Lending to God

Posted on January 19, 2011 by donrecord

Do you watch award shows? Did you watch the Golden Globes on Sunday night? I’m personally MUCH more likely to watch the CMA awards than the Oscars, Emmys, or Golden Globes, but all of the “red carpet” award shows have one thing in common: Much of the glamorous jewelry and clothing worn by the “stars” does not belong to them! When asked “Who are you wearing?”, most invited guests should truthfully say, “Something that was loaned to me by a jewelry designer or clothing line.”

So why do designers and companies loan millions of dollars worth of jewelry and clothing to people who could probably afford to pay? There are several reasons. It’s a great way to advertise your product. It’s great advertisement to be mentioned by a star on the red carpet. It’s also a great way to build good-will with a clientele that can actually afford to buy your ten-thousand-dollar-dress-that-looks-like-a-swan. For many reasons, clothing and jewelry designers have found that it is good business to lend to those who already “have everything”.

Today in Proverbs Chapter 19 the writer makes an amazing statement:

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done. Proverbs 19:17

Whatever we do to show kindness to people who are needy, is like lending to God. God PROMISES to repay if we will give to people who can not personally repay us. It’s the only place in the Bible that I am aware of that seems to make it possible for the all-powerful and rich-beyond-measure God to “owe us one”. Amazing!

I hope you will take the time to read the rest of Proverbs Chapter 19 today. Most of all though, I hope you will remember verse 17 whenever you have the opportunity to help someone in need. Even though it may never “buy” you a mention on the red carpet, I think lending to God is a far safer bet than loaning an evening gown to Snooki…

Inspiration for the week

Posted on January 17, 2011 by donrecord

Reading and teaching through the book of Proverbs this month has been challenging, rewarding, uncomfortable, and a journey that I am so glad that we are taking together as a church.

Here’s some wisdom from the Dwight Shrute (that didn’t make it into Sunday morning) to start out your week…I’m not sure that King Solomon could have said it better himself.

A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool. Proverbs 17:10

Read: Proverbs Chapter 17

Sunday @ actionchurch

Posted on January 14, 2011 by donrecord

This week at actionchurch we’ll be getting wisdom for work from the the book of Proverbs. The average American will spend over 1/4 of their life at work. During the week, work and work related activities take up more of our time than any other activity. (including eating and sleeping combined.)

Fortunately, this week in “the ‘verbs” is filled with great advice and wisdom about work. Whether you are happy in your work, unemployed and looking for work, or WISH you were unemployed because you seriously hate your job, this week will have something for you.

This week will also mark the return of Farewell Flight to the actionchurch stage! You can listen to their music (HERE). As always, your kids are welcome, and they will find that the very best part of actionchurch is actionkidz!

I hope you are joining us in reading thru the book of Proverbs in the month of January. Today’s reading is Chapter 14.

The band kicks off at 10:30. Come early for Coffee, donuts, and bagels. See you Sunday! (Directions)

‘Just sayin’

Posted on January 11, 2011 by donrecord

Today in the ‘verbs, Chapter 11.

¹¹ Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper,
but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.

¹² It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor;
a sensible person keeps quiet.

¹³ A gossip goes around telling secrets,
but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

Proverbs 11:11-13

Never more true. It’s never been easier to sa …or post…or tweet… the wrong thing,never been harder to refrain. But it’s still foolish to belittle others, and it’s still sensible to keep quiet.

So much more great wisdom in Chapter 11. I hope you will read it today.

I’m going to go spend my day just struggling to put these three verses into action…

GPS

Posted on January 10, 2011 by donrecord

Yesterday I shared one of my favorite passages from Proverbs. Like so many other people over thousands of years, I find great comfort and hope in these words.

⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

I need my “paths made straight” . I need directions. Life is filled with choices. Each seemingly “small” decision can impact our lives and those around us for many years. There is nothing I can think of that would be more valuable to any of us, than direction from an all-knowing God in those decisions.

It’s a fantastic offer. The best you could possibly ask for…but like most offers that you can actually trust…there are terms and conditions. In order for God to direct our paths, we also need to do several things.

First we have to trust him-with all our heart. No reservations. Second we need to listen to him instead of following our own plans. Finally, we have to submit all our ways to him in order for him to direct our paths.

Just like GPS.

Just like we trust satellites positioned high above us to know where we are, and where we should go, we have to trust God to receive his direction.

Just like we have to listen to the woman with the sort of sexy voice on our GPS, we have to listen to God in order for him to guide us.

Just like we can’t expect to get to our destination if we don’t submit to the directions on our GPS (even when it seems like we know better), we cannot expect to receive the benefits of God’s guidance without actually doing what he says.

So, do you need God’s GPS like I do? Check out Proverb 10 today.