Christ Lutheran

Our u-pick garden out back is almost ready. The tomatoes have some color but they need more time. In the meantime summer squash and lemon cucumbers are plentiful. The peppers could use more time too.

Grace Alone. What is grace? Grace is God's undeserved love towards those who don't deserve it. It is grace alone that saves and this grace is for all people.

What are we to make of this? It is a short portion of a larger Psalm dealing with trust in the Lord, no matter what the world around you looks like. Here a few explanations given for verse 25.

The enthusiasts, fanatics, those claiming divine revelation may think they are helping Christianity along but they are directing people away from the Word toward their own imaginations. Search the scriptures like the Bereans of Acts 17. Be a disciples of Jesus and don't set aside his Word, for these Words are your life.

The righteous are generous and give freely as God has given to them. The miser, on the other hand, hoards his wealth and is poorer for it. Blessings come in many ways, family, friends, and not be cursed at by others. Trust God, find blessing, and be children of your father. This is how God deals with us and also how we should deal with others.

Wisdom is revealed in knowing when to keep your mouth shut. Wisdom is also revealed in keeping your ear open but use discretion and keep the pigs out.

Chapter 11 continues with the behavior of the righteous. God wants us to have a proper sense of worth. We aren't to steal or think too highly of ourselves. Rather, in humility, seek God's way and life.

Chapter 10 continues with a comparison between the righteous and the wicked. God is indeed in control, justice will come, and the righteous will find joy in the Lord.

Paul's letter to the churches in Galatia is blunt and to the point. In the opening verses he tips his hat as to what the topic is. They've turned away to another gospel. Paul can't believe it and he calls them back to the one true God.

The book of Proverbs isn't just randomly thrown together. We see Solomon's wisdom in connecting each proverb to another. He we see wise and foolish use of words. Listen, don't keep talking, know when to respond, and speak truthfully. That advice will save you a lot of headache in life.

Solomon begins a long list of Proverbs with a comparison of the wise and foolish son. One brings joy but God brings the blessings, the satisfaction, and even righteousness which rescues from death. God gives gifts and the enjoyment of those gifts.

Solomon summarizes the first section to his son. Follow wisdom and your days will be many. Follow Folly and you'll both end up as fools eternally. How does one follow the way of Wisdom? It starts with the fear of the Lord. .

Wisdom's prepares a hospitable house large enough for everyone, she's prepared a luxurious meal, she sends out the invitations, and then we realize that it's not just the wealthy and the elite who are invited. We all are. The simple and lacking sense are invited to come and feast freely on her food. Jesus is wisdom. He has prepared a place, a meal, and he brings life. Pull up a seat, eat and drink your fill, and be satisfied.

Those who hear the Word of the Lord and obey it find blessing, life, and the favor of the Lord. But those who reject Wisdom's call do violence to themselves and love death. The door is still open. Hear the Word of God and his work for you.

Wisdom is possessed by God and put to good use in creation. Wisdom is not a created being. It is found before creation in eternity with the Father. Jesus is both the power of God and the Wisdom of God. Not a created being but an instrument through whom all things are made. Solomon here sets Wisdom alongside God at creation rejoicing over their work. God loves his creation which is why he sent his only son to redeem it.

Here we find another poem to Wisdom. Wisdom stands in contrast to the adultress and the fool. Where as they exchange money for sex, wisdom is freely given and worth more than riches bringing forth abundant life. Wisdom is not hard to find. You don't have to go on a pilgrimage. It's found in the streets and at your church.

Solomon reminds his son of the dangers of wayward women. They stand in opposition to wisdom and their way leads to death. If you go looking for sin, sin will find you. That is what happens to the foolish youth lacking any sense, he's led away like a steer to the slaughter. Yes, my hands are dirty. PVC glue isn't so easy to wash off.

Solomon begins to wrap up his discourse to "my son." Once again he reminds him to hold on to his father's commands and his mother's teaching. There are blessings but to turn away from wisdom goes against all reason. Three warnings are added to infidelity - you'll lose everything, you'll lose life, you may lose soul. There won't be anything with which to redeem yourself from an enraged husand.

This is the 8th of 10 discourses to my son. Solomon gives his advice in regard to loans, get rich quick schemes, hard work, and those who plot evil to gain wealth. It doesn't work. Work hard, trust God, and speak truthfully.

Solomon now specifically instructs his sons. Stay away from the forbidden/strange woman. There are consequences. A wife is like water which brings life. She is scarce, valuable, and brings great blessing. A wayward woman however leads to death. There are consequences.

This is the sixth discourse of Solomon to his son. This one is a bit more poetic as Solomon involves the whole body or at least 10 parts of the body. With the body we are instructed to pay attention. Use all that we has for good and to speak truth. Focus on good and avoid evil for this will be your life and your health.

Solomon sets before his son the path of life. Solomon takes his son's hand and leads him down this path. Don't treat life or religion like a Choose Your Own Adventure book. Don't, "I'm just going to let my children choose." Follow the truth. Listen to the advice of those who have gone before you. Listen to Solomon's advice and find freedom. Sin enslaves but a disciplined life in Christ sets one free.

After the 4th discourse to my Son, Solomon takes a break to talk to Sons, as a father. He returns to some of his earlier themes and speaks of the advice his Father gave to him.

God gives wisdom and discernment. In their use we find life, grace, honor, blessing... and my favorite, "Your sleep will be pleasant." God's wisdom and discernment bring confidence not because God is good and he watches over us.

Wisdom brings blessings beyond what money can buy. The life of a Christian won't always be fun or enjoyable but it is blessed.