Saturday, September 15, 2018

Garbage In, Garbage Out

God is Wisdom

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

In economic modeling, we all know that the results forecasted are only as good as the data entered; and, that without a solid foundation, the predictions for the future are meaningless, even potentially harmful. The same is true in business as the vision, ethics, and values of its leaders seep through the organization. But if the core is rotten, so too will be the results. It is only a matter of time.

To have a fruitful life in business or at home, God’s word tells us to begin by protecting our hearts which can only be done by filling ourselves with things that are wholesome and pure, eliminating that which is not. It takes discipline to develop new habits and eliminate the old ones, but we can trust God that the results will be worth it.

My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil Proverbs 4:20-27

Because God is wisdom, and because He has shared His divine knowledge with us through Christ, we can develop good habits for a fruitful life

Saturday, September 1, 2018

A Lofty Declaration

God is Gracious

They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied, “You are right in saying I am.” Luke 22:70

We all have experienced the salesperson who makes elaborate promises with little downside or cost to us, but experience tells us not to believe in anything that is too good to be true.

But what about Christ’s claim to be the Son of God, sent to earth as part of God’s redemptive plan to pay the penalty for all the sins of mankind without cost to anyone? Does it sound too good to be true? Shouldn’t we owe something or someone to be forgiven? How do we come to accept this truth? And while the answer is simple, it is not simply accepted. Much debate can occur among ourselves and within ourselves as we struggle with accepting Jesus as the Messiah. But the simple answer is it is by faith that we believe. And it is only by faith that we are saved.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:1, 6

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20

Because God is gracious, through faith in Jesus Christ our sins are forgiven.