12.18.08 Half-Cocked, Proverbs 18

"A fool finds no pleasure in understanding, but delights in airing his own opinions."

Proverbs 18:2

To be "half-cocked" has several meanings. One meaning may be to not have your wits about you and the other is to have part of the information required to get the job done. In the Marines it meant someone who didn't know what they were doing and is based in the history of not having their weapon ready to fire - "half-cocked" is dangerous in either scenarious.

We may have all of the bravado, best of intentions, but we may not ready to face the enemy. The enemy is that which steals the opportunity or hinders the plan of God. None of us want to be "half-cocked" and in today's spiritual climate we can't afford it. However, we may be just that.

Many believers are realizing that the stakes are very high and they are doing something about it. We are engaged in the spiritual battle for families, our friends in business, our nation, and each other. I have created a prayer list of 30 people I most admire in life, many of them I know and others I don't. I want them to be protected and pray that they hit a bullseye in their efforts and that they remain sensitive to what God is doing in these times.


"What's in your heart?" Pastor Kris Vallotto

Proverbs 18:13 - "He who answers before listening - that is his folly and his shame."

I am working hard at being a better listener. My tendency is to talk. I am a Marketer. A buddy of mine says "Marketers make the world seem so rosey!" He is right, mainly in that Marketers see the world in "possibilities", what can happen if everything works out right and fortunately, the do have a way of working out.

My job as a Marketer, dad, volunteer in the community is to listen. So, I am working on that more. People value listeners and if you and I are really good listeners, we will hear things others don't. Our database of knowledge, wisdom, and contacts is incredible. When we listen, we are able to capatilize more effectively. We avoid being half-cocked and more effective.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org