Posted by: pastorapbell | July 31, 2010

as we cherish the partner that God provides

 Do not spend your strength on women, your vigour on those who ruin kings lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:3, 5, 9 NIV).

It is ironic that the majority of this part of the wisdom literature is written or edited by one of the wisest man that ever lived and this is the advice he gives: Don’t spend your strength on women because it will lead you to ruination. Thanks for the advice Solomon, are you speaking from personal experience then?  Of course he was.

women was the king's achilles heel

He  had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1Kings 11:3)! Although he was regarded as the wisest man in his generation, wisdom must be underpinned with the other virtues that are a necessary part of the godly person’s character, [patience, longsuffering, kindness, love, faith and so on].  What this shows us is that every one of us has our weakness and if this weakness is not addressed then it will lead to our ruin.

Solomon was the king and had a penchant for beautiful women. However after all these women, riches, houses and land he concludes that it is all vanity!

His foreign wives led him astray and he ended up worshipping their gods, thereby breaking the first commandment. As an old man and in reflective mode he says this, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate” (v.30&31).

Beauty is only skin deep, it is the character of an individual that really matters. Those with white skin sit under uv lamps to get dark, whilst those with dark skin use peroxide and all sort of cream to get light skin. Those with short hear buy put-ins and those with long hair put caustic in it to make it crinkly!

We all have come short of what God requires of us. So we should all become proverbs 31 people.  Fear the Lord and develop character not external beauty!

Read Proverbs 31

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Posted by: pastorapbell | July 30, 2010

as we put our wisdom gained into perspective

I am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man’s understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar (Proverbs 30:2, 3, 5 &6 NIV).

choose your advisors well

Today we hear from one of the royal advisors. An advisor is one who is reflective and considers things carefully before putting them in the public domain. Once they are there they cannot be retracted. So he sets the expectations of his hearers very low. He predicates his musings with the facts that:

  1. He is ignorant and
  2. He has no understanding and finally
  3. He has no wisdom.

By doing this he moves the focus from himself and places it firmly and squarely on God. So he continues; every word of God is flawless. That is every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God is what the individual lives by (Matt 4:4). Note that is not every word about God, but every word from God himself. God is the one who proffers knowledge. It is he who gives knowledge to those who asks for it. At a time when crucial decisions are to be made there are people about like the men of Issachar who have understanding of the times, knows what their country ought to do and tells the rest of the people (1 Chronicles 12:32).

Once we are classified as wise let us put things into perspective. After 40 years of being trained in the best schools, learning from the most advanced nation in the world, Moses asks God for someone to speak on his behalf because he is not eloquent (Exo 4:10ff). This shows us that although we may understand all mysteries, and can move mountains with our faith, if we do not have the love and humility to humble ourselves, we are nothing.

Today, remember that there is always more to learn and the greatest teacher is the Holy Spirit who points us the Jesus who tells us he does nothing without the father first sanctioning it.

Read Proverbs 30

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Posted by: pastorapbell | July 28, 2010

as we heed reproof and become a person of vision

stiff neck, broken head

He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he (Proverbs 29:1, 2 & 18 KJV).  

A stiff necked person will find that their head does not go where it should. The head is controlled by the neck just as the ship is controlled by the sail and how it catches the wind. Stubbornness is a recipe for disaster. Those who are stubborn usually do not want to listen to advice and end up experiencing the good, the bad and the very bad that life throws at them.

A wise person listens to those who have gone on ahead and learns from their experience and wisdom. This is why vision is so important. Vision is insight and it allows the individual to chart a course of purpose and destiny so that the will of God can be fulfilled in their lives. A fool is someone, who although they may be academically qualified, has no insight or intuition about the things of God, his purpose and destiny for their lives.

Today, if you were stiff-necked and have suffered hardship; repent and ask the Lord to forgive you and receive your restoration. This season is a time of healing deliverance and restoration. Claim yours today and allow the Lord to massage your neck so that he can direct your head.

Read Proverbs 29

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Posted by: pastorapbell | July 28, 2010

Words to live by for Wednesday 28th 2010 as we contrast the outcome for the fool and the wise

The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order. A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe (Proverbs 28:1, 2, 25 &26 NIV).

trust like a little child

Unless what we do is done in humility, then we are seeking to vaunt ourselves. Our sage tells us that someone who is wicked runs away even when no one is pursuing them. This indicates that they are anxious and in panic mode.  When we do something that is wrong there is always the tendency to worry and fret about who will find out. We know deep down what is just and what is unjust. We know intuitively that stealing is wrong, for example, so when we plan and execute the theft we are always looking over our shoulders.  On the contrary, when we are honest, we sleep at nights and our sleep is sweet. The righteous then is someone who recognises justice and fairness and acts accordingly. The boldness being talked about suggests that the righteous man has nothing to hide and can reveal his ‘books’ to any accountant for scrutiny.

Our sage suggests in several places today that we learn to trust in the Lord. Trust is putting all your confidence in someone or something. Fools put their confidence in themselves and their riches, but the wise person puts their confidence in the Lord.

Today, trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding alone (Proverbs 3: 5-6 paraphrased).  

Read Proverbs 28

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Posted by: pastorapbell | July 27, 2010

as we live for today and plan for tomorrow

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:1, 2&17 NIV).

we need each other

Every one of us must remember that tomorrow is not promised. Sometimes we operate like we are here forever, amassing wealth, treading on those around us, using people and neglecting to give glory to the maker of heaven and earth.

So our teacher warns us that tomorrow is not guaranteed and that self praise is no recommendation. This should be when wisdom kicks in.  If we want to aspire to be what God has called us to be and to fulfil his purposed for our lives, then we need the input of others. So he reminds us that just as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.  That is, all of us need to be accountable to someone. We all need someone with whom we can share our deepest hurt and how greatest achievement. Every human being needs significance, security and love. No one is an island and however far we have gone down the road thinking that we can achieve everything on our own we all need each other.

Today, please remember that tomorrow is not promised: so tell someone you love them today, do a good deed today, do something for someone else today.

Read Proverbs 27

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Posted by: pastorapbell | July 26, 2010

as we avoid the tag of ‘fool’

Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honour is not fitting for a fool. Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest. A whip for the horse, a halter for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself (Proverbs 26:1-4 NIV).

depicted as a fool

The people we associate with determine how we are perceived by the world. An old Jamaican proverb says ‘show me your company and I’ll tell you who you are’. The contradiction of the above is clear to see. Snow does not usually fall in summer nor does it usually rain in harvest time. However, as our sage describes, a fool will be wise in his or her own eyes. This is what distinguishes someone who is foolish from someone who is wise.

Here are some characteristics of fools:

–          They cut of their nose to spite their faces!

–          They return to their folly even after long sessions of counselling

–          They lack routine in their lives

–          They are incessant liars

Today our sage is giving us some insight of how to avoid remaining in a position where you can be categorised as a fool.

  1. Listen to advice and implement the changes that are recommended
  2. Listen twice as much as you speak, this is why we have two ears and one mouth
  3. Associate with people who have achieved and learn their secrets
  4. Be disciplined in all that you do
  5. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes

Wisdom is underpinned by humility; arrogance drives away from you those who came to help.

Read Proverbs 26

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Posted by: pastorapbell | July 25, 2010

as we search out the hidden things of God

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable (Proverbs 25:2-3 NIV).

the Lord alone gives wisdom

Our sage King Solomon, had written over 3000 proverbs and 1005 songs (1Kngs 4:32) but not all of them could be published. So King Hezekiah arranged for his officials to seek out the best ones so that we could have one for each day. And today the king of glory wants to reveal himself and the purposes he has for your life to you so that you can become what he ordained for you to become.

For the friendship of the Lord is with them that fear him and he makes his covenant known to them (Psalm 25:14). Other older translations translate friendship as secret or something that is hidden. Because God is a spirit we will never be able to discern him by wisdom alone. We will know instinctively that something is out there, but may not know what to call him or it.

This is why we are called to be ‘born again or born anew’ as Jesus says in St. John 3 to a Jewish Rabbi; unless you are born again, that is, your thinking becomes like Jesus’ and your spirit is renewed, you will never see the kingdom of God (John 3:5). So all the things of God remain a mystery to us and we miss the mark because we are not part of the kingdom of God.

When God is revealed to us and we grow in the knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ, we can truly be led and directed by the Holy Spirit to where he wants to take us. And like the men of Issachar of old, we will understand the times we are living in and we will know what we ought to do (1Chro 12:32).

Read Proverbs 25

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Posted by: pastorapbell | July 24, 2010

as we get back up after each fall

Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man’s house, do not raid his dwelling place; for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity (Proverbs 24:15-16 NIV).

don't stay down

Falling is not the issue here, since the writer tells us that though a righteous man fall seven times he gets back up again. So from this we can surmise that we will fall at one point or another. However, when we fall we should not stay down. This is not an option. We must be pragmatic in the way we act and operate. The righteous are people who do the right things for the right reasons and when he/she makes a mistake is quick to acknowledge it and repent.

Today, don’t be presumptuous, if you sin i.e. you make a mistake, come clean and confess your faults and get back on track.

Read Proverbs 24

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Posted by: pastorapbell | July 23, 2010

as we chose the pragmatic course

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle (Proverbs 23:4-5).

restraint keeps you safe

One important feature about the wise is that they can show restraint as and when necessary. So even though your eyes are watering for a particular thing, be it food or an item of clothing, you can walk past it because it is not in your budget. Wisdom then gives you the ability not only to develop restraint but the ability to exercise it. This leads to a place of contentment. We become content in whatever situation we find ourselves in. So like the apostle Paul we can say “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body” (Philippians 1:20-24). Paul wrote this whilst in jail waiting for judgement.

Dealing with any situation we find ourselves in, takes courage, pragmatism and reliance on the Holt Spirit. For the apostle, he could have asked to be killed so that he could be with Christ. However, if that had occurred, then we would not have all the epistles that make up 2/3rd of the New Testament.  

For us as “Christians” riches are not just a monetary thing, it is about having a revelatory knowledge of Christ so that we can do the right thing. Later in the letter to the Philippians, he writes; ‘That I may know him’ in all ways: his power, glory, richness, death, sufferings, and resurrection.

And so whatever situation you find yourself in today, deal with it but exercise restraint.

Read Proverbs 23

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Posted by: pastorapbell | July 22, 2010

as we walk in integrity

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all. A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honour and life (Proverbs 22:1-4 NIV).

walking in integrity

We make plans and planning is good, however if we have no integrity in the way we operate, then what we do becomes futile. Futility becomes a function of how you operate if you factor integrity out of your life. This means that whatever you do becomes useless. However this does not mean that you are useless. God says that you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psa 139:13), He says you are the apple of his eye (Zachariah 2:8), He also says you are his beloved (Song of Solomon 1:16). Therefore if God says this about you then why should you walk in the futility of your mind and not according to what God says?

Our sage, that is our teacher or the wise one who imparts knowledge to us, tells us that for us to develop integrity, which is walking in truth and being someone whose words can be trusted; we need the spirit of humility and the fear of the Lord. By developing these qualities we become people whose names are worth more than gold or silver.

Today develop a good name so that you can be a person of integrity and good works.

Read Proverbs 22.

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