Pickle Heaven Press-James R. Johnson

something to help you laugh and think about life with Christ

Tag: Proverbs

the longest bridge — January 17, 2024

the longest bridge

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The strait between New Brunswick Canada and Prince Edward Island is enormous and it was a big problem to folks in the Great White North.  The strait would freeze in the winter rendering travel by ferry impossible.  So, the Confederation Bridge was built.   

The span is more than 8 miles long and is the longest in the world.  It even has its own zone for the weather forecast.  The bridge is convenient to use but it’s costly.  In 2023 the toll was $50 Canadian per car.   

When it was first opened, they found that 1 out of every 10 drivers would seize up in fear when they tried to cross it because they couldn’t see the end of it.  It disappeared into the horizon.  

It was such a problem that the toll plaza had to provide bridge escorts who took the wheel for jittery motorists.   The driver would just scooch over and relax and let an expert take the wheel.

John Denver led us to believe that West Virginia is almost heaven, but I am thinking Prince Edward Island may be a better comparison.

The strait freezes in the winter and makes passage to the island by boat impossible.  The way to heaven, however, is more than impossible.  Forget trying to earn your way.  Jesus set a very high standard for us.  He said, “So then, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:48

A perfect balloon will hold air, but one teeny pinhole will explode it and make it useless.  Likewise, one single sin makes one less than perfect.  

But God gave us a bridge.  Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.” – John 14:6   Jesus claimed to be the way, the only way to heaven.   

The fare for the Confederation Bridge is hefty, but the fare to heaven is far greater.   Paul told us that the wages of sin is death. (Romans 3:23)   This is to say that anyone and everyone who has gotten crossways with the ways of God is a sinner and has chosen by default to spend an eternity in hell – to suffer a death that never ends. 

But the apostle John opened the book of Revelation with this tribute to Jesus.  He said, “To the one who loves us and has set us free from our sins at the cost of his own blood.” – Revelation 1:5

What wonderful news.  Jesus, motivated by His love for us, set us free from our sins.  It cost Him His lifeblood, shed on the cross of Calvary.  He died for us and by faith we receive His gift.

But we still need to cross that bridge.  Like the island, we are just not able to see heaven from where we stand.  Though we trust the Lord, some of us still get the jitters as we think about the journey.   

Fortunately, for people like us, an escort has been provided. Again, it is Jesus to the rescue.  He spoke these words of comfort, “I am going away to make ready a place for you. And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too.” John 14:2-3

He promised to return, and to join us.  He will be right there with us when it’s time to make that journey home.  We won’t go it alone.

It is quite amazing!  Jesus became our bridge, paid the toll, and plans to be with us to escort us across. 

It is not an optional journey by the way.  They say 100 out of every 100 people

die.  We either cross that bridge or perish in our sins.  The journey begins with a prayer like this…

A PRAYER: I want to cross over to the other side.  Jesus, please forgive me for my sins, cleanse me and give to me the priceless gift of eternal life.

This has been Jim Johnson and pickleheavenpress.com.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you!

Scripture references are from the NETBible ®

Solve It! — January 3, 2024

Solve It!

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Let’s take the principles in the book of Proverbs and organize them so that we have a broad and yet detailed approach to solving the problems that confront us.  We do this by working through a series of questions.

Q1: Do I see any problems developing (Prov 27:23-24)

Solomon tells the herder to be constantly aware of the condition of his flock because his future prosperity rests on this information.  Likewise, we need to diligently watch over the things and relationships that God has entrusted to us.   A small problem that is caught, doesn’t become a big one.

Q2: What is the problem? (Prov. 22:13a)

The person in the proverb discovered a lion outside.  He decided that it was a problem.   We need to recognize a problem for what it is.  Most problems seem to enjoy making an appearance and aggravating us.  But we tend to procrastinate – and postpone doing anything about them.

Q3: What may happen if the problem is not addressed? (Prov. 22:13)  

This is where you count the potential costs.  The sluggard knew that he would be eaten by the lion if nothing were done about it.   In the same way, we need to ask ourselves, “What could possibly happen if I don’t take care of this problem right now?”   When we count the potential costs – we are borrowing pain from the future which tends to motivate us into action today. (16:26)

Q4: To whom do I go for advice.?  (Prov. 11:14; 20:18)

                        a. Find an advisor who fears the Lord. (Prov. 9:10)

                        b. Find an advisor who is mature. (Prov. 20:29; 23:22)

                        c. Find an advisor who has a good reputation.  (Prov. 22:1)

                        d. Find an advisor who is objective.

                        e. Get more than one opinion (Prov. 11:14)

Q5: What does God’s Word say about it?   (Prov. 30:5)

When the Word does speak to an issue, we want to be very careful to drink up every bit of information we can.  Get yourself a good study Bible, maybe even a topical Bible.  And make sure you have a concordance so you can search out various themes from Proverbs.

Q6: What are the possible approaches to this problem? (Prov. 20:18)

Not every problem in life can be solved but there is a lot we can do with 95% of them.  You need to start with a plan.   Better yet is to create several possible solutions to your problem, which will enable you to compare and contrast and then choose the best one.   Get out a legal pad & create a chart like this & then brainstorm.

First Option  ____________________________________________________________

Strengths                                 Weaknesses

_________________________          ________________________

_________________________          ________________________

_________________________          ________________________

Provide a second and a third option as well, contrasting the strengths (pros) and weaknesses (cons) of each. 

Q7: Have I prayed for wisdom and help?  (Prov. 15:29; James 1:5-6)

Our choices matter to God.  Therefore, we should expect Him to give us the wisdom we need to make a wise one.  Seeking it in prayer is essential.

Q8: Which option do I choose?  (Prov. 19:21)

At some point, you will need to choose.  If we take the information we have gathered and bathe it in prayer –God will make it clear which option to choose. 

Q9: How and when do I start?  (Prov. 20:5)

So, you have a plan now.  You need to decide how and when you will start. Some of us can create a plan but fail to implement it.  The wise person will prioritize the steps and set a hard and fast date on which to tackle the project. 

Q10:  When do I plan to be finished?  (Prov. 26:15)

Some of us are starters, but not finishers.  Something that would help us to overcome this is to set a hard and fast date by which your project will be completed.

The wise person tackles problems as they come, knowing that to ignore them is to multiply the damage. 

CONCLUSION

So now you have a management plan for the problems that come your way.  But what if you implement your plan and you fail to solve the problem?   That’s the beauty of having created 3 original options.  You can go to option number two if you need and then even number three if necessary.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION

1. Which of the problem-solving steps tend to come to you naturally?

2. Which do you tend to ignore?

3. Which simple problem will you being to tackle with this problem solvers worksheet?

a hairy situation — July 12, 2023

a hairy situation

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I recently learned a disturbing secret about females.  I overheard 6 women comparing notes about the hair that was growing in their ears and on their noses and in all other kinds of crazy places.   I thought that was just a guy thing!  

Time fills in the empty spaces on our heads with hair.  If I didn’t keep mine trimmed, I would look like an albino chimpanzee.  Maybe this was God’s plan, a measure of mercy to hide my gnarly face.

But I wonder about Seth the third son of Adam and Eve.  He was 912 years old when he died.  Nose hair trimmers and such did not exist back in his day.   So, at almost 1,000 years old, poor Seth much have been a gigantic furball.

There is a silver lining, however, to the hair that comes with aging. Though some of us want to wash away the gray. The Scripture tells us it is a badge of honor.   

Proverbs 16:31 says, “Gray hair is like a crown of glory; it is attained in the path of righteousness.” 

Gray hair is a crown, a reward of sorts and according to Solomon it can be attained.  Really?  How does one obtain gray hair – I mean besides L’Oréal Paris?

Well, we need to understand the nature of the book of Proverbs to understand this specific one. “A proverb, is a simple and concrete saying popularly known and repeated, which expresses a truth, based on common sense or the practical experience of humanity.” (Wikipedia on Proverbs) 

Cervantes defined a proverb as “a short sentence based on long experience.”  Proverbs are generally true, although there certainly are occasional exceptions.

But what does this have to do with gray hair? 

Solomon frequently argued that wise choices generally result in a long life with gray hair as the proof, whereas foolish, sinful choices typically shave years from a person’s life expectancy.  They may not see their gray day.   

For instance, “The beginning of wisdom is to fear the Lord and acknowledging the Holy One is understanding.  For because of me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.” – Proverbs 9:10-11

He tells us that those who observe and follow biblical truth will most often live longer, more healthy lives.  But is this true? 

Well, I think of my own experience.  I spent the first 19 years of my life ignoring the truth of God and making dumb choices. 

I drank to excess, possibly setting myself up for severe health consequences for later in life.  While under the influence I did all kinds of stupid things including frequently drinking and driving.  That could certainly have reduced my life expectancy.

Then there was that time I broke into a house and could have been rightfully gunned down once I crossed the threshold. 

I could have been arrested for any number of other offenses.  Jail time would probably have affected my health and life span.

Pursuing my selfish agenda was very unfulfilling and depressing.  I seriously planned on taking my own life at one point.

But then Jesus stepped in and saved me from hell and myself at age 19.  From that day to the present, I have set my heart on serving Jesus and trying to wisely govern my life by the truth in His Word. 

The choices I have made since, have contributed to a long, healthy satisfying life. 

And guess what?  Today my gray hair, even the ones in my ears, they make up my crown of glory; attained by God’s grace and by pursuing the path of righteousness. 

There are so many rewards when we live a life of obedience to the Lord.  A mop of gray hair is just one of them.

A PRAYER: Lord, thank you for the practical, life-giving wisdom in your Word.  Help us to put it to work each day.

This has been Jim Johnson and pickleheavenpress.com

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

Scripture refences are from the NETBible®

two-by-four trouble — May 4, 2022

two-by-four trouble

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Read carefully to avoid a DYI catastrophe!

When I start a building project, I make elaborate plans.  But because of my ineptitude, my plans must be revised each time I fasten one board to another. Two-by-four boards contribute to my frustration.

Suppose I want to build a deck in the backyard.  It needs to be 8 feet wide.  So, I visit the lumber store and buy 24 standard two-by-four pieces of lumber – the exact amount needed to cover the deck. 

However, when I run out of lumber, I still have a gap almost a foot wide in my deck. (hope the grandkids don’t fall in the hole.)

So how did this happen?  It’s because a standard two-by-four IS NOT actually 2 inches by 4 inches.   It is 1 ½ by 3 ½.

So, what gives?  The lumber mill starts with a rough board that is actually two-by-four.  But once it is smoothed down to where it is useful, it has become the reduced version.  AND YET they still list it as a 2 x 4.

________

There can be a difference between what something is called, and what it truly is.

– The sign says “tolerance” but it means “acceptance for the politically correct.”

– The sign says, “more buying power” but it means “more access to credit and to debt.”

– The sign says “pro-choice” but it means “freedom to choose for a mom but helpless doom for a baby.”

So how do we wade through such confusion?

When I shop for lumber, I ignore the signs and put a tape measure to a board before I buy it.   

The Bible is our cultural tape measure.  It was given to us as an objective, truthful means of evaluating the shifting values of the world in which we live. 

Psalm 119:160 put it this way, “The sum of Your word is truth.” (NASU)

I like the word “sum.”  It tells us that every bit of the Bible is true.  “Sum” suggests that we may not pick and choose what we want to believe and practice.  We should know and operate based on the whole thing. 

The Bible, however, is a neglected book.  The American Bible Society issued their annual “State of the Bible” report for 2022.  They found that only 10% of U.S. adults use the Bible daily, while 16% consult it at least once a week and 7% read it once a month.

This is sad knowing that the regular practice of reading Scripture, shapes our worldview, helping us sort truth from error and enabling us to see what things really are, regardless of what they might be called. 

We don’t need the opinion shows on CNN or FOX news to tell us how and what we should think.  We need the truth of the Word of God with which to evaluate the news and put it into perspective.

OK let’s get practical.  Lately there seems to be a throng of ads on TV that want us to improve our credit rating.  Being in debt, therefore must be a good thing – right? 

Start with a question: “What does the Bible say about money and debt?”   Read a chapter a day from the book of Proverbs.  Zero in on and consider the many verses that speak about money.  See if you can’t come up with a biblical answer to that question. 

There can be holes in a backyard deck and holes in our thinking too.  Use a reliable tape measure and you’ll never end up with either. 

A PRAYER: Lord sometimes we are in too much of a hurry to measure. Help us to be more diligent

This has been Jim Johnson and pickleheavenpress.com

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you

lighten up — June 23, 2021

lighten up

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lighten up – audio version

I lifted the hood of the car to find the compartment jammed packed with wire and steel.  The problem that needed fixed was inevitably in the hardest, darkest most awkward place to reach.  

I needed a flashlight and someone to focus the beam.  “Son, shine the light on this spot – this one right here – so I can see what I am doing.” 

He did okay – for the first three seconds, and then the beam started to bounce, and then it wandered some, then it moved to spotlight the beetle on the ground and then he dropped the flashlight and broke it while I was thinking words that I dare not say.   

With a new lightbulb, we resumed, and he did okay – for the first three seconds.  I finished the job in the dark while he projected shadow puppets on the wall. 

But I learned my lesson.  I bought one of those lamps that you strap to your head with an elastic band.  I could direct the beam to exactly where I was looking. 

Now when I work on the car, I do okay – for the first three seconds.

_______________________________

I am glad that God has provided a better source of light for me.  It is celebrated in Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” KJV

There the Psalmist compared our life’s journey to that of following a path, and the Scripture to a lamp that lights our way. 

In Bible days they lit up a home with an oil lamp made of baked clay.  A wick dropped through an opening, which would draw the olive oil that was pooled in the bottom.   It created a small, cozy source of light. 

But traveling was another matter.  Israel is a land of winding, hilly paths, strewn with lots of loose stones.  Travel was tough during the day and treacherous at night.

The light cast by an oil lamp was too small to be helpful.  So, the night traveler would modify it by hanging the lamp with three strands of cord and then holding it out before him, so that it was suspended near to the ground, right before his feet.   

It would cast the light directly onto the path before him – where he needed it most.  Just enough for a step or two at a time. 

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

The path before us these days feels a little dusky and we need illumination to get to our destination.

God’s Word is still that light.   It is a resource that helps us to properly understand our world and clues us in as to how we should respond to it.  It gives us the big picture, but it also provides the precise practical wisdom needed for the next few steps before us. 

We just got to know and understand what is written there.  We need to read it, study it and marinate our minds with it. 

I have digested the book of Proverbs many times, even created my own topical index.   I’m encouraged when I find myself instinctively operating by the sound principles there – and occasionally grieved when they have been violated.   Without a doubt the book has been a lamp to my feet. 

The problem is, it is easier for us to assume what is written in the Bible than to really study it out for ourselves.  The Word of God is clear, whereas our assumptions about it are sometimes muddied.  There are things that creep into our assumptions like our personal preferences and the cultural messages which bombard us. 

In fact, some of our “biblical” beliefs are not biblical at all.  As it was in the days of Isaiah, some are calling evil good, and good evil.  (Isaiah 5:20) We are wandering in the dark, stumbling over stones and walking off cliffs.

Hey I would not tell you what you ought to believe, but I will tell you where your beliefs can be safely sourced.  Take God’s Word and apply to it to your next few steps.  The journey will become so much easier.

A PRAYER: God help me to mine your Word for wisdom then shine that truth on my path.

This has been Jim Johnson with pickleheavenpress.   The Lord be with you

words in the night — October 21, 2020

words in the night

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My wife and I were awakened by the hushed voices outside our open bedroom window.  I slipped over to eavesdrop in the night.  It sounded like teens, both boys and girls, and they had just stolen a toolbox from the bed of a pickup.  They had it but didn’t know what to do with it. 

They sat against the outside of the apartment wall.  We were less than inches apart with only curtains and a screen between us. 

One kid wanted to sell the box; another wanted to leave it with a friend; one of the girls seemed to be having second thoughts.  They argued back and forth.  

I wanted so badly to interject my opinion.  But what could I say?  My mind raced through what I knew from the book of Proverbs about speech. 

I could seize control by quickly blurting out something.  Not a good idea according to Proverbs 29:20, “You have seen someone who is hasty in his words there is more hope for a fool than for him.”   Been there – done that!  I understand.     

Maybe I should just keep my mouth shut.  It wasn’t my toolbox and doesn’t Proverbs 17:28 say, “…the one who holds his tongue is deemed discerning.” 

On the other hand, there is also this counsel, “Open your mouth on behalf of those unable to speak…” (Proverbs 31:8)  Someone had to speak up for the guy who had to go to work the next day, without his tools.

OK then maybe I should blast them with righteous indignation.  Probably not a good idea.  “A gentle response turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.”   (Proverbs 15:1)  If I were to blast them, they would have their revenge.  I didn’t need that. 

Plus, my goal was to nudge them toward a good decision.  “The one who is wise in heart is called discerning, and kind speech increases persuasiveness.”  (Proverbs 16:21) That’s what I wanted to do – persuade them to do the right thing.

But how could I speak kind words, when my attitude was angry and judgmental.  Proverbs 25:15 is a reminder that one’s attitude is important.  “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a soft tongue can break a bone.”   Soft!  A soft attitude speaking soft words.  That’s what I needed if I were to nudge them to do the right thing.

And it had to be the right words.  It would probably not sit well with them if I were to have called them thieves.  Again, Proverbs informed me, “Like apples of gold in settings of silver, so is a word skillfully spoken.”  (Proverbs 25:11) I had to be sensitive to the situation and the moment.

And the timing, oh yes, the timing had to be just right.  If I interrupted too soon, it could be offensive.  If I waited too long, their decision might be already cast.  Proverbs 15:23 “A person has joy in giving an appropriate answer, and a word at the right time—how good it is!”

I was busy thinking through my lengthy speech when I remembered, “When words abound, transgression is inevitable, but the one who restrains his words is wise.”  (Proverbs 10:19)  Got it.  I need to say as little as possible and yet get the job done.

OK so what should I say and when should I say it? 

The debate outside was stalled.  One boy said, “I just don’t know, what should we do with this thing?”   That was my cue.  Hidden by the curtains I spoke up.  In a natural and easy voice, I said, “If I were you, I’d put it back.” 

There was silence on the other side.  They were caught and they knew it.  One of the boys said, “Oh man look what we’ve done.  We woke these people up.” (like it was the worst thing they did all night.) 

Another kid said, “Come on, let’s take it back.”  All agreed. 

And as far as I know, the man with the toolbox, the teens and me and my wife lived happily ever after. 

A PRAYER: Father my mouth gets me in trouble much too often, help me rein it in by the principles in your Word. 

All Scripture references are from the NET Bible ®

handling a critic — July 22, 2020

handling a critic

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Critics.  Sometimes they’re as thick as flees on a farm dog.  And they jump on you when you least expect it.

Terry was a friend and a student at the Bible College.  He was asked to fill the pulpit at a small country church hidden in a holler in southern Ohio.  The faithful few at the Wednesday night service gathered to hear what brother Terry was going to bring. 

He was a novice, but he ascended the platform in faith.  With a quiver in his voice, he made his first major point.  Just then, a man in the congregation stood, pulled a ball cap from his back pocket, snapped it open and put it on. 

He made a fist with his thumb up and then swept it over his shoulder.  Yes – the self-appointed umpire just called the preacher out!

Terry was stunned.  He hesitated and mentally retraced his words wondering, “What kind of heresy did I just spout?” 

Then his critic silently removed his hat, tucked it in his pocket and sat down.  

Terry scanned the flock to see their reaction – but there was none.  Those who were not asleep were in a daze. Terry wondered if this was not the church of the Twilight Zone. 

He found his place and resumed his oratory.  A short time later, the ump made another call – Out again?  No way!  Terry began to sweat.  The count was two outs.  Would another preacher take the field after three? 

And there it was – another out.  Terry was ready to kick some dirt on the ump, except on the next call, with palms down, he snapped his arms out to either side – Safe!  “Thank You, Jesus!”

And that’s how it went the entire message.   Terry was soon longing for the 7th inning stretch. 

He learned afterwards that the man was mentally impaired, and it was his custom to umpire every service.  (Hey at least he was listening).  The congregation loved him and just learned to ignore his antics.    

I am sure you have your critics too!  – The boss who edits your reports; the mother-in-law who gives you cooking tips; the wife who looks at your outfit with a sneer.   So, how should we handle those who criticize?

The book of Proverbs has some sound advice except it uses words like “rebuke” and reprove” in place of criticism.

If a criticism is not shared with you face-to-face reject it.  If a person chooses to talk about you rather than to you, they are a gossip – not a critic.  Scripture says, “Better is an open (criticism) rebuke than hidden love.”  (27:5) Do not receive a criticism unless it comes from the person standing in front of you.

Consider the source.   Is your critic a friend or foe?  “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.”  (27:6) Listen to the criticism of a friend and treat with suspicion the words of a foe.

Listen and evaluate.  God uses critics to help us with blind spots.  “Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise (critic) reprover to a listening ear.”   (25:12) It’s painful but profitable to hear criticism when it is on the mark. 

Is the opinion shared?  One way to measure the validity of a criticism is to find if other people have the same perception.   What if Terry would have had 6 people stand and call him out?  Send in a pinch hitter Coach!

Don’t let your self-worth get in the way. We tend to shy away from criticism because we allow it to eat away at our self-esteem.   That’s not the way God sees it.  “Do not (criticize) reprove a mocker or he will hate you; (criticize) reprove a wise person and he will love you.”  (9:8)   Did you catch that? The one who rejects criticism is a fool, whereas the one who considers appropriate criticism is deemed wise.  To be criticized is not a cause for shame – to reject it is. 

Adjust and Finish.  If the criticism is on the mark – do something about it.  “The one who stiffens his neck after numerous (criticisms) rebukes will suddenly be destroyed without remedy.” (29:1) When we ignore the God directed critics in our lives, we travel a destructive path.  So, adjust and then finish the course.  Terry didn’t shut his Bible and slink out the side door in defeat.  He stayed and finished.  Don’t let criticism curtail you either. Adjust and finish.

We may never bat 1,000 in life but we can win the game, if we handle our critics wisely.

All Biblical references are from the book of Proverbs from the NETBible ®