The Promoter

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 30

Gold Nugget

Verse 32: If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, Or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth. 

Commentary

Years ago people used to be entertained by the great boxer, Mohammad Ali. His skill in the ring was unmatched for several years. He was fast, strong and tough, but you didn’t need me to tell you that did you? Ali never needed a promoter. He promoted himself. At every camera and in every microphone, the champ would declare his greatness. “Fly like a butterfly, sting like a bee”, he would say. “I’m so pretty”, he would shout. “It's hard to be humble when you're as great as I am”. The list of his boasting and self promotion is too long to include here. Ali was an entertainer and even in his day, entertainer or not, many people could not tolerate his bragging. Most folks just chalked it up to being a showman and dismissed it as part of his act. One thing that should be noted is the reason he got so much attention was because no one else was doing this. People either loved him or loved to hate him, but the cameras were obsessed with him. Today, sports and entertainment celebrities are infested with this self promotion. It no longer needs to be masked by showmanship or entertainment; people just love to declare how great they are. I enjoy sports, but can hardly stand to hear this self promoting phenomenon. Just as tolerance of this horrible trait has grown over the years, it didn’t stop at celebrities. The self promotion and fixation with themselves expressed by our youth is repulsive. Whether it’s “Facebook”, “Instagram” or whatever social networking application is being used, people have taken it from what can be healthy networking on to self glorifying and self exaltation.

Nowadays, there isn’t any shame in standing in front of a mirror with a cell phone posing like they are on the cover of a magazine, dressing provocatively and outright claiming in writing their greatness. Modesty has been thrown out the window. Just to share the blame, it should be noted that even adults are being caught up in this self love and self glorifying. Maybe it has always been there and it just wasn’t accepted. Probably so, but I will take closet conceit over this shameless manifestation of “me over thee” behavior. What happened to humility? Just in case you are wondering, it is still expected of Christians. What of putting others above and before yourself? It may not be popular, but it’s still scriptural. Maybe this applies to you and maybe it doesn’t. Maybe it applies to our kids. Shouldn’t that be enough to corral them before it get’s any further. Whether it’s us or our kids, we aren’t supposed to be going with the flow of this world. Maybe you should take a stand today. What do you say?

Disclaimer: Social media is not necessarily evil. The purpose in this devotion is to illustrate the way they are too often used for self exalting. If this is not the way it is being used by you, it still may be necessary for you to to steer someone else in the right direction.

Prayer

Lord, despite how accepted it has become in our world, I want to represent the character that you have developed in me. I don’t need to exalt myself, but rather need to humble myself. Thank you for reminding me of this truth. Amen

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Fearing Man

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 29

Gold Nugget
Verse 25: “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.”

Commentary

What is the fear of man and how does it relate to your safety? Imagine being in a sticky situation at work. You made a small error in your job that had massive effects. You cost your company thousands of dollars, but nobody really knows who did it. You know that there isn’t any way that anyone could find out who did it. All you have to do is deny it was you, knowing that there isn’t any way to identify what happened. You have a free pass. Some folks would say that it was a gift from God that you were able to avoid harm, but a mature Christian knows better. As today’s “gold nugget” says, “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.” This brings us back to the original question. Your fear of man (your boss or company in this case) is tempting you to lie for your safety. There are many situations that will fall into this scenario. Maybe it is the jokes your boss tells that you laugh at when you wouldn’t normally. Maybe your father-in-law challenges you in a spiritual area that you may be afraid to take your normal stance against. We may have to use our imagination a little, but if you think about it, you will see how the fear of man or maybe peers will cause us to compromise our beliefs. In that, we allow ourselves to be caught in the snare mentioned in today’s “gold nugget”.

It may be difficult, but we have to cling to the truth of the latter part of this verse, “but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.” This is to say, whoever will stay faithful and stand on truth despite any repercussions, God will surely keep us safe. We may fear losing our paycheck, but God will keep us fed. As a matter of fact, if we lied about costing the company money, we may survive that day, but when other areas of our life starts to fall apart, we foolishly don’t make the connection. Be sure that what it will cost you to avoid the wrath of man will not compare to what it will cost you to bring on the wrath of God. Consider what Jesus said in Matthew 10:28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Prayer

Lord, in our day to day life we find ourselves in situations where our fear of man will cost us in our relationship with you. Help us to see clearly what is at stake and walk boldly in the truth. We would rather avoid your wrath than the wrath of man. Even without your wrath, we would rather be at peace with you than at peace with man.  Amen

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Spoiled Milk

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 28

Gold Nugget
Verse 13: “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”

Commentary

Out of sight may be out of mind for some things, but not for everything. They say there isn’t any use in crying over spilled milk either, but spilled milk behind the couch may be out of sight, but it won’t be out of mind when it starts to sour. There are many things we try to pretend doesn’t or didn’t happen. Dirt continually swept under the carpet will build a lump that everyone can see and you will eventually trip over. Many of us attempt to go through this life with our faults and weaknesses unattended to. Pride or carelessness drives us to overlook our own faults and sins, as if they are not issues that need to be dealt with. Whether it is because of some misunderstanding of what God’s grace is supposed to be viewed as, or whether we just don’t care if we grow in those areas, our hidden or ignored sins will catch up with us. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we ask Him to forgive us of our sins and we are immediately cleansed from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9), but as we continue to walk with Him, we must deal with our weak areas as they arise.

If we fail to reflect Godly character, we must identify and repent of our sins and look for change in our behavior. Trying to pretend that these things didn’t happen will stunt our spiritual growth, causing pain and hurt to others. As today’s “gold nugget” says, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”  When we do see we have failed to be the people He wants us to be, we should not try to “cover” our sins, but rather we hurry to confess them and receive the mercy that heals both us and others we have hurt. When we confess them, Jesus covers them. We can't cover them ourselves through denial of secrecy.

Some things left unattended will begin to sour or rot. If we overlook it, we may grow used to the smell and not find it so offensive and actually become so blind that we wonder why others are not pleased to be close to us. Leaving sin unattended will leave us spiritually smelling soured, spoiled and rotten. We would be quick to clean up spilled milk and throw out things that would rot. Why would we be so ignorant of leaving sin in our lives if they will have the same effect?

Prayer

Lord, when I fail to obey you and cause harm to others with my behavior, I want to be quick to repent of my sins and receive your mercy and corrective plan. Please don’t allow me to try and cover my sins as if they don’t exist. This will only ensure that they mount up and cause continued harm to you, me and others.  Amen

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What of Tomorrow

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 27

Gold Nugget

Verse 1: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”

Commentary

While speaking at a conference in Florida, I had the pleasure of meeting a very sweet couple from Odessa. While having dinner with folks from the conference, I was blessed to be seated next to them. After a few moments we began to make small talk, but as is normally the case - spiritual people identify each other quickly and the small talk turned to deep spiritual discussion. We talked about our Heavenly Father and His marvelous grace. As it turns out, both of their young adult children had been in a horrible car accident just a few years ago. Their son had been thrown from the car while their daughter remained inside the vehicle as it flipped several times. As it goes, the protective mercies of the Lord prevented what should have been sure death for one if not both of them. Although the son suffered a broken leg, the condition of his sister was much worse. Family and friends began to call on each other for prayer as the daughter endured 40+ days in the hospital. Testimonies of miracles were shared with me that showed the supernatural intervention from God at every turn. From the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit that ministered to them at the scene of the accident while they lay praying, to miracles that were even proclaimed from the doctors over the following days, God revealed Himself to the entire family that has strengthened them and strengthens them to this day. They all have a wonderful message and testimony that is very passionate in their hearts. They can’t wait to brag about the goodness of their Savior. Of the entire testimony, one of the things that stood out most was a comment that the husband made towards the end. Early on the wife had shared how they have learned to trust God with their children and all areas of their lives for that matter. The husband validated her statement when he said, “God doesn’t see death as we do. The perspective that we have towards death is unique to us as humans.” So very true. When it comes to God’s concern for us, our physical body takes a back seat to the condition of our souls. Today’s “gold nugget” says, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” We are so concerned with our own survival and well being that we lose sight of what is important; our spiritual survival and well being. We need to be less concerned with tomorrow and more concerned with where we stand with God today. We are not promised to be given tomorrow, but we can still promise to give Him today and trust Him for the rest.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the reminders and blessings that I received from this couple. Today, I will focus on what I can be for you now. I trust you for tomorrow. Amen

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Merry CHRISTmas

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 25

Gold Nugget
Verse 6: “Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of the great;”

Commentary

“And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11) We read in the scriptures about the wise men that came from the east, searching for the Savoir of the world to worship Him. A wise man was one to be respected and honored. In those days it was more likely that children were not even suffered to come unto a wise man and yet here are wise men bowing before the true King. They exemplified today’s “gold nugget”, “Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of the great;” They knew who this newborn baby was and was to become. They dare not exalt themselves in His presence, but rather humbled themselves in worship and offerings. On this treasured day, our society is guilty of exalting everything and everyone other than the one who is worthy. It’s my prayer that Christians be the exception to this norm. Let us make a bold statement to our family, friends, but especially to our children what is truly the meaning of CHRISTmas. We have a challenge in this. We can say with our mouths that He is the reason for the season, but the gifts and food galore, with all the attention on one another, it doesn’t carry over into the hearts and minds of our next generation unless we make a massive ordeal about who Jesus is and why He came to be born unto us.  We are presented with that challenge today. I hope we arise to the challenge!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Prayer

Lord help us to overshadow gifts and food with truth, knowledge and adoration for our King that was born unto us to save us from our sins. Amen

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Try Again

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 24

Gold Nugget

Verse 16: “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.”

Commentary

Many have heard the story of how our 16^th President, Abraham Lincoln, had many failures in his career, both public and private. Although it makes for good emails and inspirational media, Abraham Lincoln is one of the most beloved and respected presidents in US History. His stance against immoral actions and policies is renowned. Although somewhat familiar to many, I have included a few of these so-called “failures” for the sake of discussion.

1831: Lost His Job

1832: Ran for state legislature - lost.

1832: Wanted to go to law school but couldn’t get in.

1833: Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year he was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt.

1836: Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months.

1838: Sought to become speaker of the state legislature -defeated.

1840: Sought to become elector - defeated.

1843: Ran for Congress - lost.

1849: Sought the job of land officer in his home state -rejected.

1854: Ran for Senate of the United States - lost.

1856: Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party’s national convention – did not get enough votes.

1858: Ran for U.S. Senate again - lost.

In 1860 he successfully ran for president of the United States of America. Although the validity of some of these instances leaves room for debate, much of them are undisputed. What is also undisputed is the determination and passion he had for his duty and his country. Today’s “gold nugget” reminds us that, “a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.” I refuse to allow my failures to prevent me from pressing on.

What have you resolved to change in your life that fear of failure has prevented you from trying again? It’s time to try to quit smoking again. This time, I think you can do it. It’s time to try to quit drinking again. This time, I think you can do it. It’s time to try to quit cussing, cheating, etc. -again. This time, I think you can do it. It’s time to start praying again. This time, I think you can do it. It’s time to start reading your bible again. This time, I think you can do it. It’s time to start going to church again. This Sunday, I think you can do it.

Prayer

Lord, I know I have failed you on many occasions. I have failed my family, my church and myself. I will not fail to try again. I want to be the righteous man that will rise again and agin. I have resolved to serve you for the rest of my life. Amen

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Read Your E-mail

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 22

Gold Nugget
Verse 20: Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge?

Commentary

In today’s business atmosphere, the written word has taken on greater power than it has in many years. E-mails have raised the level of accountability in various aspects of business. When a memo of the 80’s could have left doubt as to whom it was addressed, delivered to and read by could be challenged or denied. I see so often today claims of conversations or delegations either confirmed or overruled by the mention of an e-mail. Just recently I had to remind a contractor of an e-mail conversation between us that proved he was notified of certain conditions that he agreed to. While at first he tried to waffle out of some accountability, he quickly withdrew his position at the mention of the e-mail. There is something very effective about the written word. It cannot easily be discounted, argued with or dismissed. Such is today’s “gold nugget”, here we are reminded by God, “Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge? I think it is an unfortunate scenario that many people think they will only be held accountable for what they know. The truth is, we will also be held accountable for what knowledge and counsel was made available to us. If I neglect to read my e-mails throughout the day, I will fall behind in knowledge of situations that require my action. I can’t simply claim that I did not read my e-mails and therefore cannot be held accountable for its contents. As crazy as that sounds, it is the exact same thing with the Word of God. Like e-mails addressed to us from God, in the scriptures, we find that He has “written to us excellent things of counsels and knowledge and we will not be excused for choosing not to read our e-mail. The information in the Word of God, the bible, contains knowledge of situations that require our action. Have you been reading your e-mails or are you just hoping to get by playing ignorant?

Prayer
Lord, your truth, precepts and expectations of us are clearly laid out for us in the bible. Help us to realize that we will be held accountable for both what we know and what was made available for us to know. Amen

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Ungodly Gain

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 21

Gold Nugget

Verse 27: The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; How much more when he brings it with wicked intent! 

Commentary

Our current"Christian" society is flooded with doctrines to pacify the wicked person mentioned in today's "gold nugget". Many of today's Christian leaders are appealing to the sinful nature of mankind that is self serving and full of greed. Teachings that are attractive to this sinful nature are full of ideas that - giving to "god" will ensure you financial gain. There are scriptures that (when taken in proper perspective with proper intentions) give us confident that God will regard our giving with favor. The area of concern is the teachings that lure people to give to a particular "cause" or "ministry" by promising them God's supernatural financial flood. Too often the giver and the recipient of these offerings are working outside of God's participation and promises, and therefore are not guaranteed or even likely to receive anything from God as a reward. These particular doctrines are more in line with "Pyramid Schemes" (AKA - multi level marketing) than they line up with scripture. As scripture warns us, "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions" (2 Timothy 4:3) Sacrifices or gifts/offerings given for personal reward or gain are (as today's "gold nugget" proclaims) is an abomination.

Prayer

Lord, when I give to anyone I want to be giving it with pure intentions - without regard for reward or gain. If my brother is in need, I want to give to him because I don't want him to go without and not because I want to see a return on my giving. Whether my giving is time, money or any other way I can contribute, I want to do it with a pure heart. Amen

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The Grey Head

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 20

Gold Nugget

Verse 29: “The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head.”

Commentary

It’s all about perspective. Being optimistic about your situation or condition is one of the successful keys that open up the door to living a satisfying life. I try to find the good in whatever situation I’m in. For instance, over the years I have worked various work schedules. Whether it is a 4/10 work week (Mon-Thursday 10hrs per day) or the typical 5/8, I choose to make it a win/win for me. If I work the 4/10, yee-haw! 3 day weekends! If I work the 5/8, yee-haw! 2 hours less per day! If I am like today’s “gold nugget” (a young man), yee-haw! I have my strength! If I am like the latter part of today’s “gold nugget” (an old man), yee-haw! I have my wisdom! Sometimes we need to be more content with where we are in the process. Too often the old man envies the young man’s youth, energy and opportunities and on occasion, the young man sees the splendor of the old man's accomplishments and envies him. We need to more appreciative of which part of the timeline we live in. Either end has its benefits if someone wants to see them. It’s a horrible waste of your time, energy and happiness to be consumed with where you aren’t instead of enjoying where you are. Whether it's that promotion, house, car or relationship that you are looking towards, don’t let waiting for it ruin your "right now". The old saying, “It’s not the destination as much as it is the journey” was probably originated by an old grey haired man or woman. Being content is one of the greatest personal accomplishments you can make. It doesn’t mean that you're content with less than you should be, but rather content with where you should be. The young folks that sees the rewards of the old folks hard work and feel entitled to equal rewards are not only barking up the wrong tree, but are an offense to the person that earned them through time. Be patient young one. Pay your dues and in time you will reap your reward. Old one, enjoy your season. If it’s "winter", grab a blanket and warm your gray head by the fire. The young man can go out in the cold and put his good strength to use.

Prayer

Lord, I’m grateful for the accomplishments you’ve made in me and purpose to enjoy the today you’ve given me. Help me to be patient for the things to come and honor you with the day at hand. Amen

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No Charge

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 19

Gold Nugget

Verse 11: “The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression.”

Commentary

The weak-minded may be slow to process thoughts and therefore miss good opportunities to be angry. How much better would we be if we had moments of mental slowness? Often times we get angry with someone only to find out that the situation may not have warranted our fire being kindled. On the contrary, we are usually quick to assume that someone has offended us and react quickly. Although I can stand to learn a great deal more, one thing God has shown me is to be slow not just to anger, but slow also to record the wrong doing. I have much work for God to accomplish in me, but I can tell you that it’s a lot easier to refuse holding something against someone than it is to force yourself to forgive them. Today’s “gold nugget” says, “The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression.”  When we choose not to record a wrong doing, there will not be a need for us to forgive them. We need to be quicker to allow their sin to be forgiven by God. Sometimes God forgives people of sin that we hold against them. How ridiculous is that? If we are slower to anger, we may find that we have less people that seem to owe us an apology. Being slow to anger and choosing to look past someone’s short coming and even sin is often the most Christian approach to have. The balance of knowing when to confront someone with their offence and overlooking it because of them being human comes from the attitude within us. If we have an attitude of love, we will be more equipped to know the difference. The next time someone asks you to forgive them, how good would it be if you responded with, "No Charge."?

Prayer

Lord, you know I have failed you in this area and I ask you to forgive me. Help me to remember that I would be in a world of hurt if people recorded all of my weak moments. Help me to have a spirit of gentleness and mercy when it comes to others weaknesses. Amen

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Stay the Course

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 17

Gold Nugget

Verse 3 : The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the Lord tests the hearts. 

Commentary

I really like verse 3 of chapter 17. This truth is of utmost importance and value for a Christian to understand, accept and embrace. Just as the fired furnace is a necessary process to purify both gold and silver, the "fire" is just as necessary to purify the heart. Just as pain is necessary for the growth of muscle and endurance to improve performance, God wants us to improve our performance as well. We are supposed to be servants in service to serve. God want to get as much out of us for His glory and work as He can. I don't know about you, but I don't have a problem with that. In order for Him to get more out of us for better service, we will have to endure the adversity that burns impurities out of us, the pain of our spiritual muscles growing and the weariness that comes from increasing our endurance. All this works to improve how much we can endure, carry and suffer to carry this gospel of His.

Consider these verses in James chapter 1 verses 2-4:  2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  Remember that God has much to accomplish through your fiery trial. Stay the course!

Prayer

Lord, help me to remember that you are working something to grow me through my suffering. Remind me of the truth from James 1:2-4 that tells me to hang in until the trial has run it's course so I will be complete, lacking nothing. Amen

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Heart Transplant

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 16

Gold Nugget
Verse 9: “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.”

Commentary

In the devotion, Garbage in Garbage Out , we discussed how whatever we put in our hearts will be what will come out of it. The desires of that heart are known by the Lord. I’ve heard many references to the scripture that says, “Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”(Psalm 37:4) It is often used improperly as justification to pacify our desires. The problem is not all of our desires are of the Lord. Many stem from our flesh and God is not obligated to give you these things you desire. For one, the scripture says first to “Delight yourself also in the LORD” This means we find delight in the things He wants and desires. Then when we desire things they mirror His desires and are sure to come to pass. Another thing that “links” with the truth that He gives you the desires of your “heart” is the fact that He should have already created in you a New Heart. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”(Psalm 51:10) This means the desires of your new heart is filled with His desires and desires for Him. The desires (lust) of the flesh are not included in this formula and will not be honored by God. What it boils down to is - our “heart transplant” includes new “heart contents”. This replaces our fleshy heart that contains fleshly desires with a new heart that contains desires for and of God. While we’re here, continuing with this logic, we find another scripture in James 3:8 “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” As true as this is, it isn’t an excuse to say what you want without accountability. Remembering what we read in Garbage in Garbage Out , we learned that Jesus said, “out of the abundance of the heart a man’s mouth speaks.”  So the tongue really only reflects the “contents” of the heart. Since now that we have a new heart with godly contents we don’t have to worry about the fact that the tongue cannot be controlled. What the mouth speaks will be of a godly nature. Now for those that are claiming to have a new heart and yet are able to keep the gospel from coming out of this uncontrollable tongue, we see that just isn’t possible. We sum it all up with today’s “gold nugget”, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” Once we are given a new heart and it is filled with new contents, we will be equipped to plan our way with the Lord directing our steps. The great thing about that is the fact that He equips us with what we need to do the right thing and yet still doesn’t force us. He’s directing us. It is a beautiful agreement of motions. This is what we call a relationship. If this doesn't describe your relati0nship with God, look over these connections again and find what piece you may be missing.

 Prayer

Lord, I love this interaction between us. When we put your truths in order and walk in them, it is as beautiful as a dance with you. Sometimes we just need to improve on our steps and get in rhythm with you. Amen

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