Tough Love

Posted: April 11, 2021 in Tough Love, Uncategorized
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People, I am here to tell you that I don’t lend money out to enable a person to continue to do foolish things. 5 or 20 dollars here to support someone’s bad habit, especially to someone you know. This person might be a good friend or even a family member. At 60 years of age, you should have it together. As I look back over my life with the decisions I made, some good, some bad, I am the one who is living with the outcome of all of them.

This might seem harsh, but because you have pissed away all your years due to not taking advice or making bad decisions, and still in your 50s or 60s making bad decisions, I will not allow your problems to become mine. Not saying I will not help you, but I will only help you if you are headed in the right direction.

If you are 40 and older, and still running men and women, getting drunk, and using people to get by with no job or security in life. You need to stop now. I see people who have pissed their life away and then want to intrude on friends and family for resources to survive. With much love, it hurts to say no to a friend or family member who wants to borrow 5 or 10 dollars. Might not seem like much but giving that person 5 dollars is contributing to what is destroying him or her.

We need to stop giving strength to the devil’s schemes. The devil is out to kill, steal and destroy, and we are supporting that when we give to a person who you know for sure what he or she is doing with it. When you worked all your life and did the right things, you have the God-given right to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

I send this out in Love. Enjoy your life people, you worked for it, you earn it. Don’t let anyone stress you out to the point where you are getting sick. Pray for the person and lead them in the right direction. If they still want to go down the path of destruction, they go alone because it’s a choice they made.

Jesus Be Praised!

Warning against the Adulteress Proverbs 7 Full Chapter

Posted: January 7, 2021 in adulteresses, Adultery, committing adultery, Friendly Advice, Proverbs 07, Proverbs 7 Full Chapter, Seeking Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom for the Soul
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Proverbs 7:4-23  (4) Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman; (5) they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words. (6) At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice. (7) I saw among the simple, I noticed among young men, a youth who lacked judgment.  He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.  Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.  She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home; now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) (13) She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said:  I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows.  So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! (16) I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. (17) I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. (18) Come let’s drink deep of love morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! (19) My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. (20)  He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.  (21)With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.  All at once he followed her like an ox gong to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose (23) till and arrow pierces his liver like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.  

Proverbs 7:24-27 Now then my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.  Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths.  Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.  

Although this advice is directed toward young men, young women should heed it as well.  The person who has no purpose in life is simple-minded (7:7). Without aim or direction an empty life is unstable, vulnerable to many temptations.  Even though the young man in this passage doesn’t know where he is going, the adulteress knows where she wants him.  Notice her strategies: she is dressed to allure men (7:10); her approach is bold (7:13); she invites him over to her place 7:16-18); she cunningly answers his every objection (7:19, 20); she persuades him with smooth talk (7:21); she traps him (7:23).  To combat temptation, make sure your life is full of God’s Word and wisdom. (7:4). Recognize the strategies of temptation, and run away from them-fast.  

You can take definite steps to avoid sexual sins.  First, guard your mind.  Don’t read books, look at pictures, or encourage fantasies that stimulate the wrong desires.  Second, keep away from settings and friends that tempt you to sin.  Third, don’t think only of the moment-focus on the future.  Today’s thrill may lead to tomorrow’s ruin.  

Proverbs 5 Warning Against Adultery

Posted: January 6, 2021 in Proverbs 05, Proverbs 5 Full Chapter, Seeking Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom for the Soul
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[1] My son, pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight,

[2] that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.

[3] For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil;

[4] but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword.

[5] Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.

[6] She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it.

[7] Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say.

[8] Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house,

[9] lest you lose your honor to others and your dignity to one who is cruel,

[10] lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich the house of another.

[11] At the end of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent.

[12] You will say, “How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction!

[13] I would not obey my teachers or turn my ear to my instructors.

[14] And I was soon in serious trouble in the assembly of God’s people.” [

15] Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well.

[16] Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares?

[17] Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers.

[18] May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.

[19] A loving doe, a graceful deer—may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.

[20] Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife? Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?

[21] For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths.

[22] The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast.

 [23] For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly..

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

Posted: January 5, 2021 in Children and Discipline, Ephesians, Ephesians 6:4, Provoking Children
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Colossians 3:21 Fathers (Parents), do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart. 

The purpose of parental discipline is to help children grow, not to exasperate and provoke them to anger or discouragement (see also Colossians 3: 21). Parenting is not easy, it takes lots of patience to raise children in a loving, Christ-honoring manner. But frustration and anger should not be causes for discipline. Instead, parents should act in love, treating their children as Jesus treats the people he loves. This is vital to children’s development and to their understanding of what Christ is like.

Jesus be Praised! 

Proverbs 6:1-5 My son, if you have put security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another, If you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor! 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.

Posted: January 5, 2021 in Proverbs 06, Proverbs 6:1-5, Seeking Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom for the Soul
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These verses are not a plea against generosity, but against overextending one’s financial resources and acting in irresponsible ways that could lead to poverty.  It is important to maintain a balance between generosity and good stewardship.  God wants us to help our friends and the needy, but he does not promise to cover the costs of every unwise commitment we make.  We should also act responsibly so that our families do not suffer. 

Proverbs 4:1-3 Listen my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding, I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. 3 When I was a son to my father, Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother,

Posted: January 3, 2021 in Proverbs 04, Proverbs 4:1-3, Seeking Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom for the Soul
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 “Good doctrine”: There is no wisdom but that which is linked to good doctrine, which should be the focal point of all instruction.

Sometimes in the Proverbs, it seems as if we are covering the same ground all over again. Whether this is to drive home a lesson, or whether we are picking up extra fragments of truth and that is the reason for repetition is not clear. As we said in previous lessons, wisdom is the subject. We see here, also, that a doctrine (belief) has been established.

Instructions in God’s law came from father to son in these times. It was very important not to leave out even minor details in that law. We are told again here to remember in detail the law of God and to live by it (do not forsake it).  In fact, we should make it our doctrine or way of life as well.

One of the greatest responsibilities of parents is to encourage their children to become wise. Here Solomon tells how his father, David, encouraged him to seek wisdom when he was young.  This encouragement may have prompted Solomon to ask God for wisdom above everything else.  Wisdom can be passed on from parents and grandparents to children, from generation to generation.  Ultimately, of course, all wisdom comes from God; parents can only urge their children to turn to him.  If your parents never taught you in this way, God’s Word can function as a loving and compassionate parent to you.  You can learn from the Scriptures and then create a legacy of wisdom as you teach the next generation. 

Proverbs 3:01-02 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.

Posted: January 3, 2021 in Proverbs 03, Proverbs 03:01, Seeking Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom for the Soul
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“My son” tell us who this message is to. It is not to the world in general, but to the followers of God. God reminds us to not forget His teachings but hide them away in our hearts. God also reminds us to walk in His ways.

His “commandments” here are talking about all of His ways. Just as the commandment to honor father and mother promises that our days may be long upon the earth, we see the promises of length of days here if we follow in His ways.

When you know that you have done the right things, it does bring peace. Sin brings fear of punishment, but obedience brings peace.

Proverbs 2:01 My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you.

Posted: January 3, 2021 in Proverbs 02, Proverbs 02:01, Seeking Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom for the Soul
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Solomon has taken God’s law and made it his own by faith and obedience, as well as teaching. The wisdom of these words is available to those who, first of all, understand the rich value (treasure), that wisdom possesses. Appropriating wisdom begins when one values it above all else.

Proverbs 4:1-3 Listen my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding, I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. 3 When I was a son to my father, Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother,

Posted: January 3, 2021 in Proverbs 01, Proverbs 01:04, Seeking Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom for the Soul
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 “Good doctrine”: There is no wisdom but that which is linked to good doctrine, which should be the focal point of all instruction.

Sometimes in the Proverbs, it seems as if we are covering the same ground all over again. Whether this is to drive home a lesson, or whether we are picking up extra fragments of truth and that is the reason for repetition is not clear. As we said in previous lessons, wisdom is the subject. We see here, also, that a doctrine (belief) has been established.

Instructions in God’s law came from father to son in these times. It was very important not to leave out even minor details in that law. We are told again here to remember in detail the law of God and to live by it (do not forsake it).  In fact, we should make it our doctrine or way of life as well.

One of the greatest responsibilities of parents is to encourage their children to become wise. Here Solomon tells how his father, David, encouraged him to seek wisdom when he was young.  This encouragement may have prompted Solomon to ask God for wisdom above everything else.  Wisdom can be passed on from parents and grandparents to children, from generation to generation.  Ultimately, of course, all wisdom comes from God; parents can only urge their children to turn to him.  If your parents never taught you in this way, God’s Word can function as a loving and compassionate parent to you.  You can learn from the Scriptures and then create a legacy of wisdom as you teach the next generation. 

Proverbs 1.3 For acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair

Posted: January 3, 2021 in Proverbs 01, Proverbs 01:03, Seeking Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom for the Soul
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Expanding the purpose and terms of verse 2, Proverbs engages in a process of schooling a son in the disciplines of (1) Wisdom (a different Hebrew word from that in v.2) which means discreet counsel or the ability to govern oneself by choice; (2) Justice, the ability to conform to the will and standard of God; a practical righteousness that matches one’s positional righteousness; (3) Judgment, the application of true righteousness in dealing with others; and (4) Equity, the living of life in a fair, pleasing way.

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