31 Days of Wisdom and Worship – Day 18 – Pastor Ryan Binkley

Wisdom and Worship-Day 18

 

“An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.”

Proverbs 18:19 NLT

 

Wisdom

 

There are several friends that I have in life that we are no longer really close to because of offenses. Sometimes in life people get upset because of an unmet expectation or disappointment and no matter how hard you try and repair the relationship you feel like iron bars are separating you.  As I have walked through this experience a few times, I realize that I have to work harder to be more considerate, kinder, and timelier with my friends and family.  The cost of being a leader is high and influence should never be taken for granted.  Many of the problems I have had are my own fault and I certainly cannot blame someone else for being offended with me especially when the mistake or misunderstanding is on my side.  That said, you will always be called to love and forgive an offense as a Christian believer.  That doesn’t mean you don’t address the situation because you are supposed to address it with clarity and love.  Jesus said in Luke 17 that if a brother offends you to go to them and rebuke them and if he repents to forgive them.  In Matthew 18, Jesus says to go to your brother who offended you and if he hears you then you have one your brother back.  It also says, that if he doesn’t hear to take one or two others also, so you can all speak to him with clarity about what he did wrong and then if he doesn’t hear you at all, then to separate yourself.  Most situations I see though do not involve major sin rather they are personal matters where someone disappointed someone else and before much is said, they are cut off relationally.  Very few people go to someone that offended them and fewer it seems truly forgive them.  I think we have to decide that if we are going to be a part of a family, be in a marriage for life, work with a team in the corporate world, or be in a church serving that there will be plenty of times for offense to take root in our hearts.  It is up to us though to decide how to handle them.  Many people are disillusioned with church because of disappointments.  My encouragement today is to go to your friends once again and to save a friendship whenever you can. Go to the person that you offended or that your offended with and repair it the best you can.  In life, we don’t have a tremendous number of close friends, if you can save one it will be well worth it and I am sure the benefits of gaining a friend back will pay eternal blessings.

 

Worship

 

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you— even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar. I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me. But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.”

Psalms 42:5-8 NLT

 

Father, I give You my disappointments, my sadness, and my discouragements today.  I remember Your pursuit of me, Your love, and Your faithfulness. I will sing of Your grace each day and night.  Thank You for loving me and giving me life.  Even though I walk through difficult times, You have never forsake me.  You are the one who lifts my head and I thank You for loving me in every season I face in life.

31 Days of Wisdom and Worship – Day 17 – Pastor Ryan Binkley

“A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.”

Proverbs 17:10 NLT

 

Wisdom

 

There are some people who can receive some instruction, guidance, and correction just once, and they immediately respond.  You can exhaust yourself with others because you have to talk with them over and over again about the same matter, and they still come up with excuses on their behavior.  We all need correction, to make adjustments, and admonishment at times.  As such, we simply need to have the mindset that when correction comes, we want to listen and respond in a Godly, wise manner.  I have five children and sometimes it is just beautiful hearing them talk, have fun, and even banter back and forth a bit.  The only part that gets frustrating is when one tells the other “please stop”, meaning someone has crossed the line and they need to pull back.  Unfortunately, there are days when we hear “please stop” not just once, twice, or even three times.  It is rare, but if someone is yelling “stop” over and over it becomes annoying because we know someone is just not listening to the other person.  This happens in real life all the time, except we are not kids arguing, we are adults who just resist listening.  If we will have a listening ear, then we can become a person of understanding.  When one rebuke comes our way, we can take notice and respond accordingly.  What if the world listened and respected each other the first time?  If we did, then there would be no reason for prisons, lawsuits, or divorces. We must learn to listen, care, and love one another and wisdom will rule in our lives.

 

Worship

 

“ Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Rescue me from my rebellion. Do not let fools mock me. I am silent before you; I won’t say a word, for my punishment is from you. But please stop striking me! I am exhausted by the blows from your hand. When you discipline us for our sins, you consume like a moth what is precious to us. Each of us is but a breath. Interlude”

Psalms 39:4-11 NLT

 

Father, I know that my days here on this earth are brief and short compared to eternity.  Help me to understand that every day that I live is for you and not to take any day for granted.  Our lives are just moments and we need to live them for You every day. Forgive me of my sin and rebellion and bring my heart close to you.  I will listen and respond to your correction.  I receive your guidance for my life and discipline.  Let me live among the wise and thank you for loving me to guide and correct me today.  Amen.

31 Days of Wisdom and Worship – Day 16 – Ryan Binkley

“People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.”

Proverbs 16:2 NLT

Wisdom

In 1st Corinthians, Paul teaches us that if would judge ourselves properly that we we would not be judged.  Jesus told us to not judge others because when we do we are judging ourselves because we do the same thing that they do.  So, if we judge at all it needs to be directed primarily towards ourselves.  The reason we need to be reflective to our own actions, behavior, and motives is because generally we think that we are right and unfortunately many times we are incorrect.  Usually we think the other person is in the wrong or that their behavior justifies our own.  Even if we seem pure in our own eyes and in our perspective, let’s let the Lord examine your motives.  Allow Him to speak to you about your heart and motive.  If you do this is a healthy and not condemning way, you will walk in truth and humility.  This will allow the spirit of the Lord to move freely in your life.  I remember over a decade ago I had an employee that I really wanted to terminate and get off of my team. Their behavior was destructive as they regularly lost their temper with other associates in our company. I remember praying and praying about this individual and God would always tell me the good things about them.  It was interesting that as bad as they were the Lord was always telling me things that I could do to lead better instead of me just focusing on their weakness. He would highlight their diligence and work ethic and always challenge me to see the good in them.  Eventually we parted ways, but I learned more about myself and how to manage others during that time than in any other before or since. If we can see the good in others and ask the Lord to weigh our hearts, then we will be walking in humility and the truth and He will lead us discern ourselves and others properly.

 

Worship

 

“Don’t be upset because of evil people. Don’t be jealous of those who do wrong, because like the grass, they will soon dry up. Like green plants, they will soon die away. Trust the LORD and do good. Live in the land and feed on truth. Enjoy serving the LORD, and he will give you what you want. Depend on the LORD; trust him, and he will take care of you.”

Psalms 37:1-5 NCV

 

Lord, I give you my relationships today.  I give you my most difficult relationship today and I trust You to help me see what you see in them.  I pray blessing over my friends, family and even my enemies.  I pray that Your goodness would surround all of our lives and that we would all feed on Your truth.  May your ways surround me and may I hear your voice only.  I trust and depend on You for my future and my life.  Lead me in the way of truth and examine my heart.  May my ways and heart be pleasing to you.  I love you forever. Amen.

31 Days of Wisdom and Worship – Day 15 – Pastor Ryan Binkley

“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

 

Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

 

A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.”

Proverbs 15:1, 4, 18 NLT

 

Wisdom

 

I was with my brother on a night on the town in London when I was in my early 20’s right out of college.  My dad had taken us on trip to England and Scotland with a group of his business associates and we decided to head out one night after dinner and see the night life.  This is when I just rededicated my life to the Lord and I was just getting back into church.  We visited several places and nothing seemed to be that exciting and the world was becoming more and more less interesting to me.  Afterwards, we were on our way home and I stopped and got a slice of pizza from a street vendor.  My brother hailed a cab and as I was walking toward the cab a man came up to me and put a knife to my throat and demanded my pizza.  Now, at this time in my life I also had some anger issues I was overcoming and sometimes they would lead to fighting.  I quickly sized up this individual and as I was deciding what to do my life went into slow motion and slowly I could see what was going to happen next.  I saw us fighting, me getting away, but also me getting arrested in London late in the evening.  I knew we had a train ride to Scotland the next morning and a golf outing planned as well. Somehow, I knew that if I resisted and fought this person that I was going to miss that train and cause my dad to miss it as well.  Then in one split second, I said to the man, “here, have some pizza”.  Pizza saved the day. But it wasn’t just the pizza, it was also knowing when to have a cool temper.  I saw the other day in the news, where a man came out of a pizza parlor to two men who were fighting.  He stopped them and offered them pizza and all three of them took a slice and ate. The fighting was over and pizza won out again.  I wonder how many fights would be solved and arguments would stop if someone would say, “hey, let’s get some pizza”. Or something, anything, just to change the subject, lower the tone, and say everything is going to be ok.  A gentle answer deflects anger and is a tree of life.  I made it home that evening and took a great train ride to Scotland the next morning and played on one of the legendary golf courses in the history of the sport. I went home that night without pizza but came back home alive and with a great memory.  Maybe the pizza guy has found Christ since that day as well, I truly hope so.

 

Worship

 

“O Lord, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.”

Psalms 25:1-3 NLT

 

Father, I put my life and trust in Your hands.  Thank you for delivering me and not letting my enemies destroy me life.  None who trusts in you is disgraced and I thank you for saving me and keeping me all the days of my life.  Teach me Lord, to walk away from danger and to not allow trouble in my path.  Lead me into truth and in Your arms of protection.  I love You and give You my life today. Lead me in Your way forever and ever. Amen.

31 Days of Wisdom and Worship – Day 14 – Pastor Ryan Binkley

Wisdom and Worship – Day 14

“Those who follow the right path fear the Lord; those who take the wrong path despise him.

The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.”

Proverbs 14:2, 8, 12 NLT

 

Wisdom

 

All three of these comments in this chapter deal with the importance of following the right path for your life.  We all face different and difficult paths and it is not always easy to discern the correct way.  Our emotions and life experiences often get in the way of choosing the best way God has for our lives.  I have always been taught that there are some decisions that are against God’s will, some that are absolutely God’s will, and some that are His permissive will.  Obviously, some things are more important than others and some things God has a high interest in and others things are less relevant.  For example, I don’t care which tennis shoes my child decides to put on for the day, nor whether he plays with a puzzle or a board game, but I do care which friend they spend the day with or what movie they are going to watch.  As we get older, there are some things that have even greater importance such as where you decide to move, what college to go to, who to marry, where to work, etc…and in these decisions I believe God has a high interest in helping you follow the right path.  I believe that we show “fear” and “reverence” to the Lord by recognizing His will and desire for our lives and being willing to submit to His plan and leading. When we do, His path will become our path and our direction will become clearer and clearer.  Sometimes the wrong path seems right at first, so always take your time, get advice, and pray.  When we submit to God’s plan in this manner, you will understand where you are going and God’s perfect plan for you will be realized.

 

Worship

 

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.”

Psalms 23:1-3 NLT

 

Father, I thank you for the rest that I need today and for bringing me peace in my life.  I ask you to restore and strengthen any weak area of my life and forgive me of my sins.  Renew me today, Lord and I will be strong. Walk with me and lead me along the right paths of life and I will bring honor to your name.  I love you. Thank you for restoring, strengthening, and guiding me.  Amen.

31 Days of Wisdom and Worship – Day 13 – Pastor Ryan Binkley

Wisdom

 

“Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.”

Proverbs 13:3 NLT

 

When Ellie and I first got married, we made up a song one time when we did a good job at not saying something when we felt like it.  It went something like, “Who can tame the tongue? Ellie can, Ellie can!” It was a definite cause for celebration because we have all been through situations where our tongues have gotten us in trouble and if we just would not have said anything at all, then certainly there would have been a better outcome.  This proverb is not about saying the right thing at the right time or even a positive thing, although that is ideal. It is simply about not saying anything at all.  If you learn to control your tongue it can lead to a long life and if not, it can ruin everything.

 

Worship

 

“May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers.”

Psalms 20:4-5 NLT

 

Father, I thank you for granting me and my family our heart’s desires.  I thank you also for helping us be successful in life.  We will shout for joy for the great victories you have brought and continue to bring in our life.  Thank you for answer our prayers, You are worthy of our highest praise.  Thank you Lord for deliverance, breakthrough, life, strength, and health.  We love you, Lord and praise you forever. Amen.

31 Days of Wisdom and Worship – Day 12 – Pastor Ryan Binkley

Wisdom

 

“There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.”

Proverbs 12:18 NKJV

 

When I was younger I thought sarcasm was gift.  I remember always trying to be funny with my family and friends in a sort of cunning way and trying not to laugh at my comments to make them wonder whether I was serious or not.  Somehow, I thought that a dry sense of humor was funny.  Some people got my jokes but most people thought I was just mean.  I may still do this at times but I really try and filter and not say anything that might come across disrespectful or cutting in some way.  Out of our mouths comes “blessings and cursing” and “life and death”. Let’s read the words of James, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” In other words, you cannot have it both ways. You shouldn’t tear someone down with your words and then say “I love you”.  The piercing of our words is like a sword.  What would happen if we never said anything negative, but rather just chose to let our words promote health.  Treat your tough relationships like you would someone if they were in a hospital. In a time of recovery, a patient needs all the conditions to be just right to heal properly.  They need the right food, rest, medicine, and in that type of care they can get well.  Treat your relationships like you want to bring healing and life. Then, not only will God make sure that your relationships grow stronger and healthier, but you will be blessed.

 

Worship

 

“May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; May He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion; May He remember all your offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifice…Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”

Psalm 20:1-3, 7

 

Father, no matter what trials I may go through today, I know that You are with me. You are my Defender, my Refuge, my Strength. I will not rely on my own strength and resources for it all comes from You anyway. Thank you for going before me and making the path straight. Thank you for making the crooked way straight and the rough places on this journey smooth. Thank you for leveling the mountains, those things that are hindrances in my life. I surrender my heart and my plans to you. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses…but I will remember Your name.

31 Days of Wisdom and Worship – Day 11 – Pastor Ryan Binkley

Wisdom

 

“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”

Proverbs 11:14 NKJV

 

There are points in people’s lives where everyone needs to step back and reevaluate their life and circumstances when they are in a troubled time.  We all face moments of disappointment and frustration, but the people who succeed and come through share something we all need in our lives and that is a multitude of wise counselors.  Everyone should find at least three people that are Godly, have wisdom that is based on God’s word, and would be willing to speak into their lives.  Second, you have to be willing to submit and do what they say otherwise you are in the neighborhood of those that are foolish.  Proverbs 26 says that a lazy person considers themselves smarter than seven wise counselors.  I believe this doesn’t just refer to physical laziness but also spiritual and emotional laziness. This means to me that some are just too tired, too selfish, too lazy to change their ways and that they would prefer to do things their own way than to have change, true change to come into their lives.  Seek wisdom, seek understanding, seek wise counselors and follow their counsel and you will live among the wise.

 

Worship

 

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.”

Psalms 19:14 NKJV

 

Father, thank you for giving me breath and life today. Thank you that Your mercies are new this morning towards me. The heavens declare Your glory and the sky proclaims Your handiwork. Direct the thoughts of my heart and mind into Your thoughts and Your heart. You are the strength of my life. It’s only in You that I live, and move and have my being. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you. You are my Strength and my Redeemer. Amen

31 Days of Wisdom and Worship – Day 10 – Pastor Ryan Binkley

Wisdom and Worship-Day 10

Wisdom

 

Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.

He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.

 

Proverbs 10:4-5

 

Diligence is one of the attributes of life that God honors.  I have seen many people that are not Christians but have tremendous favor on their life because they understand the importance of diligence.  If you are diligent in life, the bible says that you will stand before kings.  Conversely, one who is lazy in their affairs and in work will end up in poverty.  What’s also important is that you learn to work diligently in the right season.  Solomon says that if you gather crops in the summer or during the harvest you will be wise and it is disgraceful to rest during the harvest season.  Do you recognize the season of life your family, business or ministry is in?  For example, I have a short season with my oldest children to get into them everything I can before they go to college.  In business, we have to recognize the season of when to invest or to cut back.  In ministry, you have to know the season of whether to evangelize or disciple.  In an evangelist season you are reaching out to everyone you can and in a discipling season you are growing and nurturing the ones that God has put in your influence.  Let’s work in the season we are in with all diligence and see what God does in our midst.

 

Worship

 

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

 

He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.

They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support.

He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Psalm 18:2, 16-19

 

Lord, I thank you for delivering me out of all of my troubles! You are my victory! You are the reason I stand today.  Surely my enemies would have devoured me, but you have stayed their hand every time and pushed them back from my life.  I am alive because of you and I praise Your name forever.  You have put me high upon a rock.  You are my salvation and the reason I exist.  Thank you for saving and protecting me! My love and heart is Yours forever. Amen.

31 Days of Wisdom and Worship – Day 9 – Pastor Ryan Binkley

Wisdom and Worship-Day 9

 

Wisdom

 

““He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

 

“Stolen water is sweet, And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” But he does not know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the depths of hell.”

Proverbs 9:7-9, 17-18 NKJV

 

In life there are some people that really struggle when they are confronted with truth.  We have to be careful to share the truth in love, but realize that even when it is done in love not everyone is going to hear you.  If you correct a scoffer, you will get shame for yourself.  Meaning they will try and turn the tables and say that it is your fault or you are the reason the problem exists.  Then in turn, they will hate you all the more.  If the person has wisdom and is led by the Lord, they will love you for the guidance and appreciate the correction.

 

This chapter always gives an enlightening reality to tempting situations in secret.  Being in a relationship that you should not be in is stolen water and bread eaten in secret.  Many addictions are often kept in the dark as well.  They seem pleasant at first, but you have to realize that they are a trap and their “guests” are in the depths of hell.

 

Worship

 

“LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the LORD; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.”

Psalms 15:1-5 NKJV

 

 

Lord, I desire to dwell with You eternally.  Keep my heart upright and my ways pure before You.  Guard my tongue that I would speak the truth and keep my ways from evil.  May I honor those that fear your name and may my life honor You with by living righteously. Lord, help me to have integrity with my finances and in business and may I never be moved from Your presence.  I love You forever. Praise be Your Name.