Save a Life, Proverbs 24

"Rescue the perishing; don't hesitate to step in and help. If you say, 'Hey, that's none of my business,' will that get you off the hook? Someone is watching you closely, you know—Someone not impressed with weak excuses."

Proverbs 24:11-12
The future looks promising. It has been said that advancements in all forms of technology and knowledge will seem like light years compared to the changes that have happened in the last century. Time and progress flew from 1900 to 2000. Inovations from 2000 to 3000 will be incredible, buckle your seats we are in for a wild ride.

If people are perishing on this journey, we have to do something now. How can you and I really make a difference? What is your calling? You and I have been given talents and abilities that could literally change the world we live in for the better. Before God gives us his blessing, he will search our hearts and determine what benefit we bring to the Kingdom.


"Charity Water"

Proverbs 23:24 - "It's wrong, very wrong, to go along with injustice."

People have varying views of justice, but God's view is what really matters. Many claim there is no God, yet the world they invision would not exist without evil being reigned in by justice. What are some of the injustices you see in the world? Before you call it an injustice check it out with the bible first, then get behind the cause. For example, is there such a thing as a just war? Is the death penalty right? What about abortion? Should drugs be legalized? What about prostitution? Euthenasia or Global Warming? There are many moral issues we have to deal with and sadly, many of us lack wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in these matters (including this author). Our decisions mean life and death to someone. We will be held accountable, so it is wise to discern the heart of God on these matters and act accordingly.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

12.12.08 The Counsel, Proverbs 12

"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge; but he who hates correction is stupid."

Proverbs 12:1

"Thirst for Knowledge" Portrait Unknown Artist

Discipline is hard. At first, it shocks, it may hurt, it may humble - then revelation. It is an amazing thing to be transitioned from mediocrity to elevated awareness and ultimately status. Our walk with the Lord is a series of discipline and he only disciplines the ones he loves; so, if you are getting a "life whipping", take heart things are changing for the better for you.

I cracked the oil pan to my 1985 BMW this week. This was the 3rd time in 3 years. I was devastated. The repair on a BMW oil pan costs $1150. This time I was lucky and didn't break any engine mounts (which would have added to the cost).

My Ultimate Driving Machine rides low to the ground (performance suspension, nice and tight) and the streets in Houston are wavy and bumpy. It was my own fault for driving a little too quickly while crossing the railroad tracks. I was rushing a client to a live a radio show after their appearance on a live TV show (we were in a hurry). I have learned to handle adversity with grace, the client never knew about my own situation (although I was doing all I could to contain myself). We made it to the station on time and I had enough engine power to get to the parking lot without an overheating problem or the engine locking up (the silver lining).

I could have done without this problem, but in the problem, I found opportunity. It drew me closer to God and I could hear him better. I think the situation gave me more power over the enemy. A derailed setback, actually became fodder to push forward, realization that God was still in control. I had messed up, but the facts didn't matter, God was moving me forward.

A buddy gave me a ride to an important meeting that I would have missed. It taught my wife and I once again, that we could bounce back from adversity and enter a new realm of faith (we now have a solution to the oil pan problem and our mechanic has suggested a buffer plate be installed).


"One Way Jesus" by United

Proverbs 12:3 - "A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly."

I am a blabber. I am working hard to control my tongue. I am zealous and excited about what I see God doing and he has given me access to some incredible opportunties that require that I share them with many to gain the momentum that needs to happen on most of them. However, given the dynamics of my world, there is opportunity to share information that may actually "short circuit" an opportunity. Self-interested people could actually steal the idea or alert someone prematurely and have them withdraw their support, etc. In my world, timing and trust is everything.

So, knowing what to say and what not to say is a delicate balance. Fortunately, trusted partners makes it easier to share information with each other. Our tendency is to blurt out what we know, when we may need to hold back for the right moment. A little information here, a little there, and before you know it, you have got the attention of the people you want and then an idea can flourish and bless many people.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

10.23.08 Remembering "The Root", Proverbs 23

Photo by Bill Foley, Associated Press

I did not realize that today was the 25th anniversary of the Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, Lebanon (October 23, 1983). I was 18 when I got the news that a friend, Timothy McMahon, a Marine, was among the 241 service men who were killed on that fateful day. That day changed my life and my focus. In memory of him, I joined the Marines in 1988 and have had many honor filled moments that have inspired me.

This year, the mastermind of the bombing was killed and brought to justice by the "Global War on Terror". Thank you President Bush!

My prayers go out to his family and the other families. These brave heroes gave their lives for our country and our freedom. Today, there are many more on the front lines, serving. Hope you enjoy this video "Letters from War".


"Letters from War" by Mark Schultz

You can e-mail a member of the Armed Forces by contacting www.eMailOurMilitary.com

Proverbs 23:12 - "Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge."

Do you love to learn new things? Science is proving that an active mind stays sharp and seekers live longer. If you don't use it, you lose it. The love of learning is incredible. A variety of interests helps to further this pursuit.

You can learn a lot about a person, by the way he or she thinks. I enjoy being around other learners, people who are curious.

Proverbs 23:17 - "Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord."

Do you envy sinners? It is so easy to do. My goal is to be in the "zone", seeking what God wants me to do and to not lean on my own understanding. The zone I speak of is the prayer zone, the faith, zone and the miracle zone, the life giving source that gives meaning to the direction of life in service to the Kingdom. When we envy, I think we miss the opportunity to discover and understand that many have yet to tap into their calling. Many have refused to seek and secure their spiritual future. The joy they know today, will be their only joy. There is a limit to all of our days on Earth and in the end it gets down to the treasures we have built in Heaven.

I thank God often, that I have been set free from traps that were controlling my life. Can you think of traps that you have been set free from, that might have consumed your life?

Proverbs 23:25 - "May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice."

I received an e-mail from one of my cousins today. His son just joined the Navy and they are very proud of his decision to enlist. It must be an incredible joy to raise a son or daughter who decides to serve in the military. I can think of no greater calling for a citizen. The bible has many accolodes for those who serve and I believe veterans harbor a flavor for the country and its history that few will ever know.

I am very thankful to have one of my parents still alive and my wife's parents who have continued to believe in us. As they get older, we are looking to their care. I guess it is the circle of life, we must look to the needs of our parents and be the children that this verse talks about. I hope I have had moments where my father and mother have rejoiced. Who knows? I know I gave them grief.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

The Navigation, Proverbs 22

Life is a series of treasure maps. As a child, our life is fairly careless (depending on your upbringing). I enjoyed being a kid playing cops and robbers, batman and robin, the lone ranger, riding my bike, the cub scouts, hunting in the fields, etc. Eventually came elementary school, junior high, high school, and college, service in the military, marriage, career, and family. Whew!

How do we wind up where we go? Are we following the right map? Are we equipped to read it? There is so much treasure yet to find and new found wisdom. We are an accumulation of our life experiences (much of it we would like to forget). Each day is a new slate, a new map, a new journey. What knowledge are we lacking, how do we get it? Pray for direction and avoid the pitfalls.


"Slow Fade" by Casting Crowns

Proverbs 22:5 - "In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them."

This verse is like a macro look at one's life. Over the course of 5, 10, 20 or 30 years. How much of it is blessing and how much of it involves thorns? I have had my share of thorns and self-inflicted wounds. I am now more focused on guarding my soul and avoiding the traps, tribulations, and perils. Similarily, sharing that wisdom with my family and friends. How do you guard your soul? What advice do you have for those seeking the same?

Provers 22:7 - "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."

The best case for debt free living. Are you debt free? Well in our soceity, various levels of debt is acceptable. We use it to expand a business, buy a home, a car, big ticket items, and even daily expenses. Emergencies do happen and we even may need to borrow from family and friends. Many people in the U.S. are feeling the pinch. Credit card bills are high, the cost of living is racing, and high taxes of all kinds force a dual income to raise a family. It is a subtle trap.

Our family has struggled to get closer to being debt free. The last four years have been tough, but we have managed. Fortunately, we don't have a car payment and we no longer have the major credit card bills. We do owe on our home and are paying off a few medical bills and auto repairs. It is tough having to rely on our own finances, but it sure beats the alternative. In addition, we are looking to the future and planning for future expenses - taking care of our parents, our kid's college, future medical bills, retirement, etc. The decisions we make now with our money, will detail how comfortable those decisions will be in the future.

Fortunately, the Lord already knows our financial struggles and needs. He already has the answers. Go to him in prayer. He will work out the solutions on our behalf.

Proverbs 22:12 - "The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful."

Do you have a curious mind? Do you love learning new things? Knowledge and understanding is something that can never be taken away. There are many educated derelicts in our society. Many who have limited knowledge, but act as if they are the intellectual elite. What happens when the masses are unfaithful? People willingly accept a lie for the truth and truth loses its meaning. I see this played out drastically in politics today. Who do you trust in these times? Who is really speaking truth?

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org