Proverbs 3:1-10

Read Proverbs 3:1-10.

There are five sets of two verses each.  Each set gives an admonition followed by a pleasant consequence.  The unit of ten verses is a father-son talk about how to be successful in life.

It is interesting that the unit doesn't begin with an admonition concerning God.  Instead, the unit begins with an admonition to submit to parental guidance (specific and cumulative).  If one will not submit to the most immediate, visible authority structure, then is there high likelihood that he will submit life, heart and treasure to God?  

(All this assumes that parental guidance is sensible.  Certainly, God isn't asking the reader to implement guidance that is immoral, illegal or unbiblical.)

Into The Deep (Part 1) (Lu. 5:4)

Read Luke 5:4.

The "catch", the blessing God wants to send simply because He wants to send it, is found "in the deep."  How we make a living in the shallows!  That's why we end up with shallow lives and become content with the ministry of minnows.

1.  The deep is a place of frustration to the flesh.  Lots of work, lots of attempts, no results except tiredness.

2.  It is one thing to go to the deep on our own strength and will, but it is another to be commissioned there.  how things change when Jesus calls you into the deep!  Enough of our calling ourselves.  Enough of our lame results.  Let's listen for His invitation.

3.  Success in the deep requires a clean, mended net.  Before their invitation into the deep, notice what the disciples were doing.  Cleaning their nets.  Removing debris so that the nets worked optimally.  Checking for tears and weak spots so any future catch wouldn't be compromised.

4.  Success in the deep requires obedience.  You do what Jesus says when He says it because it is He who said it,  No negotiation, no compromise, no delay, no excuse, no vote  and no second opinion.

Weekly Inspiration (12/17/16)

Bridge at Rock Furnace Trail, Kiski Twp., PA
Shot taken November 26, 2016 at 1:19 P.M.

I call this shot "Tied To The Bridge".

One mile down from the trail head (access from King's Road), you will find a bridge across the creek. That is where I found these two tied to the cables. They didn't get there on their own.

Whenever you are "on display", remember that you had help getting there.  While you worked hard and applied yourself, others prayed for you and encouraged you.

Finish Strong (1 Kin. 11:3-4)

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First Kings chapter 10 explains Solomon's wealth, fame and leadership. Literally, we would say he "had it all." And he had it all during his younger years. He should‘ve been able to coast the rest of his tenure. With all that wisdom, you would think he would have "seen it coming." Where was the foresight? How did such a blessed life, filled with prosperity and promise, end so tragically? Why did the train derail?

Are we to say that Solomon's wealth and his wisdom couldn't protect him from his women? I think it goes beyond that. Solomon's heart was led astray. It all started in the heart (Prov. 3:5-6; 4:23). Woody Allen said, "The heart wants what it wants, and that is the problem."

Here are some observations.
1. Just because you are successful on the outside doesn't mean you're successful on the inside. Privilege doesn't exempt you from temptation.
2. Don't expect things to get easier just because you get older. Longevity doesn't exempt you from corruption.
3. Trouble begins to multiply at the first compromise. Kill the snake while it's small.
4. Never underestimate the tendency of your heart to be worn down. It can happen. It can happen to you. You're in for the fight of your life, not one fight in one moment. Keep on guard.

Faster Success

"Failure is a prerequisite for great success.  If you want to succeed faster, double your rate of failure" (1).  In the business world, many would say, "Amen!"  There are domains in which I would tell you not to follow this advice.  Sky diving, for instance.

Humor aside, this is never good advice for spiritual growth.  It didn't work for Pharaoh.  If you want to succeed (become more like Jesus), don't double your rate of failure.  You'll only beat yourself up repeatedly.  By all means learn from accidental failure.  Intentional failure, though, means you're stuck on stupid.  Here's a better maxim:  If you want to succeed faster (become more like Jesus), obey sooner.

(1) Www.Twitter.com/ManagersDiary.  8/9/12  10:05 A.M.

Woody's Tip for New Year Success

Yesterday I went for a walk at Roaring Run Trail in Apollo. What delight when I looked through the telephoto and saw a splotch of red!  (Does anyone know what kind of woodpecker this is?)

 

Not far away, I saw a series of holes in a rotting tree.  It's Mr. W. Pecker's doing, no doubt.  Some of the holes are nearly perfect.  All this without a compass, too.  Don't tell me God's not awesome!  He gave this creature the ability to drill perfect holes through hard wood without breaking its beak.

The woodpecker reveals a clue to success.  Keep at it.  One peck doesn't make a difference.  One peck after another -- It's repetition that makes the woodpecker successful.  To be successful in 2013, you must be consistent.

100 Years Ago Today

October 6, 1910. It was in Boston. It was a baseball first, a moment to remember. Bill Collins was the first major league player to hit a "natural cycle." (For those unfamiliar with baseball terminology, this means he got a base hit his first time up to bat. The second time he ripped a double. The third time at bat he belted a triple. Bill's fourth time at bat was a home run.)

Your efforts won't always line up like Bill's, but you never know when they might. I'm sure Bill would tell you he never saw the cycle coming. God can't bless the swing you don't take. Attempting nothing is a sure sign you're expecting nothing.

The Third Woe (Hab 2:12-14)

1. The violations of the offender. There were two offences. First, many conquered people died providing the money and labor necessary to build the walls and other structures of Babylon. Second, iniquity and perversity prevailed. These two offences were consistent, habitual practices. To sum up: violence and crime.
2. The vindication of the offended. All the construction and fortification would be a waste of time, effort and personnel. Babylon would fall. The walls wouldn't offer such great protection after all.
3. The validity for the reader. What are you "building" and why are you building it? What's the price for your achievement? While you're getting ahead are others getting beheaded? On whose backs has your success come? How do you treat people? What is your work made of and will it last? (1 Cor 3:11-15). There is no wall (attempt to keep God out) man can build that is so thick and so high God can't smash it. "Babylon" will fall (Rev 18:1-24).

Six Tenets of Measurements

1. Measurements are standards for evaluating progress and, perhaps, success. You can have measurements for every area of life -- spiritual, relational, financial, intellectual, physical, marital, parental, societal, organizational, etc.
2. Not all measurements are equally important. For my exercise I enjoy jogging. My one-mile time is important to me. Maintaining a healthy weight is important. Having bigger biceps (wishful thinking) is not.
3. Whenever you measure something, you make yourself uncomfortable. Measurement is accountability. There is no hiding, no slacking. If you do, the measurement doesn't lie.
4. What you measure you'll probably improve at. Sure, it will take time. Yes, it will take hard work. You and I have a built-in improvement system. Call it "sick and tired of being this way." After a while you're desperate. That's step one toward improvement.
5. Measurements are relative. There is no way I should measure my jogging success against a 16-year-old, 5-minute-mile runner. What's a decent time for a 42-year-old? That's my measurement.
6. It is pointless to measure but never act. For example, what good is it to know your blood pressure is getting higher? Get out there and exercise! Cut out the salt! Information is no substitute for implementation.