How can a man smart enough to author a chapter in the book of Proverbs call himself-“stupid”? This word is banned in our house. If I slip with my tongue and say the “S” word, my kids instantly pipe up, “You said stupid!” I’m busted! None of the people living in our home may call anyone (including themselves) “stupid.” The word is bad for self-esteem and besides, it doesn’t sound very nice. But there it is in Biblical black-and-white:

“Surely I am more stupid than any man” (Proverbs 30.2-3; 29.19 NKJV).

This podcast is an overview of week 37 in the Word Traveler Bible reading plan and covers the following chapters in the Old and New Testaments: Proverbs 29 – 31; Ecclesiastes 1 – 12; Song of Songs 1 – 8; Colossians 3 – 4; 1st Thessalonians 1 - 3

Evangelism is not the core mission of the church. Its founder did not call followers to make converts. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28.19). Converts fall away. Disciples make more disciples. If leaders in the church want to reach the world, they must concentrate their ministry-wide efforts toward making true disciples. That form of "leadership and authority will be credible and God-honoring," according to Proverbs 25.4-5. 

Proverbs 22.4 describes “true humility” as a condition for “riches, honor, and a long life.” I want nothing to do with the self-deprecating false humility that masks insecurity in a relationship with Christ. Nor do I want to pretend I am humble when clearly, I still am not. I long for the real thing, the genuine article. I hope to fully clothe myself in the “true humility” of Christ so that I may enjoy “riches, honor, and a long life” God has promised. 

“A wise man scales the city walls of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust,” (Proverbs 21.22). 

Tearing down the strongholds of your rigid theories and prized positions may be the toughest battle you’ll ever fight. Go there with Jesus. ‘Scale the city walls of your mighty’ points of view. ‘Bring down the strongholds’ of your precious dogma. Tip over a few of your favorite sacred cows.

I may not be the master of my destiny but I can help create it. I am obligated to make “plans” and get myself headed in the right direction. The Lord expects me to think ahead, be strategic, and set and meet goals. “The mind of man plans his way,” (Proverbs 16.9). 

As much as I hate the chaos almost always associated with real work, I must be productive. My family depends on it. Today, I am enjoying a labor-free Labor Day. But tomorrow, I must jump back into my productive chaos. Check out Proverbs 14.4... “An empty stable stays clean – but there is no income from an empty stable.”

This podcast is an overview of week 36 in the Word Traveler Bible reading plan and covers the following chapters in the Old and New Testaments: Proverbs 12 – 28; Philippians 2 – 4; Colossians 1 - 2.

According to the Bible, “He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life,” (Proverbs 11.19a). I will remain as “steadfast” as a pit bull to this truth… Jesus spilled His blood for my sins. He is my ticket to heaven. If I am righteous, I am so because He is. I am only righteous if He made me that way. I am righteous because He said so. I am righteous by faith in Him, not of my own accord or by my own doing. My “righteousness” is not about me. It’s all about Him!

This is a truth I must clamp my jaws on and never let go of.

Proverbs 5.8-10

“Keep your way far from her. Don't go near the door of her house.

Jesus is the only person who can receive the full brunt of my passion, hostility, anger, gossip, hurt, unpleasant opinions, and deepest negative emotions. He’s got the biggest heart and the broadest shoulders of anyone in the whole universe. He’s the reason prayer, even those containing words I am not proud of, is so effective. He can hear what I have to say without flinching. Jesus is utterly shock-proof. I cannot surprise or offend Him by telling it exactly like it is, or should I say, like I think it is.