“And the king answered them harshly; and forsaking the counsel of the old men, King Rehoboam spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, ‘My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to it. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’” – 2 Chronicles 10:13-14

King Rehoboam made a huge mess of things because he clearly didn’t learn anything from his own father’s proverbs. He was 41 years old and his father was Solomon. He had plenty of access to wisdom growing up (even if Solomon was acting like a dummy by then). If he’d bothered to study the proverbs, perhaps he would have given a soft answer that turned away the people’s anger rather than harsh words that stirred up the wrath of the 10 tribes of Israel that broke away from his kingdom. Perhaps he would have listened to the wise and mature counselors eager to help him rather than the young, prideful, and foolish counselors vying for access to power. Perhaps he would have understood that power doesn’t lie in flexing the authority of your title but in listening and serving those you’re called to lead.

Pride, harshness, foolishness, and abuse of power. These are disastrous traits in a leader (though very common throughout history). For Israel, these things caused an irreparable split in the nation. A moment of arrogance shaped the next four centuries of history! That’s the damaged caused by foolish words, especially from someone charged with responsibility.

All of it was preventable through the study of godly wisdom. So, how do you feel about the proverbs? Do you read them regularly to benefit from the picture they paint of wise living in God’s world? If you aren’t, consider reading a portion of them each and every day to regularly fill your mind with the practical wisdom preserved in God’s Word. #FollowJesus

“He went up to the altar that he had made in Bethel on the fifteenth day in the eighth month, in the month that he had devised from his own heart. And he instituted a feast for the people of Israel and went up to the altar to make offerings.” – 1 Kings 12:33

King Jeroboam’s sin set his entire nation on a disastrous course from which it never recovered. What was that sin? Manufacturing his own version of God for political advantage. The first king of the breakaway northern kingdom of Israel, he feared his people going to Jerusalem to worship God properly. Instead, he built new centers for worship that would be more convenient. He invented new religious feasts and festivals. He built golden statues to be worshiped as God. He made anyone a priest who wanted to be one, regardless of their qualification.

Jeroboam manufactured a version of God that was politically convenient. That consolidated and secured his power. That glorified his leadership as king. This was an abomination and no king of Israel after him ever broke away from this pattern. Ultimately, the ten tribes of Israel would eventually be conquered and scattered because of this foundational sin.

Unfortunately, people today are very quick to manufacture their own versions of God and Jesus to suit their tastes, preferences, or purposes. We talk about what “my God” or “my Jesus” would or would not do, regardless of what the Bible says about that. We use the trappings of faith to celebrate pride and sin. People wrap themselves in Jesus for political purposes while acting in ways completely opposed to His teachings. People use the name of God for political purposes without obeying His heart or His commands. We live in a golden age of manufactured, politically advantageous, false versions of the Lord.

True followers of Jesus must never engage in this. Don’t fall for it. Don’t go along with it. Stay deeply engaged in the Bible. Understand the heart and the commands of Jesus. Live by these and refuse to compromise either His heart or His commands. Refuse to blindly go along with leaders claiming the name of Jesus without truly following Him. Don’t just point out the sinful errors in those you disagree with politically. Speak God’s truth to those whom you support. Don’t go along with the sin of Jeroboam! #FollowJesus

“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’” – John 21:17

Of course, Jesus knew that Peter loved Him! That wasn’t His point in asking three times. It wasn’t an interrogation to break Peter down. The point was to build Peter back up in forgiveness and restoration. Peter had denied knowing Jesus three times. He’d sworn an oath before God that he didn’t know Jesus. He’d called down God’s curse on himself if he actually knew Jesus. Peter’s betrayal was deep. Therefore, his restoration had to be deeper.

And so, three times, Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him. Three times, after Peter said that he did, Jesus gave him responsibility to care for His people. Three times. Not to frustrate to Peter (which was easy to do) but to fully restore him. One affirmation of love for each denial. One restoration to service for each failure of courage.

What Jesus did was simple, yet powerful. It may have taken a little while to sink into Peter’s mind but it certainly seems to have changed his life. He got it. And what he got wasn’t unique to him. It’s what Jesus always offers – forgiveness and restoration for all who love Him. A gracious eagerness to wash away guilt and shame when we confess and repent. Tender, loving restoration even after we mess up yet again. Genuine love that doesn’t hold the past over anyone’s head as a threat or means of control. Mercy, grace, patience, love, and faithfulness. All freely available through Jesus. #FollowJesus

“I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live;” – Ecclesiastes 3:12

Ecclesiastes is an interesting book. It largely documents one man’s (Solomon) search for meaning in life when he had everything imaginable except a good relationship with the Lord. As his life neared its end, he discovered that vast wealth, fabulous accomplishments, beautiful buildings, and indulging every earthly appetite didn’t give him peace, purpose, or comfort in the face of eternity.

So what did this wisest of fools learn in his lifetime of exploration? The virtue of a simple life devoted to God. The treasure of truly enjoying the earthly blessings of family, friends, and work rather than constantly yearning for more and better. That, as the Apostle Paul put it, “godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)

If Jesus is your Lord, then Scripture is clear that God has prepared good works for you to do (Ephesians 2:10). Do those good works as long as you draw breath. Your life will never lack in purpose. Be joyful in Christ, regardless of your worldly status or situation. You’ll never lack for joy. Give thanks for the daily small blessings in your life, whatever those may be. You’ll find growing contentment. Rejoice in the presence of Jesus in your heart and in your daily journey of life. You’ll never be alone. Reject the world’s demand that you hunger for more, more, more. Instead, seek to experience more and more of the Lord and you will certainly get that. #FollowJesus

“Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice,
rising early in the morning,
will be counted as cursing.”
– Proverbs 27:14

This is definitely true and also kind of humorous to think about. Many of us have known (or been) the person who was inveterately, loudly cheerful far earlier in the day than is generally appreciated. However, there is a deeper point about timing and tone in communication that is well worth considering.

Sometimes in our haste to give a good word, encouragement, or bit of advice we do it in a way that is poorly timed, poorly phrased, or poorly received. Our blessing gets counted as a curse. It’s always worth taking a moment, before sharing a good word, to prayerfully consider our timing and tone. Is it a good time for the person you wish to speak to to hear this message? Are they able to focus? Are they so busy or stressed about other things that even a blessing may come across as “yet another thing”? Be thoughtful and sensitive to someone’s situation before speaking.

Then consider whether your tone of blessing and encouragement will be clear when you communicate? This is particularly tricky when communicating electronically via text or email. When people can’t see your face or hear your voice there are no non-verbal cues to help them understand your heart in speaking. Effective communication largely depends on those non-verbal cues. In their absence, electronic blessings can easily be mis-interpreted, even if you’re careful in how you write them. A never forget the horrors of auto-correct! Always read twice before sending once.

Bless people with your words, but be thoughtful about how you deliver your blessing so it’s received as a blessing! #FollowJesus