Posted by Charlie on Jun 9, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: Ecclesiastes 10, 11, 12; Psalm 94; Ephesians 5
Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment,
And cause it to give off a foul odor;
So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor.
Ecclesiastes 10:1
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:15-17
Observation
The further a person progresses in leadership and spiritual maturity, the greater the impact of foolish behavior on his or her ability to influence others for God’s purposes. Leadership is like a bank account. If a leader has made many positive deposits to the account over time it is possible to take an occasional small withdrawal because of poor judgment without overdrawing the account, but the fewer the instances the better. I know that the powers of darkness delight in exploiting the weaknesses of God’s leaders in order to wreak as much havoc as possible. It requires an intentionally circumspect life to stay clear of the pitfalls of occasional folly.
Application
A missionary to Central America lives in a neighborhood where all the properties are separated by six foot high cinderblock walls with broken glass cemented along the top. Both he and the neighbor across the back have dogs who live in each respective yard. A local cat likes to use the top of the wall as a walkway through the neighborhood. As the cat passes along the top of the wall behind the missionary’s house, he calmly picks his way through the shards of broken glass while both dogs leap at him from below, but come just short of reaching the top of the wall. This is what Paul refers to in Ephesians 5:15 as walking circumspectly.
Prayer
Father, please help me walk circumspectly today. I want to live wisely, to lead well, to be mature, and to bring your heart pleasure. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: folly, leadership, maturity, wisdom
Posted by Charlie on Jun 3, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: Proverbs 25, 26, 27; Romans 15
Whoever has no rule over his own spirit
Is like a city broken down, with no walls.
Proverbs 25:28
Observation
In the pre-modern world, city walls were essential to the safety and vibrancy of a community. Walls provided protection from enemies, boundaries for the life of the populace, and the ability to regulate commerce. A city whose walls were breached was in trouble. In Nehemiah chapter 1 the survivors who were left in the ruins of Jerusalem were described as being, “…in great distress and reproach.”
Application
Self-control in the life of a man or woman, directed by the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit, is what walls were to an ancient city. The lack of self-imposed boundaries and wisely defined convictions will leave a person in great distress and reproach. Boundaries and convictions provide a context for safety, security, and peace.
Prayer
Father, thank you for the wisdom of your Word and the guidance of your Holy Spirit. Please help me today to rule my spirit and to live wisely within the boundaries that provide an environment in which I can thrive. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: folly, self-control, wisdom
Posted by Charlie on May 30, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: Proverbs 13, 14, 15; Romans 11
He who is slow to anger has great understanding,
But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.
Proverbs 14:29
Observation
Proverbs has quite a bit to say about anger. A man who is quick to anger lays the foundation of trouble and exhibits folly. Angry words wound and stir up strife. My favorite verse on anger is actually in tomorrow’s reading: He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city (Proverbs 16:32). That makes a good memory verse, and an excellent reminder that there is great value in a temper that is under the control of the Holy Spirit.
Application
“Hi, my name is Charlie and I’ve got an anger problem.”
“Hello Charlie….”
I confess that I don’t deal with disappointment well, and I’ve had a bit of a temper since I was a kid. I don’t like the fruit of getting angry—I want my life to be characterized by righteousness.
According to James 1:20, …the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. I’m putting myself on public record today that I am seeking God to grow in my ability to stop and seek to be led by the Holy Spirit when I feel anger rising. He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.
Prayer
Father God, I’m serious about wanting to grow in my ability to submit to your leading instead of having my temper flare. Please help me today to hear your voice and to follow your lead. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: anger, folly, righteousness, temper
Posted by Charlie on May 28, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: Proverbs 7, 8, 9; Romans 9
Blessed is the man who listens to me,
Watching daily at my gates,
Waiting at the posts of my doors.
For whoever finds me finds life,
And obtains favor from the LORD;
But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul;
All those who hate me love death.
Proverbs 8:34–36
Observation
Today Wayne Cordeiro made the comment that even though God repeatedly offers a choice between life and death, and urges people to choose life, it is amazing how often people end up choosing death. Proverbs makes an impassioned appeal. Still, the onus is on the individual to take the steps that lead to wisdom and life.
Application
Jesus said that the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many go there, but restricted is the way that leads to life and few find it. The path of least resistance doesn’t lead to life. Wisdom calls aloud to the naïve, inviting each one of us to find understanding and favor from God. But waiting at the posts of her doors and watching daily at her gates takes discipline and effort. Effort, however, that means the difference between death and life.
Prayer
Father, please grant me the grace to wait at the posts of your doors and watch daily at your gates, listening to you for wisdom. Please grant me life and favor, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: death, folly, life, wisdom
Posted by Charlie on May 26, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: Proverbs 1, 2, 3; Romans 7
The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the home of the just.
Surely He scorns the scornful,
But gives grace to the humble.
The wise shall inherit glory,
But shame shall be the legacy of fools.
Proverbs 3:33–35
Observation
Proverbs is like a long drink of cool water on a hot day. The constant reassurance in the first three chapters that God blesses the upright, and not to fret about those who practice evil is enough to make me long for a heart of wisdom. Jesus sums it up in the parable of the hidden treasure. Once you understand what is buried there it is worth giving up everything to obtain it.
Application
Today Linda learned that an offshore piracy site is making one of our copyrighted training programs available to its members as a free download. We are not the only victims of this piracy. The woman who let us know about it has had the contents of her entire site kidnapped.
It was upsetting information. Then I read Proverbs. God says, “Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, they would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way and be filled to the full with their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.” (Proverbs 1:29–32)
It is good to know that God blesses those who trust him, and that he will bring justice to every instance of inequity. My job is to stay on the side of blessing.
Prayer
Father, thank you that you protect and bless your children. I want to be filled with wisdom and righteousness. Please guide me in your way and teach me. Let there be an ever deeper hunger for you, and for the wisdom that comes from abiding in your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: blessing, folly, wisdom
