Monday, June 20, 2011

PRO-VERBS 20:1 Wine Warning

Greetings Free People...Warning, Danger, LOOK OUT!

"Wine is a mocker...strong drink is a brawler...and whoever is led astray by it (the mocking wine and brawling strong drink) is not wise (aka...a fool)."

(Pro-Verbs 20:1 with Ruminator emphasis)

"Wine is a mocker...strong drink a riotous brawler, and whoever errs or reels because of it is not wise."

(Pro-Verbs 20:1 The Amplified Bible)

QUESTION:

"Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness and dimness of eyes?

(Pro-Verbs 23:29 The Amplified Bible)

ANSWER:

"Those who tarry long at wine, they who go to seek and try mixed wine. Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the wineglass, when it goes down smoothly. At the last it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder (poison snake). (Under the influence of wine) your eyes will behold strange things [and loose women], and your mind will utter things turned the wrong way, untrue, incorrect and petulant. Yes, you will be [as unsteady] as he who lies down in the midst of the sea, and [as open to disaster] as he who lies upon the top of a mast. You will say, they struck me, but I was not hurt! They beat me [as with a hammer], but I did not feel it! When shall I awake? I will crave and seek more wine again [and escape reality].

(Pro-Verbs 23:30-35 The Amplified Bible)


In a world filled with alcoholics...is it any wonder...the Bible is filled with warnings against excessive drinking?

NOTE: I do not believe that there is a prohibition against drinking...but there are enough warnings against the excessive imbibing we have have in this country.

Christians are not immune to this thing called alcohol. A cursory look at the deeds of the flesh...in Galatians 5:21 lists drunkenness and revelries. Sometimes...a Christian feels they have freedom to do certain things...thinking they will not reap the consequences.

"In [this] freedom Christ has made us free--completely liberated us; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery--which you have once put off."

(Galatians 5:1 The Amplified Bible)

"Everything is permissible for me--allowable and lawful...but NOT ALL THINGS ARE HELPFUL--GOOD FOR ME TO DO, expedient and profitable when you considered with other things. Everything is lawful for me, but I will not BECOME THE SLAVE OF ANYTHING...or brought under it's power."

(I Corinthians 5:12 The Amplified Bible)

There are just to many Christians who are SLAVES to the things/deeds OF THE FLESH and SIN.

"And do not get drunk with wine...wherein is excess/for that is debauchery...but ever be filled and stimulated with the (Holy) Spirit."

(Ephesians 5:18 The Amplified Bible)

r.l.b.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

PRO-VERBS 19:27 Dear Son...Love Dad

Dear son,

"Cease listening, my son, to discipline, and you will stray from the words of knowledge."
(Pro-Verbs 19:27)

"...discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things since it holds promise for the PRESENT life and also for the LIFE TO COME." (I Timothy 4:7-8)

"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech (what you say), conduct (how you act), love (what your motivation is), faith (what you believe) and purity, (what you allow in your life), show yourself an example of those who believe." (I Timothy 4:12)

The word discipline means to practice naked...unencumbered as your train for the race.

As of this writing...it is Father's Day. As a Father...along with Brenda my wife...we poured into our son...life lessons, love, discipline, correction, etc. If Phillip listens...and does...he will not stray from our words of love. However there comes a time when he must DISCIPLINE HIMSELF...for the purpose of godliness.

My Father's Day prayer is that seed planted will grow and bear fruit.

I love you son.

Dad

Saturday, June 18, 2011

PRO-VERBS 18:10 STRONG SECURITY

Greetings Tower Dwellers...

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower...the righteous run into it and are safe (secure...set on high)." (Pro-Verbs 18:10)

I just returned from a trip to Chicago...and while there we took a tour on top of a bus...viewing the city. The pride of the city was touted...from the food...to the history...to the intellectual prowess and to the architecture with the largest buildings...the strongest buildings...the most unusual designs in buildings. It was truly amazing to see the unharnessed potential of human beings manifested in large and tall edifices.

I remember back to 9/11...when two large airliners were plowed into the side of the Twin Towers in New York City by terrorists...and the towers came crumbling down with thousands of lives lost...and shock, despair, fear, anger and disdain swept across our nation. In those two tall towers...nobody was safe...secure...set on high.

There was another tower in history...in the land of Shinar. At that time the whole earth had ONE LANGUAGE and ONE SPEECH. (Genesis 11:1) These were descendants of Noah (post flood) and had returned to their pagan ways. As they rolled into the land/plains of Shinar, they said..."Come, let us build ourselves a CITY...and a TOWER...whose top is in the heavens; let us make a NAME for ourselves...lest we be SCATTERED ABROAD OVER THE FACE OF THE WHOLE EARTH." (Genesis 11:4)

These one language/speech talking people...thought that their security would be in a city, a tower, a name (to be feared)...and that be binding together...the would NOT be scattered over the face of the whole earth. The only problem is that they DID NOT include God into their plans.

The Lord came down to see the city...and the tower...that the sons of men had built. This is the Lord's observation..."And the Lord said Indeed the people are ONE (united)...and they all have ONE LANGUAGE (code of speech)...and this is what they begin to do...now NOTHING THAT THEY PROPOSE TO DO WILL BE WITHHELD FROM THEM." (Genesis 11:6)

The Amplified Bible states it this way..."...Behold, they are one people, and they have ALL ONE LANGUAGE...and this is only the beginning of what they will do; and NOW NOTHING THEY HAVE IMAGINED THEY CAN DO WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE TO THEM."
(Genesis 11:6)

Wow...man's imagination can harness the impossible. That's not a surprise to me. God is the ultimate Creative Being...and the Creative Being CREATED us in HIS IMAGE...so we as humans have a CREATIVITY IN US. The problem is...our choice...as with Adam and Eve... and we can choose to OBEY...and have this creativity to flow or we can DISOBEY...and have creativity stifled.

The cause and effect of their ONE LANGUAGE/ONE PURPOSE...was the Lord SCATTERING them. The very thing that they FEARED...came upon them. "So the Lord SCATTERED THEM abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and THEY CEASED BUILDING THE CITY. Therefore its NAME is called BABLE (mixed up/confused) because the Lord confused the LANGUAGE of all the earth; and from there the Lord SCATTERED them abroad over the face of the earth." (Genesis 11:8-9)

Their purpose and tower were scattered...compared to THE NAME OF THE LORD...which was a STRONG TOWER...and instead of being scattered...they were (1) safe(2) secure (3) set on high (away from the enemy trying to get at them).

The NAME OF THE LORD...is where we run into. The ONE LORD...has many names to describe is multiple colours. From Jehovah-Jireh (supply), Jehovah-Tsidkenu (righteousness),
Jehovah-Shalom (peace), Jehovah-Nissi (banner), Jehovah-Rhoi (shepherd)...and on and on and on and on. Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Jesus (God is Salvation), Emmanuel (God With Us), Lord (one in control). This just scratches the surface of our STRONG TOWER.

I have found since 1970...when I plan something to lift me up...I am SCATTERED...but when I run into the NAME OF THE LORD...my STRONG TOWER...I am SAFE...SECURE...and SET ON HIGH with a God's eye view of my life.

Love and Safe Kisses
Rodney "In The Strong Tower" Boyd

Friday, June 17, 2011

PRO-VERBS17:3 Trials, Temptations, Testings (Heart Examination)

Greetings Tested and Tried...

"The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold...but the Lord TESTS the heart."
(Pro-Verbs 17:3)

The HEART is the core of who we are. It is the place where only we know our motives...our true desires, or reasons for doing the things that we do. "The spirit of man...is the LAMP of the Lord...searching all the INNER DEPTHS OF HIS HEART." (Pro-Verbs 20:27) "But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit SEARCHES ALL THINGS...yes the DEEP THINGS OF GOD. For what man KNOWS THE THINGS OF A MAN...except the SPIRIT OF THE MAN which is in him? Even so...no one knows the THINGS OF GOD...except the SPIRIT OF GOD." (I Corinthians 2:10-11)

This testing...searching that God will do in us...truly works better for us...if we INVITE Him to do it. It's going to happen either way. "SEARCH me...O God...and KNOW MY HEART...TRY (test) me...and know my anxieties, and see if there is ANY WICKED WAY IN ME...and LEAD ME in the way everlasting." (Psalms 139:23-24)

We are encourage by Paul...to EXAMINE/TEST YOURSELVES. "Examine yourselves as to whether you are IN THE FAITH...TEST yourselves...that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified/do not stand the test." (II Corinthians 13:5-6)

Whether it is a refining pot or a furnace...the common denominator for both of them is heat. The fires of testing...will determine...purity, strength, faithfulness...and see who you turn to when the heat is up.

James...talks about testings...trials...and temptations and how our response should be.

"My brethren...COUNT IT ALL JOY...when you fall into various TRIALS...knowing that the TESTING of your FAITH...produces patience/endurance/perseverance. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect/mature and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-3)

So...these negative things...if we persevere...will turn into a positive thing. Remember that TEMPTATION is not designed to pull you into something...as much as it is designed to pull you away from who you really are...or pull you away from your destiny. Also remember that..."Blessed is the man who ENDURES TEMPTATION...for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

There is a big difference than the devil (little d) enticing us away to evil...and the Lord TESTING our hearts. "Let no one say...when he is TEMPTED, I am TEMPTED by God...for God cannot be TEMPTED by evil...NOR DOES HE HIMSELF TEMPT ANYONE...but each one is TEMPTED when he is DRAWN AWAY...by his OWN LUSTS and ENTICED."

The progression of this TEMPTATION...is the first mention of L.S.D. in the Bible. "Then, when lust (L) has been conceived...it gives birth to sin (S) and and sin, when it is full-grown brings forth death (D)." (James 1:15)

The Lord's TESTING...draws out impurities...and strengthens us. The Lord can use the devil's own temptations...and turns the table on the devil...and builds us up. It's like someone trying to put out a fire...and throwing what they thought was water on the fire...but it turns out to be a bucket of gasoline. Ooops. What the devil...means for harm...God means for good.

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ...through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. and not only that...but we also GLORY IN TRIBULATIONS, knowing that TRIBULATION produces PERSEVERANCE...and PERSEVERANCE...PROVEN CHARACTER...and CHARACTER...HOPE. Now HOPE does not disappoint...because THE LOVE OF GOD...has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
(Romans 5:1-5)

Well...the heat is on...the temptations come...the testings come...and God will get us through it. You will come out the other side...stronger than ever...as in your weakness...He becomes STRONG.

Love and Heart Tested Kisses
Rodney "Tested and Tried" Boyd

Thursday, June 16, 2011

PRO-VERBS 16:1-3; 16:9 ; 16:25; 16:32-33 Preparation H (Heart)

Greetings Planners...

"The preparations/plans of the heart belong to man...BUT...the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the WAYS of a man are pure in his own eyes...but the Lord weighs the spirits. Commit you WORKS to the Lord and your thoughts will be established."
(Pro-Verbs 16:1-3)

"A man's heart PLANS his way...BUT the Lord directs his STEPS." (Pro-Verbs 16:9)

"There is a WAY that seems right to a man...BUT...it's END is the way of death."
(Pro-Verbs 16:25)

"He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty...and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. The lot is cast into the lap...but its every DECISION is FROM THE LORD."
(Pro-Verbs 16:32-33)

I don't know about you...but over my 60 years of living life on planet earth...I have had many dreams, plans, visions, ideas...about how my life should be. I have gone many times...three steps forward...and two steps back (sometimes 5 steps back). Many times...I come up with some hair brain scheme to make a million bucks...and just go out full force...ending up making tens of bucks. Going to school I changed majors faster than Bruce Lee with nunchucks.

Oh how much better my life would be...if I would take my preparations/plans...my ways...my decisions...lay them on the altar of the Lord...and let Him breath life on them...and THEN step out. "There is a way that seemeth right unto Rod...but the end fizzled in the end." (I Rod 1:1)

I find myself getting angry, frustrated, discouraged, depressed...when MY plans fail...my spirit is out of control...my soul is downcast. When the Lord WEIGHS my spirit...and my spirit is heavy with the funk.

I must learn to take my preparations...plans...ways...works...thoughts...and COMMIT them to the Lord...and let Him DIRECT my steps...and allow Him to ESTABLISH my thoughts.

"Come now...you who say...today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell and make a profit...whereas you DO NOT KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN TOMORROW. For what is your life? It is even a VAPOR/MIST...that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say...IF THE LORD WILLS, we shall live and DO THIS OR THAT. " (James 13-15)

Love and Established Kisses
Rodney "Vapor Man" Boyd

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

PRO-VERBS 15:13--18 Have Yourself a Merry Little Heartmas

Greetings Continual Feasters...

"A MERRY HEART makes a cheerful countenance/face. But by SORROW OF THE HEART the spirit is broken. The HEART of him who has understanding seeks knowledge. But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. All the days of the afflicted are evil...but he who is of a MERRY HEART has a continual feast. Better is a little with the FEAR OF THE LORD...than great treasure with TROUBLE. Better is a dinner of herbs/vegetables where LOVE is...than a fatted calf with HATRED...A wrathful man STIRS UP ANGER...but he who is SLOW TO ANGER...allays contention." (Pro-Verbs 15:13-18)

There is an old song sung at Vacation Bible Schools back in the day..."If you're happy and you know it clap your hands...(clap, clap)...If you're happy and you know it clap your hands (clap, clap)...If you're happy and you know it...then your hands will surely show it...if you're happy and you know it clap your hands (clap, clap)." (If You're Happy And You Know It by Unknown)

The song continues with stomp your feet, raise your hands, etc. Well...let's add in our face... "If you're happy and you know it...notify your face (smile real big)...."

The COUNTENANCE...can be the indicator of inner emotion. When Cain killed Able (because Cain was Able)...in the first recorded murder and cover up...we see that when God did not respect his offering versus respecting Ables offering...Cain was VERY ANGRY (inner emotion). The cause and effect of this inner emotion of anger...was manifested on his FACE. "...and Cain was VERY ANGRY...and his COUNTENANCE FELL." (Genesis 5:5) Well this FACIAL MANIFESTATION was noted by the Lord..."So the Lord said to Cain...why re you angry? And why has your COUNTENANCE FALLEN? (Genesis 5:6) The Lord...had a solution for his anger...that would have averted the murder of his brother. "If you DO WELL...will you not be accepted? And if you do NOT DO WELL...SIN lies at the door. And its (sin's) desire is for you...BUT YOU SHOULD RULE/MASTER OVER IT (sin at your door)." (Genesis 5:7)

Well...Cain's UNMERRY HEART...that was manifested on his face...was not dealt with and was manifested in his actions...which was murder.


"Unrestrained thoughts (what we think)...produces unrestrained words (what we say)... resulting in unrestrained actions (what we do)" (Unknown)

It all hinges on the fear of the Lord which is the beginning of knowledge and understanding. Feast on the goodness of God...not the emotion of the moment...and AND HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE HEARTmas.

Love and Veggie Kisses
Rodney "Merry Heartmas" Boyd

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

PRO-VERBS 14:12 The Right Way....Ooops!

Traveling Mercies O Ye Sojourners...

"There is a way that seems right to a man...but is end is the way of death." (Pro-Verbs 14:12; Pro-verbs 16:25)

Say it once...listen...say it twice...LISTEN! This verse is found twice in the Pro-Verbs...and there are multiple allusions to this thought throughout Pro-Verbs.

"What fruit did you have then in the things which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:21-23)

My Dad and I use to have arguments. Imagine that. He would have a point of view...and he was convinced that he was right and I was wrong...and I was convinced that I was right...and he was wrong. In this perpetual butting of heads...my Dad would reach the point of exasperation and he would say..."Am I right or wrong?" That was suppose to end the argument. Of course being 16 going on 35....I would respond to his question..."Am I right or wrong?"...with..."you're wrong." Oh how that would send his blood pressure up.

In C.S. Lewis' book MERE CHRISTIANITY...in the chapter entitled THE LAW OF HUMAN NATURE...he lays out the scenario of people quarrelling about various topics. Each quarrelling party...thinks their way is the RIGHT way.

"Now what interests me about all these remarks is that the man who makes them is not merely saying that the other man's behaviour does not happen to please him. He is appealing to SOME KIND OF STANDARD OF BEHAVIOUR which he expects the other man to know about." (C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity). Lewis calls this expectation of each party in a belief that there is some kind of rule or law that would be a judgement call of this RIGHT...or this WRONG. "It looks, in fact, very much as if both parties have in mind SOME KIND OF LAW OR RULE of fair play or decent behaviour or morality or whatever you like to call it...about which THEY REALLY AGREED." (C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity)

"Quarrelling means trying to show that the other mans is IN THE WRONG. And there would be no sense in trying to do that unless you and he had some sort of agreement as to what RIGHT and WRONG are..." (C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity)

"Am I right or wrong?" The Swirling Eddies have a CD called OUTDOOR ELVIS. One of the songs is called DRIVING IN ENGLAND. "I was driving in England down the Santa Ana freeway...somebody's screaming out. You're going down THE WRONG WAY." (The Swirling Eddies Driving In England) Of course the thought is...Christians go against the mainstream...in what they (the mainstream) consider to be right and the Christians are wrong. The mainstream non-believers are convinced they are right BUT...it is not the road...it is the final destination...which is either going to be life or death.

Larry Norman's song One Way speaks of the fork in the road...from The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost..."One way, one way to heaven, hold up high your hand...follow, free and forgiven, children of the lamb. TWO ROADS diverged in middle of my life, I heard a wise man say...I took the one LESS TRAVELLED by... and that's made the difference every night and every day." (One Way by Larry Norman)

Here's the diverging road...one way seems right to a man...but the end is death.

r.l.b.

Monday, June 13, 2011

PRO-VERBS 13:20 Wise Walk Way

Greetings Walkers...

"He who walks with wise men will be wise...BUT...the companion of fools will be destroyed."
(Pro-Verbs 13:20)

The WALK...is our life. Wise men/wo-men and foolish men/wo-men all have a walk. I am not talking about the physical propulsion with two legs. Even people with physical disability have a walk...because they have a WAY OF LIFE. The walk is a way of life...and who we decide to walk with on a daily basis...will determine who we are...our character...how people view us.... and most importantly...how God views us.

The Psalmist is in agreement with the Pro-Verbist...as he says..."Blessed is the man who WALKS NOT in the counsel of the ungodly...nor STANDS in the path of sinners...nor SITS in the seat of the scornful; BUT...his delight is the law of the Lord and in His law he MEDITATES (ruminate, ponders by thinking to himself) day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water...that brings forth its fruit in its season...whose leaf also shall not wither (not be cursed) and WHATEVER he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so BUT are like the chaff which the wind drives away. therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous. But the way of the ungodly shall perish." (Psalm 1:1-6)

NOTE: We are not talking about being a friend to the sinner. Jesus associated with "sinners" more then He did with "religious people" to the point where he was accused of being a drunk and a glutton. "The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they say...Look...a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners! But wisdom is justified by her children." (Matthew 11:19)

Your WALK will take you to all kinds of places...but your companions along the way...will influence your mind, your will, and your emotions.

Pro-Verbs 1:10..."My son...if sinners entice you...DO NOT CONSENT." "My son DO NOT WALK IN THE WAY WITH THEM." (Pro-Verbs 1:15) NOTE: Read the Pr0-Verbs 1 blog for more detail.

Walk with God...Walk with Jesus...Walk with the Word of God...Walk with the Holy Spirit... Walk with other believers....and you will be wise. Walk with fools...be a fool.

Love and Wise Kisses
Rodney "Walk On" Boyd

Sunday, June 12, 2011

PRO-VERBS 12:25 Anxiety/devil Buster

Hello friends...


"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down...but a good word makes it glad." (Pro-Verbs 12:25)

Anxiety, worry, care, solicitude, fear, doubt, unbelief are words that describes someone who is pulled in 20 different directions...and can't focus on any one thing. Some people thrive on the drama of anxiety to the point that the anxiety becomes the normal. I know that when I am anxious...it is usually about something out of my control.

The solution for anxiety is humble casting. "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time...CASTING all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." (I Peter 5:6-7)

The word anxiety implies a heaviness upon our soul (mind, will, emotions). This heaviness weighs us down. In I Peter we see we are to humble...lower under God's hand instead of being forced down under the weight of anxiety. The very next verse speaks of being of sober spirit and being on the alert...because your adversary...the devil (little d) is prowling around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. (I Peter 5:6-7). I have seen a lion in real life (when I was in Africa)...seek a wildebeest...and destroyed it. It was the straggler...the weak link...that the lion prowled, stalked...and destroyed. When we are ANXIOUS...we are at a weak point...and the devil is on the prowl...and can smell fear. But we are called into a resistance force to "resist him firm in your faith..." (I Peter 5:9). You can't resist "firm in your faith" IF you are "firm in your anxiety."

One of the things that you can do for someone who is anxious...is to give them a GOOD WORD. The Pro-Verb says that a GOOD WORD will make the heart that is weighed down with anxiety...will make it glad. A good word is not joining in with the anxious thought, or showing sympathy, or enabling someone to continue to be anxious...that is on the level of a pity party...but a good word may mean speaking the truth in love...and pointing them to the Lord. The book of Pro-Verbs...is full of good words...but still speaking to the foolishness and the cause and effect of foolishness...giving contrast of the wise and the foolish.

Philippians is a great book on how to BUST ANXIETY. "Be anxious (don't be) for nothing (no thing, nuttin', zip, zilch, zero, nada) BUT (in contrast to being anxious)...in everything (including all the nothings)...by (1) prayer [talking to God] (2) supplication [humble specifics] (3) with thanksgiving [giving of thanks before you ever see the answer to your supplicating prayers] be made know to God." (Philippians 4:6) Of course He knows what is going on in your life...and He knows what you need...but he does want you to turn to Him instead of anxiously dealing with it yourself.

The cause and effect of praying, supplicating, and thanking Him about what is making you anxious...is PEACE...that PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING AND COMPREHENSION...
will guard you (1) hearts (2) minds IN CHRIST JESUS. A peace that you can understand and comprehend is the ABSENCE OF CONFLICT. It is easy to proclaim the goodness of God when you have what you need...BUT...when you don't have an answer...and you have PEACE...that is an anxiety/devil buster.

This type of peace...can only come from a renewed mind. Where you mind is dwelling will be telling by what you write, say, and do.

"Finally, brethren...whatever is TRUE, whatever is HONORABLE, whatever is RIGHT, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY, whatever is of GOOD REPORT/REPUTE, if there is any EXCELLENCE and if anything WORTHY OF PRAISE...let/allow your mind to DWELL ON THESE THINGS." (Philippians 4:8-9)

"Unrestrained thoughts (what you think)...produces unrestrained words (what you express)... resulting in unrestrained actions (what you do)." (Unknown)

How is your heart doing...is it weighed down or glad? If you don't have someone to speak a good word into you...turn to the Good Word.

Love and Glad Kisses
Rodney "Anxiety Buster" Boyd

Saturday, June 11, 2011

PRO-VERBS 11:24-26 God Economics

Greetings O Ye Bean Counters...how's da count.

"There is one who SCATTERS, and yet INCREASES all the more...and there is one who WITHOLDS what is justly due, and yet it results in only WANT. The generous man will be PROSPEROUS, and he who WATERS will himself be WATERED. he who WITHHOLDS grain, the people will curse him...but BLESSING will be on the head of him who sells it."
(Pro-Verbs 11:24-26)

I have been married for 39 years to Brenda. For 39 years...our household has been on a BUDGET. Thank God for Brenda...because without her...I would be BROKE. She is the ultimate Pro-verbs 31 Woman...the Excellent Wife. (Read Pro-Verbs 31:10-31 for a portrait of Brenda).

Love...is reflected in giving. "For God so LOVED the world that He GAVE his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him (the Son) shall NOT PERISH...but have EVERLASTING, ETERNAL LIFE." (John 3:16)

This is not only reflected in our "spiritual life" but also in our "secular life" as well. Well actually...secular means godless...and if you are a true believer...every area of your life...is spiritual...even what appears to be the non-spiritual...including our MONEY.

One of the most misquoted verses in the Bible is "money is the root of all evil." Not so. In I Timothy 6:10 it says..."For the LOVE OF MONEY...is the root of all sorts/kinds of evil, and SOME by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (I Timothy 6:10)

The LOVE of money...is really a LUST of money...avarice, covetousness of money...so money in an of itself is nothing but currency. Also...the concept of money being the root of ALL evil...is a misconception...because the root of all evil is sin...brought about by disobedience...by believing the lie of the devil over the truth of God. The lust of money IS the root of all kinds or sorts of evil...because it entices/tempts you away from faith and trust in God. Remember temptation/enticement is not designed to pull you into anything (however that is a side effect) but it is designed to pull you away from who you really are.

The Pro-Verbs encourages us to be generous. One scatters and increases while the other withholds and is want. Wow....grasping, holding on, hoarding...and you still want. Water and you will be watered. Bless and you will be blessed.

This is laid out in Luke 6 where it talks about this principle of giving/receiving, sowing/reaping,
seedtime/harvest. "GIVE and it will be GIVEN to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your STANDARD OF MEASURE...it will be MEASURED TO YOU IN RETURN." (Luke 6:38) This principle works for money, grain, love, etc...and also in the negative...don't give and it won't be given to you.

"Do not be deceived...God is not mocked...whatsoever (anything) a man sows...that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7)

WARNING: You can't violate the principles of God...or try to twist God's arm...or try to manipulate your financial situation by holding God to a contract. There are variables that each individual must deal with...especially in the areas of sin, flesh, presumption versus faith, bad business sense, etc. James is very specific..."You ask and do not receive (have not because you ask not)...because you ask WITH WRONG MOTIVES...so that you may spend it on your own pleasure (consume upon your own lusts)." (James 4:3)

Also...for you to walk in Philippians 4:19 where it states..."My God will SUPPLY all your needs according to the riches in glory in Christ Jesus."...you have to walk in THE SECRET found in
Philippians 4:12)...where you learn to be CONTENT in humble means and how to live in prosperity...in any and every circumstance...of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and SUFFERING NEED."

It hinges on HOW YOU SPEAK. Do yo speak from want...or contentment.

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY

Again...it was a long one...BUT...I think I needed to hear this.

Love and Financially Blessed Kisses
Rodney "Blessed and Not Cursed" Boyd

Friday, June 10, 2011

PRO-VERBS 10:11-12 Mouth To Mouth Resucitation.

Greetings fountains....how's life?

"The mouth is a fountain of life...but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred stirs up strife...BUT love covers a multitude/all transgressions." (Pro-Verbs 10:11-12)

Our mouths are like armpits...everyone has em...but some stink worse than others. In this Pro-Verbs there are at least 16 references to speaking...with words like mouth, babbling, lips, spread (talking slanders), tongue. The Pro-Verbist...the Father talking to the son warns and contrasts words between the righteous and the wicked.

One mouth is a fountain...with the outflow of words being a refreshing fountain of life...while in contrast...the other is a cover up of violence. The mouth...is the GREAT REVEALER. In the Ruminator Sunday School class...we often use the example of the Coffee Cup Theology.

If you shake a cup full of coffee...to the point of the coffee spilling out over the top...we pose the question..."Why did the coffee come out of the cup." Usually the answer (for those who don't know the set up)..."Because you SHOOK the cup." Of course...the answer would be..."No, coffee came out of the cup...BECAUSE...that's what WAS IN THE CUP. The shaking only revealed what was in the cup."

Our MOUTHS can reveal or conceal...BUT when the SHAKING COMES...the true content of our hearts will be revealed through our mouths, babbling, lips, tongue, etc.

When you read the "words in red"...where Jesus spoke...He speaks of the heart/treasure and mouth relationship.

"You brood of vipers, how can you being evil...SPEAK what is good? For the MOUTH SPEAKS out of that which FILLS THE HEART. The good man brings out his good treasure what is good and the evil man brings out of the evil treasure what is evil...but I tell you that every careless WORD that people SPEAK they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgement. For by your WORDS you will be justified...and by your WORDS you will be condemned." (Jesus...Matthew 12:34-37)

NOTE: The WORD that Jesus is being referred to is what the religious people were SAYING about Him (See Matthew 12:1-33 for the set up of Jesus' teaching on WORDS).

What flows from your fountain...what is revealed from your concealed mouth will be based on what you STORE IN YOU HEART. What comes out of your MOUTH...when you are SHAKEN? Do you attack/curse...or give life/bless? Do you get even or release.

"The good man out of the good treasure of his HEART brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his MOUTH SPEAKS...from that which fills his HEART." (Jesus Luke 6:45)

The WORDS of HATRED...stirs up STRIFE. I've done it...you've done it...you have seen it done. Find somebody who thinks like you think...get them together...and begin stirring up the strife. Have a pity party...castigate those who have done us wrong...rail against the system. When we are bitter, hurt, angry...our concealed words manifest themselves in V.V...aka Verbal Violence.

In contrast...BUT...LOVE (that God kind of love that is not based on us but on Him)...COVERS UP...a multitude of sins...transgressions...going beyond known limits. Jesus...our example...hanging on the cross...beaten, bloody, nails driven in hands/feet, mocked by former friends...and taunted by criminals...SPOKE..."Father forgive them...for they know not what they do."

Well...we will have more opportunity to TALK about our words and mouth in the Pro-Verbs.
Until then...let/allow LIFE to flow from your mouth.

Love and Heart Felt Kisses
Rodney "Hopefully Flowing" Boyd

Thursday, June 9, 2011

PRO-VERBS 9:7-9: School Daze (Class In The Class)

Good morning, afternoon, evening (good whenever),

"He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself...and he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself. Do not reprove a scoffer...or he will hate you...reprove a wise man and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser...teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied...and years of life will be added to you. If you are wise for yourself. And if you scoff, you alone will bear it." (Pro-Verbs 9:7-12)

Being a teacher is hard. In class...you have some who want to be taught...some who are there in class..."in body only." In I Timothy 3:16-17...the progression of teaching is laid out:

"All Scripture is God-breathed/inspired by God...and profitable for (1) teaching [information presented] (2) reproof [a testing of knowledge of information] (3) correction [taking wrong answers and making them right] (4) training [practicing the correct information]...IN RIGHTEOUSNESS; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."
(I Timothy 3:16-17)

In karate...we are taught in class...we practice at home...we demonstrate what we have practiced back in class...and then the instructor corrects what we have demonstrated...we go back home and practice again. If we get cocky and arrogant...we resent the instructor...but if we are wise... we take the instruction...and get it right.

That's how it is in the Kingdom of God. You have got scoffers and wicked who give you dishonor and insults...and you have wise and righteous who will love you and get wiser and increase in learning.

The starting point is to fear the Lord...is the beginning of this thing called wisdom....that leads to the knowledge of the Holy One and understanding. The scoffer can't learn..and the cause and effect is...no wisdom...no knowledge...and a life alone. The wise...take instruction...and GET IT RIGHT.

This Pro-Verb reminds me of Jesus' words about handing out to dogs and swine..."Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine...or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces." (Matthew 7:6) Hmmm...sounds like the wicked scoffers.

Love and Instructing Kisses
Rodney "Trying To Get It Right" Boyd

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

PRO-VERBS 8:10-11 Comparitivly Speaking

Greetings Desiring People...

"Take my instruction and not silver...and knowledge rather than choicest gold...for wisdom is better than jewels; and all desirable things cannot compare with her." (Pro-Verbs 8:10-11)

Psalm 8 is a picture of this thing called wisdom...personified...in the form of a female. Some say it is a picture of Christ (Psalm 8:22-31). When I read it...I think of Jesus.

Wisdom is defined here as...chokmah (khok-man)- wisdom in a good sense; skillful wisdom, wisely, wit from the word chukam (khaw-kam= to be wise (in mind, word, act), exceeding, teach wisdom.

When you COMPARE anything in this world that you desire...to WISDOM...there is NO COMPARISON. Silver, Gold, Jewels...are things that we consider to be valuable...but compared to WISDOM...compared to KNOWING JESUS...there is NO COMPARISON.

We use to sing a chorus...that we still do..."Lord...you are...more precious than silver...Lord...you are...more costly than gold...Lord you are...more beautiful than diamonds...and nothing I desire compares to you."

My pastor...Ronnie Meek...says..."It's not WHAT you know...it's WHO you know." Well...it is WISE to KNOW...Jesus...true wisdom. Not just KNOW about Him...but to KNOW Him.

Love and Knowing Kisses
Rodney "Desiring Wisdom" Boyd

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

PRO-VERBS 7:22 Sudden Slaughter (That Ain't So Sudden)

Greetings

"Suddenly...he follows her as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as one in fetters is the discipline of a fool." (Pro-Verbs 7:22)

SUDDENLY...implies...something happened in the twinkle of the eye...BUT...what led up to the SUDDEN SLAUGHTER...was anything but SUDDEN. Notice that the sudden slaughter...is part of DISCIPLINE of a fool. In I Timothy we are called to..."DISCIPLINE yourself...for the PURPOSE OF GODLINESS." (I Timothy 4:7) Better you discipline yourself...(control yourself) versus being left to the discipline of the cause and effect of your sin.

You can see the progression that led up to the SUDDEN moment.

PRO-VERB 7 starts of with instructions on how to KEEP you from the ADULTERESS and from the FOREIGNER who FLATTERS you with her WORD.

Once again..the son is encouraged to (1) keep my words (2) treasure my commandments within you and live (3) keep my teaching as the apple of your eye (4) bind them [words, commandments, teaching] on you fingers (5) Write them [words, commandments, teachings] on the tablet of your heart. With these things you will have wisdom as your sister and understanding as your intimate friend.

NOTE: Your relationship with the WORD...will keep you from SUDDEN SLAUGHTER brought about by the FLATTERING WORDS of the adulteress and foreigner.

The Pro-Verbist is looking our from the window of his house...through the lattice and he saw...a naive...young man...among the youths...who was LACKING SENSE (apparently not doing THE WORD).

THE PROGRESSION TO SUDDEN SLAUGHTER

1. Passing through the street NEAR her corner

He is not WITH her...just NEAR her. Her corner...is like her office. It is where she does her business. It is like getting near the edge of the river bank...just to see how close you can get before you slip into the river.

2. And he takes THE WAY to her house

Another Pro-Verbs speaks of THE WAY..."There is A WAY which seems right to a man...but it's END is the WAY OF DEATH." (Pro-Verbs 14:12; Pro-Verbs 6:25)

So...Close Encounter of the 1st kind is NEAR her corner...close encounter of the 2nd kind is THE WAY to her house. Notice he goes (1) in the twilight (2) in the evening (3) in the middle of the night (4) in the darkness.

3. And BEHOLD...a woman COMES to MEET him

Now...Close Encounter of the 3rd kind. His passing near her corner, on the way to her house... shows her the he is interested...so she COMES to MEET him.

NOTE: She is (1) dressed as a harlot (2) cunning of heart (3) boisterous (4) rebellious (5) her feet do not remain at home. This is what attracts him.

4. She is NOW (1) in the streets (2) now in the squares (3) lurks by every corner.

She is AVAILABLE. It's like going to Amsterdam...and walking through the Red Light District... where the hookers/prostitutes are in windows...advertising their goods...or bads. Find one you like...go in...pay your money...close the curtain...and SUDDEN SLAUGHTER...all legal.

5. So she SEIZES him...and KISSES him

Close Encounter of the 4th kind. He has now gone from being on the street...near her corner to...being SEIZED and KISSED.

6. And with a brazen face, she SAYS TO HIM.

Not only does she have his body grasped...and has his lips...she now has his EARS. She is talking to him. Faith comes by hearing...and so does doubt and unbelief. It all hinges on who you are listening to...THE WORD...or her words.

7. THE ADULTERESS/FOREIGNER'S FLATTERING WORDS

(a) I was due to offer peace offerings (b) Today I have paid my vows NOTE: Hmmmm... she is religious...making offerings and vows. (c) I have come out to meet you to seek your presence earnestly (d) I have found you (e) I have spread my couch with coverings and colored linens of Egypt (f) I have sprinkled my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

NOTE: She is enticing him even more...since he appears to be interested in her...with kisses, flattery, sensuality and with reassurances.

8. Come, let us drink our fill of love until morning...let us delight ourselves with caresses

The INVITATION is made. At this point...the young man can STILL avoid SUDDEN SLAUGHTER. He has a CHOICE to make.

9. For my husband is NOT AT HOME...He has gone on a long journey...he has taken a bag of money with him...at the full moon he will come home.

She now...reassures him of the safety of NOT BEING CAUGHT by her husband.

10. With her here MANY PERSUASIONS she ENTICES him; with her FLATTERING LIPS she SEDUCES HIM.

Persuasions, enticements, seductions...aka TEMPTATIONS. Remember that temptation is not designed to pull you into something (although that may be part of the process)...as much as it is designed to PULL YOU AWAY FROM WHO YOUR REALLY ARE...DIVERT YOUR ATTENTION AWAY FROM YOUR PURPOSE...YOUR DESTINY.

11. SUDDENLY...he FOLLOWS her...as an ox goes to the SLAUGHTER...or as one in FETTERS to the DISCIPLINE of a fool.

Well...as we have seen...this SLAUGHTER...was not so SUDDEN. It was a progressive letting down of the guard.

12. Until an arrow pierces through his liver...as a bird hastens to the snare...SO he DOES NOT KNOW that it will COST HIM HIS LIFE.

If you do not have your eyes opened by the WORD...and you are not walking in wisdom and understanding...you will not see the destruction coming upon you...before it is to late.

THE COST: Your life.

13. The end of this Pro-Verb...ends like it started..with encouragement to listen to WORDS.

Now therefore, my son...(1) listen to me (2) pay attention to the words of my mouth (3) do not let/allow YOUR heart turn aside to her ways (4) do not stray into her paths

14. CAUSE AND EFFECT

Here is the cause and effect of not listening to the Father's words, commandments, and teachings.

(a) For MANY are the victims she has CAST DOWN (b) and NUMEROUS are all her slain (c) her house is the WAY TO SHEOL (d) descending to the CHAMBERS OF DEATH.

"No TEMPTATION has overtaken you...but such as is COMMON to man...and GOD IS FAITHFUL...who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able...but WITH THE TEMPTATION...will provide THE WAY OF ESCAPE also...so that you will be able to ENDURE IT." (I Corinthians 10:13)

The WAY OF ESCAPE...is found in verse 14..."Therefore, my beloved...FLEE FROM IDOLATRY." (I Corinthians 10:14)

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY

If the young man had listened to the Father...he would have ran away from the STREET NEAR HER CORNER...instead of progressively getting close and closer. For those thinking it could NEVER happen to them...take this warning from I Corinthians 10:12, "Therefore...let him who thinks he stands...take heed that he does not fall."

Love and Word Treasured Kisses
Rodney "Fleeing" Boyd

Monday, June 6, 2011

PRO-VERBS 6:6-11 Ant Theology

Greetings and Salutations O Ye Non-Sluggards,

"Go to the ant O sluggard...observe her ways and be wise...which having no chief, officer or ruler, PREPARES her food in the summer...GATHERS her PROVISION in the HARVEST. How long will you LIE DOWN, O sluggard? When will you ARISE from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest--your POVERTY will come in like a VAGABOND and your need like an ARMED MAN." (Pro-Verbs 5:6-11)

When you are faced with a vagabond with his hand reaching out for your money...or you are faced with an armed man...robbing you of your goods...leaving you impoverished...remember... you invited them in to take your stuff. This curse called poverty...can be avoided in our lives. I am not talking about whether you are rich or poor. You can be rich or poor and be blessed...but there is a big difference in POVERTY coming in and dominating your life. Poverty is a curse and we fall into the curse mentality...and perpertrate the poverty by LAZINESS. We give up... we don't resist...we just accept our lot in life. It becomes a self-fulling prophecy in our lives.

Like Bruce Cockburn says in his song...Lovers In A Dangerous Time..."you gotta kick at the darkness until it bleeds daylight." (Lovers In A Dangerous Time).

The Pro-Verbist Father tells his son...one way to kick at the darkness of poverty..until it bleeds daylight...is to CONSIDER THE ANT.

Arising from sleep, preparation, gathering, harvest and provision are all part of telling the vagabond and armed man to get out of your life. Then when you have your provision..you can provide for others. Laziness...negates...provision. I have never seen a lazy ant...or for that matter...I've never seen an ant taking a break or sleeping (I'm sure they must...just never seen it).

Don't wait around for someone to tell you to get up...arise...prepare...gather...harvest..and become part of the soulution instead a part of the Poverty Problem.

Love and Ants In The Pants Kisses
Rodney "WAKE UP" Boyd

Sunday, June 5, 2011

PRO-VERBS 5:15-20 Water Works

Greetings Pro-Verbists...

"Drink water from your OWN cistern, and running water from your OWN well. Should your fountains be dispersed abroad, streams of water in the streets? Let them (cistern, wells, fountains, and streams/channels) be only your OWN. And not for the strangers with you. Let/allow your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with THE WIFE OF YOUR YOUTH. As a loving deer and a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and always be intoxicated with her love. For why should you, my son, be intoxicated/enraptured by an IMMORAL WOMAN and be embraced in the arms of a SEDUCTRESS?" (Pro-Verbs 5:15-20)

One of the themes that runs throughout the Pro-Verbs...is the Father's warning to the son about the immoral woman...one who tempts...pulls the son away from who he really is. If you are not on your guard...there are many things in this world...that can distract and entrap you.

Cisterns, wells, fountains, and streams represents the son's personal vitality. It must be contained and not given out to others (immoral and seducing women).

The Rolling Stones lamented..."I can't get no satisfaction." The Pro-verbists points to the satisfaction of the son's ONE wife verses that of an immoral woman or seductress. Of course... the correlation for us is...our relationship with the Lord. Why should we be intoxicated and enraptured by anyone...anything else other than our Lord.

Don't let the waters of your life...out to others and pollute your relationship with the Lord.

Love and WaterWork Kisses
Rodney "Guarded Water" Boyd

Saturday, June 4, 2011

PROVERBS 4:20-27 The Doctor Is In

Hello friends...

"My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings, do not let them depart from your eyes, keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to all their flesh. keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth and put perverse lips far from you. Let you eyes look straight ahead, and you eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil." (Pro-verbs 4:20-27)

Well...we continue to see the Father give the son some sound...positive advice. Pro-Verbs is full of contrasts and cause and effect. There always seems to be...something for the son to do...or not do.

1. Give attention to my words

Words are expressed thoughts. Our heavenly Father has expressed his thoughts in the written Word...and The Word...aka Jesus. There are a lot of distractions in this world...that tries to get our eyes off of what God thinks about a matter...so we must GIVE the attention that the Word deserves.

2. Incline your ears to my sayings

Since "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17)...the noisy distractions of the devil...again...tries to distract our attention. Inclining the ear reminds me of how you cup your hand around your ear to hear better when there is a lot of noise. Lean in and listen.

3. Do not let them (words and sayings) depart from your eyes

The old saying is "out of sight...out of mind." Reading the Word daily...writing them down on cards...posting the word in prominent place where you will see them really do help keep your focus.

4. Keep them in the midst of your heart

This speaks to me of memorizing scripture...storing God's word in the treasure chest of your heart. Psalm 119:9-11 states..."How can a young man keep his way pure (cleanse his way)...by keeping it according to Your Word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh let me not wander from Your commandments! Thy Word have I HID IN MY HEART...that I might not sin against You." Of course memorization includes, reading, looking, ruminating (muttering and contemplating), writing, etc. The heart...the core...the center...the spirit (little s) plus the renewed mind is invaluable in our Holy Prescription

5. For they (words, sayings) are (1) life to those who find them AND (2) health to all their flesh

Wow...what a connection to the spiritual and the physical. But really it should be no surprise... since Isaiah 53 speaks of what He bore on the cross...for our sin and sickness...and by His stripes we were healed.

6. Keep (value/protect) your heart with all diligence

Once you find this life and health...is not the time to let your Heart Guard dow. Keep your heart...and all the things in their...with all diligence. If you get lazy...the attack will take you by surprise.

7. For out of it (your kept heart) spring the issues of life.

The heart...the core...the center...the spirit (little s/human spirit) is where the rivers of living waters flow from...springs out of...and when you don't keep it...it blocks the flow. Out of the heart...the mouth speaks. What you have stored in their through a Word renewed mind...is what will be revealed when you are shaken.

8. Put away from you a deceitful/devious mouth and put perverse lips far from you.

The responsibility of the putting...is put...on you. We are to put away...and put from. The mouth and the lips...the revealers of the heart...have to be controlled...and as James says...no man can tame them...but...we can do...as we do the Word...with the help of the Holy Spirit.

9. Let/Allow your eyes look straight ahead...and your eyelids look right before you.

In Pro-Verbs 29:18 we see that "without a vision the people perish". "Where there is no vision...revelation...prophetic vision..the people perish...cast off restrained...are unrestrained...but happy is he who keeps the law." (Pro-Verbs 29:18) If we don't let/allow our eyes and eyelids (the Vision Gate) to keep focused and not distracted looking to the left, right, or even behind us (the good old days)...we will be without restraint...just running nilly willy here there and everywhere.

10. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.

You ways...the path that you walk...should not just be walked on automatic pilot. There must be an established thought process...based on the road map of the Word..

11.Do not turn to the right or the left...remove your foot from evil.

The cause and effect of Path Pondering...and Way Establishment...is you can see where evil is and avoid it...and once again...the choice to remove you foot...you way...your walk from evil is in your court.

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY

Wow...that was a long one...but I sure need it. Hopefully you were blessed. If you are reading these...make a comment...let me know if you are out there. You can also go to the Ruminator Website...and check out other stuff at http://www.ruminators.net/

Love and Pondering Kisses
Rodney "Take Two of The Word and Call Me In The Morning" Boyd

Friday, June 3, 2011

PRO-VERBS 3:5-8 Healthy Flesh...Strong Bones

Greetings Human Beings...

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart...and lean not on your own understanding...in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct/make smooth or straight your baths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your FLESH...and strength to your BONES. (Pro-Verbs 3:5-8)

We are merely human beings...made up of flesh, blood and bones. In 1958 Elvis Presley made a movie...called King Creole. In the movie...he sang a song called TROUBLE. One line states..."I'm only made out...flesh, blood, and bones...so if you're gonna start a rumble...don't you try it all alone..." Well...we have a spirit (pneuma), soul (psyche), and body (soma) according to I Thessalonians 5:23.

We have a promise of health and strength to our flesh and bones...hinged on our TRUST FACTOR.

NOTE: In Pro-Verbs 4 we will look at God's Medicine Bottle.

1. TRUST in the Lord with all your heart

We are to be confident and sure in the Lord. This heart that we are to trust the Lord with...is the same heart that we are to love the Lord. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all your HEART, soul, mind, strength..." (Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27 ) This heart is more than just a blood pump...it is the core of who you are.

2. And LEAN NOT on your own understanding

Don't support yourself...prop your self up on understanding...because when you don't understand...what you are supporting, propping, and leaning on is not their...you will fall.

3. In all your ways ACKNOWLEDGE HIM

Wherever you go...is your way. Jesus said that He was THE way...THE truth...THE life...no one comes to the Father but by Him. (John 14:6) We give Him the "recognition" He deserves in wherever and whatever we do. It lets Him know that we know that we don't know.

4. And He shall DIRECT your paths

When you are going your WAY...and we don't know which way to go...He will DIRECT...point to the right way. When we are lost on twisted, rough, bumpy ways...he will direct, make smooth, make straight the way.

5. Do not be (1) wise in your own eyes (2) fear/reverence the Lord (3) depart from evil.

If you lean on His wisdom...fear, respect, show reverence to the Lord...you will DEPART from evil. If you lean on your wisdom...you will not have any respect for the Lord...and in your wisdom you will walk down the path to evil. The Lord desires to DIRECT your ways. If you thought your way was crooked and bumpy before...wait until you walk straight into evil.

6. It will be (1) health to your flesh (2) strength to your bones.

The cause and effect of doing verses 6-8 is beneficial to your physical being. It really is true that our physical health...can be affected by our spiritual health. When someone walks by SIGHT and by THINGS REVEALED TO THE SENSES...we will doubt, fear, worry, fret, etc... and that will affect our physical being.

Let's get HEALTHY and STRONG as we TRUST IN THE LORD!!!!

Love and Non-Leaning Kisses
Rodney "Acknowledging Him" Boyd

Thursday, June 2, 2011

PRO-VERBS 2:1-6 From His Mouth...To Your Ear

Greetings O Ye Listeners...

"My son...IF you RECEIVE my words, and TREASURE my commands within you...so that you INCLINE your ear to wisdom...and APPLY your heart to understanding...Yes, IF you CRY OUT FOR DISCERNMENT...and LIFT UP your voice for understanding...IF you SEEK her as silver...and SEARCH for her as hidden treasures...THEN you will UNDERSTAND the fear of the Lord and FIND the knowledge of God...FOR the Lord GIVES wisdom...from His MOUTH comes knowledge and understanding." (Pro-Verbs 2:1-6)

I like this interactive...proactive way that WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE, and UNDERSTANDING comes from the Lord to us. The old saying is..."From your mouth to God's ears." This speaks of blessings or something good said to somebody. The Pro-Verbist is speaking to his son...about how God's heartbeat is for the hearer to receive knowledge and understanding. The new saying...which is really not new..."From God's Mouth...To Your Ears." After all...FAITH comes by HEARING...and HEARING by the WORD OF GOD."
(Romans 10:17)

This wisdom, knowledge and understanding...comes from God's MOUTH. Oh if only this wisdom, knowledge and understanding would just fall upon us...and we would automatically absorb them into our being...BUT...God...for some reason...has factored US into this process.

Notice the action on OUR PART:

1. Receive
2. Treasure
3. Incline
4. Apply
5. Cry out
6. Lift up
7. Seek
8. Search

The word THEN...shows the cause and effect of doing the action words...(1) you will understand the fear of the Lord (2) you will find the knowledge of God.

"From His mouth...to Your Ear."

Love and Pro-Active Kisses
Rodney "Ready, Set, Go" Boyd

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

PRO-VERBS 1:10-19 Just Say NO!!!!!!!!

Hello There...

"My son...if sinners ENTICE you...DO NOT CONSENT. If they say, COME WITH US...LET US LIE IN WAIT FOR BLOOD... LET US AMBUSH THE INNOCENT WITHOUT CAUSE.....LET US SWALLOW THEM ALIVE LIKE SHEOL, even whole, as those who shall go down to the pit; we shall find all kinds of precious wealth, we shall fill our houses with spoil; THROW IN YOUR LOT WITH US, we shall have one purse. My son...DO NOT WALK IN THE WAY WITH THEM. KEEP YOUR FEET FROM THEIR PATH...for their feet run to evil and they hasten to shed blood. Indeed, it is useless to spread the baited net in the sight of any bird, but they lie in wait for their own blood. They ambush their own lives. So are the ways of everyone who gains by violence. It takes away the life of its possessors."
(Pro-Verbs 1:10-19)

Well...there is nothing new under the sun (unless you are under the Son...where all things are new...the old things passed away..new thing have come II Corinthians 5:17)

We are all presented with the TEMPTATION to be pulled away from who we really are...and with the side affect...pulled into something.

The problem is ENTICEMENT:

1. Come with us
2. Let us lie in wait
3. Let us ambush
4. Let us swallow them
5. Throw in your lot with us

The father speaking to the son...gives wise advice.

1. Do not consent
2. Do not walk in the way with them
3. Keep your feet from their path.

Although Nancy Reagan was ridiculed for her advice to those who are presented with the opportunity to do drugs...here advice was sound...JUST SAY NO.

The ultimate reason not to consent or walk with them is:

1. They ambush their own lives
2. It takes away the life of its possessors.

This is good advice for any form of temptation by any tempter...whether it be demonic or fleshly temptation...JUST SAY NO. It really does come down to choice. Eve had a choice...Adam had a choice....all saints prior to you had a choice...and now you and me...have a choice to say NO to CURSE and YES to BLESSINGS.

Love and Choice Kisses
Rodney "Not Consenting" Boyd