New "Fit for Our King" Group On Facebook

Who wants to be, “Fit for Our King?” This group is for everyone who desires to GET FIT IN EVERY AREA OF LIFE – spirit, soul, body, financially and in relationships. The goal is to get ready for the coming of our King and be in good condition, healthy, strong, qualified, equipped and outfitted to do His will anywhere, anytime! The bottom line is God said, GET FIT! And that’s it!

Productive or Destructive

Your feelings are like water and sometimes you can’t completely control them but you can direct them. If you just let them flow wherever they want they will make a mess and possibly cause damage. Harness your feelings and use them to power your good goals, dreams and desires.

Prov 29:11
A fool vents all his feelings,
But a wise man holds them back.
NKJV

Prov 29:11
A fool expresses all his emotions,
but a wise person controls them.
GOD'S WORD

I Fell Off the Mantle

The house we are working on has a really tall mantle it’s about eight feet up. We built a temporary platform to hold it while we worked on it since it weighs about 800 pounds or something. Anyway I stepped through a hole in the platform and hurt my leg pretty good. Not broken just tweaked bruised and it’s frustrating because it’s setting me back on my exercise program. Fitness in every area of life is like climbing a ladder you can’t skip steps you can only go one rung at a time. When something knocks you down a few pegs “off your mantle” you just need to get up and start climbing again. So today I’m thinking that I won’t get gloomy but instead get up and get going. Ha, ha if you climbed the ladder once then you can do it again, don’t get discourages and don’t quit because if you do you’ll just end up living on some rung but it’s better on the mantle. People display things they value up there but most never stop to think of the work it took to build the mantle in the first place. So without good old work there would be no mantle and no success to display on it. So whatever your goals are just keep working on them because, “if you don’t quit you won’t lose!”

Prov 24:16
16 For a righteous man may fall seven times
And rise again…
NKJV

Prov 24:16
16 No matter how many times you trip them up,
God-loyal people don't stay down long;
Soon they're up on their feet,
while the wicked end up flat on their faces.
MES

You Can Do It If You Set Your Mind To It!

Is your mind fit to be tied? Sometimes you tie things to hold them down and sometimes to hold them up. When you make a decision you’re tied to it but how strong is your bond. If you have a weak will you won’t be able to make progress because you will be changing your mind all the time. When you make a commitment to yourself or anyone else then you ought to keep it. If you don’t then you’re out of control and need to be tied. The way to exercise your will and make it stronger is by making a decision and then doing it. Start with the easy things and pretty soon you will be able to complete anything you set your mind to. Most great things don’t happen overnight and that’s why you need to stay your mind in the meantime. It’s like the rudder on the ship, once you make a decision you will constantly press against the resistance if you are to stay on course. If you get tired and give in then you’ll end up drifting through life until a crisis is on the horizon. Then you will try to steer clear of calamity but you really never should have been there in the first place. The bottom line is; you have to make up your mind and keep it made up or you will just float around aimlessly wondering why you never make any progress. So to get mentally fit just commit to do what you decide to do and follow through.

Prov 24:21b
Do not associate with those given to change;
NKJV

Ready, Aim, ...

How can you fulfill God’s mission it if you need to recondition? The great commission requires you to be in good condition. When the Lord calls you need to be ready for the expedition not trying to get permission from your pastor, banker or physician. The acquisition of this position comes from giving God submission. In addition you need exercise and good nutrition. Cast out bad habits like an apparition, on laziness do demolition. Ask God to help with your ambition, load up your ammunition and put His goodness on exhibition. Because we’re His coalition and ready for ignition! …Fire!

Ps 26:2-3
2 Examine me, God, from head to foot,
order your battery of tests.
Make sure I'm fit
inside and out
3 So I never lose
sight of your love,
But keep in step with you,
never missing a beat.
MES

Don’t just “try” but apply! Don’t whine but shine!

Fitness is like food and consistency is the key. If you miss a meal you usually don’t just skip it all together; and who goes for days on end without eating. If you will just be half as diligent with your exercise as you are with your eating you will excel. There’s no excellence without effort. You have to exert you energy for you endeavors to succeed. Don’t just “try” but apply. Don’t whine and say, “I wish, I would, I should” but say, “I will” and then do it and keep on doing it until it becomes a habit. Exercise is a vital element for every area of life. It’s like food and one way or another make sure you get enough of it. You can always find a way to work it into your schedule when you decide it’s a priority. Missed any meals lately? Are you so busy that you’ve just stopped eating? “Yea, I tried that but it just takes so much effort to plan and prepare or you have to go somewhere to eat; and it costs money and takes time, it may be good for some but not me I haven’t eaten in years….” So which areas of your life are anorexic and weak? (Spirit, soul, body, finances or relationships) It’s time to make a change and start getting the nutrition and exercise you need EVERYDAY! It’s not an option. If you’ve learned how to survive then you can do this! So find a way and make time to make it happen.

1 Thess 5:23-24
23 May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together — spirit, soul, and body — and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. 24 The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it!
MES

2 Thess 1:11-12
11 Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time — pray that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be, pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. 12 If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely.
MES

Get Fit – Quick!

Have you ever lost in a race with a dead man? Nope! I hope. There’s no competition because he’s just not quick. He stinks and has no coach do you? If you’re gonna get fit it starts at the core. A tree that’s dead on the inside will not be beautiful on the outside for long. But if it’s quickened from the inside out then it can stand in adversity and bear fruit. The true core of man is the spirit and it’s only quick if it has the life of God within. Don’t try to live the abundant life with no source or supply. God Himself has offered to come and live within and He’s greater than all the health products and programs that have ever been. He will literally quicken every area of your life from the inside out. If you try to do it any other way it’s like decorating dead trees. And the Christmas tree does get a lot of attention but then it goes back in the box or to the mulch pile or to be burned. But the evergreen that’s alive and thriving is on top of the mountain. So if your goal is to get fit to get attention you might be able to do it but you won’t really live in the end. But if you want everlasting life then receive Jesus and be quickened by life of Almighty God within. He will send His Spirit to coach you and make you truly alive. Listen to and follow Him and if you’re really QUICK then you will be able to GET and STAY FIT in every area of life!

Rom 8:11
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
KJV

Eph 2:1-10
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
KJV

John 15:1-8
15 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
NKJV

Fit For Our King!

To say I’m excited today would be an understatement. I’m thrilled at what God is doing in my life and what He is showing me and leading me to do to help people. A couple of years ago as I was praying about my personal mission, vision and goals and I got a very simple statement that seems to resound in my spirit from heaven. GET FIT! God said, “GET FIT!” and that’s it. He wants us to be fit in every area of life; spirit, soul, body, financially and in our relationships. He desires for us to be whole and complete with nothing broken missing or lacking. He has blessed us with His Word and made the way by giving us His grace which enables us to “GET FIT!” The definition of FIT is - in good condition, healthy, strong, ready, qualified, equipped, outfitted. Are you ready for the coming of our King? Are you in good condition, healthy, strong, qualified, equipped and outfitted to do His will anywhere, anytime? Are you “consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.” (2 Tim 2:21b AMP) This is a tall order it’s like being a gladiator for God. We are to be victorious in every area of life and overcome and liberate people from the forces of evil. In order to do this we must train daily at “God’s Gym.” He had given us His Word and Spirit to instruct and strengthen us making us mighty to wage war and walk in His will. The Holy Spirit has been sent to help us. He is our own personal trainer who lives within. He coaches and helps us conquer all adversity. It’s good to know that God wants us fit and has made a way but then there’s the practical steps to take everyday. How do you know just what and when to do? There’s all kinds of good programs and opportunities out there but you will only succeed if you pick the ones that are right for you. How will you know? You need to pray and ask God to show you. If you try to accomplish divine fitness by mere human will you will end up disappointed. But if you get God’s help you will be able to do more and go farther that you ever thought possible. It’s by His grace and guidance not your own plans and ability that you will truly succeed and “be all you can be.”

So I have been working on fulfilling God’s mandate to “GET FIT!” and believe that now is the time to share and get others involved. I have had good success in some areas and others still need more work. I have found that I need programs and schedules for progress. God has given me a few practical application tools that work for me and I believe will work for you also as you apply them as you are led by His Spirit. I’m still praying and believing for wisdom in areas and trusting that we will get the answers as we go. I will be applying programs and schedules and starting and suggesting groups that will work on similar areas together. Join whatever God leads you to and GET FIT spirit, soul, body, financially and in your relationships. The bottom line is God said, GET FIT! And that’s it! So I‘m crying out and calling for people who want to be fit for our King! Who will join my quest and pass the test to be truly blessed and manifest all Christ’s blood possessed?

1 Tim 4:7-10
Exercise daily in God — no spiritual flabbiness, please! 8 Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. 9 You can count on this. Take it to heart. 10 This is why we've thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We're banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.
MES

Hey! Wait a Minute!

It only takes about a minute to read through a Chapter of Proverbs so all the answers you’re looking for may be less than sixty seconds away. There are thirty one Chapters in the book of Proverbs. You can easily read one everyday and get eternal wisdom that will change your life forever. On the first read Chapter one and on the second read Chapter two and so on. Most problems are caused by a lack of wisdom, poor character or bad decisions. The wisdom of God revealed in book of Proverbs can help you in every area of life. It’s very simple, straight forward, entertaining and applicable to real life. I recommend reading through the chapter and then picking a verse to think about everyday. This is a quick and uncomplicated way to get good and lasting results. Isn’t that what you’re really looking for? Everyday you eat so you can fuel up, also read so you can wise up, God’s Word will cause you to rise up.

Prov 3:13-18
3 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.
NKJV

Prov 3:13-18
3 You're blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom,
when you make friends with Madame Insight.
14 She's worth far more than money in the bank;
her friendship is better than a big salary.
15 Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth;
nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.
16 With one hand she gives long life,
with the other she confers recognition.
17 Her manner is beautiful,
her life wonderfully complete.
18 She's the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her.
Hold her tight — and be blessed!
MES

Prov 4:7-8
7 Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she will promote you;
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.
NKJV

Prov 4:7-8
7 Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom!
Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding!
8 Throw your arms around her — believe me, you won't regret it;
never let her go — she'll make your life glorious.
MES

Prov 4:7-8
7 Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And with your wisdom, develop common sense and good judgment.
TLB

Prov 4:8
8 Cherish wisdom.
It will raise you up.
It will bring you honor when you embrace it.
GOD'S WORD

Truth or Temptation

If your thoughts keep repeating it may be God leading. Why do you keep thinking about the same thing over and over again? Probably because you’re stubborn and they say, “The average person needs to hear something seven times before they get it.” God and the enemy know this so when they’re giving a leading they keep on repeating. One is truth the other temptation, good or evil, right or wrong you need to be aware and abide on a side or you’ll be like Jekyll and Hyde. Don’t just let thoughts exist in your head and go on like a bad song if they’re wrong cast em down and get out of town. But if it’s heavenly music don’t just listen, but pray and obey and dance with the Master and you won’t go astray.


2 Cor 10:3-5
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
NKJV

2 Cor 10:5
5 [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)
AMP

John 8:31-32

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
NKJV

Ps 1:1-3
1 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;
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 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;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
NKJV

Cinnamon Roll’s Rock

The café court is crowded this morning and there’s a long line at Cinnabon. Then you see it - unattended, golden brown and hot there it sits alone on a table. The aroma of cinnamon and icing fills the air. Your mouth starts to water and your stomach seems to get excited. You seem to hear voices in your head, “Take it and go eat it now!” … “But it’s not yours!” … “No one will know, there’s people everywhere, they can get another one!” … “You will know, and God will and it’s wrong” … “No, it will be all right, just take it and lets go.” So you casually pick it up and walk off, “Good, no one saw you, find a table quick and let’s enjoy!” ... “No wait, this is wrong, take it back!” … “You can’t do that, someone might see you, eat it quick and destroy the evidence!” So you sit down and take a big bite, “umm this is really good” you think as you lick the icing from the side of your lips. You start to eat faster anticipating the soft and delicious center. “Wait something is wrong,” now your stomach feels more guilty than excited and then suddenly, CRACK! Ouch! …you just bit into a rock. You spit it out and see with it pieces of what was once one of your teeth. Your mouth starts to ache immediately and it feels like someone just stuck an ice pick in your jaw. You yell out in pain, now everyone is looking at you. An officer comes to your table and says, “That looks like my missing cinnamon roll, did you pay for that?” and another nearby voice says, “No! I saw them take it.” So he decides to arrest you right in front of everyone, after all you just sold his breakfast. You plead, “But wait sir I need to get to the dentist I just broke one of my teeth and it’s hurting like crazy.” “Well I guess you did me a favor,” he says, “but I’m still takin you in, after we fill out all the paperwork then you can go to the dentist.” So you go, guilty and ashamed thinking, “This isn’t fair it was just a little cinnamon roll.” You fill out all the paperwork and get your summons to court. Now it’s time to go to the dentist, if you can get an appointment that is. Was it worth it?

Prov 20:17
Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,
But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.
NKJV

Bread gained by deceit is sweet but bitter trap when the crime’s complete.

Order! And that’s an Order!

It’s amazing to me how long it takes to get your life in order. While you are getting one area cleaned up others seem to be getting messy. God told me to get my life in order and I’ve been trying to do it for years. I have made some progress but the only way it will ever happen completely is if I really put first things first everyday. The bible says to “seek first the kingdom of God” and the first and greatest commandment is to “Love God!” So for me this literally means seeking God first everyday. The more diligent I am to pray first thing and then obey the closer to order the rest of my life gets. But the less dedicated I am the more my mayhem multiplies. This is really a simple concept in theory but more difficult to apply. All you need to do is get up and “eat P.I.E.” everyday!

P.I.E.
1. P.ray – talk and listen, read and write – Love God
2. I.temize – list the words and instructions - Plan
P.S. it
P.rioratize
S.trategize
3. E.exercize – action, do it, fulfill God’s will - Perform

So even though doing God’s will is as easy as P.I.E. sometimes it’s still a bit hard to swallow. I encourage you to join me on this quest for order. Because if you really are a disciple then you should pray, plan and perform God’s will everyday. And His Word says, “Let all things be done decently and in order.”(1 Cor 14:40NKJV) Put God first in all you do you’ll be happy and blessed and have order too.

We’re All Gonna Live?

Yesterday I said we’re all gonna die and it’s true but what happens after that? The physical body is a temporary home but the spirit and soul within are eternal. Everyone knows we have a limited time in the body but not everyone knows about life after death. I believe that when people die physically that the Spirit and soul leave the body and but continue to exist in the spiritual realm. When you die your destination is determined by your decision beforehand. It’s like when you go to an airport and get on a plane. Once it takes off you are headed wherever it’s headed and it’s too late to change your mind. Knowing this most people make sure they go to the right gate so they’ll end up in the right place. No one in their right mind would willingly get on a plane that’s going down. It’s very clear that you have to make a choice and everyone that doesn’t will end up in the wrong place. Jesus is the gate to another way and through Him you can change your destination. Now is the time to decide and to live like you’re gonna live. When death comes you will suddenly realize which direction you are headed but after that there will be no choice to change and no turning back. So I’m thinking that we ought to be at least as careful with our eternal destination as we are with our vacation and make sure we are ready ahead of time. And since we don’t know the day or the hour that now is really the only logical time to make the choice. It’s a one way trip and if we want to end up in the right place then we need to go to the Gate and stay there until take off.

Matt 7:13-14
13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
NKJV

John 14:6
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
NKJV

We’re All Gonna Die!

The Lord said to me, “Preach to people like they are terminally ill.” If someone you knew was diagnosed terminal and incurable then how would you minister to them? ‘Then why aren’t you doing it now?” There’s no more time for wimpy wavering and beating around the bush you have to be bold and speak the truth in love. Because everyone is going to die eventually but most won’t be ready for it. People live like they are not going to die and like they have all the time in the world. But this life is like a puff of smoke compared to eternity. Knowing you will die and helps you live better. Life is more valuable when you know that you have a limited quantity. Savor it and do something with because this is your chance. This life is our eternal placement test and what we do now will matter forever. How we live so shall we die for there will not be time to change when the moment arrives. We don’t know the day or the hour. Death is like a pop quiz, when it comes you’re either ready or not. And in that hour the true life and character of every person will be revealed. So don’t wait for a terminal diagnosis before you get serious about living. Do it now! I’m telling you what you already know if you will accept it. Our days are numbered - this may be our last day, week, month or year but do we really believe it and act like it. Death is not really the thing to be concerned about but wasting life. So what will it be? Will you spend your life procrastinating, crying and dying to live or will you live like you’re gonna die?

Heb 9:27-28
27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.
NKJV

Rom 14:11-12
11 For it is written:

"As I live, says the Lord,
Every knee shall bow to Me,
And every tongue shall confess to God."

12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.
NKJV

1 Cor 15:50-58
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."

55 "O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?"

56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
NKJV

Don't "try" but Rely!

Don’t “try” but rely for your trust is a must,
Leave fear behind like rust in the dust.
God’s grace is enough His strength makes you tough,
He’ll help you get through it no matter how rough.
He’s greater than you, more mighty than all,
And He’s on your side in the midst of the brawl!

Ps 118:5-12 MES
5 Pushed to the wall, I called to God;
from the wide open spaces, he answered.
6 God's now at my side and I'm not afraid;
who would dare lay a hand on me?
7 God's my strong champion;
I flick off my enemies like flies.
8 Far better to take refuge in God
than trust in people;
9 Far better to take refuge in God
than trust in celebrities.
10 Hemmed in by barbarians,
in God's name I rubbed their faces in the dirt;
11 Hemmed in and with no way out,
in God's name I rubbed their faces in the dirt;
12 Like swarming bees, like wild prairie fire, they hemmed me in;
in God's name I rubbed their faces in the dirt.
13 I was right on the cliff-edge, ready to fall,
when God grabbed and held me.
14 God's my strength, he's also my song,
and now he's my salvation.
15 Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs
in the camp of the saved?
"The hand of God has turned the tide!
16 The hand of God is raised in victory!
The hand of God has turned the tide!"

Wise?

Friends of fool’s make themselves mules, while ties to the wise make one rise.

Prov 13:20
20 Become wise by walking with the wise;
hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.

Prov 3:35
35 Wise living gets rewarded with honor;
stupid living gets the booby prize.

Prov 10:1
10 Wise son, glad father;
stupid son, sad mother.

Prov 10:8
8 A wise heart takes orders;
an empty head will come unglued.

Prov 10:14
14 The wise accumulate knowledge — a true treasure;
know-it-alls talk too much — a sheer waste.

Prov 10:19
9 The more talk, the less truth;
the wise measure their words.

Prov 12:15
15 Fools are headstrong and do what they like;
wise people take advice.

Prov 12:18
18 Rash language cuts and maims,
but there is healing in the words of the wise.

Prov 13:10
10 Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord,
but wise men and women listen to each other's counsel.

Prov 14:8
8 The wisdom of the wise keeps life on track;
the foolishness of fools lands them in the ditch.

Prov 14:16
16 The wise watch their steps and avoid evil;
fools are headstrong and reckless.

Prov 14:18
18 Foolish dreamers live in a world of illusion;
wise realists plant their feet on the ground.

Prov 14:24
24 The wise accumulate wisdom;
fools get stupider by the day.

Prov 15:2
2 Knowledge flows like spring water from the wise;
fools are leaky faucets, dripping nonsense.

Prov 15:12
12 Know-it-alls don't like being told what to do;
they avoid the company of wise men and women.

Prov 17:28
28 Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise;
as long as they keep their mouths shut, they're smart.

Prov 18:15
15 Wise men and women are always learning,
always listening for fresh insights.

Prov 19:8
8 Grow a wise heart — you'll do yourself a favor;
keep a clear head — you'll find a good life.

Prov 20:26
26 After careful scrutiny, a wise leader
makes a clean sweep of rebels and dolts.

Prov 21:11
Simpletons only learn the hard way,
but the wise learn by listening.

Prov 21:20
Valuables are safe in a wise person's home;
fools put it all out for yard sales.

Prov 23:15-16
5 Dear child, if you become wise,
I'll be one happy parent.
16 My heart will dance and sing
to the tuneful truth you'll speak.

Prov 23:19-21
19 Oh listen, dear child — become wise;
point your life in the right direction.
20 Don't drink too much wine and get drunk;
don't eat too much food and get fat.
21 Drunks and gluttons will end up on skid row,
in a stupor and dressed in rags.

Prov 23:24-25
24 Parents rejoice when their children turn out well;
wise children become proud parents.
25 So make your father happy!
Make your mother proud!

Prov 24:5-7
5 It's better to be wise than strong;
intelligence outranks muscle any day.
6 Strategic planning is the key to warfare;
to win, you need a lot of good counsel.
7 Wise conversation is way over the head of fools;
in a serious discussion they haven't a clue.

Prov 25:12-13
12 And a wise friend's timely reprimand
is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.
13 Reliable friends who do what they say
are like cool drinks in sweltering heat — refreshing!

Prov 29:15
15 Wise discipline imparts wisdom;
spoiled adolescents embarrass their parents.

Eccl 7:7
7 Brutality stupefies even the wise
And destroys the strongest heart.

Eccl 7:10
10 Don't always be asking, "Where are the good old days?"
Wise folks don't ask questions like that.

Eccl 8:5
5 Carrying out orders won't hurt you a bit; the wise person obeys promptly and accurately.

Eccl 9:17
The quiet words of the wise are more effective
Than the ranting of a king of fools.

Eccl 10:2
2 Wise thinking leads to right living;
Stupid thinking leads to wrong living.

Eccl 12:11
11 The words of the wise prod us to live well.
They're like nails hammered home, holding life together.
They are given by God, the one Shepherd.

Luke 2:40
40 There the child grew strong in body and wise in spirit. And the grace of God was on him.

1 Cor 3:18
18 Don't fool yourself. Don't think that you can be wise merely by being up-to-date with the times.

Col 1:9
9 Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven't stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works.

James 3:13-14
Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts.

All Scriptures from (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

Prompt or Stomped?

Imagine the difference between your perspective and an ant’s. You see from above and they from below. You have a large wide view while they have limited sight and especially in rough terrain. You can see what’s coming but not an ant. They may just be walking along the sidewalk and then all of the sudden….

This is how it is with us and God except we’re like the ant. We’re limited to what we know and can see but God is unlimited. He can see the past, present and future and knows all the details about everything. We can just bumble along hoping to survive on our own merit or we can learn to live with supernatural intelligence. God is the Divine Director and we are to follow His prompts. Many times we don’t understand the “why and what” but we need to trust Him “Who” is leading us to do the right thing at the right time. If we hesitate and reason we may end up like ants on the sidewalk in season. The enemy loves smashing the sluggish but has more trouble with those who are quick to pray and obey. So when you get God’s direction make sure to be prompt, then it will be like the Devil’s be the ant, and he can be stomped.

Rom 16:19-20
9 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.
NKJV

Rom 16:19-20
19 But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
NLT

Rom 16:19-20
19 And so while there has never been any question about your honesty in these matters — I couldn't be more proud of you! — I want you also to be smart, making sure every "good" thing is the real thing. Don't be gullible in regard to smooth-talking evil. Stay alert like this, 20 and before you know it the God of peace will come down on Satan with both feet, stomping him into the dirt. Enjoy the best of Jesus!
MES

It Must Have Been an Angel

When we pray God’s Word angels obey are present to help us everyday They are dispatched when we speak God’s Word and will help us do God’s will. They are mighty and excel in strength, they “serve and protect” and are available at a moments notice. So be aware that they are there and don’t forget to call for help when you’re in need.

Ps 103:20-21
20 Bless the Lord, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.
21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
NKJV

Heb 1:14
14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?
NKJV

Heb 1:14
14 Isn't it obvious that all angels are sent to help out with those lined up to receive salvation?
MES

2 Kings 6:14-18
14 Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 15 And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?"

16 So he answered,"Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, "Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
NKJV

Matt 26:53-54
53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?
NKJV

Matt 26:53-54
3 Don't you realize that I am able right now to call to my Father, and twelve companies — more, if I want them — of fighting angels would be here, battle-ready?
MES

Heb 13:2-3
2 Don't forget to be kind to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!
TLB

Ps 91:9-11
9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
10 No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
NKJV

Ps 91:11
He ordered his angels
to guard you wherever you go.
MES

Ps 91:11
For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service].
AMP

Pardon Me

If innocence is lost it can be re-found so get out of the gutter and back on the playground. When you were a small child you enjoyed innocence. Life was good, you were happy and the biggest thing on your mind was playing. But then something happened - an opportunity came for you do something bad and you took it. You were no longer felt innocent and happy but guilty and ashamed. Guilt is the pain of knowing you are wrong. It’s like the warning light that tells you to fix things before a total breakdown. You can ignore it if you want to and the more you do the easier its gets to overlook it and the worse things get. Since childhood we’ve had a multitude of opportunities to offend and the citations seem to be stacked up to the ceiling. There is a common misconception that since we’ve obviously been found guilty that we can never be innocent again. After all no one is perfect and only those in complete denial will say they have never done anything wrong. We’ve all broken God’s law and it has hurt our hearts and we know that some day we will all stand before Him and give an account. I don’t know about you but I never looked forward to my day in court and especially when I knew I was guilty. But one day I found out that there was One who came to do the time and pay the fines. Jesus took our place in the judgment and offered to restore our innocence. He said that we should become as little children and that if we received Him and accepted His sacrifice for us that we could come to God as our heavenly Father without guilt and shame. Not because were so good - but because He is and has made a way for us to be innocent all the days of our life on His account. It’s really a great truth and wonderful source of joy when you realize that you can be innocent again. And once you know that you are innocent then you can start acting like it. God Himself came - not to condemn you to death and put you down, but to lift you up out of the gutter of guilt and shame, and set you on His lap as an innocent child never again to be the same.

Matt 18:1-5
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"

2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
NKJV

Right, Right…

It’s not hard to figure out what to do, just do the right thing and you’ll get through. If it’s the right thing to do then don’t need to waste time debating in your mind and trying to justify any other action. If it’s right, then do it right, because it’s right and you feel all right, but if its wrong and you do it anyway then you will feel all wrong and start singin a sad song. Even little children know the difference between right and wrong. Can you remember the first time you really got in trouble? How did it make you feel? What has happened to your conscience since then? Don’t deny it just go back to being childlike and innocent. If innocence is lost then it can be re-found and when it is you’ll get out of the rat race and back on the playground.

Prov 20:11
11 Even a child is known by his deeds,
Whether what he does is pure and right.
NKJV

Prov 20:11
11 The character of even a child can be known by the way he acts-whether what he does is pure and right.
TLB

Luke 18:15-17
15 Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 17 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."
NKJV

Divine Dreams are Imperishable

Rom 11:29
29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
NKJV

Rom 11:29
29 God's gifts and God's call are under full warranty — never canceled, never rescinded.
MES

God gave Joseph dreams and his dreams brought him trouble. (Genesis Chp. 37-42) Everybody wants God given dreams but it seems that God never shows you the whole story in the preview. We want action and adventure but this usually occurs as we overcome adversity. What do we do when life is dragging on and we’re running out of pop corn and soda? God will bring His plans to pass but He likes developing the story and getting as many characters involved as possible. We would like to skip 17 scenes and get right to the climax but, “you can’t skip a step because there’re people in every step.”(Pastor Mark Bintilff) If we put life on fast forward then think of all the people and ministry we will miss. People have a terrible habit of being in such a hurry to get to something better that they don’t enjoy the present. What’s the point of looking forward to the future if we’re going so fast that we never see it when it comes? If life is a blur and everybody around you seems to be like annoying obstacles on your way to the checkered flag it might time to go have a cup of coffee with your friends at the pit stop. God does not seem to be concerned with time at all but what He cares more about is people. God can make up time and cause things to come to pass in an instant so I’m wondering why He doesn’t speed things up but instead keeps telling us to, “slow down!” If you hate this and just wanna, “Go Fast!” then go rent a movie and watch it on fast forward that ought to save you some time. You might not like the chipmunk drama too much but at least you’ll, “save some time” and “git er done!” and get on to the next thing. Eventually………… God brought all Josephs dreams to pass and I believe He’ll do the same for us too. He’s the director and, “He’s telling the story!” So let Him do it and make sure you take time to enjoy it because today will be over before you know it and when you look back will you have really lived it or just kinda skimmed over it?

Ps 118:24
This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
NKJV

Ps 118:24
This is the day which the Lord has brought about; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
AMP

Ps 118:24
This is the day which the Lord has made; we will be full of joy and delight in it.
BBE

Ps 118:24
24 This is the day the Lord has made.
Let's rejoice and be glad today!
GOD'S WORD

Ps 118:24
This is the day of the Lord's victory;
let us be happy, let us celebrate!
GNT

John 10:10 (Caps. added)
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may HAVE AND ENJOY LIFE, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
AMP

GO FAST!?

“Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” Who likes red lights, long lines and stop signs? I hate waiting, I want to be doing something. But it’s better to be doing nothing then the wrong thing. Haste makes waste and being unwilling to wait causes woe. It’s easier to wait them to deal with the consequences of a crash. Accidents happen when we get in a hurry and most of us like to go fast. The problem is the faster we go the harder it gets to hear and the smaller your margin of error. If you want to go fast you will first have to slow down and study the map. Pray and plan then you will be prepared to proceed. It’s like a road rally race where the navigator studies the map and gives constant instruction. The driver can only go extremely fast by knowing what’s ahead and being prepared to respond. If he stops listening for even a moment then he better slow down or a crash is eminent. So go our lives and we can only move at the rate of instruction. I always want to speed up but God seems to be saying, “Slow Down!” I don’t like this word but I don’t enjoy crashing either. God is not in a hurry. Even though He could move at speeds beyond what we could comprehend He slows down to human speed and waits for things to grow and change at the rate of seedtime and harvest. If you are trusting God then life won’t be so trying. He knows the situation that you’re in and has said that He would be there to help you. “Well I wish He would just hurry up!” Me too, but all that makes is half baked cake. So trust God and JUST WAIT! This is a skill developed by people who will eventually win the race. If you want to go fast you better be good at hearing and following constant instruction. It seems to me that people are crashing everywhere, humm I wonder why? Will you join the pileup or learn to wait and listen to the Navigator?

Ps 27:13-14
13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.
14 Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
NKJV

Ps 37:7-9
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret — it only causes harm.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off;
But those who wait on the Lord,
They shall inherit the earth.
NKJV

Ps 62:5-7
5 My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.
NKJV

Isa 40:28-31
28 Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
31 But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
NKJV

Isa 28:16
16 Therefore thus says the Lord God:
"Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation,
A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation;
Whoever believes will not act hastily.
NKJV

Isa 28:16
… he that believeth shall not make haste.
KJV

Isa 28:16
16 But the Master, God, has something to say to this:
"Watch closely. I'm laying a foundation in Zion,
a solid granite foundation, squared and true.
And this is the meaning of the stone:
A Trusting Life Won't Topple.
MES

Isa 28:16
…the one who trusts will never be dismayed.
NIV

Isa 28:16
16 Therefore thus says the Lord God, Behold, I am laying in Zion for a foundation a Stone, a tested Stone, a precious Cornerstone of sure foundation; he who believes (trusts in, relies on, and adheres to that Stone) will notbe ashamed or give way or hasten away [in sudden panic]. [Ps 118:22; Matt 21:42; Acts 4:11; Rom 9:33; Eph 2:20; 1 Peter 2:4-6.] AMP

Rom 9:33
33 As it is written, Behold I am laying in Zion a Stone that will make men stumble, a Rock that will make them fall; but he who believes in Him [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] shall not be put to shame nor be disappointed in his expectations. [Isa 28:16.]
AMP

Don’t give up but get up and get going!

It takes grit not to quit. Change requires determination which is easy to find but hard to keep. Anyone can decide to do something but then who actually does it? You can get all kinds of ideas and inspiration but the challenge is implementation. Sometimes its time to stop dreaming and start doing, and once you start then you must be committed to finish. The excitement of the new will wear off after a day or two and then it will just be more work. It’s like the Eiffel Tower; think of what came between the conception and the manifestation. It was a diligent effort and a lot of work but now it stands as a monument for all to see. It didn’t happen overnight and so I’m thinking the reason that many people never fulfill their dreams is because they’re not really willing to work for them no matter how long it takes. There has to be a schedule and consistency or it will never get done. The Tower was a monumental task and imagine how long it would have take if everybody just showed up and worked on it when the got around to it. It took 300 workers about ten month to build it using 2,500,000 rivets. This is like your dream, it comes to you in pieces and if you really want to achieve it you will have to work and work and continue to work especially after it’s lost its luster. The road to fulfillment can get boring at times and when it does don’t stop there because if you do you’ll be stuck somewhere you don’t what to be. Just keep on going because its better to be moving then sitting right in the middle of a half fulfilled vision. “Yea, but it took way longer and is a lot harder then I thought it would be!” Even if it takes a whole lifetime that’s not very long as far as God is concerned. So don’t give up but get up and get going! Otherwise you’re surely stuck right where you are and if you don’t like it then do something about it. I know it’s hard but it’s still better then living an unfulfilled life. So what are you gonna do and are you gonna keep on doing it no matter how long it takes. This is what people do that see their dreams in reality, they stop sleeping and work on it everyday. When you get discouraged all you want to do is sleep and forget but don’t do it! Resist and remember, don’t give up but get up and get going!

If the Shoe doesn’t fit…

You know the old saying, “don't judge some one until you walk a mile in their shoes.” And it’s a good point but if their shoes are bad why not help them take them off, wash their feet and change their shoes? Usually you won’t walk in their shoes because they don’t fit and if they are having trouble who wants to put on the dirty sweaty ill fitting shoes anyway? It won’t help to waste time getting blisters so you can commiserate. You don’t need to identify with someone’s problem to help them all you have to do is identify the solution and be willing to help them change their shoes. People want you to feel their pain but what’s the point? Misery loves company but we’re not looking for pouting pity parties. It’s like, “unless you come to my party I won’t come to yours,” and “it’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to.” Well go ahead and cry if you wanna, but I’m not coming. However I am having an awesome party of my own and you’re invited. It’s a great celebration of all the good things God has done. He Himself will be there and, “in His presence there is fullness of joy!” So what do you say it’s open to all and everyone that comes gets a free pair of dancing shoes!

Ps 16:11
1 You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
NKJV

Phil 4:4
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
NKJV

LISTEN!

“LISTEN!” What do you hear? God is speaking to you in various ways but if you do not listen you will not hear. Many people pray and especially in crisis, but if you do not listen to God why should He listen to you? Most of the problems we pray about could have been avoided if we had just listened to God in the first place. And even now the solution is probably not to do more talking but listening. Prayer is talking and listening. People have the blabbing part down but they seem to be hard of hearing. It’s easier to talk than to listen, but you never get any smarter by telling everyone else what you already know. It takes humility to listen because you have to admit that someone else might know more than you. And God surely does, but the less you hear more deaf and dumb you will become. On the other hand the more attention you give to God the more He seems to attend to you. He desires to bless everyone but He still talks more to people who listen – wo imagine that. And it makes perfect sense; does anyone enjoy talking to people who don’t listen? So I suggest that since the Almighty Himself wants to help you that at least once in a while you SHUT UP AND LISTEN! This is really the solution to so many complex problems. You can run around like a rat in a maze consulting and confiding in all the other rats conspiring, concluding, concurring and continuing in your ignorance. Or you can simply listen to and follow the One who sees everything from above and soon be out of your “complex problem.” Then you can go on your way with joy, laughing and free because you have access to information from a Higher Source. So, “LISTEN!”

Job 35:13
13 Surely God will not listen to empty talk,
Nor will the Almighty regard it.
NKJV

Ps 81:13-16
13 "Oh, that My people would listen to Me,
That Israel would walk in My ways!
14 I would soon subdue their enemies,
And turn My hand against their adversaries.
15 The haters of the Lord would pretend submission to Him,
But their fate would endure forever.
16 He would have fed them also with the finest of wheat;
And with honey from the rock I would have satisfied you."
NKJV

Prov 8:32-36
"Now therefore, listen to me, my children,
For blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction and be wise,
And do not disdain it.
34 Blessed is the man who listens to me,
Watching daily at my gates,
Waiting at the posts of my doors.
35 For whoever finds me finds life,
And obtains favor from the Lord;

Isa 55:2-3
2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
3 Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Hear, and your soul shall live;
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you —
The sure mercies of David.
NKJV

Jer 6:16-19

16 Thus says the Lord:

"Stand in the ways and see,
And ask for the old paths, where the good way is,
And walk in it;
Then you will find rest for your souls.
But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'
17 Also, I set watchmen over you, saying,
'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!'
But they said, 'We will not listen.'
18 Therefore hear, you nations,
And know, O congregation, what is among them.
19 Hear, O earth!
Behold, I will certainly bring calamity on this people —
The fruit of their thoughts,
Because they have not heeded My words
Nor My law, but rejected it.
NKJV

Jer 6:16-19

16 Thus says the Lord:

"Stand in the ways and see,
And ask for the old paths, where the good way is,
And walk in it;
Then you will find rest for your souls.
But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'
17 Also, I set watchmen over you, saying,
'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!'
But they said, 'We will not listen.'
18 Therefore hear, you nations,
And know, O congregation, what is among them.
19 Hear, O earth!
Behold, I will certainly bring calamity on this people -
The fruit of their thoughts,
Because they have not heeded My words
Nor My law, but rejected it.
NKJV

Mark 4:24
24 And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure[of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure[of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you — and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.
AMP