Tuesday Nights at Libertad Cafe

29-31

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Joy Borough) — Wed, 07 May 2008 21:58:00 +0000

29.

Wisdom, righteousness, evil, justice & discipline

3. A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth

6. An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad

11. A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control

13. The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.

15. The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother

17. Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul

30.

This whole proverb is so good:

2 "I am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man's understanding.
3 I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.

5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

Let this be my prayer:
7 "Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die:
8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.
9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

15 "The leech has two daughters. 'Give! Give!' they cry. "There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, 'Enough!':
16 the grave, the barren womb, land, which is never satisfied with water, and fire, which never says, 'Enough!'

17 "The eye that mocks a father, that scorns obedience to a mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.

18 "There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand:
19 the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden.
20 "This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth   and says, 'I've done nothing wrong.'

21 "Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up:
22 a servant who becomes king, a fool who is full of food,
23 an unloved woman who is married, and a maidservant who displaces her mistress.

24 "Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:
25 Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;
26 coneys are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags;
27 locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks;
28 a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings' palaces.

29 "There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing:
30 a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing;
31 a strutting rooster, a he-goat,  and a king with his army around him.

32 "If you have played the fool and exalted yourself, or if you have planned evil, clap your hand over your mouth!
33 For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood,  so stirring up anger produces strife."

31.

Proverbs 31 Woman: The Wife of noble character

10. A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies
11. Her husband has confidence in her…
12. She brings him good, not harm…
15. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls
17. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks
18. She sees her trading is profitable…
20. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy
22. …she is clothed in fine linen and purple
25. she is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come
26. She speaks wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue
28. …her husband also, and he praises her…
30. …but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised

Some things I’ve noticed about this woman:
She is:
*Valuable
*Good
*Hard-working (and has strong hands)
*Nurturing
*Smart
*Business-minded
*Gracious
*Giving
*Hospitable
*Well-dressed
*Strong
*Dignified
*She has a sense of humor
*Wise
*Faithful
*A teacher
*An overseer
*Loved
*God-fearing
*Praised (and that’s a good thing – that she can be rewarded by the praise of the city people)

She isn’t meek or timid or just there for beauty. She is a part of the community along with being an important part of the household. She makes business decisions and takes care of her family. And this is noble.

27, 28

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Joy Borough) — Sat, 03 May 2008 21:45:00 +0000

27.

1. Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Reference to Matt 6:34 - “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough troubles of it’s own.”
Only God knows what tomorrow will bring and most days I am much happier about tomorrow being in God’s hands than in mine, but somedays I’m only thinking about tomorrow.

5. Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
Amen! You are hiding your love by not confessing to your brothers and sisters that you are worried about them (for any reason) and by not holding them accountable and to a higher calling.
6. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

9. Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel.

17. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

19. As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.

All this to say: friends are important. Deep relationships with those friends, even more so.
Those friendships keep you strong and make you stronger. They provide wisdom and insight. And the heart really shows who you are – not your head…

28.

12. When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, men go into hiding.

13. He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
So much easier to hide and conceal – but then it gets worse. But if we confess, we find sweet mercy and grace.

14. Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
First reading this, it seems like these 2 lines are unrelated (at least to me) but really exactly what I am doing when I harden my heart is say “it’s okay. I’m strong. I don’t need anyone.” This is something I’ve been working on. It was easy for me to put on a front after some pretty bad heartbreak and “not need anyone” but I’ve changed a lot since then, and am definitely a lot “softer” but I still struggle with that. It’s so much easier to put up that front. I don’t allow myself to be vulnerable with others and especially with God. I can say all I want that I trust in God and his plan for my life, but unless I soften up a little bit I’m not completely fearing the Lord and apparently I fall into trouble.

19. He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
God, I pray that you show me my land versus my fantasies and show me where my purpose lies and in what land I should be working.

26. He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

27. He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.

Proverbs 25, 26

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Joy Borough) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:52:00 +0000

25

2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
to search out a matter is the glory of kings.

I heard a meteorologist speak on this verse before. This was one of his reasons for choosing the career he did and being so passionate about it. He said that it is our job to search and ask questions and study God's mysterious works.

15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

16 If you find honey, eat just enough—
too much of it, and you will vomit.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey,
nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.
(this will also make you vomit - it goes nowhere good)

19 Like a bad tooth or a lame foot
is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.

20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
or like vinegar poured on soda,
is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
Mourn with those who mourn.

28 Like a city whose walls are broken down
is a man who lacks self-control.
Here's that discipline and self control again... without it, I am like a city whose walls are broken down...

26

1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
honor is not fitting for a fool.

9 Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

Words of wisdom can be dangerous if used incorrectly.

On gossip:
20 Without wood a fire goes out;
without gossip a quarrel dies down.

21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man's inmost parts.

I hate gossip. It really does go deep into a person and it's a vicious unending cycle. I hate it and pray that I will begin to see the consequences of my words and never gossip about the people I love or even the people that aren't exactly my favorites.

24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
but in his heart he harbors deceit.

25 Though his speech is charming, do not believe him,
for seven abominations fill his heart.

23,24

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Joy Borough) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 01:16:00 +0000

23

2 and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to gluttony.

5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

15 My son, if your heart is wise,
then my heart will be glad;

16 my inmost being will rejoice
when your lips speak what is right.

18 There is surely a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.

19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
and keep your heart on the right path.

There is a future for you that will make God glad. But don't put yourself in tempting places or be greedy with food or riches. Be wise and keep your heart on the right path.

24

It's so good I don't really know what to highlight...

1 Do not envy wicked men,
do not desire their company;

2 for their hearts plot violence,
and their lips talk about making trouble.

12 If you say, "But we knew nothing about this,"
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?

13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good;
honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.

14 Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul;
if you find it, there is a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.

26 An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips.

27 Finish your outdoor work
and get your fields ready;
after that, build your house.

It's easy for me to be jealous of "wicked men" because sometimes life just seems easier when they are not held to higher standards or a higher calling and they can just do whatever they want. But this is not freedom and their lips talk about making trouble which is definitely not freedom. God knows our hearts no matter what we say and honesty is like a kiss on the lips, so we might as well just be honest. Wisdom is sweet to the soul. Don't be lazy but build your house.

Proverbs 18-22

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Joy Borough) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:47:00 +0000

I'm a little behind... so this will be short and sweet to catch up

18

how many people do you know like this?:
A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions (2)

Basic hospitality:
A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great (16)

Words are powerful:
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit (21)

Close friends:
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (24)

19

2. it is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way

8. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers.

11. A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense

20. Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise

21. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

so good...

20.

5. The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out

I want that to be my story.. deep waters are the purpose of my heart. I want to understand those deep waters and draw them out. I think I've only begun to reveal the shores of those deep waters of purpose in my life.

15. Gold there is, rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel

25. It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows

21

2. All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart.
Of course we can justify everything we do. This is right for me because... but only really God can say what is right and wrong. I don't know if this means that it is relative for everything and that God searches our hearts and can say what is right for one person may not be for someone else or if it means that we think it's relative and justify our actions but God can really define a black and white right and wrong. Thoughts on this??

17. He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich
20. In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.
This is really good. Sometimes I think we get really excited about celebrating life, sabbathing (AKA resting and pampering ourselves), hanging with friends (AKA gorging ourselves with unending food, and other fun things because we love pleasure and we love it now. But the wise will wait.

21. He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor

30. There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.

22

Some facts:
2. Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.

7. The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Folly is naturally in us:
15. Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him
This is interesting to me. We have to search for wisdom and need to face consequences for our actions to learn anything. It is so natural for us to be dumb, that it has to be beaten out of us with a "rod of discipline"

16-17

noreply@blogger.com (Becca) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:03:00 +0000

Proverbs 16

1. To man belongs the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.

2. In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.

Our desires & longings lead to the actions God gives us to take. Those longings/desires/holy discontents are in us for a reason - fuel to do what God has for us. And it's so cool, that He already knows that and already has the steps laid out for us to take. This is my constant prayer - God please determine the steps you want me to take in this season of deep longing.

21. The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction

23. A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction

28. A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.

Our words are really important and can easily be good or evil. If we are wise at heart, and listening to the wisdom of the Lord, it will be natural for us to promote instruction. But if we are not listening and blurting out folly or gossiping, we can destroy friendships.

Proverbs 17

1. Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife

5. He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.

Wealth is not so great when you're greedy, prideful, foolish, and angry. I have seen happiness in some pretty shabby places around the world and I have seen sadness and anger in some pretty rich homes in the US.

16. Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?

This I just think is really cute:

6. Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children

17. A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity

22. A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones

14 & 15

noreply@blogger.com (Becca) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:47:00 +0000

Proverbs 14

This proverb says a lot about the heart to me:

10. Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy

12. There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death

13. Even in laughter the heart may ache and joy may end in grief

30. A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones

33. Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.

The heart - and no one really knows but you and God. No one knows my heart but me. I can be laughing and still broken inside. A heart at peace gives life to the body, but if we don't live in peace but instead by envy, greed, and pride it will rot the bones. Obviously a heart is pretty important, giving life to the body. Wisdom tries to let herself be known and call out to us at all times, but it is only in the hearts of those who are searching where she rests. Kind of awesome - a heart of peace gives life to the body and wisdom rests in the hearts of those who find her.

Proverbs 15

God is so in tune with us that he knows "a cheerful look brings joy to the heart..." It's so cool. I don't understand the faiths that believe in a God that's not involved in our lives or that just created the universe and let it run. God understands the depths of our souls and longings. He knows that discipline and wisdom will lead us down a path of righteousness, not only because God is great and deserves our best, but because he completely understands our hearts.

23. The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave.

And how much we desperately need the love of God and community.

16. Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil

17. Better a meal of vegetables where there is love, than a fattened calf with hatred.

Proverbs 10-13

noreply@blogger.com (Becca) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 17:43:00 +0000

Proverbs 10 (Proverbs of Solomon)

3. The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

11. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.

12. Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.

16. The wages of the righteousness bring them life, but the income of the wicked brings them punishment

17. He who heeds discipline shows the way to life but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

21. The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgement

27. The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.

28. The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.

A lot of promises for the wise, righteous, and God-fearing. A lot of nothingness for the wicked and evil. All of their desires are for themselves and not for the glory of God and so as much as they may strive, as long as their wicked ways rule them, they will end up with nothing.

Proverbs 11

Although God promises to feed the righteous and even says they that hard workers will gain wealth (10:4), he also says these things are nothing to God without righteousness and humility.

2. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom

4. Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death

14. For lack of judgement a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.

16. A kindhearted woman gains respect but ruthless men may gain only wealth.

To me this says, that wealth is less valuable than respect and righteousness. Pride leads to disgrace and foolishness leads to a falling nation.

25. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed

But the reason the generous man prospers is because to be fully generous, he must be humble. He must give to bless others for the Glory of God, not for his own desires or because he knows he will be rich if he gives.

27. He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.

Proverbs 12

Words. Wise words. Stupid words. Words have a big impact on us and those around us.

6. The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

15. The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.

18. Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing

23. A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly

Basically be careful what you say and wise in what you hear. Take advice but do not give out stupid advice so freely. Words are strong enough to bring healing and rescue. Use your words wisely. Wait on the Lord before you rush into speech. Let your words be His.

Proverbs 13

I seriously love Proverbs.

14. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

A fountain of life. Wisdom saves. With God's wisdom, a man can be saved and save others from death.

19. A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.

(evil desires are not longings that need to be fulfilled.) It is too hard sometimes for fools to turn to have beautiful healthy longings, instead they turn to evil. But, on the other hand of that, it's so wonderful and true - a longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul. mmmm

Proverbs 9

noreply@blogger.com (Becca) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:29:00 +0000

whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.

Definitely the wisest thing I've heard all day. Argue with someone who thinks they're right all the time, and it will end in a hostile mess. Advise a wise person, and they will take the lesson and become wiser. So the instruction for us here is to be open to new lessons because they will make wiser still.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding

The woman Folly is loud; and she is undisciplined without knowledge.

Folly is the stupid place we always run because it's so tempting. "stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!" This says secrecy is good and delicious even. It's more exciting and thrilling to hide our deepest secrets.

But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave

that's the problem. When we hide our actions, we start to hide ourselves, and eventually our souls end up in the grave.

Prov 8

noreply@blogger.com (Becca) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 22:12:00 +0000

Wisdom is calling, begging for us to have understanding of what is right and true.

For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her - 11

I, wisdom dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. - 12

all we have to do is seek and listen. and we will find this powerful knowledge.

By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just - 15

Wisdom hates evil, pride, and arrogance (13) and makes fearless leaders. It wants to help guide in the right direction; wants to share it's thoughts, words, plans...

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me - 17

I also think this is really cool. Wisdom was here before it all began. As it is written, "she" was beside the Creator the entire time. "before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth" (25)

and she loves Creation.

Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind. - 30,31

Wisdom inspires creation and does not keep creative thoughts away from us; does not want us to live simply by right and wrong but also by enjoying the beautiful gift of creation.

Proverbs 5-7

noreply@blogger.com (Becca) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:22:00 +0000

Proverbs 5: Warning against adultery

What I find so great about this proverb, is that's it's beautifully honest. Not only does God not want you to sin because it's just wrong, but He wants to protect our hearts.

12 "You will say 'How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction!... (14)I have come to the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly'"

You'll feel guilty, you'll have regrets, and God does not want to see that. He wants us to embrace discipline because He knows that is what really frees us - not lack there of.

18 "May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth."

This is not to say that sex is dirty or wrong but even more so that you miss out on the beauty of it, if you have sex outside of marriage. It says rejoice in the wife of your youth! Rejoice! These are good and beautiful things and God does not want us to miss out.

Proverbs 6: Warning against Folly

This is talking getting yourself into a sticky situation. If you mess up, and by your words, get yourself into a messy place that you can't figure out how to get out of -

"go humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor"

get out of it! Do not dig a deeper hole or wait for it to work itself out.

"allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids"

instead "do this, my son, to free yourself... go humble yourself..."

It goes on to say:

16 "there are six things the Lord hates and seven that are detestable to him:
haughty eyes
a lying tongue
hands that shed innocent blood
a heart that devises wicked schemes
feet that are quick to rush into evil
a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers"

and to the scoundrel and villain "therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed - without remedy."

So do not fall into these traps. It's laid out right here for us. Some things really are black and white.

Proverbs 7: warning against the adulteress

2 "Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye"

4 "Say to wisdom, 'you are my sister,' and call understanding your kinsman"

Wow, wisdom, my sister and understanding part of my family?? Sweet deal! Guard God's teachings as the apple of my eye, though? easier said than done. I long for that righteousness and wisdom. I long for life filled with commands I keep instead of ones I disobey. God knows our hearts. He knows that keeping His commands will in fact let you live, let you be free, versus the alternative which we sometimes think is freedom - doing whatever we want - that really leads to destruction and death.

This proverb is more adultery talk, but I think in a lot of cases it could be taken as any type of luring sin. She says "come let's drink deep of love till morning; let's enjoy ourselves with love!" man, have I heard that one too many times! (of course not from an adulterating woman). But this sin (whatever it is that really attracts you) just pulling you in "with persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk" (21).

Don't be led astray. Cling to freedom - true freedom. Long for Jesus, not for any other temporary fix. Call wisdom your sister and understand that God has a better plan for you than lust and immorality.

Proverbs 3 & 4

noreply@blogger.com (Becca) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 02:09:00 +0000

***3***

More beautiful promises... if you follow some simple steps

3 "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart."

5 "trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding"

12 "because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."

The steps are:
1. keep God's commands
2. always love
3. always be faithful
4. trust in the Lord (lean not on your own understanding)
5. Honor the Lord with your wealth
6. accept and even embrace discipline

The promises are:
*prolonged life and prosperity
*favor and a good name in the sight of God and man
*straight paths
*health to your body
*nourishment to your bones
*overflowing resources
*discipline out of love
*wisdom more valuable than silver or gold
*safety
*sweet sleep
*blessings of the home
*inherited honor

This passage does not change the unconditionality of our God. His love for us cannot be earned through discipline or good works. BUT if we just live life without honoring the God who created us and everything around us, we miss out on a lot of blessings.

13 "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding."

***4***

Some more wisdom talk. Isn't it sweet?

6 "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding"

It's that valuable. All you have. Understanding is worth more. To know what God wants for my life and where he has planned to take me, I would pay anything for at this point, so I guess I can grasp that one. It tells us to love wisdom. I think it's cool that we are called to seek. We are called to ask. Also, we are offered help along the way...

11 "I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths."

18 "The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. 19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble."

It's so cool! The path of the righteous is fully lit and beaming even. There are no secrets - it's all out there in the sunlight. Cool promise, but unfortunately I can imagine the alternative much better. Knowing you're in a bad place, but you don't know what got you there or how to get out or even the literal; falling but you don't know on what.

Sometimes I think people write God off as "too mysterious" or too distant, vague even. On the other hand, people also name God as a very conditional, my way or the highway type. But this passage tells us otherwise. God has our best interest at all times and wants to shine that "gleam of dawn" on our paths. He wants us to want Him and search for Him, to really understand.

And here's something I've held pretty closely.. "above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." (23) I've been holding onto this verse for I don't even know how long. I have been guarding my heart by not putting myself out in the world to get hurt. I think there's a little wisdom in that, not to throw yourself at anyone, but I don't know if that's exactly what this verse is saying. I think in the context of this Proverb, it's saying be righteous, go down the righteous path. Use wisdom to guard your heart. Hiding is not wisdom. And more than anything, the verse is simply saying "the wellspring of life" or "out of the heart the mouth speaks" (matt 12:34) so guard your heart. Do not speak unwisely.

Completely Random - Update

noreply@blogger.com (Bri Marie) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:48:00 +0000

Hi lovelies!

I'm sorry I've been so MIA for the start of this thing again, but ya'll started it right during finals and spring break for me, so I was quite distracted with school and traveling. I went to see my parents in Singapore, and the minute my sis and I got there, they told us that in the morning we were leaving for Bali! Bali was amazing, and we were able to spend 5 days there before going back to Singapore for 3 days. It was really good to spend time with them - I am glad they are moving home (May 1!!) cuz when I'm with them, I realize just how much I miss them.

The main point of this, though, is to tell you guys some big news I have. If I pass all of my medical exams, I leave in December for West Africa to serve for 27 months in the Peace Corps. :) I will be spending my summer learning French, spending time with my family (and friends, please let me see you before I leave) and hopefully traveling a little bit with my dad, since he is currently having a small retirement before starting something new! So keep my health in your prayers - I have about 4million medical exams to pass before I leave, so hopefully I don't have some secret cancer no one knows about yet that they find. haha.

So I miss you girls tons, and I really hope I get to see you this summer. I am going to try to get some crappy easy barista job in a drive thru coffee stand or something this summer so that I have money to travel a little bit in Summer & Fall, so maybe I'll even be able to have enough to come visit ya'll in your hometowns or something fun like that!

Love you lots!
Bri

Proverbs 2

noreply@blogger.com (Becca) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:42:00 +0000

10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

pleasant to your soul...

3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,

4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,

5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.

I feel like these words are too beautiful to even put my own spin on them. We search. We search everyday for something: love, distraction, success, community... whatever. But sometimes we search and we don't even know what we're searching for. We just know there's something missing so we fill it or ignore it. But if we knew we were searching for this prized silver, this hidden treasure it might help our journey just a little bit. If we search for wisdom as hidden treasure - something that is so desired but not so easily obtained, then we will understand... It doesn't say if you find the treasure... It says if you search...

Then not only is wisdom this treasure, it also protects

16 It will save you also from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words,

You can choose the path to the hidden treasure or the path to sin and destruction basically and being on one path keeps you from the other.

20 Thus you will walk in the ways of good men
and keep to the paths of the righteous.

21 For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;

22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it.

Proverbs in April

noreply@blogger.com (Becca) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:02:00 +0000

Proverbs 1

Wisdom is there for those who listen...

Proverbs are to be recited as helpful tools, words to live by.
5-6 "let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise"

Wisdom is this beautiful gift that is always there if we ask for it. And most times, we don't even ask. ...fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs is written to a son and I love this passage that I can totally imagine a father saying to his child,
15 "my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths..."
This parent figure is talking about how people will call you to follow them, that they have so much to offer - it will be great fun, we'll all be rich, we're all in this together. This is the lie that they believe but in reality, "these men lie in wait for their own blood; they waylay only themselves." (18)

This proverb talks about wisdom as a female appealing to simple young men... "at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech..." she's screaming but is anyone listening? Wisdom is throwing itself at these people ("the simple ones") but do they respond at all?
23 "If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you."
We walk around all the time saying 'I don't know, this is so confusing, frustrating, annoying...' or whatever else it may be. We never take 1 second to stop and just listen to the God that's been calling us all along; the God who has always had our best interest.

But then we ignore this beautiful wisdom and "disaster sweeps over us like a whirlwind."

It's one of these simple things that is really difficult to grasp. Wait so, if we just ask for wisdom and listen, we'll get it? Huh?

The last verse of this proverb confused me a little at first
33 "but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."
I was confused because I thought that we were never promised a life of ease and this pretty much says we are. I have a hard time believing that this is a promise of a life of ease when there are countless examples of righteous God-fearing men and women who would listen to wisdom and sometimes that wisdom would lead them into dark and scary places. But I don't think that's exactly what it's saying. I think in contrast to the "whirlwind" we create for ourselves by ignoring wisdom and choosing our own way, that living by wisdom will be an easier path and that God will protect us along the way.

Leviticus 5

noreply@blogger.com (Becca) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:05:00 +0000

Even if no one reads this, I'm going to use it anyway.

Sins, guilt, and atonements.

3 " 'Or if he touches human uncleanness—anything that would make him unclean—even though he is unaware of it, when he learns of it he will be guilty.

4 " 'Or if a person thoughtlessly takes an oath to do anything, whether good or evil—in any matter one might carelessly swear about—even though he is unaware of it, in any case when he learns of it he will be guilty.

I think we too often excuse things by the blood of Jesus. We say, "it's ok because Jesus still loves you" too often. It's true that Jesus loves you no matter what good or bad thing you do. Nothing could earn or cause you to lose Jesus' love. But I do think we are still called to be a holy people and we always have been called. I think it's clear that there is guilt, when we sin and sometimes that guilt is the worst punishment.

In the old testament, Jews were given the laws that they must obey, and if they did any number of things to break the laws (even if they didn't realize they were breaking the law), they had to give a sacrifice of some animal, dependent upon the sin, and be atoned by a priest. This passage tells a number of ways people may screw up, and it always results in guilt. The atonement is not a way to just clean your conscience, but a way to confess to a community of believers where you went wrong so they can hold you to higher standards. The sacrifice is not a way to buy God's grace but a symbol of how serious these sins are and a humbling act that reminds us that it's all God's anyway.

There were high standards for cleanliness - do not touch anything unclean. And this is something I'm still trying to figure out how it's applicable to present day. I'm searching here, but in some ways, I think it's a health issue and by these laws, God was protecting his people from disease. From what we know now about bacteria and things "unclean" we wouldn't want to touch these things anyway without an immediate hand washing and sanitizing session. But I also think that when God gave his people laws about every detail of their lives from what they wore to what they ate to how to sleep with their spouses to how to deal with their money, he was constantly giving them reminders to think of Him always in all things. There's something beautiful about recognizing God in what you choose to eat and wear; He gave it to you.

True Self

noreply@blogger.com (Becca) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:14:00 +0000

We're learning about what it means to be your authentic self. We know that our identity is found in Christ, but sometimes this is hard to know exactly what that means to each of us personally.

Without saying, "my true self is a child of God" or something that would encompass every person, what is your true self? How do you live out the way God has uniquely created you?

noreply@blogger.com (LibertadPlaza) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 23:02:00 +0000

Hey!
Yes!! We definitley should open up this forum to the other girls. I think that is a great idea. Sorry I didn't see that you had posted earlier! That book sounds great - I think I might pick it up to read on my own. Tonight the girls are finally bringing their cash money so that we can purchase and start reading Ocean Star. Hopefully that goes over well. Things are all over the place with me right now but I think getting back on track with you and having regular conversations would really help that!!!!

Can we please start planning some kind of a reunion? I don't care where i don't care how i just need to see you guys!!!

Hmmm....what do you think we should start off with? Bible study? Reading something? I don't know!!!

Love,
Amanda

HEY

noreply@blogger.com (Becca) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 03:12:00 +0000

Let's do this. Can we open it up to other girls too? We can still just be the main writers but can we give the link out so the girls in my small group and your Wonderfully Made groups can comment? I feel like this can be a good forum to talk.

We're reading the book Stronger Than You Think right now, I think the tag line is something like becoming whole without being perfect or something like that. It's about women and being broken and being made whole in Jesus. It's pretty good and has sparked a lot of discussion in our group if you're looking for something girly to read. I'm actually pretty "girled" out though if you want to read something else. I just got back from a conference in Pittsburgh called Jubilee. It was put on by the Coalition for Christian Outreach and it was a pretty though provoking and inspiring (also irritating) weekend. Anyway, they recommended a ton of good books. Whatever you girls want to do is fine with me. Even if we just want to use this to chat. Love to you both. Write soon!

-Becca

It's Never Too Late

noreply@blogger.com (LibertadPlaza) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:40:00 +0000

Girls...

I come to you with a heavy heart. I miss you both terribly and I truly miss the time that we used to prioritize for God in our friendship. I'm really ready to commit to both of you to persist in some type of Blogger bible study/prayer/ministry on a consistent basis because it is never too late to rely on God. He is what brought us together and I trust completely that he is who will keep us together.

Whaddya say ladies? Can we do this thing???

Love you sooo sooo sooooo much-

~Amanda

Happy day!

noreply@blogger.com (Becca) — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 02:20:00 +0000

Hi girls,

I am going through some serious faith struggles right now, and I don't even know what prayers to ask for, because I'm so all over the place with God. Bri, when you get back from Spring Break (which I hope you are enjoying), let's start up something again - and hold each other accountable! Love you girls!

hello

noreply@blogger.com (Becca) — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 21:59:00 +0000

Ok, so we need an in between for full speed and completely stalled. Bri, it's your turn to write and let's try this schedule instead (so we have some sort of deadlines). Post by these dates: (Bri you can have until the 27th- that way I can post by the 28th)

Feb 25 Bri 18, 22, 23
Feb 28 Becca 24-26
March 3 Amanda 27-29
March 6 Bri 30-32
March 9 Becca 33-35
March 12 Amanda 36-38
March 15 Bri 39-41
March 18 Becca 42-44
March 21 Amanda 45-47
March 24 Bri 48-50
March 27 Becca 51-52
March 30 Everyone: comment, conclude, debrief

I think we'll get a lot more out of this if we take our time and let it soak in, but we also need to keep with it. Love you girls. Happy week!

Sorry for the lag!!

noreply@blogger.com (LibertadPlaza) — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 04:36:00 +0000

Hey girlies! I'm sorry for the lag in posting, its been one of those weeks. Lot's of busy work going on and not as much learning. I miss BA every day, and it gets harder and harder to hold it in. I'm right back where I was...taking care of EVERYONE ELSE and not taking care of myself. my calendar is full of driving people places, late night convos, and volunteering, but i've stopped taking care of myself like I did in BA. (eating healthy and not in a hurry, walking everywhere, sleeping well and for enough time) I look forward to this every night...it just gets lowered on the priority list! I'm working on it though...thank you for the encouragement ;)

Jeremiah 19
Here we get God telling us exactly what is going to happen. Like you guys said earlier, he really doesn't want to do all of these horrible things - he's been delaying it for 19 chapters so far! i was really disgusted by what he was going to to the people - truly terrifying. But time after time after time the people of Jersulaem "were stiff-necked and would not listen to [His] words." ~Verse 15

Jeremiah 20
8: ...whenever I speak, cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the Lord has brought me insult and reproach all day long.

This whole chapter just sent shivers along my spine. It can be so scary sometimes to be a believer among nonbelievers. To be the bearer of bad news. To be ignored, mocked, and ridiculed because of what you speak of the Lord. I think we've all been there before. I think True Identity brings up a good question...When problems arise, what can you do to keep your eyes on God and not on your problems? We have to be able to see past the problems, past the current state of affairs and towards God's vision. Ain't no denyin it...this is SO HARD TO DO.

Jeremiah 21
On a smaller scale, this chapter made me think of the Christmas/Easter people at church. The people who live their lives, then expect on Christmas and Easter they should maybe go to church to get on God's good side. But then i thought about me, the regular church goer. I go every Sunday, but what am I doing during the week? It's the same offense, ignoring the word of God, half-hearted confession once a week, then asking for things! I don't deserve that if that is the way I'm going to work on constructing and building a relationship with the Lord. No wayyyyy no howww.

Jeremiah 15-17

noreply@blogger.com (Becca) — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 14:34:00 +0000

Chapter 15:
" 'Those destined for death, to death;
those for the sword, to the sword;
those for starvation, to starvation;
those for captivity, to captivity.' (15:2)

God is saying how he is going to destroy Judah after Jeremiah (in the last chapter) had asked for mercy. God says, "no way!" These people are beyond help. He can no longer show compassion (15:6).

Jeremiah still wonders why he is mixed in with these people even though he hasn't done anything wrong. And God tells him he has a purpose but because of his people, he will still have to go against his enemies (15:14). And Jeremiah continues to beg, "do not take me away... for I bear your name"

And God then promises that if he repents with "worthy and not worthless words," that he will save Jeremiah and give him a purpose.

Chapter 16:
God finally punishes Judah. The land turns useless. He says do not even have children here because the land will never be worth anything.

10 "When you tell these people all this and they ask you, 'Why has the LORD decreed such a great disaster against us? What wrong have we done? What sin have we committed against the LORD our God?' 11 then say to them, 'It is because your fathers forsook me,' declares the LORD, 'and followed other gods and served and worshiped them. They forsook me and did not keep my law. 12 But you have behaved more wickedly than your fathers. See how each of you is following the stubbornness of his evil heart instead of obeying me.

And Jeremiah promises to teach them to know the Lord, because He is the only true God and will be the only one to save this land.

Chapter 17:
Cursed is the one who trusts in man and blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord.

10 "I the LORD search the heart
and examine the mind,
to reward a man according to his conduct,
according to what his deeds deserve."

And then he goes on to talk about the Sabbath. If you obey his laws, one being to keep the sabbath holy, you'll be blessed, and if not, you're skrewed.

OK SO...
Basically the people of Judah are too far gone for help. God has searched their hearts and he KNOWS that there is no hope for them. He even says that if they really repented, he would give them a second chance but he KNOWS they will not repent, because they do not even see that what they are doing is wrong. Where we fit in: we can be Jeremiah or the people of Judah. We can realize how much our God does not want to punish us and just wants our love, or we can be selfish do whatever sinful thing we want.

And an update on Becca's Life:
(haha I know this is a long post). So yesterday was Valentine's day. oh jeeze. I actually wasn't one of those newly single bitter girls, but I did get a little sad and I wasn't expecting that. The thought of Ryan actually sickens me, so I wasn't sad about him. In fact, the thought of being with anyone kind of grosses me out right now, so I don't even know what my problem was. I've lately been having a little bit of fun flirting with 3 boys in particular. One of them is the guy from home who told me he loves me, bla bla bla. But yesterday, I talked to him and he was having a great day and actually had a date. And we had a snow day, so I didn't get to see the other 2. It's weird. I can't really explain it, but I don't really want to be with any of these guys, (well, maybe the one from my spanish class, oh goodness), but just pretending that it would be a possibility is kind of fun. So on Valentine's day, that was all shot to the ground and I had to work, running around like a crazy woman to every couple and deliver their special valentine's day dessert. It was fun, but a little stressful. Anyways, I've been on a high for a long time now, and I was wondering when I was going to come down, and I guess yesterday did it for me. I'm really not as loved as I thought I was (I didn't even get a card from my mom), and I should be going to God for this love fill, and not waiting around for it from my dumb friends, or boys, or I guess even my family. haha. (I'm not trying to be sorry for myself, just venting a little.)

Love you girls!

J 12-14

noreply@blogger.com (Bri Marie) — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 04:26:00 +0000

Hey girls! I have a big midterm coming up so I am going to keep this one short. I have 2 main points to make, and they aren't even the biggest points in these chapters, but they are the 2 parts that stood out to me the most - maybe its just my mood.

12:1
You are always righteous, Lord,
when I bring a case before you.
Yet I would speak with you about your justice:
Why does the way of the wicked prosper?
Why do all the faithless live at ease?

This passage stood out to me because there have been so many days lately where I look at my non-Christian friends and their lives look so much easier. They aren't giving anything up. They aren't being held back by anything but their own choices. I know that the benefits of being a Christian are huge, but sometimes, especially lately, I have a hard time remembering those, and remembering WHY I love this amazing God of mine.

14:14-16
This passage is really long, so I am not going to put it all in here, but basically, wow. God is harsh. He is a punisher. He does it all out of the love for us, but wow. It makes me realize that the worst punishment I have suffered in my life was nothing. Nothing at all compared to what God is willing to put people through to bring them to Him. And that is the key - He does it to bring them to Him. He punishes to help. He punishes out of pure, unconditional love for His children. And with Valentine's Day tomorrow - remember that God is the best Valentine we can have. He loves us always, forever, and most importantly, unconditionally.

Love you girls - sorry its so short! Wish me luck on my stats midterm!

Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow - you are LOVED, you are WONDERFULLY MADE!!!