Two women want you! They are both vying for your love. In Proverbs 7, the wayward woman did her very best to lure you into her embrace. But her love was only skin deep. She was a pawn of your greatest enemy who is out to destroy your life. Today in Proverbs 8, the woman of wisdom does her best to win your love and devotion. Sad to say, a lot of men turn her down. They are content to love their little pleasures and routines. They would never go out of their way to follow the Lord of wisdom and His ways. But God, in His love and wisdom, is so persistent, even toward the simple and foolish. 8:4-5.
Wisdom's speech in Prov.8 reveals that she is one amazing woman, worthy of pursuing.
And it's as if she is inviting loving suitors. She loves and greatly blesses those who will devotedly love her. "For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her." 8:11
Her family background and work experiences are amazing! 8:22-31.
She is remarkable in so many ways! 8:14-16.
But you do need to share her values for this relationship to work. "I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech." 8:13.
She wants to be cherished and pursued. "I love those who love me and those who seek me find me." 8:17. "For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord" 8:35
I'm so glad that you prize and seek out her love and wisdom each day. "Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway." 8:34. Some of you get up very early to meet with the Lord and take in his words of wisdom. Others of you stay up late to do so. You are proving your love and putting God and his word as your top priority, even if it is to the point of "No scripture, no sleep." (What great stories many of you shared last Thursday regarding doing such when it was so hard. How manly!)
1.-Read Proverbs 8 and write as if you were sharing with a teenage son or young protege about how pursuing God and His wisdom has blessed you.
2.-Write on your MP3 card-"I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech." Prov.8:13. These are the values and feelings you and I need to share with Wisdom for this relationship to work.
Educate your emotions. Bring them in harmony with God's feelings.
When you catch yourself being puffed up with pride by the enemy, declare- "I hate pride and arrogance!"
When you are being tempted toward sinful actions, including lust and porn, declare, "I hate evil behavior!"
When you are tempted to use foul language, declare, "I hate perverse speech!"
Are you struggling with pornography? Several of you admitted struggling with it presently or in the past. We are warriors and need to fight this onslaught together (James 5:16). So please indicate with a simple Yes or No, if you would want to be a part of a special forces team to battle and conquer pornography in your life. There will be no group meetings. But you will become a highly trained fighting force. An honest desire for help is the first step. No shame, just grace.
3. Yes or No
Announcements!
"Act like men" 1 Cor.16:13. Pastor James McDonald has written a book by that title and hosts conferences by that name. He says that the foundation of acting like men is keeping your word. I agree because God's word stresses this so much. Sadly, a young man whom I have known for over a year and recruited into M3 stopped keeping his word. He didn't blog at all last week and also didn't return several phone calls and texts from me and others. I never guilted him in my messages, but was always upbeat and positive and had even invited him over. Yet nothing. It hurt to be so disrespected when I and others have only sought to help him. So I returned his application in which he had given his word to be in God's word daily with us and to promptly return calls. I don't share this to shame him, but to simply let you know that we are here to help men act like men. Similarly, we don't raise boys to be responsible young men by letting them be irresponsible. If you ever believe that God no longer wants you to be in M3, simply keep you word and call. I will always treat you with friendship when I see you. And if you ever have any questions regarding my leadership in this or other matters, I welcome your call. Thank you for acting like the manly men you are.
I now want to salute those of you who were Unstoppable this past week, and most all of you were. What a joy! Next week I will list each and every one of your names. Remember to blog before the 3:00am cut off to qualify. If an emergency comes up with your internet connection or such, please call me that day regarding it. Thanks!
I also want to honor those of you who scored 25 points or more last week by your encouraging and sharing. Bueno- Israel-26; Dave H.-28; Antonio-28; Vince-32; Andre-33; Guillermo-37; and Ismael-42!
I especially want to honor those who scored over 50 points last week by encouraging and sharing with so many! You are setting such a great example and building up so many! Way to go- Jack-67; Sam-72; Phil-78; Eddie-82; and Robert-106! Wow!
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