October 21, 2008 5:59 AM
Sam wrote:
Verse 30....There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. There are also plenty of plans which cannot succeed WITHOUT the Lord's involvement. How many of you did not pray this morning before (and about) what you read here in Proverbs 21? If you want to gain wisdom, gain insight and succeed in your plan to read the PRoverbs, then you need God with you. And of course, that goes with ALL things you do in a given day. Recently, one of you stated you were going to get God's advice on EVERYTHING you do? Are you still doing that, or was it a trial period? Just like you with your small children--you want to be involved in everything they do so they can learn and grow spiritually--, God wants to be involved in everything YOU do. Everything. TO help you in times of need. To provide encouragement in times of success. He IS there if you let Him in. Prayer works. ALthough this is one of my weakest (I think) tenet of my spiritual walk here on earth, I at least know it works, and I am attempting to always improve on it. To Tony....I love ya, man. Hello Rick....go back up and read what I wrote. (Inside joke, RIch and Joe). Reply to this
October 21, 2008 6:55 AM
Sam wrote:
Apologize, gentlemen...I was rushed this morning and did not pray long enough or read/study hard enough. I'll blog some more a bit later about some of the numerous lessons we can all learn from Proverbs 21. Have you checked out the prayer list (August 2007) lately? Reply to this
October 21, 2008 8:03 AM
Sam wrote:
chokmah tabuwn etsah ?????? "There is no wisdom (chokmah) and no understanding (tabuwn) And no counsel (etsah) against the LORD." This is the verse I started discussing this morning, but wanted to take a short break at work and add a bit more. Using a great website for assistance (www.biblebc.com -- lotta good things not included at Biblegateway.com (although no NIV)), I found the Greek words for the things discussed in this verse. I like the sound of 'chokmah'....wisdom. I would like to be chock full of chokmah. I pray for it a lot, not for prideful reasons, but for better understanding. I have, for many years, desired to be a preacher of God's Word in a small church setting. However, in the past three years I have not done any of this. Maybe because of the 'destruction of the ACOC' (as Tony says), but probably more because of my laziness. I notice after leaving West Cobb, I have less motivation to 'preach'. I attribute that to my meager Bible studies. I used to create Bible lessons during my Quiet Times in the morning, and even preached some of these during Sunday and mid-week services while associated with the ACOC. If you would like to read some of them (there are many), go to www.MacIsIrish.com and click on the 'Bible Lessons' or 'Quiet Times' links. I occasionally go back myself and reread some of them. I am particularly proud of the two-part series I created about Paul's Account of the stoning of Stephen and the day following that where he 'sees the light'! (Under Quiet Times-7&13 Aug 05) Anyway, back to chokmah. I would like to instill chokmah back into my life. I would like to instill prayer meetings together like Tony, Rick and I did last evening. I would like to instill Bible Studies with ALL of us at least once a month...where we would each get the 'opportunity' to create and present the lesson. Wouldn't that be chock full of fun? From these 'exercises', I believe we all could get some chokmah. Later, ya'll.....! (Hey Rik!) Reply to this
October 21, 2008 11:36 AM
joe wrote:
I really like you Mac. Your humor is classic. I'm looking forward to a future with you and your families. Reply to this
October 21, 2008 12:00 PM
rik wrote:
Your presence at ACOC, (NRCOC, ACOCat Cobb, North View) is dearly missed. I hope New Life truely admires your part in there fellowship. Reply to this
October 21, 2008 11:52 AM
rik wrote:
The Righteous One, I am always encouraged when I read about the Righteous One in the old Testament, Wise men know of One coming, we now know personally who that Righteous One is, Jesus, our Lord and Savior, how much more zealous for the lord should we be how much more conviction should we have. Reply to this
October 21, 2008 12:42 PM
joe wrote:
v.21 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. v.23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
Can I share something with you guys in view of watching our tongues and offering prayers of "faith":
This is uncomfortable for me, but is needed to understand what "I" bring to the table in perspective.
Please know - I have eyes to eyes to share with you to combat any thoughts that, "I think I am above anyone".
Genuine prayers of "faith" comes with a thorn to always remind us of who we really are w/o the Father, we are the worst of sinners.
In saying that - My wife, I, and our children had many major battles going on about a year ago in the midst of our brothers and sister at Faith Fellowship. Discreetly, I shared the specifics with only those I felt were secure in their relationship with the Father. In short: All request from the Father where answered at about the same time.
The result: Our bible study group - basically freaked out. Ben had received wind of the blessings from the twins studies, so he asked us to pray for a few things concerning His children. In addition, Wayne C., the Weavers, etc. requested prayer. The result: Wayne's daughter was just baptized, three children in the Weavers household baptized, prayers concerning other matters with relatives and friends in our circle, etc., answered.
The point - There is a cost: "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for the Father is with me" Evil seeks to destroy my household and the faith that we have. Our talents individually and collectively are powerless if we can't bring them to the table with genuine faith.
My family is my witness - when prayers of "faith" are offered - major attacks are waged against us.
There is a cost associated with prayer and supplication, it really hurts.
It is important for us all to stay positive in what we speak. If you can't hope all things, just don't speak negative - you road block the blessing you actually prayed for.
I want to praise Him for His love beyond our understanding. His mercy in granting all of your request, or at least the reasons He has shown for not granting your request.
Like the song says, "be careful what you ask for, you just might get it all and some things you don't want" Reply to this
Ever heard of this guy? (Yes, it is actually a name of a living man!) Well, I would like to share a bit about him and the chokmah (wisdom) he has been spreading for the past 60 or so years. I’ll start off by using the Bible, which he doesn’t use as he believes religion is not necessary. Be careful what you pray for. “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Mr Gyatso (I’ll call him Mr. G from now on) once was quoted as saying, “Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.” There is also a country song called Unanswered Prayers which says that ‘some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers’, as we really don’t know what we need, we usually only ask for things we WANT. Mr G also said, “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.” This is pretty good advice and goes along with verse 3: “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” What ‘acceptable thing’ have you done to help someone today? Mr G also said to “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” So, I guess we should be kind all the time!!!! Mr G continues his teaching (without a Bible) by saying, “To be aware of a single shortcoming within oneself is more useful than to be aware of a thousand in somebody else.” Of course, this reminds me of Jesus when He said, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Both are great advice. Another quote from Mr G was, “Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.” Looking ahead into the first line of the next chapter of Proverbs (22), similar advice is given Biblically: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” To get wealthy can be a good thing, but can also bring disaster if not handled properly. Be open to new ideas, learn about different religions, but always remember whose ‘good name’ saved you and don’t let go of that. The last quote I’ll give from Mr G is the following….very simple, very short: “Spend some time alone every day.” And of course, when you do that, the Bible encourages you to mediate on the Scriptures (Psalm 119:97 e.g.). This ‘alone time’ is also sometimes referred to ‘quiet times’….are you getting in some ‘every day’?
Mr G? Who is he? Why he’s the Dalai Lama, but then, you knew that, didn’t you? (Rik, did you cheat again and read this last paragraph before the rest?) Reply to this
October 21, 2008 1:27 PM
Sam wrote:
To Joe... Amazing you ended with a saying similar to my posting from the Dalai Lama!!! Another thing...it appears you want to talk a little bit more about your relationships in the church...open up man! ~smile~ If you feel uncomfortable doing that here where anyone can see it, next time we get together to pray, study, or whatever, you might wanna share then.
To Rik.....well, I miss you guys in Douglasville...thanks.
To Tony....didn't want to forget Tony...(he gets upset if I mention everyone but he) ....called your cell today...it was off. Hope all is okay--hope you blog this eve. How did the short prayer go when you got home (or did it?). To Rich....hope your class went well. To ALL---anyone up to see "Facing The Giants" on my house on 'the big screen' in the basement Saturday evening? Reply to this
October 22, 2008 10:47 AM
joe wrote:
To SAM...Father has given me a circle of men that I see have the talents to help my immediate circle with some major battles. Iron sharpens iron, unfortunately it creates sparks at times. I will discuss in more detail in time. It's all good. Reply to this
October 21, 2008 9:30 PM
Tony wrote:
Sanhi di ang daigdig gumawa tayo lagi subukin sa gumawa lahat ng bagay sa atin mag-ari? maibigan Mac said , wala dasal at diyos tayo maaari hindi makinabang sino man kaalaman sa ang banal na kasulatan. diyos buksan atin tingin at bulung-bulungan pagayon atipan ng pawid tayo mayo makita at pakinggan. wala diyos tayo cain makinabang wala , pa tayo maaari mawala lahat ng bagay. Why in the world do we always try to do everything on our own? Like Mac said, without prayer and God we can not gain any knowledge from the scriptures. God opens our eyes and hears so that we may see and hear. Without God we cain gain nothing, yet we can lose everything. If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor,(neady)he too will cry out and not be answered. This is such a true verse! You all know me, i Like to help, weather I know the person or not. I will stop and help someone on the side of the road, I will even turn around and go back. It's all about the heart. I feel that this is the reason that EVERYTHING always works out. When I quit helping people, those I know and those I don't, God will quit helping me and my family. 14,A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath. I thought God hated bribes? 1 Samuel 8;3,Job 15;34.Proverbs 15;27/29;4, they all talk bad about bribes so why in this passage is a bribe good? Anyone? UI checked several different translations and they all say a bribe in the bosom except the message version. It says a heartfelt present cools a hot temper. 23 Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief. How true is this verse! This is from the message version. If we were to just read and heed the word how much better off we would be. Rick and I have the love dare book from the movie Fireproof. I hope to start using it when I get home and really try wholeheartedly to put the principles into practice. Have a great day tomorrow guys. If God is with us who can be against us? The question you have to ask yourself is, is God with me today? You know the answer. Gott kümmert sich um alle unsere neads. Reply to this
October 22, 2008 10:41 AM
joe wrote:
I love to be in your presence when the spirit of God is working through you Tony. This is good stuff.
You said: "I thought God hated bribes?" In my case the motive of the bribe determined it's outcome. I have bribed my kids, relatives, etc. to counter the temptations satin was presenting to them just to give them enough time to understand that Fathers way really does work if they would give it a chance.
Verse 30....There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.
There are also plenty of plans which cannot succeed WITHOUT the Lord's involvement. How many of you did not pray this morning before (and about) what you read here in Proverbs 21? If you want to gain wisdom, gain insight and succeed in your plan to read the PRoverbs, then you need God with you. And of course, that goes with ALL things you do in a given day. Recently, one of you stated you were going to get God's advice on EVERYTHING you do? Are you still doing that, or was it a trial period? Just like you with your small children--you want to be involved in everything they do so they can learn and grow spiritually--, God wants to be involved in everything YOU do. Everything. TO help you in times of need. To provide encouragement in times of success. He IS there if you let Him in. Prayer works. ALthough this is one of my weakest (I think) tenet of my spiritual walk here on earth, I at least know it works, and I am attempting to always improve on it.
To Tony....I love ya, man.
Hello Rick....go back up and read what I wrote.
Reply to this
Apologize, gentlemen...I was rushed this morning and did not pray long enough or read/study hard enough. I'll blog some more a bit later about some of the numerous lessons we can all learn from Proverbs 21.
Have you checked out the prayer list (August 2007) lately?
Reply to this
chokmah tabuwn etsah
??????
"There is no wisdom (chokmah) and no understanding (tabuwn) And no counsel (etsah) against the LORD."
This is the verse I started discussing this morning, but wanted to take a short break at work and add a bit more. Using a great website for assistance (www.biblebc.com -- lotta good things not included at Biblegateway.com (although no NIV)), I found the Greek words for the things discussed in this verse. I like the sound of 'chokmah'....wisdom. I would like to be chock full of chokmah. I pray for it a lot, not for prideful reasons, but for better understanding. I have, for many years, desired to be a preacher of God's Word in a small church setting. However, in the past three years I have not done any of this. Maybe because of the 'destruction of the ACOC' (as Tony says), but probably more because of my laziness. I notice after leaving West Cobb, I have less motivation to 'preach'. I attribute that to my meager Bible studies. I used to create Bible lessons during my Quiet Times in the morning, and even preached some of these during Sunday and mid-week services while associated with the ACOC. If you would like to read some of them (there are many), go to www.MacIsIrish.com and click on the 'Bible Lessons' or 'Quiet Times' links. I occasionally go back myself and reread some of them. I am particularly proud of the two-part series I created about Paul's Account of the stoning of Stephen and the day following that where he 'sees the light'! (Under Quiet Times-7&13 Aug 05)
Anyway, back to chokmah. I would like to instill chokmah back into my life. I would like to instill prayer meetings together like Tony, Rick and I did last evening. I would like to instill Bible Studies with ALL of us at least once a month...where we would each get the 'opportunity' to create and present the lesson. Wouldn't that be chock full of fun? From these 'exercises', I believe we all could get some chokmah.
Later, ya'll.....!
(Hey Rik!)
Reply to this
I really like you Mac. Your humor is classic. I'm looking forward to a future with you and your families.
Reply to this
Your presence at ACOC, (NRCOC, ACOCat Cobb, North View) is dearly missed. I hope New Life truely admires your part in there fellowship.
Reply to this
The Righteous One, I am always encouraged when I read about the Righteous One in the old Testament, Wise men know of One coming, we now know personally who that Righteous One is, Jesus, our Lord and Savior, how much more zealous for the lord should we be how much more conviction should we have.
Reply to this
v.21 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.
v.23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
Can I share something with you guys in view of watching our tongues and offering prayers of "faith":
This is uncomfortable for me, but is needed to understand what "I" bring to the table in perspective.
Please know - I have eyes to eyes to share with you to combat any thoughts that, "I think I am above anyone".
Genuine prayers of "faith" comes with a thorn to always remind us of who we really are w/o the Father, we are the worst of sinners.
In saying that -
My wife, I, and our children had many major battles going on about a year ago in the midst of our brothers and sister at Faith Fellowship.
Discreetly, I shared the specifics with only those I felt were secure in their relationship with the Father.
In short: All request from the Father where answered at about the same time.
The result: Our bible study group - basically freaked out. Ben had received wind of the blessings from the twins studies, so he asked us to pray for a few things concerning His children.
In addition, Wayne C., the Weavers, etc. requested prayer.
The result: Wayne's daughter was just baptized, three children in the Weavers household baptized, prayers concerning other matters with relatives and friends in our circle, etc., answered.
The point - There is a cost: "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for the Father is with me"
Evil seeks to destroy my household and the faith that we have. Our talents individually and collectively are powerless if we can't bring them to the table with genuine faith.
My family is my witness - when prayers of "faith" are offered - major attacks are waged against us.
There is a cost associated with prayer and supplication, it really hurts.
It is important for us all to stay positive in what we speak. If you can't hope all things, just don't speak negative - you road block the blessing you actually prayed for.
I want to praise Him for His love beyond our understanding. His mercy in granting all of your request, or at least the reasons He has shown for not granting your request.
Like the song says, "be careful what you ask for, you just might get it all and some things you don't want"
Reply to this
Tenzin Gyatso
Ever heard of this guy? (Yes, it is actually a name of a living man!) Well, I would like to share a bit about him and the chokmah (wisdom) he has been spreading for the past 60 or so years. I’ll start off by using the Bible, which he doesn’t use as he believes religion is not necessary. Be careful what you pray for. “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Mr Gyatso (I’ll call him Mr. G from now on) once was quoted as saying, “Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.” There is also a country song called Unanswered Prayers which says that ‘some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers’, as we really don’t know what we need, we usually only ask for things we WANT.
Mr G also said, “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.” This is pretty good advice and goes along with verse 3: “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” What ‘acceptable thing’ have you done to help someone today? Mr G also said to “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” So, I guess we should be kind all the time!!!!
Mr G continues his teaching (without a Bible) by saying, “To be aware of a single shortcoming within oneself is more useful than to be aware of a thousand in somebody else.” Of course, this reminds me of Jesus when He said, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Both are great advice.
Another quote from Mr G was, “Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.” Looking ahead into the first line of the next chapter of Proverbs (22), similar advice is given Biblically: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” To get wealthy can be a good thing, but can also bring disaster if not handled properly. Be open to new ideas, learn about different religions, but always remember whose ‘good name’ saved you and don’t let go of that.
The last quote I’ll give from Mr G is the following….very simple, very short: “Spend some time alone every day.” And of course, when you do that, the Bible encourages you to mediate on the Scriptures (Psalm 119:97 e.g.). This ‘alone time’ is also sometimes referred to ‘quiet times’….are you getting in some ‘every day’?
Mr G? Who is he? Why he’s the Dalai Lama, but then, you knew that, didn’t you? (Rik, did you cheat again and read this last paragraph before the rest?)
Reply to this
nope
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To Joe...
Amazing you ended with a saying similar to my posting from the Dalai Lama!!!
Another thing...it appears you want to talk a little bit more about your relationships in the church...open up man! ~smile~ If you feel uncomfortable doing that here where anyone can see it, next time we get together to pray, study, or whatever, you might wanna share then.
To Rik.....well, I miss you guys in Douglasville...thanks.
To Tony....didn't want to forget Tony...(he gets upset if I mention everyone but he)
To Rich....hope your class went well.
To ALL---anyone up to see "Facing The Giants" on my house on 'the big screen' in the basement Saturday evening?
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Just men, or all the fam?
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ALL who want to watch the movie.
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ALready have plans with Joe and his family, maybe another day?
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To SAM...Father has given me a circle of men that I see have the talents to help my immediate circle with some major battles. Iron sharpens iron, unfortunately it creates sparks at times. I will discuss in more detail in time. It's all good.
Reply to this
Sanhi di ang daigdig gumawa tayo lagi subukin sa gumawa lahat ng bagay sa atin mag-ari? maibigan Mac said , wala dasal at diyos tayo maaari hindi makinabang sino man kaalaman sa ang banal na kasulatan. diyos buksan atin tingin at bulung-bulungan pagayon atipan ng pawid tayo mayo makita at pakinggan. wala diyos tayo cain makinabang wala , pa tayo maaari mawala lahat ng bagay.
Why in the world do we always try to do everything on our own? Like Mac said, without prayer and God we can not gain any knowledge from the scriptures. God opens our eyes and hears so that we may see and hear. Without God we cain gain nothing, yet we can lose everything.
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor,(neady)he too will cry out and not be answered. This is such a true verse! You all know me, i Like to help, weather I know the person or not. I will stop and help someone on the side of the road, I will even turn around and go back. It's all about the heart. I feel that this is the reason that EVERYTHING always works out. When I quit helping people, those I know and those I don't, God will quit helping me and my family.
14,A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath. I thought God hated bribes? 1 Samuel 8;3,Job 15;34.Proverbs 15;27/29;4, they all talk bad about bribes so why in this passage is a bribe good? Anyone? UI checked several different translations and they all say a bribe in the bosom except the message version. It says a heartfelt present cools a hot temper.
23 Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief. How true is this verse! This is from the message version. If we were to just read and heed the word how much better off we would be. Rick and I have the love dare book from the movie Fireproof. I hope to start using it when I get home and really try wholeheartedly to put the principles into practice. Have a great day tomorrow guys. If God is with us who can be against us? The question you have to ask yourself is, is God with me today? You know the answer.
Gott kümmert sich um alle unsere neads.
Reply to this
I love to be in your presence when the spirit of God is working through you Tony. This is good stuff.
You said: "I thought God hated bribes?" In my case the motive of the bribe determined it's outcome. I have bribed my kids, relatives, etc. to counter the temptations satin was presenting to them just to give them enough time to understand that Fathers way really does work if they would give it a chance.
Specific examples if you need later.
Reply to this