a great thing... God-talks are beautiful and encouraging... small groups and Bible studies can be so uplifting... but apparently the only things that matter around here are boys/girls [and marriage], shopping, movies, texting - oh, and the occasional "Biblical discussion" about baptism and its role in salvation.

Deciding to come to this school was one of the best decisions I've ever made. However, it was also one of the worst decisions I've ever made. Don't get me wrong, I love it here. I really do. But sometimes I just want to wake these people up and ask what is wrong with them! Do classes really take so much of their time and attention (both faith-wise and non-faith-wise) that they can't spend some time out of class in discussion, [Bible] study, etc.? Other than in class and chapel, neither God nor the Bible is ever topical. Neither come up in daily conversation. You ask someone how they are and all they respond with is, "I'm tired." Where is your joy? There is a young man on this campus who is different, though. You ask him how he's doing, you'll hear something along the lines of, "I'm blessed," or "I'm fighting the fight." And you know he means what he's saying. He's not just saying it out of habit. Talk to him for a few minutes and you will see just how focused he is. He loves Jesus and it is so incredibly apparent. It's refreshing.

So I suppose part of my problem is that I'm not trying hard enough to find those people who are like-minded and want the same thing I do. Or when I do find them, I'm not initiating anything. I'm not trying to make that connection. I want it so bad right now, though. I need it. I've been doing things on my own lately and it's just not enough. It's kind of like I've only been drinking lemonade. It quenches my thirst for awhile, but in reality it just makes me even more thirsty.


'Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.'
[Proverbs 3:13-18]

......

Ch. 262, Part Two:

Please note that I am speaking about a minority of the school's population. I also admit that I can be quite the hypocrite, so I'm not putting blame on anyone for my disappointment (for lack of a better word). There are always going to be things we can work on. Nobody's perfect. And I certainly don't know people's hearts. This has simply been on my mind lately and I thought I'd get it out there.

Ch. 241 - Asking to Tame

'The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.'
[Proverb 15:4]

Oh, to such a great extent do many people need to hear this...

Ch. 231 - With Humility

'When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.'
[Proverbs 11:2]

Wisdom.
Goodness gracious.
I could go on and on about this. Not because I have wisdom, but because it is something I desire. Perhaps one day I'll be able to expound on wisdom that God has bestowed upon me...

Ch. 229 - Grateful

When I feel like I have nowhere to turn... nobody to lean on... God provides. He gives me a path. He gives me a shoulder. And I am more grateful for this than you can imagine. He reminds me that He is with me. He created me. He loves me. I needed those reminders today and I received them through a great friend.

God is good.
All the time.


'A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.'
[Proverb 17:17]

Ch. 183 - Eye-Openers

Judge, judge, judge. I don't think I've ever truly struggled with anything like this before. I know I judge people, but here at Central it's so much more apparent to me that I do so. With good reason, I suppose. Stereotypes of youth group kids and perfect, little Christians. So with each day that comes and goes, the judgments that I'm passing - even if they are small and seemingly meaningless - are being shoved right back into my face as I'm proven wrong about who these amazing kids truly are. I'm really trying not to judge others. I'm praying for God's guidance in this. I know I need His help with this absolute weakness. It's taken a couple years of praying to learn patience, and although I'm much better than I was in the past, I'm still learning patience. Thus, who knows how long it may take me stop passing judgments? I'm willing to wait. This is important.


'If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!'
[Proverb 11:31]

Ch. 163 - Ready for the Dive

'Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.'
[Proverbs 3:5-6; emphasis my own]

Oh, how so many people love these verses... I certainly do. There is such comfort in them. Truth, as well. And that is what we so greatly desire, I believe.

Ch. 161 - The Wise Fool

'Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.'
[Proverbs 17:28]

18. July 2010 Edit:

Oh goodness... God only knows why I used this verse for a blog post. I certainly do not remember. The possibilities are endless, really. Knowing me, I don't think I would ever want to know why, to be completely honest. I have had to work very hard over the years to tame my tongue. I know that I still have a great deal of work ahead of me... and I have come quite a ways. This proverb is one that I think many could benefit from knowing. It says that even a fool is thought wise and discerning... for keeping silent and holding his tongue. Thus, there must be some great importance in doing these things if even a fool could do so and be thought of in such a high regard. I'm not saying it's okay to be foolish and do these things once in a while in order to "redeem" yourself, of course...

Ch. 129 - Hitting the Nail

God really does know everything about us. I know I've heard it so many times, but sometimes it takes just that extra something to make it click. Sometimes that extra something makes us feel good, sometimes it makes us feel bad, but in the end it helps us have a better understanding of both God and ourselves. And I know that God wants the best for us, His children, so sometimes you have to suck it up, lay down your pride, and take what comes at you with humility.


'All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart.'
[Proverbs 21:2]

Ch. 122 - 'I Get By...'

'... With a little help from my friends.'

First things first: this song is stuck in my head. Secondly: this may or may not be the 'true' line from the song 'With a Little Help from My Friends' by the Beatles. But I like it a lot better... and I think it's nice for what's going on in Cedar Rapids and all around Iowa these days, what with disaster relief and clean-up.

It just goes to show that what goes around truly does come around. You help others, don't be surprised if they turn right around and help you.


'As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.'
[Proverb 27:17]

Ch. 115 - Words of Wisdom

If only I had started practicing this a good fifteen years ago. Man.

'When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.'

[Proverb 10:19]

Ch. 107 - Chchchanges

I'm writing "today's" post at 11:30 on Saturday. This isn't the first time I've written the day's post a day or two late, especially within the last couple of weeks. You know, sometimes it's because by the time I sit down to write a post, it's kind of late and I find myself practically falling asleep at the keys. But I like writing later in the evening, because by then I've gone through the entire day and have had time to reflect on the day and its happenings - or lack thereof.

And sometimes, I'm just too darn lazy to write anything.

However, lately I've found that I'm just not, well, inspired. As horrible as that may sound, it's kind of true. I don't mean that something amazing has to happen each day in able for me to see God in my life. But when you're not in the midst of realizing how things are completely changing for you... and when you're not surrounded by "Hot-God-Men" and "Hot-God-Women" [see Chapter 10]... and when you're not truly focusing on God... it's easy to see how it's becoming more difficult to see Him and know Him and feel Him and hear Him and learn about Him.

I have no one to blame but myself.


'I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.'
[Proverbs 8:17]

Ch. 83 - Faith

"True faith is never found alone; it is accompanied by expectation."
- C.S. Lewis

A few months ago at Cru, we were given pieces of paper with quotes on them. There were five different quotes, and this is the first I'd like to focus on. I'm really glad that I kept these little slips of paper; I had pinned them up on my desk's bulletin board that night after Cru and they remained there even when I was walking away from Christ. When I was moving to the summer dorm I took them down and put them in my memory box. I just put them up on my board yesterday and I keep reading them again and again and again.

"True faith is never found alone; it is accompanied by expectation."

The first thing that comes to my mind when I read or say this is a verse from Hebrews:

'Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.'
[Hebrews 11:1, NASB]

The first time I had truly heard and read this verse was a couple years ago. Our head pastor, Harlan, was giving the sermon and he had the congregation repeat this verse a good ten times throughout his sermon. He believes it to be one of those verses that we should all have memorized. And I agree.

Harlan used the NASB (New American Standard Bible) translation and I'm glad. It has a nice ring to it, you know? So this is the version that I have committed to memory. However, the NIV (New International Version) translation works better with the quote, I think:

'Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.'
[Hebrews 11:1, NIV]

Expectation is found alongside faith. We will set expectations from our God through our faith. We will expect God to do. To give. To love. To speak. To heal. To forgive. But is it all of a shallow faith? To have faith in a God whom we believe will do anything for us - going through the motions, expecting something from Him all the time. We have to expect things from God. If we want to be forgiven, we have to ask for it while thoroughly believing that He will forgive us. Otherwise what's the point of asking?

"Hey God. Umm... I kind of need you to forgive me for what I said yesterday. Yeah. You know what I'm talking about. I mean, you don't have to. And if you can't, that's ok. Like, it's no big deal, you know? But yeah. Sweet. Uhh, 'nJesusnameIprayAmen."

This is not the way to go about it. First of all, if you say that God doesn't have to, then why are you asking in the first place? Secondly, who are you to question whether God can do something? He can do anything! And He's done everything by giving us His Son. Even so, He doesn't expect anything from us but belief and love. Yet He still wants to share in our hopes and our failures and our dreams and our misfortunes and yes, our expectations. We can give it all to Him if we so desire.

If you have anything on your heart right now - whatever it may be - I challenge you to share it with God. Know - expect - that He is listening and that He cares.


'The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.'
[Proverb 11:23]

......

Ch. Eighty-Two, Part Two:

After I finished writing this post, I went to www.christnotes.com because all of a sudden it just came into my head; I hadn't visited this site for about two and a half months. I checked the Daily Bible Verse, and guess what it was?

Hebrews 11:1,3

I just laughed and laughed and laughed when I saw that.

[Verse 3 says: 'By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.']

Ch. 71 - A Beautiful Truth

I have nothing to say.

Okay.

That's a lie.

But just because I admit it's a lie doesn't mean I'm going to actually say anything. Er, write anything.

Tomorrow.


'A cheerful heart is good medicine...'
[Proverbs 17:22]