"Is Your Tuner Out?", Proverbs 29

"The good-hearted understand what it's like to be poor; the hardhearted haven't the faintest idea."

Proverbs 27:7

"Spiritual Blindness"

There are many fantastic and exhilirating moments we will miss in life by being spiritually blind. The God of the universe who protects wisdom and knowledge and is the giver of life, sees all things. I've always wondered why "faith" pleases him, the faith to believe that he is a good God, even when our own pondering doesn't reveal his plan. Sin deadens our senses, but a sold out dedicated love for Jesus reveals much.

We think we know so much, but the truth is we know so little about God and his plan to use us for his purposes.

Regarding the poor. I have had moments of poverty and moments of plenty. In America, our poor are rich. In reality, it is hard to even categorize many people as poor when compared to the severe poverty suffered in most parts of the world. So, if you think you are poor and struggling, you may actually be rich and not even recognize that fact. Sure people are hurting financially, but many have squandered their wealth or failed to plan for the hard times (I've been there too). We believed the hype about credit and lived beyond our means for too long.

Now, we can be in severe need and faced with few options due to lack of funds. It's in those instances that we are able to lean on the provision of a God who is trying to get our attention. When we have been there, we can relate to others and be prepared to meet a need. If you are rich in spirit, you are never really poor. God provides the richness we seek. We need to open our eyes to see what he is doing in these times and trust him with a plan that makes sense for our lives.


"Perservering to the End"

Proverbs 27:18 - "If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed."

You and I have been blessed to be in business, work for a great company, or lead a wonderful organization. What is God calling you to do with your life? How can he use you to make an impact for the Kingdom where you are? I have seen many Christian businessmen incorporate their faith in their business and workers do the same.

I admire a friend of mine who has one of the most successful business radio shows in our market here in Houston. He is really good about mentioning God in his broadcasts and crediting him for such a prosperous city. He is quick to point to the wisdom of the bible and how business men and women should inlcude him in their business practices. I am especially proud of companies like Chick-fil-A, Kingdom Racing (www.KingdomRacing.net), Sherwood Pictures, PureFlix Cinema, The WEll DONE AWARDS (www.WellDoneAwards.com), GodTube, and others who are coming onto the scene to demonstrate the power of God in business. We onlyhave one chance in this life to get it right. Time to get our tuners tuned.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

Why We Bow, Proverbs 29

"A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor."

Proverbs 29:23


Is it foreign to bow down and worship God? It is said that the most powerful postion one can take, when it comes to God, is to bow down before him. Acknowledging that he reigns supreme, to lay prostrate before him stronger. When we bow or lay before our father, we are basically surrendering all to him and allowing him to work on our behalf. He ministers to our soul, to our life. When we bow, we lose our pride. When we fall, we are already on the ground. God is gracious to hear us, when in earnest we seek to be what he has called us to be.


"We Bow Down"

Proverbs 29:1 - "A man who remains stiffnecked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed - without remedy."

When it is too late, it is too late. Atheist work hard at not believing that there is a God. Their necks are "stiff." My pastor once said "Atheists must be careful what they read or they will uncover their ignorance." It will be curious to me one day to see how God handles those who forced themselves not to believe what history has revealed over the ages. That in fact, there is a God and he reveals himself in so many ways through his word, through his son's sacrfice, the beauty of nature, science and discovery, and through the many miracles in our lives. I do not think that God wants to see any perish, but he has a clear line of separation and his justice is proven.

I think of a man like Saddam Hussein, who did not listen to wise counsel, but believed that his tyranny would endure. In the end, he faced justice by his own people and is no more. Not only did his stubborness cost him his own life, but that of his two sons who participated equally in his tyranny and his followers who bowed before him.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

On Righteousness and Justice, Proverbs 29

Solomon in his wisdom, decides to order the splitting of a baby when confronted by two mothers, both claiming their child. One was telling the truth, the other was not. One was righteous, the other was not. When he drew his sword, the righteous one stood out. Oh to have that kind of wisdom.

Our country is divided in this election. Each group views the other as lacking righteousness and judgment. Clearly people think they are right in their choice; however, there are still those who can't decide. I heard a pastor speak and warned his paritioners to vote "The Bible".

The bible has been called the "sword" and offers insight. I won't tell you how to vote here, but one candidate stands for right and the other does not. You decide.

I pray for our country and this election.


"Man on the Street on Righteousness"


"Praise You in the Storm" by Casting Crowns

Proverbs 29:1 - "A man who remains stiffnecked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed without remedy."

A stiffnecked person is like a peacock. He struts around arrogantly. Have you seen him? Can you think of a few stiffnecked people who have fallen suddenly? How do we avoid their fate? A stiffnecked person is rigid and has to move his whole body to see. That is what Solomon calls a person who lacks wisdom and understanding. They refuse to listen and discern their situation and suffer for it. Are we stiffnecked?

Proverbs 29:4 - "By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down."

Many politicians and executives routinely show up in the news, caught up in investigations for taking bribes or unethical financial dealings. A guy in my neighborhood will receive his sentencing this Friday for embezzlement in our Municipal Utility District. The guy claimed to be a Christian and seemes like a good person, he was always friendly and kind to people.

He served as a board member and was part of a sting where another board member were claiming expenses for their position that shouldn't have been submitted. It made the news all over our city. I am praying for this guy. His decisions will impact him for the rest of his life and created a lot of turmoil in our subdivision.

Justice requires thought about the consequences of our actions and our decrees. It is amazing how God protects us from ourselves. Still, there are times in our lives when justice (in our favor) seems to have eluded us. We never really want the justice that is not in our favor. Life is a balance. Do you feel that life has been fair to you?

Proverbs 29:27 - "The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright"

It's like a see saw. If you stand for righteousness, your attackers will emerge. If you are wicked, the righteous will seek you out to exact justice. So, which is better? Interestingly, all people want justice and righteousness in their favor.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

9.29.08 The Poor and Mighty, Proverbs 29

We are so blessed in the U.S. Our poor are richer than the poor that are in the world. We see the starvation, the disease, the thirst, and the pitiful existance that billions live the world over.

I do believe that many world governments keep their people in poor conditions. These leaders steal food, deprive their people of medical assistances from countries like the U.S. and others, and allow for tyrants to dominate the lives of righteous people.

In Proverbs 29, we are reminded to remember the poor in our dealings.

Proverbs 29:7 - "The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern."

This offers a gut check. Do we really care about the poor? If so, how are we meeting the real needs of the poor? I don't believe the government is the answer, this responsibility is for the church. The government usually makes things worse.

Proverbs 29:11 - "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control."

I love a good argument or debate. However, this verse tells us we should keep our cool. Think about it? Someon cuts you off on the highway? Someone is talking loud at a theatre and you want to tell them to be quiet (I mean "SHUT UP!"). Someone steals your parking space at the grocery store or your kids keep bugging you for attention. Take a deep breath and answer wisely.

Proverbs 29:14 - "If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will always be secure."

I don't interact with the poor that often (although I should). I have volunteered at Juvenile Bootcamps, Homeless Shelters, or offered help to the community in the past. In those instances, the poor are helpless or reliant on the care of others. Most people appreciate the help and some are bitter about their lot. Reaching the poor in spirit is a challenge when they have nothing to hope for. I think we make judgments about the poor from our living room couch, inside our vehicles at the corner intersection, or from the comfort of our computer on-line. I think a king seeks out the poor in his kingdom to see how he can provide resources or help. How else can you really judge the poor fairly and secure your throne?

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org