Proverbs 18: Drawing Straws

"You may have to draw straws when faced with a tough decision."
- Proverbs 18:18
Do you have tough decisions to make? I do every day. Decisions change the course of destiny. We are impacted by the hundreds of decisions we make everyday. Many we make without serious thought like what to eat, what to wear, which route do we take to work, what time we go to lunch, which e-mails we write or don't write, etc.

How do you solve difficult decisions? I have never tried drawing straws? Have you?


"Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty" by Agnus Dei

Proverbs 18:19 - "Do a favor and win a friend forever; nothing can untie that bond."

I love helping people. I look to be a blessing to others all of the time (of course one cannot help everybody). It is amazing to see the influence that people have (people have opened doors of opportunity for me all of my life). I enjoy when God uses me to open "big doors" (the bigger the better) for people I know and love. Sure it is a risk to help people. They might not appreciate the gesture the way you would have liked or forget your help. That isn't the point. When you help someone in need, they never really forget and neither do you. It is a bond that lasts forever. Do someone a favor today, just for the heck of it and because you can.

Check out this video I did for my new friend Demetria Dixon:


On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.com

One-Year on the Journey, Proverbs 11

"Count on this: The wicked won't get off scot-free, and God's loyal people will triumph."
- Proverbs 11:21

I started the Proverbs Journey a year ago tomorrow. I had read a book "The Richest Man Who Ever Lived" by Steven Kay Scott and decided to pursue my own journey. Over the year, God has shown me a lot about my life that has been in error. It has been a difficult walk. There have been moments where I just laid out flat on the floor asking him for greater wisdom and discernment, realizing that we are never truly wise. Yet, we are called to walk in wisdom that comes from him. I started this blog to encourage others to do the same. We are living in incredible times and our walk may seem right to our own understanding, but we may indeed be way off course.



"If good people barely make it, what's in store for the bad!"
- Proverbs 11:31

Today I heard my neighbor start a quarrel. He is blind and felt that the other neighbor had been ignoring him. It started off as a basic question "Have I done something wrong to you and your husband?" Well that led to an argument with the offending neighbor. I walked away, I knew where this was heading and it got worse. I came home to pray for him. We have a culture of "wronged" people, we seem to be looking for an excuse, any excuse to start a quarrel. I have been guilty of this too. Sometimes I do love a great argument or should I say debate, but often it is a waste of time, so why do it?



On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.com

God's Inspection and Review, Proverbs 25

"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of Kings."

Proverbs 25:1 (NIV)

I have written about this subject before. About the yearning within each of us to discover and create. We will persist until we discover. Yet many will quit on their journey. The challenges become too great to bear.

How do Christians learn to perservere to the very end? I submit that it is through prayer. We must pray daily, unceasingly as the bible commands, so that we will be ready to act when the Lord leads and directs. What is God hiding just for you? He has something perfect in mind, but he isn't just going to give it you to squander. He wants you to seek it out, then will it have the value and impact he is commanding. Journey with him, seek out his daily signs, become familiar with his ways and you will accomplish his plan for your life. You and I are so close to greatness, because we serve a great God who is mindful of us. Not some fairy tale.


"Diligence, Integrity, and Patience"

Proverbs 25:6-7 - "Don't work yourself into the spotlight; don't push your way into the place of prominence. It's better to be promoted to a place of honor than face humiliation by being demoted."

I love the idea of daily diligence. "Inch by inch it's a cinch" says Zig Ziglar. Sometimes we get overwhelmed with the tasks and the dream before us. It is best to hack at it everyday, take a rest, and back at it again. There are no short cuts. Take time to sharpen the ax. Ask God for direction and cut through the circumstances that are blocking you from God's vision. As you grow closer to him, he reveals the "crud" in your life, those things that are displeasing or repel him. Don't fear or give up, shed those things and walk closer still. He is dangerous, he is fierce, he is excellent, and he expects the same from his people. Be diligent.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.com

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

The Friendly, Proverbs 18

"An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment."

Proverbs 18:1

My friend Bill Adams at "Aeros Hockey Game"

Are you a true friend or fake friend? I am an observer of people and it is amazing to see the amount of passive aggressiveness at play in this day. We have a natural desire to be social and set-up our own standards as to who will be a friend or not. True, we should not associate with those who may corrupt our character, but for the most part I have observed most just need a friend. I discovered that my friend has fallen off the wagon and his life might be at stake. I've prayed that he might call me to touch base to let me know he is okay. If you see him. Let him know I care and he is my bud. Most of my friends know that I will return every e-mail, every call, and that they can call me 24/7. How avaialbe are you to your circle of friends?


"Friends" by Michael W. Smith

Proverbs 18:12 - "Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor."

Do you know any proud people who are headed for a fall. In this era, it is quite easy to pick the "me-focused" people. You and I could probably spot one by looking in the mirror. We have to remind ourselves daily that we need to be humble and allow God to impact our focus. When we focus on him, then life makes more sense. We must humble ourselves to receive his commands.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.com

Amazing Clarity, Proverbs 21

"We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives."

Proverbs 21:2

I've been away, but not far off. Have enjoyed discovering God and begging him for more wisdom. A journey may lead to detours and a bit of scouting the terrain. God has given me a hunter and warrior spirit and I enjoy the chase. I enjoy the moments of amazing clarity, but even then we cannot lean on our own understing. God is fluid and moves us for his purposes. What are your motives focused on today? When we focus on self, we lose sight. God may use us to inspire others and lead, but the focus must always lead back to him. We are useful tools for expanding the kingdom. Lead by following him.


"Spritual Battle Cry"

Proverbs 21:21 - "Whoever goes hunting for what is right and kind finds life itself—glorious life!"

Are you on a mission or just passing through? Want a glorious life? How about hunting for the things of God. God has an amazing plan for each of us and it is beyond "hum drum." The most dangerous prayer, "God use me!" He will and then it will be time to hold on for the wild ride.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.com

p.s. Something extra:

"Do your best, prepare for the worst—then trust God to bring victory." - Proverbs 21:31

Believe in Yourself, Proverbs 23

"Give yourselves to disciplined instruction; open your ears to tested knowledge."

Proverbs 23:12

Do you really believe in yourself? I had a recent banter back and forth about prayer on-line with a fellow. The commentator basically said that he did not need prayer only a belief in himself to accomplish the same thing. People may accomplish great things because of a self focus and belief, but I think they may miss something bigger. In fact, we can be way off the mark. God may see us at our true potential, but because we fixate on our own perception of who we should be, we will fail to live up to a more powerful state of being. We should instead, ask God how he would want us to journey with him to discover what he has planned for our lives.


"Child Like Faith"

Proverbs 23:26 - "Dear child, I want your full attention; please do what I show you."

Does God speak to you? Yes he does, but you may not hear him. I often don't hear him, but when I dig in and really concentrate and seek his direction, I can hear his voice. What is God trying to show you in these times? What should be our priorities? How does he want to use you and I? Will we listen?

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.com