Pastor's Blog

“This May Be A Reason”

Date: 8-21-14

Text: Proverbs 21:9, 19 Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. … Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife. [NIV]
The Big Idea: You get to extend the same grace the Lord Jesus extends to His Wife.

My Thoughts:
As we read through the Book of Proverbs for the third time this summer, I feel the need to talk about this topic, especially since it is mentioned twice in this chapter. Indeed, though it may not be the reason, it may well be a reason the husband is more in the garage, at the bar, in the bowling alley, or at the….
Lifestyle worshiper husbands, you may be blessed to have a wonderful wife who does not nag or quarrel with you, who truly respects you; or you may be blessed to have one that does nag, etc.…
A blessing? Yes, you get to extend the same grace the Lord Jesus extends to His Wife, the church. And I am most grateful He only spent 40 days in the desert, and this was just once, and He was led by the Spirit for a greater good. No, instead, He patiently, graciously hangs around His Bride until she learns to quit quarreling with Him and nagging Him….
So beyond man caves and garages, how’s it going, men? Ladies? Any thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me. — Revelations 3:20 (ESV)

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.. — 1 Peter 3:1-2 (ESV)

In a similar way, you husbands must live with your wives in an understanding manner, as with a most delicate partner. Honor them as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing may interfere with your prayers.. — 1 Peter 3:7 (ISV)

Lord Jesus Christ, be the husband/wife in my Life my wife/husband needs right now. May I hear Your voice and obey Your promptings as You empower me by Your Holy Spirit. For Your Name’s Sake, Amen.
Pastor Mike

“A Deep Water Draw”

Date: 8-20-14

Text: Proverbs 20:5 ⁵Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, But a man of understanding will draw it out. [NKJV]

The Big Idea: It takes a deep water draw to get the advice we desperately need from others.

My Thoughts:

Over the years I have had some friends who would not offer advice unless I asked them for it. At first, it was rather frustrating: “Why didn’t you tell me,” I would bark; they’d gently respond, “Because you didn’t ask….” I have since learned that I do need to ask for their sound, godly advice….

And, you, Lifestyle worshipers, probably know far better than I that it sometimes takes a deep water draw to get the advice we desperately need from others. A focused time, a listening ear and an open heart seem to be the draw strings on the bucket we lower into the deep reservoir of their experience and wisdom.

How hard is it for you to ask for this quality of advice? Are you yourself prepared to be plumbed, too? Any thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

— Matthew 7:7-8 (NLT)

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

— Philippians 3:17 (NIV84)

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

— Hebrews 13:7 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus Christ, as I seek out those You’ve surrounded me with wisdom and insight, be my Slippers of Patience so that I may comfortably wait for the refreshing reward that fills the bucket to the brim. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“A Wasted Effort”

Comments on Proverbs 19:19 A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: The ‘hotter’ their temper becomes and so, too, the consequences intensify.

My Thoughts: Perhaps you’ve even attempted to rescue a hot-tempered person from the consequences of their actions; maybe you’ve even excused their behavior—as I had for years, “I’m just a hot-headed ______!” Fill in the blank. But Lifestyle worshipers, we know that this Scripture does not speak in vain: when we rescue the hot-tempered, it is a wasted effort because we will have to do it again. Why? Because we ‘spared’ them from the consequences of their actions! And the more frequently we do so, the ‘hotter’ their temper becomes and so, too, the consequences intensify. … A painful but essential truth…. Do you see this starting in childhood? I have. What can parents do to train their ‘hot-tempered’ child? Any thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared. — Proverbs 22:24-25 (NIV84)

Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul. — Proverbs 29:17 (NIV84)

Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives. — Proverbs 19:18 (NLT)

Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me for rescuing those who ought not be rescued. Grant me the wisdom and compassion to discern the difference. Be my Courage to discipline my child. In Your Name, Amen.