Miller Time, Proverbs 20

"Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise."

Proverbs 20:1
Beer and wine have been around a very long time. In fact, the making of beer has been credited with the formation of organized agriculture and early civilization. The barley required to make beer served a unique purpose. The English and the Irish and Scotts fought over the English's attempt to tax their beer. The thought was that men were okay with the English taking their land and their women, but they drew the line at their beer (maybe a rewriting of actual history).

Egyptian Jewish slaves were rewarded in beer for their hard work building the pyramids and the United States Marines Corps was founded at "Tun Tavern" in 1775 Philedelphia and many a navy stock their hulls with rum and ale to sail the open seas.

Wine has offered a drink that does not need to be purified, the alcohol preserved well given the scarcity of water. Prisoners find a way to distill their own mash behind bars.

Food and drink serve their purposes. However, many have fallen into "alcoholism" and destroyed their lives. Some people have come dangerously close allowing excessive alchohol to impair their judgment. There was a time, when I was getting drunk every weekend (or so it seemed). "It was Miller time!" although I didn't drink Miller, "It's 5 o'clock somewhere" was the other mantra. Fortunately, wisdom prevailed and God has protected me from myself. I do feel very lucky to survive the era of 3:1 drinks and all night partying.

If you think you have a problem with alcohol, God can cure you of the abuse. I enjoyed what a prominent pastor has said, "God can cure you of alcoholism" he does not believe that "Once an alcoholic, always an alcholic." If you feel you have a problem with alcohol, there is hope.


"This Blood is for You" scenes from "Passion of the Christ" to song by Carman

Proverbs 20:3 - "It is a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel."

In the age of instant gratification, political turmoil, and war, people are quick to show their contempt, air their discontent, and are ready to fight. Times are stressful indeed. How do we avoid being like "every" fool? Yes at times, I think we can be fools. We get caught up in a political argument, take offense at the tiniest of slights, and get in moods where everything and everyone seems to tick us off. It's hard to avoid a good fight every now and then. Especially, if someone is just begging for it. It is to our honor to avoid strife.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org