CHOOSING PEACE

 AUGUST 10, 2022

PSALM 85:8

“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people …

JOHN 14:27

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

Psalm 29:11

“The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his people with peace.”


It seems that our culture says that peace can only come when you’ve worked your fingers to the bone and have finally attained all you want. You can only have peace when you have enough money, friends, the right job, or the right spouse. You can only have peace if friends, family, and employers like you. Whatever the culture offers us as peace is temporary. The world can’t offer us peace because it has nothing in which to place its hope, trust, and security. Kingdoms come and go. Leaders move in and out of power. What societies value changes consistently.

Our only constant is Jesus. He has been, is, and forever will be the Creator, Sustainer, and Lord of all. All authority has been given to him. He governs the change of seasons. And he longs to offer total and sustained peace to all who place their hope and trust in him. God’s way is to draw us into himself and offer us peace during our various  circumstances. He doesn’t want you to wait until everything gets worked out before you can have peace and rest he’s offering you these gifts right now.

Romans 8:6 says, “To set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” It’s by the Spirit alone that we will find life and peace. I guess bluntly it is saying "stop looking for your fulfillment in the things of the world. Stop asking the world to offer you what it never had to begin with." Look toward your heavenly Father for the peace that surpasses all understanding. May you be filled with rest and peace today as you spend time in prayer seeking the face of God.

REFLECTION

1. When have you experienced the Lord’s peace in your life? Take a moment to write down a few experiences that come to mind and thank God for giving you His peace.

2. In what ways might you be seeking the world’s peace instead of God’s peace right now? Ask God to help you turn from temporary peace and take hold of His lasting peace.

 

 

WHAT A GIFT

 AUGUST 9, 2022

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


Often the words “peace” and “calm” are used together, but there is a difference between the two words. Being calm often depends on what our current situation is. If the day is going well, we are peaceful, which can bring a temporary calm. Calm is more of an emotional response.

 Yet, peace doesn’t depend on circumstances. In the bible both the Hebrew and Greek words for peace have a similar meaning. They mean that you have an inner calm. Things might be falling apart around you, but inside of you there is or can be an experience of tranquility and serenity. According to the Bible it is not the absence of troubles, worries or suffering that results in an inner calm, a peace. It’s the presence of God in our life.

According to our verse above this gift that God gives to us, is His peace. God’s peace protects us, cares for our inner spirit. Look at the verse again, we read the peace of God, . . . will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. God's peace is like a wall of security around our hearts and minds. Remember the heart in the Bible was thought to be a sort of “control center” from which all of our decisions were made. So, when we read about the heart in the Bible, it is about the place where you have your will, your attitude, and intentions, and which is the source of your thoughts, actions and words. This heart is the core of who you are as a person. Your heart is, essentially, you.

I believe what we are told in the bible consistently is that peace is a commodity that can only be found with time spent seeking the face of God. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Our God has peace in store for us in every situation if we will choose to keep our mind, our heart, our thoughts, attentive on him and trust him.

Let us meditate today on the truth that God is our sole source of peace and rest. Allow God’s word to mold and shape your perspective.

“To set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!.” Isaiah 26:3

 

OUR PEACE PROMISE

 AUGUST 8, 2022

Let’s begin our week a little differently than usual with some Bible verses that reveal the important biblical theme of Peace.



Read through the verses slowly and take in the message that God promises to us.



Perhaps, if time allows, you may want to make a list of words, phrases, or promises that really speak to you.



I invite you to read these through the lens of the verse we looked at on Sunday in our service from Colossians 1:19-20



19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. The outcome of Jesus work of creation and restoration is peace.

___________________

John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”


Isaiah 26:3

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”


Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”


Psalm 29:11

“The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his people with peace.”


Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”


1 Peter 5:7

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.”


1 Corinthians 14:33

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”


John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”


2 Thessalonians 3:16

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”


Romans 8:6

“…the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.”


Philippians 4:8-9

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…and the God of peace will be with you.”


Ephesians 2:14

“For He Himself is our peace…”



Numbers 6:24-26

“The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

 

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

 AUGUST 5, 2022

Hebrews 12:2 


Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.



A magnificent painting was hanging in an art gallery. Everyone who saw it was captivated by its beauty. However, there was one man who couldn’t see the beauty of the painting or the talent of the painter. All he could see was the tiny flaw in the frame that surrounded the painting. The defect was so small that the average person wouldn’t have even noticed it, but to this man it overshadowed everything. He totally missed the intended joy and beauty from the piece of art because of his focus on that minor little flaw.

That little story caused me to wonder how often something like that happens to us. Is it possible that in life, we also often miss what was intended to bring us joy and an experience of beauty, because we get distracted and focus on the wrong thing? Yes, we do, don’t we? When we fixate on what’s wrong and pay no attention to what’s right, we do miss so much. We are seeing this more and more in our culture where something minute or miniscule gets so much focus that we can miss the positive, the joy and beauty that surrounds. This happens in our faith walk too. Problems come and go, but in between, there are these sightings of truth revealed to bring us closer to God.

I believe that experiences in life typically have elements of beauty or redemption. So why let the imperfections we encounter take our minds off what really matters? When we see everything framed in the beauty of the God’s love, it outshines all flaws or imperfections. When we put our focus on God and His loving purposes, the journey becomes gratifying and joyful. So, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus, just as Hebrews 12 invites us.

 

THIRSTY?

 AUGUST 4, 2022

Isaiah 55:1

Hey there! All who are thirsty, come to the water!

John 7:37-39a

37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this he meant the Spirit

Isaiah 12:2-3

Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.”
3 With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.


It was the last day of the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, a thanksgiving celebration of God’s provision for his people in the wilderness, including the miraculous outpouring of water from a rock (see Exodus 17). Jesus stood up and cried loudly at the Feast of Tabernacles, saying “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:37-38 NIV). Jesus was referring to the Holy Spirit who had not yet been given.

How are you today? Are you feeling fearful, worried, confused, or a sadness? Is your attitude deflated or empty? The truth is we all have those times, we do not like these kinds of experiences, but we know them all too well. As I age, these experiences of feeling empty or worried etc, have caused me to wonder if my soul, my spirit, at the Holy Spirit’s prompting is sending me a sign that something is missing spiritually. That I am thirsty. That I need a drink of Living Water. You see the New Testament teaches us that the Holy Spirit has been given to us, poured out upon us, and that God’s spirit lives in us.

Isaiah 12 is a hymn, praising God for His faithfulness in keeping His promises, especially the promise of salvation. Isaiah encouraged the people that deep in God’s “wells of salvation” they would experience the cool water of God’s grace, strength, and joy (vv. 2-3). I wonder if those uncomfortable feelings that well up in us at times, are Jesus way of nudging us to draw “living Water” from the wells of salvation. 

So perhaps the message for us is to pause and take time to be still, and to sip from the living waters of the Holy Spirit, and to allow God by his Spirit to flood our spirits, and refresh and strengthen our hearts and cause us to burst out in praise and gratitude to God.

 

 

ASSIGNMENT COMPLETE

 AUGUST 3, 2022

Isaiah 55:10-11

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the Sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.





Do you remember learning during your school days about the amazing water cycle that God has put in place? Let's do a quick refresher on the entire water cycle Some quick points would be:

• The rain falls down to the earth through precipitation; it waters and feeds the earth.
• Then through the heat of the sun it evaporates and rises again.
• As the air cools, condensation occurs and clouds are formed.
• This continues until the clouds eventually drop their load through precipitation again and the cycle continues.

Think about the impact of rain... our scripture tells us that the rain waters the earth, makes it bud and flourish, and brings forth seed and bread. Just as there is a water cycle, there is a cycle for the word of God, we are told. The word comes from God, and has a specific purpose and will NEVER fail to achieve what God desires. And it too will return to God having accomplished its purpose.

Isaiah's point in using this illustration is that God's word is just as irresistible and effective as the rain is for the soil. We need God’s word of promise!! I am not much of a gardener, but I can tell you that there is nothing like the rain. It is perfect for the soil. You can stand out there day and night with a hose and saturate the ground to your heart's content. It will help a little - especially if the plant is dehydrated. But you don't see a lot of growth or plant vitality just on hose water. Yet when it rains... poof! Growth and life! God’s Word gives growth and life to each of us too!

We all know that life can be surprising, and things don’t always go exactly as planned. When that happens, we can become frustrated and disappointed with God. We begin to doubt the ability of God’s word and we try to patch things in life back together in our own strength. I know when I do that it is a rather unsuccessful endeavor.

Today, we need to remember that God’s ways are not our ways, but know this, God’s timing is always perfect. The rain falls in one season and the harvest comes in another. I wonder, what season are you in? Is this the rainy season or the harvest? Is this the preparation or the fulfillment of the blessing? Regardless of your season, know that God promises that His Word will always accomplish the tasks that He assigned to them, even if it’s not on our timeline. GOD IS FAITHFUL.

the words that come out of my mouth do not come back empty-handed. They’ll do the work I sent them to do, they’ll complete the assignment I gave them. 

Isaiah 55:11 The Message

 

ABIDE WITH ME

 AUGUST 2, 2022

JOHN 15:5

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.



I watched a while ago a California Wine producer talk about the impact of weather on his industry and livelihood. He was asked if drought results in a negative impact on his business. He explained that a grapevine is quite amazing.

“The harsher the weather, the rougher that it is treated, the better grapes it produces. Extreme weather actually forces the roots to dig deeper to get what they need to survive. The result is a healthier, more productive plant.”

As he talked about the grapevine, my mind went to the image of the grapevine in the Bible, it is a rather popular image. The verses above came to my mind, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” The words, “remain in me” seemed to jump off the page.

The grapevine and our lives have a lot in common, we all go through tough times of drought, disappointment, discouragement, and despair. The Bible’s message to us during those uncomfortably hard times is “remain in God”. We know there are verses throughout scripture that teach us that God never disappears or abandons us; even though at times, it may feel like God is nowhere to be found. Yet, in our own life experience and in that described of many characters is scripture when we look back we discern that those rough seasons, those times of drought, disappointment, and despair are the seasons that we seem to grow the most. Could it be that like a grapevine’s roots in extreme weather we too, put down deeper roots into God’s care and promises?

I believe that it is during those hard times that we are forced to dig deep and to search out the answers we need to help us live fruitful lives. Adversities produce healthier fruit and make us stronger too. What John 15:5 is saying is that (Jesus) He is the vine, and we are the branches. United in Him, we shall flourish and produce abundant fruit.

Todays Take Away is, Above all else, remain in Christ.

BECOMING FRUITIER

 AUGUST 1, 2022

Galatians 5:22-23

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things.

Don’t you love when summer fruits are in season? You wait and wait until your favorite ones are available. I find it is worth waiting for summertime produce to arrive. Nothing tastes better than a fruit salad prepared with fresh, local, seasonal fruit.

I was thinking the other day that just like our favorite fruits take time to develop before we can enjoy them, it takes time for the fruit of God’s Spirit to grow in us. It does not happen quickly, in a moment or with the snap of our fingers. I have discovered, that these nine fruits mentioned above do not tend to develop at the same rate. Our creator knows us, and God knows that some of His attributes, the fruits of the Spirit, take longer to produce in some of His followers, than they do in others. Our spiritual journey isn't a competition, it is a step by step growth patiently letting God produce his fruit in our lives.

You become “fruitier” (is that a word?) by abiding in the Vine, and through the work of God’s Spirit within you. In time, all nine fruits—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—will appear. Remember the song we used to sing “in His Time …. He makes all things beautiful, In His Time”?

Jesus said, “I am the sprouting vine and you’re the branches. As you live in union with me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you-but when you live separated from me you are powerless” (John 15:5 The Passion Translation). Abide in Him and His fruitfulness will flow through you.

TAKE AWAY

Take a few minutes to slowly recite the fruits of the Spirit and ask God to show you the fruits in which you may need to grow and mature.

 

BENEFITS and BLESSINGS

 JULY 29, 2022

Proverbs 31:10-31

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

The book of Proverbs is summarized in a poem praising a woman who is the wise manager of diverse enterprises ranging from weaving to wine making to trade in the market. In my view this poem provides us with a description of the benefits and blessings bestowed on a home when we decide to be committed to pursue Wisdom. Perhaps you recall, way back in Chapter 1 of Proverbs we noted that pursuing wisdom will result in being drawn closer to God, and discovering ways of living life well.

The uniting theme of the Book of Proverbs is the benefits of seeking to be wise, to learn how to be skillful in life. I realize that this Proverbs 31 poem has quite an interpretive history among Christian communities. I would imagine, most of you have read of heard this passage being used by some men as a checklist of what they should be looking for in a wife, and by some women as a description of all the things that are expected of them if they want to play the part of a “good wife.” I wonder if there isn’t something more here, I mean the description of this woman seems to create an overwhelming burden for both females and males. I mean who can live up to this character that is described? Who can find such a women?

Yet, in Proverbs the pursuit of wisdom, is liberating, freeing, gives clear guidance and direction. It is not a checklist of qualities or actions, but rather a description of a life that is lived in close relationship with God. I wonder if this closing poem, is a parable of sorts that is meant to drive home the outcome seeking God’s wisdom.

To conclude our quick look at Proverbs, lets look at the benefits and blessings of pursuing “Lady Wisdom” as Proverbs 31:10-31 outlines.

Wisdom Helps You Work Hard (vv. 13-15) Wisdom reminds us that hard work has value. The Wise Person Takes Joy in Work (v. 13), “She works with her hands in delight.” The Wise Person Does What Is Needed (vv. 14-15) Does what needs to be done!

Wisdom Helps You Work Smart (vv. 16-19) Wisdom doesn’t just show us the value of hard work, it helps us find ways to work smarter. Notice, the Wise Person Plans the Work (v. 16) “She considers a field and buys it…she plants a vineyard.” Wisdom helps us to plan our work in such a way that will be most beneficial.

The Wise Person Prepares Themself (v. 17) Sometimes work is hard. Work is harder when we ourselves are not prepared to do it. The woman in the passage “girds herself with strength” and “makes her arm strong.” This means that she makes sure she is ready to do the work.

The Wise Person Perseveres (v. 18) Work is harder when it doesn’t go as we had planned. Wisdom helps us persevere when we feel like giving up. The woman in verse 18 doesn’t give up even when work takes longer than expected. In the ancient world, light at night was a luxury. To light a candle or lamp was often an extravagance. Most people worked only during the day. When it got dark outside, most people just went to bed. So, for her to light a lamp and keep working shows both that her work took longer than she was expecting and that she perseveres and sacrifices in order to get the job done.

Wisdom Helps You Bless Others (vv. 20-27). The Wise Person Has Compassion (v. 20) The wise person sees the abundance that they possess as a tool for blessing others. Verse 20 says, “she extends her hand to the poor, and she stretched out her hands to the needy.” Wisdom encourages us to be compassionate, to bless other people

Finally, The Wise Person Has Counsel (vv. 25-27) Wisdom will help us bless others with our counsel. Verse 26 says, “She opens her mouth in wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” The wise person will be able to guide others down the right path. Notice, though, this aspect of wisdom comes last. The wise person first works and blesses before they open their mouth.

All of this is the outcome of "a woman who fears the Lord." She is an example for all of us to pursue!! 

THE WISE ALTERNATIVE

 JULY  28, 2022

Proverbs 30:1-9

30 The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh—an inspired utterance.

This man’s utterance to Ithiel:

“I am weary, God,
but I can prevail.
2 Surely I am only a brute, not a man;
I do not have human understanding.
3 I have not learned wisdom,
nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One.
4 Who has gone up to heaven and come down?
Whose hands have gathered up the wind?
Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name, and what is the name of his son?
Surely you know!

5 “Every word of God is flawless;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
6 Do not add to his words,
or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

7 “Two things I ask of you, Lord;
do not refuse me before I die:
8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.


We live in a society racked with anxiety and depression. People feel overwhelmed and unfulfilled. Our whole world is crying out that the paths they have chosen are dead ends. We need to learn to be like Jesus and help people look beyond themselves and see how to get back on a path that leads to life. Proverbs 30:1-9 tells the tale of one man’s journey out of the dead end he found himself in. It shows us how we can learn to look beyond ourselves and find true fulfillment in life by looking to God.

Out the 9 verses above we are instructed that if we will find satisfaction in life, “abundant life”, the sense of fulfillment there are some truths to guide us.

Note that these words come from someone named Agur. Not much is known about him except what is written here. He was the son of a man named Jakeh, whom we also know nothing about. Some scholars believe from internal word usage in Proverbs refer to the author as Agur, “the Massaite.” Massaites where a tribe of non-Israelites who lived on the Arabian Peninsula. They are mentioned in Genesis 25:14 and 1 Chronicles 1:30 as children of Ishmael.

The opening verses are a confession that says, “I have wearied myself, O God, I have wearied myself, O God, and come to an end.” Agur, expresses that he is exhausted, worn out by life, at the end of his rope. I believe most of us know that place. Agur, acknowledges that he doesn’t have any more answers, doesn’t have what it takes, doesn’t know what to do next, or where to go.

I have found, maybe you have as well, that when we come to the end of ourselves, the world gives us a lot of bad advice. Many times we are told not to be discouraged but to believe in ourselves. We are encouraged to motivate ourselves and keep going by the sweat of our brow. We use terms like “step up” and “grind it out” to refer to how we try to keep going when we are worn out. Yet, and I think Agur would agree with this, trying harder and looking to ourselves leads to more exhaustion and further guilt, anxiety, and discouragement.

So, what is the alternative?

Proverbs 30 tells us that the alternative is to look beyond ourselves and cast our gaze upon God. That is what Agur does, and he notes some good reasons why this is the wise decision. Why God is the one to look to.

First, God Connects – “who has ascended…descended.” – God is not disconnected from his creation. He is involved and invested. He calls us into relationship. You don’t have to ascend to heaven to find God. He connects with us. PRESENCE.

Second, God Controls – “who has gathered…wrapped…” – God is not just connected to the world, He is in control of it. When you feel overwhelmed by life, realize that God isn’t overwhelmed!

Third, God Creates – The reason God is in control is because He created the world. It is His. He made it. He loves it. He is at work in it.

Often when we look beyond ourselves, we are tempted to rely on others who are more powerful than us. Having good friends and examples are essential but looking to them for fulfillment will end up producing the same emptiness and defeat as when we looked to ourselves. The best examples, friends, family, and role models are people who point us not to themselves but to God and his word. Like Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Imitate me, even as I imitate Christ.”

Do you relate to Agur’s worn out life? Where are you looking?

Psalm 121

I look up at the vast size of the mountains—
from where will my help come in times of trouble?
2 The Eternal Creator of heaven and earth and these mountains
will send the help I need.

3 He holds you firmly in place;
He will not let you fall.
He who keeps you will never take His eyes off you and never drift off to sleep.
4 What a relief! The One who watches over Israel
never leaves for rest or sleep.

5 The Eternal keeps you safe,
so close to Him that His shadow is a cooling shade to you.
6 Neither bright light of sun
nor dim light of moon will harm you.

7 The Eternal will keep you safe
from all of life’s evils,
8 From your first breath to the last breath you breathe,
from this day and forever.

THE GIFT OF BOUNDARIES

 JULY 27, 2022

Proverbs 25:17

17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—
too much of you, and they will hate you.

Proverbs 27:14

14 If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning,
it will be taken as a curse.


One common attribute that many people associate with true friendship is familiarity. We imagine friends as people who know the rhythms of other people’s lives and are comfortable being themselves around each other. Sincerity and honesty are keys to friendship. Feeling like you need to pretend around someone is never a recipe for growing a friendship. On the other hand, there is a form of familiarity that is actually a kind of disrespect. True friends understand what the other person needs to be healthy and gives them room when they need it.



Look at what Proverbs 25:17 says, “Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—too much of you, and they will hate you. This is about having healthy boundaries. We sometimes use words like “extrovert” and “introvert” to discuss the ways which we all have differing degrees of need when it comes to social interaction. This proverb reminds us that a friend focuses on giving what the other person needs rather than seeking what they themselves want.

Our second verse today, Proverbs 27:14 says, "If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse." This is another proverb about the respect friends give each other. Even a blessing can become a curse when it is offered at the wrong time. This proverb mentions waking a person early, but it could also mean interrupting his work or other ways in which we intrude on people. It might be a good thing we are intruding with, but ultimately it will be seen as an intrusion and not a blessing. A true friend knows when he can connect with a friend and when he needs to give that individual some space.

I believe what these proverbs leave us with is that a Friend is Conscientious and desires more than any thing what is best for the other person. This is more important than their own wants. That takes a wise and skillful person to grow to that life perspective in relationships.

REVIEW 

BIBLICAL FRIENDSHIP in PROVERBS

A Friend Changes You

A Friend Cares

A Friend Cuts Slack

A Friend Counsels, Corrects, and Confronts

A Friend is Conscientious

 

CUT ME SOME SLACK, EH!

 JULY 26, 2022

Proverbs 17:9

9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.


Yesterday we looked at the characteristic of a friend not being shy about confronting us through uncomfortable conversations. Today, I just wanted to add to that teaching from Proverbs 17:9 above.

Our text above basically says A Friend Cuts Slack. Sometimes we can take confrontation too far. Am I right? Sometimes we use the closeness with someone as a justification to vent our own frustration and we can criticize another mercilessly. Sometimes what we have to learn is to stop confronting someone about every last little thing they do. I had a University Professor who would often remind us to be aware and “choose our battles carefully.” Friends cut each other slack.

Proverbs 17:9 says, “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” This proverb doesn’t mean that friends help friends cover up crimes, nor does it mean that we should overlook repeated destructive behavior. This proverb is a reminder to give people room to grow. When we mess up, we don’t need someone else complaining about us to other people, or airing our so called “dirty laundry” to other people. This proverb encourages us to pursue reconciliation and love even in the midst of conflict. A friend can overlook an offense. A friend can confront you without talking bad about you to others. A friend seeks love.

Let’s foster love, above all.

TRUSTING A FRIEND'S HEART

 JULY 25, 2022

Proverbs 27:9

Perfume and incense
bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of a friend
springs from their heartfelt advice.

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:6

Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
but an enemy multiplies kisses.

So far on the theme of Biblical Friendship Proverbs has taught us that Friends Change Us, so exercise care in who the people are that get close to us. Doesn’t mean shunning people, it just means that those who are influencing us, those inner circle friends, should be people who will help us grow and develop into women and men who live life “skillfully” and wisely. We also saw that these kind of influencers, are not just “good time” friends, but friends who stick with us through all seasons of life, no matter what. As Proverbs said it, this kind of pal who is a Friend who Cares.

Today we look at a third characteristic that Proverbs highlights it is that A Friend Counsels, Corrects, and Confronts.

You see a friend cares more than just having a good time with you. They genuinely care about you. One aspect of caring about someone is wanting them to be the best version of themselves, or more accurately, the fullest expression of whom God created them to be. If you have a friend(s) like that then you have likely experienced that that person is not shy about offering counsel, nor are they shy about confronting you with some correction. Now, saying that I acknowledge that such experiences can be painful. However, being a true friend means caring enough that one is willing to enter into uncomfortable conversations when it is necessary.

These are some proverbs that can help us do that.

Proverbs 27:9 says, "Perfume and incense

bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice." Life is confusing sometimes. Having people who can help you navigate the chaos is essential. God puts people in our lives to help us choose wisely in tough circumstances. Sometimes we want someone else to choose for us. Sometimes we want someone to confirm us in our choices. A friend’s counsel is neither of these things. Counsel is advice, guidance, and perspective. It is information to help you choose well. But the choice is still ours. Learning to listen to counsel then choose wisely is a key aspect of true friendship.

Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron,

so one person sharpens another." This proverb explains not just THAT friendship transforms us, but HOW it does so. Iron sharpens iron by friction. When it happens, sometimes sparks fly. This shows us that friendship isn’t primarily for our comfort. It is for our blessing. We all have “rough edges” that need to be sanded down. God uses friends to do some of the sanding. Like the correction of a father, the correction of a friend is designed not to humiliate or condemn but to sharpen.

Proverbs 27:6 says, Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. ("but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.”) Being confronted or experiencing conflict can be hard. No one likes being told hard truth. This proverb reminds us to trust a friend’s heart even when their words may not be what we want to hear. The wounds of a friend are like the cuts of a surgeon, done to heal not to harm.

If you have a friend like that, you are blessed and loved. Of course, the other side of this, is to ask ourselves are we that kind of friend? The kind that “sharpens” our friend(s) toward healing and skillfully living with wisdom.