2.6.09 Two-Faced, Proverbs 6

"Riffraff and rascals talk out of both sides of their mouths."

Proverbs 6:12
It has been said that we have three personalities presentations. There is the person we think thin we are, the person others think we are, and then the way we really are. Integrity is getting the three to agree and represent the real person behind the trio. Knowing this, brings the above verse into clearer vision. How do we control our tendency to "double talk" or be "double minded?" We must pledge our allegiance daily to God and look for those instances in our lives when we have obviously played both sides.


"Soldiers Under God's Command" by Stryper

Proverbs 6:16-19 - "Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion: eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, hands that murder the innocent, a heart that hatches evil plots, feet that race down a wicked track, a mouth that lies under oath, a troublemaker in the family."

Did I read that right "God hates?" The wicked find no "quarter" (a military term, meaning surrender is not offered during battle). After reading this, one must ask why he hates these things. Wisdom comes from understanding his ways and less of our own.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.com

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

The Rebellious, The Foolish, and The Wise, Proverbs 17

" . . . and parents are the pride of their children."

Proverbs 17:6


"I'm Watching You Dad"

I love being a dad. I enjoyed watching this video that I found on GodTube.com As a test, I watched with my daughter. Her take? It was "Weird!" - children.

Writing daily analysis of Proverbs is challenging. I find that I have to search, pray, and seek out the meaning for the day or one that reveals itself as I read the Proverbs for the day. As I read over Proverbs 17, I continued to focus on the theme of rebellion, foolishness, restraint, judgment, knowledge, and justice. Much of it seemed to lead to back to parenting.

We are in the midst of a culture war in America. Many in our culture lack parental instruction and guidance. Many of the rebellious and foolishness may even come from Christian homes. Generational failures have happened throughout history.

As Christians, we may be failing to connect with our children and equipping our offspring with the justice and wisdom offered in the bible.

I realize that I must live out the example for my children and that has its own perils (I know I fail daily). How will they learn right from wrong from my wife and I and others in our family? Will they themselves choose the wise path?

Fortunately, our father in Heaven calls us his children and he is our pride. He wants the best for us and has already shown us an example in Jesus Christ. How will we lead the next generation and answer the challenges of a rebellious and foolish culture? We are called to be wise and we have a helper in the Holy Spirit. Our children grow up fast, will we be their pride?


"Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman

Proverbs 17:15 - "Acquitting the guilty and condeming the innocent - the Lord hates them both."

We live in a time where the guilty seem to go free and the laws are made for the criminals. We have seen righteous judges be challenged by the culture and taken down for their judgment. The war on righteousnes is a sign of a populace that lacks wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 17:24 - "A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even tempered."

We are judged by what we say and how we say it. That requires us to think about the people we are talking too. In sales, salespeople are taught to ask questions of the prospect. Get them talking and they will tell you everything you need to know to make the sale.

Proverbs 17:28 - "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tounge."

I enjoy when my eldest daughter cautions the younger to keep her mouth shut. She says, "Shut up Kenna, you are going to get us in more trouble." Even a child knows when to keep the situation cool. I also enjoy when I ask my children a thought provoking question and see them think about their answer. One of those answers I hope to give them is "I don't know." Better to say you don't know and get the right answer.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org