We have begun looking through the book of Proverbs. And we have seen a few introductory thoughts as we began. We looked at some of the historical background to this book and other such things. Today we will look at the first few verses of this great book God has given to us.
   The author of these proverbs is listed in the very first verse: Solomon, King of Israel, son of David. This statement of authorship gives credibility to the reader. Knowing that Solomon was the wisest man, it would be only fitting to listen to what he has to say. In order to learn about something, we have to listen to those who are wiser in that subject. If I want to be a nuclear physicist, I need to listen to the experts of that field. The fact is that Solomon wrote these proverbs, but the real Author, is God. He wrote this book, gave Solomon the words, and thoughts. Proverbs is inspired by God (II Timothy 3:16,17; II Peter 1:21).
   The reason for this book, and what I want to focus on is from v2-6. The goal is that we know wisdom, and learn. That we would understand the things taught to us. Solomon wants his son specifically as we will see later one, but all of us, to be wise, to understand right from wrong, and sound judgment in all our doings. Solomon is speaking from much experience, and with so many different struggles he had, now he relays a message of warning. Solomon says that wise men listen, and watch for traps that others have fallen into.
   As we read through even the first 6 verses we realize that Solomon's desire was that no one follow his steps of disobedience and idolatry. Solomon wanted his son to really understand what was going to be taught to him. God, who inspired this book desires the same for us, that we would not fall into Satan's traps. He has laid out many temptations and trials before us that we can avoid with wisdom. If we focus on God, and His wisdom, and if we learn from this book we will grow closer to Christ. Jesus Himself said that He was wisdom (Luke 7:35) The wiser we are the closer to Christ we become. Wisdom is so important, for every day of our lives we come to decisions, and choices, and it is up to us to make the right choice. As this world becomes worse and worse the decisions become harder, so wisdom is necessary.
   - Assistant Pastor Rick Mitton

   Today I want to begin a series of blogs from the Book of Proverbs. Before we delve into the book though, I want to bring out some background info on this book. It is considered to be written by Solomon, who wrote over 3000 proverbs I Kings 4:32. A proverb is a short statement or phrase that carries a basic truth that can be applied to common situations, which is why this book is difficult to outline. The Book of Proverbs deals with many subjects including parenting, speech, who God is, justice, work ethic, women, etc. Solomon wrote these for one of his sons, generally thought to be Rehoboam, though they are very applicable to our lives. Since it was written for that purpose, it is a great book to study as a youth, one who can learn from the mistakes of the older, and more experienced.
   Solomon was the wisest man that has ever lived. That is not just an opinion, but God states that in I Kings 3:12. Solomon was granted much wisdom from God, but Solomon also learned much wisdom from his life. Solomon had gone through some incredibly tough times, and he made some bad decisions. Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines, and this led Solomon to worship other gods. He had a long hard struggle, yet through it he gained more wisdom. Solomon was King David's son and became king of Israel in 970BC and reigned for 40 years until his death.
   It has been said that for one to be wise he should read a chapter of Proverbs each day of the month, every month. Another person said that the proverbs are "laws from heaven for life on earth". This is a book of profound wisdom about God, and through looking at this book I trust we will have a greater understanding of who God is. Also this book will deeply impact our lives, that we would take some of these proverbs and apply their truths to our lives that we would live godly, Christlike lives, serving Him!
   - Assistant Pastor Rick Mitton

   Today, I want to draw your attention to Jonah. And immediately those who are familiar with this Prophet would have a negative mindset toward this man. We all know about how he ran from God and that he was whiny and sulked while the City of Nineveh repented of their sin. But was Jonah really that bad? Was he really the worst prophet God ever had? Should God have chosen someone else? Was Jonah not qualified enough to do the job? Why was Jonah so unspiritual and unwilling to serve God?
  Jonah is first mentioned in Scripture in II Kings 14:25 "He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the Lord God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gathhepher." Jonah was called by God to be a prophet and Jonah did exactly what God commanded Him to do. God called an experienced prophet to Nineveh, not one who had not served God. Jonah's first mission here, was not an easy one, he was asked to talk to King Amaziah, an evil king who did not serve God. Jonah had to speak to this King, at the risk of his life and tell him to restore some of the land. Also as we look at this verse, we see that the writer refers to Jonah as the "servant of God".
  When we look at the events in Jonah's life, from the Book of Jonah, we see a much different picture of this prophet, and we see who he was. We know all about his shortcomings and issues, but notice throughout the book, God never leaves Jonah, Jonah leaves God. In Jon 1:3, Jonah "fled from the presence of the Lord". As Jonah runs away, God is still there, we see God is with Jonah in Jon 1:4, and the fish that God prepared (created) was at the right place and right time. In the belly of this fish Jonah cries out to God and God hears him. And throughout the rest of the book we see that God stays with Jonah, always there to assist Jonah in his walk with the Lord.
  Many times as we look at this book we think that Jonah should have had it all together, that he should have been a better prophet, or a better servant of the Lord. But even the most devout disciple has days of struggle, times when they want to run away, and yet God is right there beside us. We have a gracious God who does not give up on His children. People at times look at the Pastor of a church and think he is perfect, and when he does something wrong he is jumped on. Some look at an author or famous speaker and think that they are where everyone should be, they are the benchmark, until they falter in a certain area, then they are completely rejected by all. None of us is perfect, we are all sinners, and we must be careful to remember that even the best of servants struggle through times of hardship. Jonah made a few bad decisions, but he was still God's servant, and God still used Jonah in Nineveh and with King Amaziah. God still uses us, and we ought to obey Him, but when we stumble, remember that He right beside us ready to help us back up to run that race for His Glory!
   - Assistant Pastor Rick Mitton

   The last section of Mary's Song is a part that shows to us that God is not done. His plan is not over. There is more, Israel has not been forgotten. If you may recall prior to this event of the Birth of Christ there was no communication from God for 400 years. During this time of silence many thought that God had forgotten about Israel or that God had given up on them. But now, after 400 years, God was speaking, and was using this young peasant girl to break the silence. It was a new beginning for everyone, and Israel was remembered and God was merciful to Israel.
   There are times in each of our lives when we think that God is done with us. Perhaps because of a great big storm that has overwhelmed us, and there seems like there is no way out. Or, we have greatly sinned, and the consequences are greater than we can handle, and forgiveness seems like a distant hope instead of a close reality.
   This passage can encourage us that for Israel it was 400 years before God communicated to them, this silence was brought on because of sin and idolatry. For us, we know God is with us as believers, always. And forgiveness is always close by. God is always ready to forgive and purify us. God does not forget about His dear children, both Israel and for those of us who have put our faith and our trust in Him for salvation.
   - Assistant Pastor Rick Mitton