A New Direction, Proverbs 9

"Skilled living gets its start in the Fear-of-God, insight into life from knowing a Holy God."

Proverbs 9:10

"Go that way!"

Do you ever feel lost? I do all of the time. I am constantly searching for the direction that the Lord is calling me to walk. I do get lost, but he helps me to get back on track. Prayer has become so important to our family, we know we have been called to a greater purpose and it does not come without its trials and tribulations. I have learned that when I am feeling lost, that I really need to kneel down, pray, and worship God and to thank him for the many ways he is perfecting my faith. I don't have all the answers, but he does. Our lives are unique and were created for a purpose. I think the joy of life is seeking out that purpose and living it out as a demonstration of God's love. Our lives should be a blessing to others. When I am lost, I wonder if I am being that blessing to others. Sometimes, I don't feel like it. Fortunately, he helps me to remember and often someone reaches out and becomes that blessing to me.


"The Wonderous Cross" by Michael W. Smith

"Live wisely and wisdom will permeate your life; mock life and life will mock you."

Proverbs 9:12

Who doesn't want to be wise? We do want to learn from our mistakes and avoid them all together. I enjoy being around smart and wise people. Those who have the battle scars, the experiences, and the temperment that comes with overcoming challenges. Are you taking life seriously? Are you a mocker? It is hard not to be a cynic in these times. However, we are not called to be cynics and mockers, but to live our lives with joy and a spirit of expectation. God has a plan and we should wisely seek after his plan and his direction.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.com

Death Proof, Proverbs 9

"Leave your impoverished confusion and live! Walk up the street to a life with meaning."

Proverbs 9:6
I spent Friday and Saturday in Austin, Texas meeting with directors, writers, animators, and an independent record label representing over 2,500 indepdendent artists. I love the entertainment world and especially movies. I have been a fan of Quentin Tarantino's movies for some time; although, there is much controversy with his work. I admire the product of his cinema, because they are so grinding edge.

While in Austin, I visited "Texas Chili Parlor" where a scene from "Death Proof" was shot. The place was a cool "hole in the wall" type location. The food was pretty good too.

"Death Proof" is a bazarre movie for sure. A maniacle killer "Stuntman Mike," played by Kurt Russell, is on the loose. He ultimately faces justice at the hands of his supposed victims.

Movies offer us a little insight into the mayhem of evil. It causes us to wonder why evil exists and what makes people do the things they do. It is also a reminder that evil is out in the world and can only thrive when good people do nothing.


"I Was Here" BlueFishtTV

Proverbs 9:18 - "But they don't know about all the skeletons in her closet, that all her guests end up in hell."

The Christian walks leaves an impact, a legacy. Jesus's example has transcended over 2,000 years (the one name that causes much consternation). He overcame death. To become "Death Proof" we must accept the one who had victory over death.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.com

1.9.09 Arrogant Scoffer, Proverbs 9

"If you reason with an arrogant cynic, you'll get slapped in the face; confront bad behavior and get a kick in the shins."

Proverbs 9:7

Have you been around cynics or scoffers? I found a quote on-line that read somethig like this, "Arrogance is a medicine that dulls the pain of one's ignorance." It is usually called an ego or super ego.

I really don't know that many people that are what I would consider arrogant, but recently ran into a guy who made a judgment about me that he couldn't shake. I tried to explain my oversight, but it only came after several e-mails back and forth (the guy did not want to talk on the phone). So after a few kicks in the shins, that matter was resolved and I have learned my lesson and will make sure I know who I am dealing with before I present an opportunity or an idea.

It is hard not to be selfish. Our psychological muscles are trained to preserve our own interests over others. Our egos drive the day. How do we train ourselves to focus on others; especially, when all they care about is themselves? Jesus did an incredible thing for us. He gave of himself to the point that it cost him his own life. The most dangerous prayer according to Rick Warren, Pastor of Saddleback Church and author of "The Purpose Driven" life is "God use me!"

When God uses you, you will find mockers, arrogant people, and fools that you must contend with, but it doesn't make you better than them. Do good anyway!


"Give Your Life Away"

Proverbs 9:8 - "So don't waste your time on a scoffer; all you'll get for your pains is abuse."

My tendency is to want to confront scoffers. I just want to tell them "You don't know me and you don't know my relationship with God!" Whenever I detect a cynic, I avoid them like the plague. Scoffers can come from family members, friends, business associates, neighbors, etc.

Find a core group of people you know and trust and nurture those relationships. A real friend is someone you can call 24/7 and they will take your call and want to know how they can help. Better, be that friend to others. Your close friends will help you to deal with the "flakes" and the "naysayers" that come along. Remember, they don't know you and they don't know your relationship with God.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

12.9.08 The Meal, Proverbs 9

"She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table."

Proverbs 9:3

Do you hunger and thirst for the things of God? These are trying times. It is so easy to get distracted with our own personal problems, but there are always many worse than us. God wants to reach those people and he is looking for givers. Those who give their time, their talent, and their resources. The needs are many. He has prepared a feast for us. Food that blesses our spirit beyond compare. That used to be hard to comprehend, but when God is preparing you for greater things, then you hunger for the things that provide lasting nourshment and make you feel more alive than you ever have.


"The Hunger"

Proverbs 9:17 - "Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious."

Do you hunger for righteousness? Instead, do we hunger for the things of the world and satisfy our desires with substitutes? Are we "short circuiting" God's plan?

We may not steal water, but we may steal opportunities from others. We may consume off of the talent and influence of others. Have you ever been taken advantage of? Has someone stolen your time, an idea, or failed to pay you for a service rendered? I enjoy working with gracious people. People who value my time and people who know that I value them as well - that requires trust.

I love working with people who want to do the right thing. Unfortunately, the view of "right" looks different from the perspective of the other. How do we keep from stealing from each other and how do we add value to other? Be a giver, it always comes back.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

11.9.08 No Time to Kill, Proverbs 9

"Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you . . ."

Proverbs 9:8

I am not a pastor or bible scholar. I write much of what I write in order to further my own faith walk, hoping that my personal insights and experience may help others. I do seek counsel from trusted believers to help me to understand what God is saying to his people in these times. The wisdom journey can be taken by anyone and I believe God has a message for each of us that will help you to discover his "biblical world view". My pastor, in his message in church today, gave the definition for wisdom:

"Seeing the world through God's eyes."

Proverbs 9 reveals that we should not waste our time on mockers and fools. Wisdom opens the doors for those who seek it and has a wonderful feast prepared for us.

On the subject of wasting time, I have been doing some research on the "persecuted church" and "end times prophecy". I was recommended by a friend to visit "Voice of the Martyrs" (http://www.persecution.com/). They do offer news of the day on what is happening the body of christ.

We find that the world is very intolerant of the message of Christ and 60% of the body is currently enduring persecution and tribulation. What we take for granted, they must fight for each and every day.


"The Persecuted Church" music by Decyfer Down

Proverbs 9:12 - "If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."

I do believe we may be living in the end times. No one knows for sure, but the chatter is in the air. We are called to be on the look out for our redeemer and to be prepared. If these are the end times, the time is ticking. Secure your own understanding of the world through the eyes of God.

Will we be called to pay the price of persecution for standing for the name of Jesus? Are you currently being persecuted for standing for Christ?

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

The Banquet, Proverbs 9

A Banquet Hall Feast

Do you like to cook? I like to cook on special occasions (i.e., birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, etc.). I have select dishes that I enjoy making (usually barbecued brisket, steaks or ribs - what man doesn't?). However, for many years my wife has handled the details of our daily dining. Lately, this "Proverbs Journey" has sparked an interest in the daily preparation of our meals. I am giving my wife a break and she loves it.

I made the most delicious beef stew and fresh vegetables last night. It took all day to crock. I love spices, a variety of tastes, and the thought of something taking all day to cook. The house wafted the smell of something special in the kitchen. In reality, this meal took little effort, but when we dined on it late in the evening, we were both in heaven or so it seemed. Life is good indeed, we thought.

Our children on the other hand resisted the "new" food and complained. Their only option was eat or go to bed (hunger got their attention). They acquiesced and added a little barbecue sauce to the meat and were okay with the meal. Secretly, I think they loved it too!

It is a blessing to a father to be able to feed his family and see them enjoying it. I think it is a blessing to God to have us join him at the banqueting table. He has done all the work and freely invites us to join him.


Proverbs 9:1-3 - "Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars. She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table."

Would love your feedback on the "Seven Pillars" mentioned in this verse. It seems that Wisdom is here to serve. Not only has she built her house, but she has prepared the banquet. There are many details to building a home; especially one with seven pillars. Finally, the details of the banquet are specific. The table settings ornate. Imagine the best dinner you have ever had. Where is the best place you have ever eaten?

Proverbs 9:5 - "'Come eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.'"

We have an open invitation. Are you hungry for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding today? Where will you find it? How will you search? It is laid out before you.

Proverbs 9:11 - "For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life."

I know that I have done things in my life that have cost me days, maybe even years of my life. Wisdom promises that days will be added. Modern man has seen its days increased on the earth. Every year we hear that life expectancy is increasing. However, who wants to live longer and feel less satisfied with their life? I have always enjoyed talking to the elderly, those that seem to have a zest for life in their 80's, 90's, and even 100's. We are not guaranteed a specific number of days here. The math is up to God, but he indicates that he is willing and able to add more. Enjoy your extra day today. I pray that we get many more.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org