God Bless You People of God
Today we end our journey together and continue our journey with the lord. I pray that you have been blessed. I pray that you have learned the value of devotion a portion of your day to God. I pray the truth of God's word has penetrated hardened hearts and negligent minds. I pray that wisdom is to be desired in all of our lives
Reminder: Finish reading the proverbs
Focus Text
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Reflection: I leave you with some thoughts about superficial values. Our Focus Text says that charm and beauty are not supposed to be objects of admiration. What a thought. How often do we make charm King and beauty the queen. A person has to be beautiful before we will look their way. Charm makes us smile therefore we find it pleasant for purposes of entertainment. Beauty is fine and charm is entertaining but they are superficial. They provide temporary forms of pleasure to communication and vision. They don't however ever imply permanent value. They should not be the main reasons for developing relationships
The truth is that external beauty fades away.....I will say it again...beauty, especially outside beauty, begins to fade and sag as the years go by. That is what the scripture means when it says beauty is fleeting so...let me leave you with this
Fearing the lord is better than superficial characteristics. Fearing the lord enhances a persons image like you would never believe. A beautiful person who does not fear God is destined for trouble. A handsome man with excellent charm but no Jesus will lead one into sin. A beautiful woman without a reverence for God will yield unto temptation.Value the fear of the lord over other things that your actions might undergo God's screening process. We should fear being out of God's will because distance from God is distance from destiny. We should fear not doing what Gods wants us to do. We should not be hell-bent on grace...so much that we take advantage of the goodness of God. We should know that in an instant God can do what God chooses. Let us move fearfully and wonderfully toward the goal God has set for our lives.This is the wise thing to do. Be not deceived by charm, be not infatuated with beauty, but fall in love with the fear of the lord.
be Blessed
-- Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. he is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 3:13-15Minister Charles DorseyYouth PastorChoir DirectorChrist Our Redeemer AME Church46 Maxwell Irvine, CA 92618949-955-0014charles.dorsey@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
DAY 30
God Bless You People Of God
We are near the end of the journey or should i say the beginning.
God has been so good and i hope that we have all developed a habit of getting in our word daily.
Tomorrow will be our last formal day of study together. Spread the word about what God has done for you
Reminder: Read Proverb 30
Focus Text:
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.
Reflection: The danger of being blessed. So many of us pray for God to bless us without an idea of what we are praying for. We ask God to grant us all the desires of our hearts, even materials ones that we might dwell in our blessings and happiness. Well there is some danger that comes along with being blessed. It seems that the more you have the more you are tempted not to have. I am not sure if this happens with you but I seem to do less of what i need to do when i have all that i want. I seem to find new ways to avoid what i need to be doing when I get all that i want. This is the sentiment of the proverb for today. It is a prayer asking God to grant just enough; no more no less. It even states the fears associated with the prayer. He said, if you give me too much i might disown you....that's powerful and there is some truth to that. He said don't give me too little because then i might misbehave. He simply asked, Lord give me my daily bread, my daily portion.
What a humble idea. God give me what i need to make it through the day. I know o lord what i want, but give me what i need for the day, that might understand how to manage what i have more so than what i want. So much wisdom in there passages but today, consider your prayers. Are you praying for more when you have enough? Are you prayer for more than enough when you don't have anything? What are we praying for? Hopefully we are asking God to grants us what we NEED that God might gain glory from our lives through the way we manage our necessities.
Be Blessed
C
We are near the end of the journey or should i say the beginning.
God has been so good and i hope that we have all developed a habit of getting in our word daily.
Tomorrow will be our last formal day of study together. Spread the word about what God has done for you
Reminder: Read Proverb 30
Focus Text:
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.
Reflection: The danger of being blessed. So many of us pray for God to bless us without an idea of what we are praying for. We ask God to grant us all the desires of our hearts, even materials ones that we might dwell in our blessings and happiness. Well there is some danger that comes along with being blessed. It seems that the more you have the more you are tempted not to have. I am not sure if this happens with you but I seem to do less of what i need to do when i have all that i want. I seem to find new ways to avoid what i need to be doing when I get all that i want. This is the sentiment of the proverb for today. It is a prayer asking God to grant just enough; no more no less. It even states the fears associated with the prayer. He said, if you give me too much i might disown you....that's powerful and there is some truth to that. He said don't give me too little because then i might misbehave. He simply asked, Lord give me my daily bread, my daily portion.
What a humble idea. God give me what i need to make it through the day. I know o lord what i want, but give me what i need for the day, that might understand how to manage what i have more so than what i want. So much wisdom in there passages but today, consider your prayers. Are you praying for more when you have enough? Are you prayer for more than enough when you don't have anything? What are we praying for? Hopefully we are asking God to grants us what we NEED that God might gain glory from our lives through the way we manage our necessities.
Be Blessed
C
Monday, May 11, 2009
DAY 29
God bless you people of God
we are drawing toward the end of our journey.. God bless each of you who have joined us on this journey (whether completed, missed, or not). We pray that we all take these final days serious and that we have all be blessed thru the study of Gods word
Reminder: Read proverb 29
Focus text:
1 a man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly ve destoyed without remedy,
11 a fool gives full vent to his anger but a wise man keeps himself under control
20 do you see a man who speaks with haste? there is more hope for a fool that for him
Reflection: Today's reflection is going to be short and sweet. I am certain that the focus text offer enough to think about. These three text offer great insight to our relationship with God and the management of our reactions. We can choose to be stubborn, angry, and out control or we can choose to heed the rebuke and calm down. This is the thought of the day. What are you going to do? Are you going to wait for destruction to change habits? Are you going to create a situation that demands a miracle before you heed the instructions of the lord? Are you going to continue to act out of rage and choose not to control your tongue? Are you going to speak without first considering the words you utter?
THE CHOICE IS YOURS. We now know the destiny of those who do these things
Just food for thought
God Bless
C-- Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. he is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 3:13-15Minister Charles DorseyYouth PastorChoir DirectorChrist Our Redeemer AME Church46 Maxwell Irvine, CA 92618949-955-0014charles.dorsey@gmail.com
we are drawing toward the end of our journey.. God bless each of you who have joined us on this journey (whether completed, missed, or not). We pray that we all take these final days serious and that we have all be blessed thru the study of Gods word
Reminder: Read proverb 29
Focus text:
1 a man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly ve destoyed without remedy,
11 a fool gives full vent to his anger but a wise man keeps himself under control
20 do you see a man who speaks with haste? there is more hope for a fool that for him
Reflection: Today's reflection is going to be short and sweet. I am certain that the focus text offer enough to think about. These three text offer great insight to our relationship with God and the management of our reactions. We can choose to be stubborn, angry, and out control or we can choose to heed the rebuke and calm down. This is the thought of the day. What are you going to do? Are you going to wait for destruction to change habits? Are you going to create a situation that demands a miracle before you heed the instructions of the lord? Are you going to continue to act out of rage and choose not to control your tongue? Are you going to speak without first considering the words you utter?
THE CHOICE IS YOURS. We now know the destiny of those who do these things
Just food for thought
God Bless
C-- Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. he is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 3:13-15Minister Charles DorseyYouth PastorChoir DirectorChrist Our Redeemer AME Church46 Maxwell Irvine, CA 92618949-955-0014charles.dorsey@gmail.com
Sunday, May 10, 2009
DAY 28
God Bless you People of God
We are almost there!!! The journey is almost completed. Again I urge you to visit www.30daywisdomjourney.blogspot.com if you have missed any of these days.
Reminder: Read Proverb 28 pray and meditate
Focus Text:
1 The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
Reflection: Here is my Sunday morning prayer for us: Lord i pray that we would trust in you. I pray that we would be confident enough that our faults and sins are not greater than your grace and mercy. Lord, I pray that we work toward being more confident and faithful Christians that you might gain the glory from our lives. Lord, I pray that we repent and turn away from our secret sinful lives that our words and actions might be united. So today God, forgive us and help us to grow more toward you.
That was part of the prayer that was inspired by our focus text. One of the main differences between the wicked and the righteous is knowledge of who is in charge and who is in control. The wicked are afraid because they have lost sight of the fact that God is the protect. They have not been able to find refuge in the name of the lord and find themselves afraid of the things of this world and furthermore find themselves trying to fight with the weapons of this world.
The righteous however understand that it is better to fear the lord that the things of this world. It is better to have God that all the weapons this world can yield. Here is a wisdom nuggets: One of the most powerful weapons we have is the weapon called confession. Yes, confession is a weapon. The enemy wants us to believe that we are guilt stained and unworthy of being in God's presence. Well, we combat this by confessing our sins to the lord. You see, Confession liberates us from the burden of hiding and being fake before the lord. It is also helps us to acknowledge God's grace and mercy. The more you confess the more you want to get better and the more you realize the truth in God's word that says "for a righteous man falls seven times but gets back up again" (proverbs 24:16) We can get up because we know whose side we are on.
Today let us confess and be made whole. Moreover, let us believe God is on our side and move toward the greatness we have been called to.Happy Mothers Day to you all. Tell your mom/wife/female family members you love them...not just today but everyday
God Bless
We are almost there!!! The journey is almost completed. Again I urge you to visit www.30daywisdomjourney.blogspot.com if you have missed any of these days.
Reminder: Read Proverb 28 pray and meditate
Focus Text:
1 The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
Reflection: Here is my Sunday morning prayer for us: Lord i pray that we would trust in you. I pray that we would be confident enough that our faults and sins are not greater than your grace and mercy. Lord, I pray that we work toward being more confident and faithful Christians that you might gain the glory from our lives. Lord, I pray that we repent and turn away from our secret sinful lives that our words and actions might be united. So today God, forgive us and help us to grow more toward you.
That was part of the prayer that was inspired by our focus text. One of the main differences between the wicked and the righteous is knowledge of who is in charge and who is in control. The wicked are afraid because they have lost sight of the fact that God is the protect. They have not been able to find refuge in the name of the lord and find themselves afraid of the things of this world and furthermore find themselves trying to fight with the weapons of this world.
The righteous however understand that it is better to fear the lord that the things of this world. It is better to have God that all the weapons this world can yield. Here is a wisdom nuggets: One of the most powerful weapons we have is the weapon called confession. Yes, confession is a weapon. The enemy wants us to believe that we are guilt stained and unworthy of being in God's presence. Well, we combat this by confessing our sins to the lord. You see, Confession liberates us from the burden of hiding and being fake before the lord. It is also helps us to acknowledge God's grace and mercy. The more you confess the more you want to get better and the more you realize the truth in God's word that says "for a righteous man falls seven times but gets back up again" (proverbs 24:16) We can get up because we know whose side we are on.
Today let us confess and be made whole. Moreover, let us believe God is on our side and move toward the greatness we have been called to.Happy Mothers Day to you all. Tell your mom/wife/female family members you love them...not just today but everyday
God Bless
Saturday, May 9, 2009
DAY 27
God Bless You people of God
I am sure that by now you have learned your proverb and it is resounding in your spirit. I pray that God shows you new things as you meditate on your one proverb
Reminder: read proverb 27 and pray
Focus Text:
19 As water reflects a face,
so a man's heart reflects the man.
Reflection: Today's proverb was full of heavy hitting statements. The focus text caught my attention the most. Life is filled with opportunity to understand who we are. When we look at our reflection do we see who we really are or who we are not? Do we look for what society says is beautiful or acceptable or do we blame God for not making us who we think we should be.
The wonderful part about the metaphor is that when you look at your reflection in water you see yourself clearly. If we think about it really hard there is nothing that we can do to water to change our reflection. You can throw a rock at it and do other thing to disturb the reflection but when the water settles you are still left with your reflection. Who God has made us to be is, sort of, the same way. there is nothing that we can do to avoid being who God made us to be. We can try to alter the image, we can try to put ripple in the water and disturb the reflection but when the water settles it is still you, exactly how God made us to be.
Now the catch is that the metaphor compares the reflect off the water to one's heart. That means that the root of a person is found in there heart. We spend lots of time looking for superficial outer images as if the outer image gives us an accurate idea of who people are. The reality is that many of us are professional disguise men and women. We do the best job at hiding the reality revealed in our hearts. We act happy when we are sad, we act unaffected when we are affected, we act rich when we are broke, we act arrogant when we need to be humble.
This is why the proverb paints the image of our hearts being a place that does not change. if you really want to know a person look at their hearts. They might be short in person but tall in the heart. The might look timid initially but they may be might people of God on the inside.Let us move from our superficial ideas into the great intimacy found in God and that is found in the hearts of Gods people. Who have you misjudge, written off, ostracized without taking a look at their heart?
Consider these words
Charles
I am sure that by now you have learned your proverb and it is resounding in your spirit. I pray that God shows you new things as you meditate on your one proverb
Reminder: read proverb 27 and pray
Focus Text:
19 As water reflects a face,
so a man's heart reflects the man.
Reflection: Today's proverb was full of heavy hitting statements. The focus text caught my attention the most. Life is filled with opportunity to understand who we are. When we look at our reflection do we see who we really are or who we are not? Do we look for what society says is beautiful or acceptable or do we blame God for not making us who we think we should be.
The wonderful part about the metaphor is that when you look at your reflection in water you see yourself clearly. If we think about it really hard there is nothing that we can do to water to change our reflection. You can throw a rock at it and do other thing to disturb the reflection but when the water settles you are still left with your reflection. Who God has made us to be is, sort of, the same way. there is nothing that we can do to avoid being who God made us to be. We can try to alter the image, we can try to put ripple in the water and disturb the reflection but when the water settles it is still you, exactly how God made us to be.
Now the catch is that the metaphor compares the reflect off the water to one's heart. That means that the root of a person is found in there heart. We spend lots of time looking for superficial outer images as if the outer image gives us an accurate idea of who people are. The reality is that many of us are professional disguise men and women. We do the best job at hiding the reality revealed in our hearts. We act happy when we are sad, we act unaffected when we are affected, we act rich when we are broke, we act arrogant when we need to be humble.
This is why the proverb paints the image of our hearts being a place that does not change. if you really want to know a person look at their hearts. They might be short in person but tall in the heart. The might look timid initially but they may be might people of God on the inside.Let us move from our superficial ideas into the great intimacy found in God and that is found in the hearts of Gods people. Who have you misjudge, written off, ostracized without taking a look at their heart?
Consider these words
Charles
Friday, May 8, 2009
DAY 26
God Bless you people of God
We are almost there we are on DAY 26. Kind of catchy huh, maybe some group should name themselves that and read this proverb. Anywho, be reminded to read proverb 26. Also reflect on and remember the verse (the proverb) you chose yesterday. God will open up new windows of understanding, just take the time to think and pray.
FOCUS TEXT:
6 Like cutting off one's feet or drinking violence
is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.
7 Like a lame man's legs that hang limp
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
9 Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
Reflection: Have you ever been called a fool or done something foolish? If someone called you a fool would you be offended? We have been journeying through these proverbs and fools have been mentioned more than not. Today it caught my attention as i read the attributes and metaphors for a fools actions.
The texts above caught my attentions. Listen to the discription: A fool is irresponsible with a positive and wise message. In other words, we can't depend on a fool to deliver or spread a message. This really hits home in our lives because God has given us a timeless message. God has given us a message of hope and salvation. God has given us a message, especially through the tough times in our life, that God will always be there. The interesting part is that many of us still act foolish with this message. We don't spread the message. The message begins and ends with us. No one knows about what God is doing in our life, no one knows about what God is saying to us through our churches, no one knows about the grace God has given; all because we act foolish with the message
The proverb compares a fool with a message to a man with lame legs or cutting off ones feet, implying that the message is not going to move and certainly will not be delivered. To get this message one would have to come to the messenger verses the messenger carrying to message to others. It also compares a fool with a message to a thornbush in a drunkards hand, implying (at least on the surface) that this messenger sticks himself, probably drops the messages, and forgets that they have the message.
What are we doing with the messages God has placed in our hearts and on our lips? Are we so caught up in our own lives that we have become foolish with these messages? I know i was convicted upon considering some of my foolish ways. How about you?
Today, and for the rest of our days, let us be responsible with the messages (because we are messengers for the lord). If God has given you something to say (and God has) avoid the temptation to be foolish and find some one to tell about the goodness of the lord
Be Blessed
Charles
We are almost there we are on DAY 26. Kind of catchy huh, maybe some group should name themselves that and read this proverb. Anywho, be reminded to read proverb 26. Also reflect on and remember the verse (the proverb) you chose yesterday. God will open up new windows of understanding, just take the time to think and pray.
FOCUS TEXT:
6 Like cutting off one's feet or drinking violence
is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.
7 Like a lame man's legs that hang limp
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
9 Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
Reflection: Have you ever been called a fool or done something foolish? If someone called you a fool would you be offended? We have been journeying through these proverbs and fools have been mentioned more than not. Today it caught my attention as i read the attributes and metaphors for a fools actions.
The texts above caught my attentions. Listen to the discription: A fool is irresponsible with a positive and wise message. In other words, we can't depend on a fool to deliver or spread a message. This really hits home in our lives because God has given us a timeless message. God has given us a message of hope and salvation. God has given us a message, especially through the tough times in our life, that God will always be there. The interesting part is that many of us still act foolish with this message. We don't spread the message. The message begins and ends with us. No one knows about what God is doing in our life, no one knows about what God is saying to us through our churches, no one knows about the grace God has given; all because we act foolish with the message
The proverb compares a fool with a message to a man with lame legs or cutting off ones feet, implying that the message is not going to move and certainly will not be delivered. To get this message one would have to come to the messenger verses the messenger carrying to message to others. It also compares a fool with a message to a thornbush in a drunkards hand, implying (at least on the surface) that this messenger sticks himself, probably drops the messages, and forgets that they have the message.
What are we doing with the messages God has placed in our hearts and on our lips? Are we so caught up in our own lives that we have become foolish with these messages? I know i was convicted upon considering some of my foolish ways. How about you?
Today, and for the rest of our days, let us be responsible with the messages (because we are messengers for the lord). If God has given you something to say (and God has) avoid the temptation to be foolish and find some one to tell about the goodness of the lord
Be Blessed
Charles
Thursday, May 7, 2009
DAY 25
God Bless You People Of God
We have six more days until we reach the end of our journey. Please know that I am still praying for God's miraculous working in your life. God is the only one that truly liberates Gods people. Continue to pursue.
Honestly, guys i am beginning to experience the tug of remembering a proverb a day so....let us change
FOR THE NEXT 6 DAYS...TAKE ONE VERSE (OR SET OF VERSES) MEMORIZE IT AND, AFTER DAILY MEDITATION, JOURNAL EACH DAY WHAT YOU TAKE FROM YOUR MEDITATION.
Here is an example:
I am going to memorize proverb 21: 13 if a man shuts his ear to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered
this will be my verse to memorize for the rest of the wisdom journey. Each day i will meditate and journal on this verse (on top of reading the proverb of the day) I hope this makes sense
okay and now to today's focus text
FOCUS TEXT:
28 Like a city whose walls are broken down
is a man who lacks self-control.
Reflection: Today's focus text offers us imagery of a city that is safe from harm due to its walls (sort of like Jericho). Jericho was a city whose walls kept them safe from the attacks of their enemies. They had never lost a battle when the wall was erect. Foes attempted to penetrate the city and defeat the Jericho citizen but we unsuccessful due to secure surrounding wall.
This is what the life of a Christian should feel like. Look at Job 1:10. The enemy/Satan complained saying "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land." A hedge is a wall. As Christians we expect God to cover and surround us in all that we do. It is not a wise decision to step out of the hedge at any moment because it is not safe.
I am sure that we all prefer to stay inside the walls that we might be protected as we do God's work, but we must realize that when we lack self control our wall is broken. We become vulnerable and susceptible to attack when we lack self control. We don't think straight and don't make wise decisions during these moments.
I agree that some situations are worthy of getting angry and acting out of character but we must wisely decide to stay under the control of God and the Holy Spirit. We must decide to do what we need to do to keep our walls of safety up. We must do our best NOT TO use profanity, act like we don't know Christ, make quick decision, speak without thinking, give in the desire of the flesh, or do anything that would break down the walls meant to protect us. WE MUST REMEMBER THAT GODS HEDGE OF PROTECTION CAN WITHSTAND THE CHALLENGES WE FACE. Even Satan knows that.
I pray we be self controlled because it is the wise thing to do.
Be Blessed
Charles
We have six more days until we reach the end of our journey. Please know that I am still praying for God's miraculous working in your life. God is the only one that truly liberates Gods people. Continue to pursue.
Honestly, guys i am beginning to experience the tug of remembering a proverb a day so....let us change
FOR THE NEXT 6 DAYS...TAKE ONE VERSE (OR SET OF VERSES) MEMORIZE IT AND, AFTER DAILY MEDITATION, JOURNAL EACH DAY WHAT YOU TAKE FROM YOUR MEDITATION.
Here is an example:
I am going to memorize proverb 21: 13 if a man shuts his ear to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered
this will be my verse to memorize for the rest of the wisdom journey. Each day i will meditate and journal on this verse (on top of reading the proverb of the day) I hope this makes sense
okay and now to today's focus text
FOCUS TEXT:
28 Like a city whose walls are broken down
is a man who lacks self-control.
Reflection: Today's focus text offers us imagery of a city that is safe from harm due to its walls (sort of like Jericho). Jericho was a city whose walls kept them safe from the attacks of their enemies. They had never lost a battle when the wall was erect. Foes attempted to penetrate the city and defeat the Jericho citizen but we unsuccessful due to secure surrounding wall.
This is what the life of a Christian should feel like. Look at Job 1:10. The enemy/Satan complained saying "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land." A hedge is a wall. As Christians we expect God to cover and surround us in all that we do. It is not a wise decision to step out of the hedge at any moment because it is not safe.
I am sure that we all prefer to stay inside the walls that we might be protected as we do God's work, but we must realize that when we lack self control our wall is broken. We become vulnerable and susceptible to attack when we lack self control. We don't think straight and don't make wise decisions during these moments.
I agree that some situations are worthy of getting angry and acting out of character but we must wisely decide to stay under the control of God and the Holy Spirit. We must decide to do what we need to do to keep our walls of safety up. We must do our best NOT TO use profanity, act like we don't know Christ, make quick decision, speak without thinking, give in the desire of the flesh, or do anything that would break down the walls meant to protect us. WE MUST REMEMBER THAT GODS HEDGE OF PROTECTION CAN WITHSTAND THE CHALLENGES WE FACE. Even Satan knows that.
I pray we be self controlled because it is the wise thing to do.
Be Blessed
Charles
DAY 25
God Bless You People Of God
We have six more days until we reach the end of our journey. Please know that I am still praying for God's miraculous working in your life. God is the only one that truly liberates Gods people. Continue to pursue.
Honestly, guys i am beginning to experience the tug of remembering a proverb a day so....let us change
FOR THE NEXT 6 DAYS...TAKE ONE VERSE (OR SET OF VERSES) MEMORIZE IT AND, AFTER DAILY MEDITATION, JOURNAL EACH DAY WHAT YOU TAKE FROM YOUR MEDITATION.
Here is an example:
I am going to memorize proverb 21: 13 if a man shuts his ear to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered
this will be my verse to memorize for the rest of the wisdom journey. Each day i will meditate and journal on this verse (on top of reading the proverb of the day) I hope this makes sense
okay and now to today's focus text
FOCUS TEXT:
28 Like a city whose walls are broken down
is a man who lacks self-control.
Reflection: Today's focus text offers us imagery of a city that is safe from harm due to its walls (sort of like Jericho). Jericho was a city whose walls kept them safe from the attacks of their enemies. They had never lost a battle when the wall was erect. Foes attempted to penetrate the city and defeat the Jericho citizen but we unsuccessful due to secure surrounding wall.
This is what the life of a Christian should feel like. Look at Job 1:10. The enemy/Satan complained saying "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land." A hedge is a wall. As Christians we expect God to cover and surround us in all that we do. It is not a wise decision to step out of the hedge at any moment because it is not safe.
I am sure that we all prefer to stay inside the walls that we might be protected as we do God's work, but we must realize that when we lack self control our wall is broken. We become vulnerable and susceptible to attack when we lack self control. We don't think straight and don't make wise decisions during these moments.
I agree that some situations are worthy of getting angry and acting out of character but we must wisely decide to stay under the control of God and the Holy Spirit. We must decide to do what we need to do to keep our walls of safety up. We must do our best NOT TO use profanity, act like we don't know Christ, make quick decision, speak without thinking, give in the desire of the flesh, or do anything that would break down the walls meant to protect us. WE MUST REMEMBER THAT GODS HEDGE OF PROTECTION CAN WITHSTAND THE CHALLENGES WE FACE. Even Satan knows that.
I pray we be self controlled because it is the wise thing to do.
Be Blessed
Charles
We have six more days until we reach the end of our journey. Please know that I am still praying for God's miraculous working in your life. God is the only one that truly liberates Gods people. Continue to pursue.
Honestly, guys i am beginning to experience the tug of remembering a proverb a day so....let us change
FOR THE NEXT 6 DAYS...TAKE ONE VERSE (OR SET OF VERSES) MEMORIZE IT AND, AFTER DAILY MEDITATION, JOURNAL EACH DAY WHAT YOU TAKE FROM YOUR MEDITATION.
Here is an example:
I am going to memorize proverb 21: 13 if a man shuts his ear to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered
this will be my verse to memorize for the rest of the wisdom journey. Each day i will meditate and journal on this verse (on top of reading the proverb of the day) I hope this makes sense
okay and now to today's focus text
FOCUS TEXT:
28 Like a city whose walls are broken down
is a man who lacks self-control.
Reflection: Today's focus text offers us imagery of a city that is safe from harm due to its walls (sort of like Jericho). Jericho was a city whose walls kept them safe from the attacks of their enemies. They had never lost a battle when the wall was erect. Foes attempted to penetrate the city and defeat the Jericho citizen but we unsuccessful due to secure surrounding wall.
This is what the life of a Christian should feel like. Look at Job 1:10. The enemy/Satan complained saying "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land." A hedge is a wall. As Christians we expect God to cover and surround us in all that we do. It is not a wise decision to step out of the hedge at any moment because it is not safe.
I am sure that we all prefer to stay inside the walls that we might be protected as we do God's work, but we must realize that when we lack self control our wall is broken. We become vulnerable and susceptible to attack when we lack self control. We don't think straight and don't make wise decisions during these moments.
I agree that some situations are worthy of getting angry and acting out of character but we must wisely decide to stay under the control of God and the Holy Spirit. We must decide to do what we need to do to keep our walls of safety up. We must do our best NOT TO use profanity, act like we don't know Christ, make quick decision, speak without thinking, give in the desire of the flesh, or do anything that would break down the walls meant to protect us. WE MUST REMEMBER THAT GODS HEDGE OF PROTECTION CAN WITHSTAND THE CHALLENGES WE FACE. Even Satan knows that.
I pray we be self controlled because it is the wise thing to do.
Be Blessed
Charles
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
DAY 24
God bless you people of God
Reminder: Read proverb 24 and remember a proverb
focus text:
16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again,
but the wicked are brought down by calamity.
17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice,
18 or the LORD will see and disapprove
and turn his wrath away from him.
32 I applied my heart to what I observed
and learned a lesson from what I saw:
33 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-
34 and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man.
Reflection: Just be sure to read the above scripture because they are packed with wisdom. I would like us to consider two things.
First, remember that we are not beyond mistakes. To follow Christ is not to be mistake less. To follow Christ in many ways is to work toward considering God in all the things you do. The text above says a righteous many fall seven times, BUT GETS BACK UP. that is the point. if you have fallen prey to sin or made mistakes make sure you get back up and try again. Sometime the only difference between the wicked and righteous is the fact that the righteous refuse to give up. So refuse to give up. Make serving God your goal and pursue it with all your heart. When you fall get back up. further more when others fall, pray for them that you might not neglect the grace God has granted in your life.
Second, verse 32 says something that we should all remember. It says i applied what i observed and learned from what i saw. Sometimes we choose to learn via experience and trial and error. Why do we do this? It would make more sense to learn without having to experience the pain of personal experience. Consider it wise to look at those who have challenges around you, those who suffer from lack of discipline, those who try and fail, and do your best to learn from their situation. I thank God for my brother who experienced many of the challenges in our family. In many ways he paved the way for me to be successful or at least avoid the mistakes that he made. I thank God for him having his challenges because he gave me enough visual evidence to learn and apply the lesson of his life.
Let us take a look at some of the challenges that bother us (family, school, relationships) a made a CHOICE to learn from them.
these are the two thoughts for the day.
I pray you continue to be blessed by these reflections
Charles
-- Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. he is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 3:13-15Minister Charles DorseyYouth PastorChoir DirectorChrist Our Redeemer AME Church46 Maxwell Irvine, CA 92618949-955-0014charles.dorsey@gmail.com
Reminder: Read proverb 24 and remember a proverb
focus text:
16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again,
but the wicked are brought down by calamity.
17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice,
18 or the LORD will see and disapprove
and turn his wrath away from him.
32 I applied my heart to what I observed
and learned a lesson from what I saw:
33 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-
34 and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man.
Reflection: Just be sure to read the above scripture because they are packed with wisdom. I would like us to consider two things.
First, remember that we are not beyond mistakes. To follow Christ is not to be mistake less. To follow Christ in many ways is to work toward considering God in all the things you do. The text above says a righteous many fall seven times, BUT GETS BACK UP. that is the point. if you have fallen prey to sin or made mistakes make sure you get back up and try again. Sometime the only difference between the wicked and righteous is the fact that the righteous refuse to give up. So refuse to give up. Make serving God your goal and pursue it with all your heart. When you fall get back up. further more when others fall, pray for them that you might not neglect the grace God has granted in your life.
Second, verse 32 says something that we should all remember. It says i applied what i observed and learned from what i saw. Sometimes we choose to learn via experience and trial and error. Why do we do this? It would make more sense to learn without having to experience the pain of personal experience. Consider it wise to look at those who have challenges around you, those who suffer from lack of discipline, those who try and fail, and do your best to learn from their situation. I thank God for my brother who experienced many of the challenges in our family. In many ways he paved the way for me to be successful or at least avoid the mistakes that he made. I thank God for him having his challenges because he gave me enough visual evidence to learn and apply the lesson of his life.
Let us take a look at some of the challenges that bother us (family, school, relationships) a made a CHOICE to learn from them.
these are the two thoughts for the day.
I pray you continue to be blessed by these reflections
Charles
-- Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. he is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 3:13-15Minister Charles DorseyYouth PastorChoir DirectorChrist Our Redeemer AME Church46 Maxwell Irvine, CA 92618949-955-0014charles.dorsey@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Day 23
God Bless you people of God
Reminder: Read Proverb 23 and remember a proverb today
Focus Text:
1 When you sit to dine with a ruler,
note well what [a] is before you,
2 and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to gluttony.
3 Do not crave his delicacies,
for that food is deceptive.
4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
have the wisdom to show restraint.
Reflection: What a blessed piece of advice. It cautions us not to become so anxious in the midst of someone who has abundance. As blessed people we will find ourselves sitting at the table, literally and figuratively, with people who have made it to the top of their fields and/or perfected their craft. They will have well decorated houses, car, eating facilities, and everything. Let us, during these moments, be most careful. Let us be careful not to become envious and diminish the blessing that God has place in our lives.
Wisdom nugget: Material gain is not a direct indicator of people who are blessed. As a matter of fact, material gain can be the perfect disguise for wickedness. Let us not be fooled when we are in the presence of those who are rulers and who have abundance. Our text tells us that we are to remain composed and practice restraint. Restraining yourself when you don't have to is the wise thing to do.
Furthermore, Sometimes I feel like God allows us to have a glimpse of what it feels like to prosper, in a effort to show us more about who we are. We desire great things and great riches, yet we get to the table with the ruler and lose our minds. Let us be restrained during these situations that God might bless us for our faithfulness.
Be Blessed
Charles
Reminder: Read Proverb 23 and remember a proverb today
Focus Text:
1 When you sit to dine with a ruler,
note well what [a] is before you,
2 and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to gluttony.
3 Do not crave his delicacies,
for that food is deceptive.
4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
have the wisdom to show restraint.
Reflection: What a blessed piece of advice. It cautions us not to become so anxious in the midst of someone who has abundance. As blessed people we will find ourselves sitting at the table, literally and figuratively, with people who have made it to the top of their fields and/or perfected their craft. They will have well decorated houses, car, eating facilities, and everything. Let us, during these moments, be most careful. Let us be careful not to become envious and diminish the blessing that God has place in our lives.
Wisdom nugget: Material gain is not a direct indicator of people who are blessed. As a matter of fact, material gain can be the perfect disguise for wickedness. Let us not be fooled when we are in the presence of those who are rulers and who have abundance. Our text tells us that we are to remain composed and practice restraint. Restraining yourself when you don't have to is the wise thing to do.
Furthermore, Sometimes I feel like God allows us to have a glimpse of what it feels like to prosper, in a effort to show us more about who we are. We desire great things and great riches, yet we get to the table with the ruler and lose our minds. Let us be restrained during these situations that God might bless us for our faithfulness.
Be Blessed
Charles
Monday, May 4, 2009
day 22
God Bless you people of God
God is good. I know we can eat now but do your best to not to over eat since you have been fasting
This weeks goals is to remember 1 proverb per day. Memorize 1 proverb (1 verse) per day. You can take from any of the proverbs we have already read
Reminder: Read proverb 22
Focus Text:
17 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach,
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the LORD,
I teach you today, even you.
Reflection: This journey has been wonderful and many great things have come as a result. Some of us have tried and not been as successful as we would have like but have decided to continue. Some have been on the ball and found that God is giving them more than they can handle. Some have not tried at all and have plans to try again. Some of us have not read the bible this much ever. Either way we are learning and engaging God word.
One this is important. We need to try to commit some, if not all, of these things to memory. Our text encourages us to have these teachings ready on our lips. In order to do that we have to memorize, meditate, and apply these proverbs in our everyday lives. Memorizing allows us to fellowship and meditate while we are on the move. You might be riding a bus and your phone might not have any power. This would be an opportune time to try to memorize a proverb.
Don't do this for any other reason except to be obedient. There is nothing like having God's word on your lips so that when the time comes you will have the ability to speak into your and anyone else's situation.
Lets us commit these sayings and lesson to memory.
God Bless
God is good. I know we can eat now but do your best to not to over eat since you have been fasting
This weeks goals is to remember 1 proverb per day. Memorize 1 proverb (1 verse) per day. You can take from any of the proverbs we have already read
Reminder: Read proverb 22
Focus Text:
17 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach,
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the LORD,
I teach you today, even you.
Reflection: This journey has been wonderful and many great things have come as a result. Some of us have tried and not been as successful as we would have like but have decided to continue. Some have been on the ball and found that God is giving them more than they can handle. Some have not tried at all and have plans to try again. Some of us have not read the bible this much ever. Either way we are learning and engaging God word.
One this is important. We need to try to commit some, if not all, of these things to memory. Our text encourages us to have these teachings ready on our lips. In order to do that we have to memorize, meditate, and apply these proverbs in our everyday lives. Memorizing allows us to fellowship and meditate while we are on the move. You might be riding a bus and your phone might not have any power. This would be an opportune time to try to memorize a proverb.
Don't do this for any other reason except to be obedient. There is nothing like having God's word on your lips so that when the time comes you will have the ability to speak into your and anyone else's situation.
Lets us commit these sayings and lesson to memory.
God Bless
Sunday, May 3, 2009
DAY 21
God Bless You People of God
What a wonderful day it has been. God has been moving all day and we are finally back so that we can send out our wonderful wisdom study for the day. We have 9 more days left and this past week has been great. We have completed out fast. Tomorrows email will contain that next set of instructions as we move toward the end of our Journey together.
Focus Text
21 he who pursues righteousness and love finds life,
prosperity, and honor.
Reflection: Have you ever been looking for something that you lost? Maybe your car keys, your wallet, your phone? During this time did you manage to find other things that you thought you lost that you were not even looking for? Does this frustrate you? Does the fact that you find stuff that you have been looking for when you were not looking for it bother you?
Well think about it this way. Our text says the person who pursues or aggressively chases righteousness and love finds life prosperity and honor. This is so powerful. In other words, the person who pursues righteousness and love finds some other things along the way. Here is where the scenario comes in. The person was not pursuing life, prosperity or honor. The person was pursuing righteousness and love, so that the pursuit led the person to other things that will serve to bless their lives. If the person had not been pursuing they would not have found/stumbled upon the other stuff.
This is a huge piece of wisdom and it should provoke us to actively seek wisdom. As we pursue wisdom we are bound to find other things like patience, discipline, revelation, and humility. Life is about the pursuit and the process because it is the pursuit/process serves the be the most beneficial part of the journey.
Let us not be so caught up in the end of the journey that we miss the "findings" during the pursuit. God has great things in store for those who are willing to pursue. I urge us all to pursue that we might have more that we can handle at the end of the day.
Be Blessed
Charles
What a wonderful day it has been. God has been moving all day and we are finally back so that we can send out our wonderful wisdom study for the day. We have 9 more days left and this past week has been great. We have completed out fast. Tomorrows email will contain that next set of instructions as we move toward the end of our Journey together.
Focus Text
21 he who pursues righteousness and love finds life,
prosperity, and honor.
Reflection: Have you ever been looking for something that you lost? Maybe your car keys, your wallet, your phone? During this time did you manage to find other things that you thought you lost that you were not even looking for? Does this frustrate you? Does the fact that you find stuff that you have been looking for when you were not looking for it bother you?
Well think about it this way. Our text says the person who pursues or aggressively chases righteousness and love finds life prosperity and honor. This is so powerful. In other words, the person who pursues righteousness and love finds some other things along the way. Here is where the scenario comes in. The person was not pursuing life, prosperity or honor. The person was pursuing righteousness and love, so that the pursuit led the person to other things that will serve to bless their lives. If the person had not been pursuing they would not have found/stumbled upon the other stuff.
This is a huge piece of wisdom and it should provoke us to actively seek wisdom. As we pursue wisdom we are bound to find other things like patience, discipline, revelation, and humility. Life is about the pursuit and the process because it is the pursuit/process serves the be the most beneficial part of the journey.
Let us not be so caught up in the end of the journey that we miss the "findings" during the pursuit. God has great things in store for those who are willing to pursue. I urge us all to pursue that we might have more that we can handle at the end of the day.
Be Blessed
Charles
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Day 20
God Bless you people of God
We only have two more days to fast so make them faithful and good. I pray that you are being blessed
reminder: read proverb 20
Focus text:
4 A sluggard does not plow in season;
so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.
Reflection: A rather familiar saying is "Don't save for tomorrow what you can do today." It is very true. It is not wise to save for tomorrow what you can do today. But it is funny how we tend to put some things off as if tomorrow is promised. Let me put this into perspective. The focus text says a sluggard or a lazy person does not plow in season. In other words, this type of person does not take advantage of the opportunity to plant when it is planting season, or grow when it is growing season. Because of this they go to find the fruits after the season has passed and come up empty. no one wants to come up empty.
Let me make this relevant. This is the time to spend growing and trying to get closer to God. It does not do us any good to put this opportunity off till later. A time is coming where we will be tested and when we go to our tool box we what to be sure that we understand how to use all of our tools. Have you ever been searching for something, knowing that you left it in a certain spot, and came to discover that it was not where you thought you left it? Can you recall the frustration you went through trying to find it? I mean you thought you left it there.
This is the same type of concept we must have in our spiritual life. When times are easy and when you are feeling wonderful, plant seeds of hope, patience, and love. Find a way to increase you faith. Find a way to demonstrate love. Find some time to pray. Find somewhere to serve. Find somewhere to give. Find a way to get closer to God. Do this so that when harvest times come you will be able to reap what you have sowed. So that when you need love, you will know where you can find it. When you need faith, when you need help, when you need anything you will have properly positioned yourself for God to grant your request.
Let us not position ourselves to come up empty by not seeking God in these good and blessed times. If you are blessed, it is your season and in your season you are to still seek God with the same fervor that you would if you were in serious challenge
now that's God's wisdom. Give God the same intense type of Glory, reverence, and time, whether in challenge or triumph. That's good
Thank you God
Be Blessed
We only have two more days to fast so make them faithful and good. I pray that you are being blessed
reminder: read proverb 20
Focus text:
4 A sluggard does not plow in season;
so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.
Reflection: A rather familiar saying is "Don't save for tomorrow what you can do today." It is very true. It is not wise to save for tomorrow what you can do today. But it is funny how we tend to put some things off as if tomorrow is promised. Let me put this into perspective. The focus text says a sluggard or a lazy person does not plow in season. In other words, this type of person does not take advantage of the opportunity to plant when it is planting season, or grow when it is growing season. Because of this they go to find the fruits after the season has passed and come up empty. no one wants to come up empty.
Let me make this relevant. This is the time to spend growing and trying to get closer to God. It does not do us any good to put this opportunity off till later. A time is coming where we will be tested and when we go to our tool box we what to be sure that we understand how to use all of our tools. Have you ever been searching for something, knowing that you left it in a certain spot, and came to discover that it was not where you thought you left it? Can you recall the frustration you went through trying to find it? I mean you thought you left it there.
This is the same type of concept we must have in our spiritual life. When times are easy and when you are feeling wonderful, plant seeds of hope, patience, and love. Find a way to increase you faith. Find a way to demonstrate love. Find some time to pray. Find somewhere to serve. Find somewhere to give. Find a way to get closer to God. Do this so that when harvest times come you will be able to reap what you have sowed. So that when you need love, you will know where you can find it. When you need faith, when you need help, when you need anything you will have properly positioned yourself for God to grant your request.
Let us not position ourselves to come up empty by not seeking God in these good and blessed times. If you are blessed, it is your season and in your season you are to still seek God with the same fervor that you would if you were in serious challenge
now that's God's wisdom. Give God the same intense type of Glory, reverence, and time, whether in challenge or triumph. That's good
Thank you God
Be Blessed
Friday, May 1, 2009
DAY 19
God Bless You People of God,
God has been so good to us. Let us continue faithfully and diligently down this road toward wisdom.
Reminder: Read Proverb 19; Fast; Pray
Focus Text:
8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul;
he who cherishes understanding prospers.
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.
Reflection: Do you love your soul enough to get wisdom? Really consider the question. Do you LOVE your SOUL enough to give it what it needs? We love so many things and we show it. We love our bodies enough to exercise. We love our stomachs enough to eat. We love our spouses/partners enough to call them and do nice things for them. We love our futures enough to go to school and get good grades. But do we love our souls enough to feed them wisdom.
How do you get wisdom? Well you must first be willing to put your pride to the side and listen to advice and accept instruction. Some of us (me) really have difficulty accepting instructions, especially for people we don't really "respect" (term used loosely). However, one who loves their soul will combat pride by LEARNING to listen to advice and accept instruction. Yes, be sure to discern whose advice and instruction you take but don't be so high that you are beyond advice or instruction.
Here is the hard part: We must listen even if the advice and instructions are not relevant and/or in line with what we have planned. We must listen for God in the advice and instruction. You will never really understand whether it is God or man until you began to see what God is expecting through study of God's word (which is another source, the main source of wisdom). So there you have it.. Love your soul enough to give it what it needs and that is wisdom. Don't resist it...just accept it.
Be Blessed
Charles Dorsey
God has been so good to us. Let us continue faithfully and diligently down this road toward wisdom.
Reminder: Read Proverb 19; Fast; Pray
Focus Text:
8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul;
he who cherishes understanding prospers.
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.
Reflection: Do you love your soul enough to get wisdom? Really consider the question. Do you LOVE your SOUL enough to give it what it needs? We love so many things and we show it. We love our bodies enough to exercise. We love our stomachs enough to eat. We love our spouses/partners enough to call them and do nice things for them. We love our futures enough to go to school and get good grades. But do we love our souls enough to feed them wisdom.
How do you get wisdom? Well you must first be willing to put your pride to the side and listen to advice and accept instruction. Some of us (me) really have difficulty accepting instructions, especially for people we don't really "respect" (term used loosely). However, one who loves their soul will combat pride by LEARNING to listen to advice and accept instruction. Yes, be sure to discern whose advice and instruction you take but don't be so high that you are beyond advice or instruction.
Here is the hard part: We must listen even if the advice and instructions are not relevant and/or in line with what we have planned. We must listen for God in the advice and instruction. You will never really understand whether it is God or man until you began to see what God is expecting through study of God's word (which is another source, the main source of wisdom). So there you have it.. Love your soul enough to give it what it needs and that is wisdom. Don't resist it...just accept it.
Be Blessed
Charles Dorsey
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