The value of integrity
Chapter 19 of Proverbs begins by telling us that the poor who walks in integrity is better off than he who speaks with perversity, who is really a fool. What is integrity and how do we attain it?
- an undivided or unbroken completeness or totality with nothing wanting; “the integrity of the nervous system is required for normal development …
- moral soundness
- or, integrity is the way we behave when no one is watching.
How do we achieve integrity? I will tell you with all honesty that the more you immerse yourself in God’s Word, in the life of Jesus, the more you walk as Jesus walked, the greater will be your integrity. It is nearly impossible to act outside of integrity when we live everyday with Jesus.
more to come…
Happy Birthday, Mama
Today my mother would be 95 years old. I wish we could have grown old together, but we’ll have a lot to catch up on when we meet again.
I have to go directly to Proverbs 17:28,
8 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue.
This verse speaks directly to the saying, It is better to keep silent and be thought a fool than to speak and prove it. Once again we see multiple verses regarding the wisdom of holding our tongues. Can you imagine how much more peace we would live in if we were to follow this simple advice?
Prov 9 says he who covers an offense promotes love. Isn’t that what Christ did on the cross? Jesus covered the offenses of the world (sin) by giving Himself as a spotless lamb. Would that we could cover offenses of our fellow Christians thereby promoting love. I have seen churches split over the color of the carpet, a change in worship service, or a split in loyalty among the congregation. Can anyone believe this type of behavior is acceptable in the Church? If we could learn to sacrifice our opinions and our wants to those of others we would usher in an era of peace and love in our churches that would be unparalleled. Our focus should NEVER be on the minutiae of church administration, but instead on how we can better worship God, fellowship with Christ, and bring others to the Kingdom.
The plans of the Lord
For those of you reading this post who attend Asbury UMC, you should be amazed (as am I) at today’s scripture.
We at Asbury are in the midst of a possible life-changing event at the church as we seek God’s direction in the future of our church. I have spent more than 2 hours praying over the life of the church this morning, and then I opened my Bible to Proverbs 16 and found that the chapter begins with talking of man’s plans vs. God’s plans. Prov 16:1-3 says To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the lord comes the reply of the tongue. 2 All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. 3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Wow. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Father, as we seek your face through prayer and fasting may we truly commit ourselves, our plans, our church to you and may we succeed in bringing others into the Kingdom.
The chapter goes on to speak of pride and we all recognize Prov 16:18: pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. God, deliver us from pride, from haughtiness and save us from destruction.
Where is wisdom found?
We at Asbury UMC have begun meeting again on Wednesday nights for food, fellowship, Bible studies, and a special speaker each week addressing community and social needs. I am increasingly enjoying these Wednesday nights. I attend the series on Growing your Faith, which reveals to us the very foundations of the Christian faith. I find myself more and more drawn to the Standing Stones which stand as monuments to our faith, and am in awe that Jesus would use me as a Living Stone to mark the continuation of the faith.
Prov 15:1 begins by telling us that a gentle answer turns away wrath. Would that I could grasp that truth, meditate upon it, make it a part of my DNA. Instead, I tend to want to persuade others of my point of view, validating MY opinions and turning you from yours. God is saying repeatedly “Be gentle, be wise, speak words of healing, heed correction, be righteous, seek knowledge” and we continue on in our foolish ways.
Prov 15:8 warns that the Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked. When will we learn we cannot live any way we want, and then win God’s favor through meaningless sacrifices? When will we as individuals and as a nation drop to our knees before the Living God and plead for mercy that we might be spared the judgment sure to come?
Prov 15:13-15 talks about a cheerful heart. Do you know what makes my heart cheerful? Being immersed in God’s word brings joy bubbling up from the depths of my heart and literally bursts forth from my lips. Being with my children and grandchildren brings me joy, and makes my heart cheerful. Being among God’s people at Asbury makes my heart cheerful and strengthens my faith and my service.
If you find your heart is not cheerful, take a close look at your habits. Do you take the time to spend a part of the morning with the Lord before you begin your day? Are you in close contact with your family, friends, and church? If your circumstances are such that you can find no cheer in your daily living, then call your church or community organization and find somewhere you can volunteer. I guarantee you there are multitudes of people in worse shape than you. When you reach out to help others, Jesus will restore the joy to your heart–remember, Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. Keeping your priorities in the right order will bring wisdom, healing and joy.
Right, left or straight at the crossroads?
How do we know which way to go when we come to a crossroad? Prov 14:12 is one of my favorite verses: There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. So what do we do when the way before us seems right? How do we decide which way to go?
In the Bible decisions were often made by casting lots. The High Priest carried the Urim and Thummin in a pocket on his breastplate, and when consulted one of the stones would glow to signify God’s presence. One stone represented “no” while the other represented “yes.” Casting of lots was not a game of chance, such as drawing straws or tossing a coin. Instead, it was the Israelites’ way of consulting God.
We no longer cast lots to determine God’s will upon our lives. Instead, we read our Bibles for direction, spend time in prayer, sometimes asking that God would close the doors He does not want us to go through but open others so that we can be in His will. The key here is being still long enough to hear God’s voice, and talking with Him often enough so that we will know God’s voice.
V27 tells is that the fear of the Lord is a fountain of life. Don’t you love that picture? Fear in this context does not mean we tremble before the Lord, and are afraid to enter His presence. On the contrary, fear means we are in awe of God, and are honored to be in His presence. And, the awe we feel before God becomes a fountain which spouts forth life. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me…Praise God from whom all blessings flow…Come thou fount of many blessings…
