Is. 46:4 [The Message]

“Listen to me, family of Jacob, everyone that’s left of the family of Israel. I’ve been carrying you on my back from the day you were born, And I’ll keep on carrying you when you’re old. I’ll be there, bearing you when you’re old and gray. I’ve done it and will keep on doing it, carrying you on my back, saving you.

Patty and I are both 75 now. I wont bore you with how much the medical industry has invoiced me through the years … actually very little since we are on Medicare and have an excellent supplement plan through Anthem. I did some figuring the other day and concluded that my cancer medication (Revlimid) has totaled 2.6 million dollars since I have been taking it. (Nov. 2012)

I am grateful for the Lord’s promise to “bear me” as I age. It really comforts me. He TRULY has been carrying me my whole life. He will do it for you too.

Pr. 30:8, 9 [The Message]

Give me enough food to live on,
    neither too much nor too little.
If I’m too full, I might get independent,
    saying, ‘God? Who needs him?’
If I’m poor, I might steal
    and dishonor the name of my God.”

How much is enough? How much is too much? It seems that in our society, accumulation of wealth and material items are a worthy goal. I’m not bashing folks who have a comfortable standard of living. At some time, we all ask ourselves the question, “Do I REALLY need this or that?” We can thank God for what He’s blessed us with. Realize that at some point the “stuff” will need to be eliminated. Moderation will reduce the stress of the maintenance “stuff” requires.

When my siblings and I recently dealt with dispensing of Mom and Dad’s stuff, I’m so glad it was a do-able task.

Pr. 29:14 [The Message]

Who are the poor? Is it just that they don’t have as much money? Is it what part of town they live in? Is it their ethnic origin that’s looked down upon? Is it the holes in their clothes or their lack of bathing? Generally they lack money. They don’t have a platform of advantage to speak from. They have needs.

Dealing with the poor appropriately requires good leadership.

Leadership gains authority and respect
    when the voiceless poor are treated fairly. [v. 14]

Lot of city leaders whining right now about their problem with the poor. They are losing respect BIG TIME.

Pr. 29 [The Message]

There are several references to “sage” in the Message translation of this chapter. The general definition of the term is:

1. a profoundly wise person; a person famed for wisdom.
2. someone venerated for the possession of wisdom, judgment, and experience.

It’s the name of the catering service at TCS. It’s probably in reference to the European culinary herb, but a simple combination of the meanings is enchanting.

Solomon’s references to the person known as a sage is highlighting their wisdom and effect on others.

A gang of cynics can upset a whole city;
    a group of sages can calm everyone down.

A fool lets it all hang out;
    a sage quietly mulls it over.

The King James uses the term “Wise man” where Peterson colorfully uses “Sage.”

Pr. 28:28 [The Message]

When corruption takes over, good people go underground,
    but when the crooks are thrown out, it’s safe to come out.

This entire proverb is good to consider concerning government decay. Maintaining a culture of Godliness is nothing new. The Jews did it in their Egyptian bondage. They did it in their Babylonian bondage. The pilgrims were seeking religious freedom when they sailed to the shores of America on the Mayflower.

Personal faith, family devotions, faithful church attendance, enrolling your children in a Christian school … these are bastions of Christian culture that must be maintained when we see the culture of our nation in decline and decay.

Lord Jesus, bring about a spiritual revival for our nation.

Pr. 26-28 [The Message]

Committed and persistent work pays off;
    get-rich-quick schemes are ripoffs.

Some people talk and dream all the time about get-rich-quick schemes. It’s as if the best way to get money is a clever move that involves little or no work. This is a deception that robs them of a healthy work mentality.

Look at the ant. Have you ever seen an ant trying to pull a giant leaf to their hill? It’s ridiculous. It will never happen. But, if they carry bite-sized chunks to their home, they will make progress. They don’t give up. One trip after another can be observed. They don’t give up. They are committed and persistent.

Children and students should be taught this method of gaining wealth. Parents should model it.

Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. [Pr. 6:6]

Pr. 25:15b [The Message]

Gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses.

A soft tongue can break the bone (the hardness in attitude of the listener).

My neighbor was a feisty fellow. Mention politics or religion and he was in your face. He passed recently, and I really miss him. Yes, we had our share of tense discussions in the past, but I was respectful and even-toned to him. We started getting along great. Thankfully, my verbal gentleness and respect so to speak “broke the hard bone” of his attitude towards me.

The virtuous woman has the “law of kindness” in her tongue. [Pr. 31:26b]

Pr. 25:11 [The Message]

The right word at the right time
    is like a custom-made piece of jewelry,

When someone passes away we send flowers and write meaningful words to express our sentiments about the deceased. It’s an important window of opportunity whereby thoughtful words and remembrances are critical. If words are important, this is one of those times.

A former teacher from Trinity passed just days ago. Today I will attend her visitation and take the opportunity to give her family an expression of how important and impacting she was when she taught at Trinity. Stephanie Trolinger, Rest in Peace in Heaven.

Pr. 24:11, 12 [The Message]

God is watching every struggle that men have. When someone is perishing and we are present, we should put aside our inclination to preserve our self and jump in and HELP.

Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die it abides alone,but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. [Jn. 12:24]

Pr. 23:22, 23 [The Message]

Buy truth—don’t sell it for love or money;
    buy wisdom, buy education, buy insight.

The government schools (public education) have recently made the biggest leap in progressive (???) curriculum with their emphasis on gender reassignment and anti-Constitution liberal brain-washing. Godly families are fleeing their indoctrination camps in record numbers. Private Christian schools likewise have seen program-stretching enrollment spikes like never before. Instead of being force-fed new age hoaxes, the children are singing worship songs to God and memorizing Bible verses. Yes, parents … and grandparents … are footing the bill, but the above scripture validates the investment.

Best investment we will ever make!