Author: Dave M Price

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Reach for the Stars

Daily Reading

Ecclesiastes 5-8

Daily Thought

Ecclesiastes is the writing of a wise man looking at life “under the sun,” this life short of eternity, and he alternates between despair, and making the best of it. “All are from the dust, and to dust all return” (Ecclesiastes 3:20), so “there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil-this is God’s gift to man” (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13).

On the side of making the best of it, he occasionally offers good advice, such as, don’t go it alone; “two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). After the Los Angeles Lakers won an NBA championship, retired UCLA coach John Wooden was asked how many championships he thought Kobe Bryant could win. “None,” said Wooden. “Kobe doesn’t win championships. The Lakers win championships.” And so it is with wisdom, “though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him–a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). We need others, we need teammates, we need friends, says the wise man. 

That being said, he adds, everyone dies. The wise man of Ecclesiastes rains on parades; do not invite him to the party, but do not ignore his words. His aim is to lift our heads above the clouds. As long as we live under the sun, life is ultimately futile, and he takes pains to point that out. Then he points upward, “for God is in heaven and you are on earth” (Ecclesiastes 5:2). Life on earth is brief and not fair; and God is good and forever. He sees the way of the world, “a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God” (Ecclesiastes 8:12), so he reaches for the skies, and you should, too.

Daily Prayer

Father God, may I be heavenly-minded, my head above the clouds. May I think Your thoughts and see life through Your eyes because that is the only I will be earthly-good. You created us for relationship, with each other and with You. Teach me to value and love people the way You do, to lift their heads up and point them to Your glory and Your goodness.

May I live each day with eternity in mind. My security, God, is in You; keep me from relying on things that simply do not last. Each day is a gift, I will open it and enjoy it and let everyone know Who gave it to me.

Amen

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A Better Idea

Daily Reading

Ecclesiastes 1-4

Daily Thought

Remember the 1960’s jingle, “Ford has a better idea”? Truth is, we all have a better idea, at least we think so, and that is the point of Ecclesiastes. We all want to eat, drink, and be merry (Ecclesiastes 2:24, sort of), and we think we know how. Actually, we do know how and therein is the problem. We eat and drink and work and play to fill a void and find meaning, and it is a poor substitute for what God has in store for us. It is meaninglessness. It is vanity; “vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Our better ideas bring instant, but not enduring, gratification, no wonder or beauty, which is what God has in mind.

We live for the moment, for the immediate, life “under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:3), life without regard for God; yet God has put eternity in our heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11). God has established a time for everything; a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, build up, weep, laugh, mourn, dance, cast away stones and gather them again; a time to embrace and refrain, seek and lose, keep and cast away; to tear, to sew, to keep silence, to speak, to love, to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace (Ecclesiastes 3:2-8).

Perhaps the most difficult, but the most vital of all of God’s commands is, “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7), because “he has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11), not ours. God has a better idea.

Daily Prayer

My God, I desire to live a life not focused on pleasure, but on purpose; not for now, but for forever. God, thank You for placing eternity in my heart, for creating me in Your image with Your delights and Your desires. May I always live for You.

Teach me patience and endurance, to wait on Your plans, to endure hardship and suffering, and to discover Your joy and the beauty of Your ways.

Amen

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An Excellent Wife

Daily Reading

Proverbs 30-31

Daily Thought

It was not “very good” in the Garden until Adam met Eve. Little wonder, then, that Proverbs, a book of wisdom written by male mentors to young men, is not complete without a portrait of a godly wife; “an excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels” (Proverbs 31:10). What follows is a composite of qualities worthy of praise, and indeed should be praised–“her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (v 28). Unlikely, however, that they rose before her, “she rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens” (v 15).

Read these twenty-two verses detailing her day (Proverbs 31:10-31) and you are worn out by the end. The description of this multi-talented, hard-working, strong, wise, wonderful woman may be hard to live up to, but it is a picture of the ideal, and it is written to the man, not the woman. Rather than a checklist to fulfill, this is a portrait to revise the image young men oft have of an ideal woman–“charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (v 30). The book of Proverbs is 31 chapters of wisdom. The last half of the last chapter is devoted to the description of a worthy wife. It took the previous thirty chapters to fashion a man worthy of her.

Daily Prayer

My Creator, You made me in Your image, male and female You made us. What a grand plan. Man and woman, husband and wife, together displaying Your glory.

God, may my love for my spouse bring you glory and honor. May I display Your wisdom in my marriage. And thank You, because this marriage thing, it is very good!

Amen

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Superman

Daily Reading

Proverbs 27-29

Daily Thought

Mohammed Ali was seated in an airplane and the flight attendant asked him to put on his seatbelt. “Superman don’t need no seatbelt,” said Ali. “Superman don’t need no plane,” responded the attendant. The apostle Paul instructed everyone not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think (Romans 12:3). Mohammed Ali ain’t Superman. “Think with sober judgment,” wrote Paul. Think rightly. 

“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth,” says Proverbs 27:2, “a stranger, and not your own lips.” Praise is not to be shunned. “Let others praise you,” it is wonderful, but from the lips of others, not your own. Receive it! A friend once approached a singer after a service, complimenting him on his solo, but he refused to allow it. “Oh no,” he protested, “it was all God, not me,” to which my friend replied, “Surprising, I think God would not have missed that high note.” That was mean, I thought, but I reconsidered. It was rude, but he had a point. Why did he not simply say “thank you”? It was not God singing, it was him. Certainly, when you are praised, it is okay to acknowledge the partnership you have with God. God asks, “Who will?”; you say, “I will.” He gives you talents and gifts, you develop them. Someone says, “Good job”; you respond, “Thank you.”

“The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
and a man is tested by his praise. ~Proverbs 27:21

How we handle praise tests our character as much as how we handle criticism.

Daily Prayer

My God, the silliest notion I have is that I am good enough on my own; that when all is said and done, I can inventory my life and say, “Open the gates of heaven and let me in.” I need You to save me, and You did. I now live because of You and for You, and I commit to throw off everything that distracts or gets in the way.

Keep my heart open to Your glory. Help me do what is right, what is good. May my life and my ego reflect Your glory and point others to Your grace.

Amen

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A Silly Question

Daily Reading

Proverbs 24-26

Daily Thought

A silly question has been asked, “Can God create a rock so big he cannot lift it?” The answer? Yes, and then he would pick it up. A nonsense response to a nonsense question, but nonsense plus nonsense equals nonsense. Where is the wisdom?

Enter Proverbs, the book of wisdom, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes” (Proverbs 26:4-5). This sounds like two proverbs that do not get along with each other. Which is it? Do I respond or ignore the fool?

Jesus was approached by a group of Sadducees, religious leaders “who say that there is no resurrection” (Matthew 22:23). Fools. They riddle Jesus, “A guy marries a girl, but he dies, so his brother marries her, but he dies, and so on, seven times. Then she dies. After they are raised from the dead, which of the seven brothers is her husband?” A silly question Jesus does not answer according to their folly, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven” (Matthew 22:29-30). Then Jesus answers the question they did not ask, their true folly. “As for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living” (Matthew 22:31-32).

Never allow the fool to set the terms of a conversation. Wisdom sets the agenda, “and when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at his teaching” (Matthew 22:33).

Daily Prayer

My Righteous God, You passionately defend Your Name, because Your Name is good. You come with peace, but also with a sword. You fight for what is right because You care for the poor, the weak, the humble, and the broken. I fight for what is wrong because I care for myself.

Teach me to be passionate about the right things. You have not asked me to be timid, but to be courageous, yet gentle.  You gave me a Spirit of power and love and discipline. Give me also the wisdom to do what is right, to keep from sinning when I am properly angry, and to love and promote peace whenever possible.

Amen

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What Is Truth?

Daily Reading

Proverbs 22-23

Daily Thought

There are things more important than money. “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1). Place no price tag on your reputation; it is not for sale. Pursue integrity and honesty, delight in truth and wisdom. “Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding” (Proverbs 23:23). Find truth and keep it, says Proverbs. 

Pilate infamously asked, “What is truth?” (John 18:38), and humanity has forever sought the answer. Embroidered on the gates guarding Harvard Yard is the Latin word, “Veritas”—Truth. It is the motto of Harvard University; Harvard seeks the answer to Pilate’s question. I walked under those gates (a visitor, not a student), and was greeted by a statue of a seated John Harvard. Except it wasn’t. A plaque states, “John Harvard, Founder, 1638.” Nope, it’s not John–a model stood in. Besides John was not the founder, but he did contribute a LOT of money. In 1636, not 1638. One statue, three lies.  Truth was sold. Alas, the gates that proclaim “Truth” could not keep it.

Truth eluded Pilate because he was a politician looking for something he could use, but truth is something you serve, in truth, some One you follow. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Truth was standing right in front of him.

Daily Prayer

Dear God, I love reading Your Word. I learn so much about You, and about me. Frankly,  I don’t always love learning about me, but I have learned to love the Truth and Your Word is Truth. It reveals Your glory and it exposes my sin. As painful as that often is, God, it is good because it leads me to Your grace, which returns me to Your glory.

God, even while I reject You and rebel against You, You love me so much that You seek me out. You expose my sin with Truth, not to condemn me, but to turn my heart back to You. It opens the door for Your love and grace. I love Truth, God. I love You.

Amen

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That’s Just Stupid

Daily Reading

Proverbs 19-21

Daily Thought

Proverbs speaks highly of this thing called the fear of the Lord, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Proverbs 1:7). It persists throughout the book and is always a good thing, “the fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied” (Proverbs 19:23). Fear seems oddly out of place when we think of our God, full of love and grace and goodness. Why would we be told to fear? Good question, but try turning it around. Picture the guy standing tall and boasting, “I don’t fear God.” Well, that’s just stupid.

I remember December 1973, when Dad entrusted me with the keys to his brown 1963 Ford Galaxie. I loved that car! I was young, 16, and did not have a proper appreciation of two tons of steel and power and speed. And I drove like it. Now jump forward to July 2004, as I hand Abby, my first child, the keys to the family Suburban. As I put them in her hand, I feel the size, the weight, the speed, and the power. I understand, more than ever before, how fear can be a good thing. I hope she has some–it is where wisdom blossoms.

Peter had answered rightly, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” and Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:16-19).

The church has the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. Our Father hands us the keys to his Kingdom. Consider the size and the weight and the power in our possession. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Daily Prayer

Great and awesome God, Almighty and Everlasting, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. That You even think about me is amazing, that You have saved me, adopted me into Your family, that I share in the inheritance of Your riches, that Your Holy Spirit has taken residence in me, that I am a child of God, welcomed to Your presence, forever a citizen of Your Kingdom. Wow. Thank You. I worship You. Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty.

May my life reflect Your glory.

Amen

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If You Can’t Say Anything Nice

Daily Reading

Proverbs 16-18

Daily Thought

The book of Proverbs has much to say about what we say, both good, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (Proverbs 16:24); and bad, “A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating” (Proverbs 18:8). Its best advice–handle your words with care. “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding” (Proverbs 17:27). Author George Eliot counseled, “Blessed is the man who, having nothing to say, abstains from giving us wordy evidence of the fact”; and my dad frequently advised, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Good advice all.

“Better to remain silent and thought a fool, than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt,” has been attributed to Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain, Socrates, and many others, but Proverbs said it first, “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues” (Proverbs 17:28). Proverbs makes it clear that intelligence and wisdom are not at all the same, and frequently in opposition; no more so than when we use our words. Our intelligence is oft displayed in what we say; our wisdom in what we don’t.

Daily Prayer

Our Wonderful God, when You speak, amazing things happen. The world was created. You spoke the Law that gives us life. And Jesus, the epitome of Your Word, walked on earth. You still speak; may I listen. More than that, may I obey. May I love Your Word.

God, may I also be one who speaks in a way that reflects well on You. May I always seek to bring You glory in all I do, and in all I say, and often enough, in what I don’t say. May my words be measured, and may they be good.

Amen

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Lots of Kids

Daily Reading

Proverbs 13-15

Daily Thought

We had LOTS of kids on New Dawn Drive, the street I grew up on. My brother Drew, Andy and Ronnie, Colleen and Russell, Ricky, Karen, and Alison, Laurie and Craig, Gina, Debbie and Richie, Michael, and Little David. I was Big Dave. There were older people, too. Chuck and Thelma were a couple of the old people living on my street. They were nice people, but no children, and none of us kids ever got in their house–and we got into everybody’s house. Their house was like a museum.

I mowed their lawn, so I was the only kid who made it inside. They had really nice stuff, beautiful chairs and sofas and tables, and all of it was covered. Their carpet was covered, too. Even their Oldsmobile had seat covers. Remember those plastic seat covers with all the bubbles? I don’t think anybody’s feet or rear ends ever touched the actual material of anything.

They died a number of years ago. Alone. I was sad because I liked them. I hear their stuff was still really nice. Almost like new.

Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,
but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox. ~Proverbs 14:4

Daily Prayer

Father God, Creator. You made this world and You called it good. And it was good. It will be again. But at the moment it’s messy, and that’s my fault. Our fault. We people decided to do things our way. God, if You hadn’t created us, Your world would be a lot more peaceful, maybe. Forgive us for the mess we make.

What amazes me is that You still find joy in me. And pleasure. And you love me. So much that You did what it took to bring me back into Your family. God, it amazes me how You create so much delight out of the so much trouble we create. You are a wonderful Father.

Amen

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Even When It Hurts

Daily Reading

Proverbs 10-12

Daily Thought

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. ~Proverbs 10:9

The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. ~Proverbs 11:3

Proverbs are truths in a general sort of way; they do not work every time–sometimes the crooked gets away with the goods. But, in general, they describe life.

I am a John Wooden fan, and he is a man who walked in integrity. John Wooden was born in the Midwest, liked the Midwest, and wanted to stay forever in the Midwest. And he would if the University of Minnesota called him before the deadline, but they did not. So, in 1948, John Wooden agreed to go west to Westwood, leaving his beloved Midwest to coach the UCLA Bruins, a team that had three winning seasons in the previous 17 years and finished last last season.

Then Minnesota called, something about a snowstorm knocking out communication. They had tried to call before the deadline. It was a good honest excuse–it snows a lot in the Midwest. The job is yours, they said. Can you come? But John Wooden had given his word to UCLA.

O Lord, who shall may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?
He who keeps his oath
even when it hurts. ~Psalm 15:1, 4

John Wooden would never return to the Midwest. He stayed at UCLA, and for the next 27 years, UCLA did not have a losing season. The final twelve seasons under Wooden, UCLA collected 10 NCAA Championships. How? Coaching, discipline, determination, talent. But it began with integrity. A man kept his word.

Daily Prayer

Creator, by Your Word all things came into existence. You speak and it happens. Your Son is Your Word to this world. When we see “The Word,” Jesus, we see You because You are One: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

God, may my word be as true. May I speak without duplicity. May I always keep my word. You said I must walk in Your Word. Your Word is truth. If I am to be like You, God, then my word must be truth, as well.

Amen