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Poor Man’s Proverb #39: To Co-sign Or Not To Co-sign, That Is The Question

If a friend or a relative asks you to co-sign on a loan for them, should you do it?  If you are not sure what to do, God has some advice for you. Proverbs 22:26- 27 reveals the following: “Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else. If you can’t pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you.”

 

 

Note 2 self: Probably not a good idea to co-sign in general but if you do, better make sure you got the“loot” (cash) to cover the debt. Proceed with caution if you must, my friend. Many a relationship has been ruined because the borrower did not pay back the loan or was late on the payments thus impacting the credit of the co-signer.  If you co-sign, consider it your loan because in the end, it might just be. To the question, should I co-sign? It’s your call, but remember Proverbs 22:26-27.  Word to the wise: Getting your bed snatched from under you is NOT COOL.  

Blessings to you all, my friends.

Daniel

The Note 2 Self Guy

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Poor Man’s Proverb #37: Can Words Be Verbal Dynamite?

I am reminded of an old childhood saying, “Sticks and stones can break your bones but names will never hurt you.” Is there any truth in that? Inquiring minds want to know.

What does God have to say about the power of words? He certainly is not silent on this issue.  In James 3:9, we find the following: “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.”  Yes, words can be destructive.

Consider the possible outcome of a child who has always been told by his/her parents that they will never amount to anything. Over time the self-image and self-esteem of that child become greatly diminished as he/she begins to believe what they have been told by their parents. These repeated harmful words potentially put that child down a pathway of depression, poor decision-making, anger, bitterness, underachievement, a life of crime or perhaps even suicide. 

Note 2 self: Just imagine being on the receiving end of the following words from God reflected in Matthew 25:41: “Then he will say to those on his left. ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” That is the most hurtful statement that can ever be said to a human being.  So, to the question, can words be verbal dynamite? Without a doubt, they certainly can!

Blessings to you all, my friends.

Daniel

The Note 2 Self Guy

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Poor Man’s Proverb #36: Never Add To An Already Perfect Plan

One day I prayed and asked God to provide me with an opportunity that would allow me to make ends meet in my finances. God answered and gave me specific instructions on an opportunity designed to help improve my finances. And sadly, I did what I sometimes do; I followed 3/4th of His instructions and added a little to His plan.

Note 2 self: Not a good move! Well, the part I added, blow up in my face and actually cost me money and time. As soon as it happened, the Spirit said, “Next time follow my instructions completely.” It is important that we all remember what God told us in Jeremiah 29:11. ”For I know the plans I have for you, ‘declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Really, does it look like God needs our help in planning our future? In a word, NO!

Blessings to you all, my friends.

Daniel

The Note 2 Self Guy

 

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Poor Man’s Proverb #35: Are You Taking A Knife To A Gunfight With The Devil?

Make no mistake about it, the devil is out to get us. God gives us a warning in 1 Peter 5:8. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaming lion looking for someone to devour.” In other words, the devil has a gun pointed directly at us with his finger on the trigger.

So what are we to do? How can we fight back? Have you ever heard the term, “Fight fire with fire”?  Well, if you have – that won’t work! We need something stronger.  We need something that will extinguish the fire.  God gives us some help in 2 Timothy 2:15.  “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Note 2 self: God is telling us to study the Bible so that we will be empowered to correctly handle the word of truth.  This will give us the power to fight back. When the devil presents us with a thought, an action or a situation/circumstance we will be equipped to put out the devil’s fire with water (God’s Word).  It is nearly impossible to remember something if we never learned or knew it in the first place. This is why studying scripture is so important. For every trick of the devil, God has an answer.

So to the question, are we taking a knife to a gunfight with the devil. Nah bruh, we’re packing a bazooka! Study the Word!

Blessings to you all, my friends.

Daniel

The Note 2 Self Guy

 

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Poor Man’s Proverb #33: Are You A Good Man?

Are you a good man?  Fellas, we may want to think long and hard before we answer this question. Society has it’s definition of what a good man is but that definition pales in comparison to what God considers a good man.

Let’s review a few of God’s standards that defines such a man.  “A good man leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous” (Proverbs 13:22).  Providing financial support for your children and your grandchildren is only part of our responsibility. I believe this scripture lends itself to legacy building. We teach our children right from wrong and to be examples of godly men. What we teach our children will be passed on to future generations. These life lessons are needed to help our children and their offspring become faithful Christians. We are to be forward thinking in our efforts to lay down the foundation for future generations.

Ephesians 5:22-33 governs how a man should treat his wife. We are the spiritual leaders of our households. We are to love our wives like Christ loved the church. He loved the church so much that he gave His life for it. We are to leave our parents to be with our wives. In other words, the wife becomes your number #1 priority outside of God. Everyone else takes a back seat.

“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).  Gentlemen, if we don’t take care of our families especially our wife and children, then we are worse than an unbeliever. Wow! It appears God is not a fan of dead-beat dads.

Note 2 self: The key to being a good man is to be a God-fearing man. A man who fears God desires to keep the Lord’s commands and to do what is right. Doing so will greatly increase his chances of being a good man. So, to the question – are you a good man? We should all strive to be.

Blessings to you all, my friends.

Daniel

The Note 2 Self Guy

 

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Poor Man’s Proverb #30: Is The Devil In Your Camp?

Is the devil in your camp? Many of you may be thinking, what is this guy talking about? Take a moment and think about all the people who are in your inner cycle. This includes close friends and family. Do all these people have your best interest at heart? Do they only want what is best for you or is there something in it for them?

I am reminded of the story of Judas Iscariot.  Judas was one of Jesus twelve disciples. He was in Jesus’ inner circle; and yet, he would betray him.

You can read more about Judas’ betrayal of Jesus in the following scriptures: Luke 22:3-6, Mark 14:42-46, and Matthew 26:14-16.  Here’s the short version; Judas agreed to set up Jesus for capture for 30 pieces of silver.  Judas identified Jesus with a kiss and was arrested. Jesus would later be crucified.

Note 2 self: Just because we have allowed people in our inner circle does not mean they have our best interest at heart. The story of Judas is an example of that. Here is a little food for thought. People who are truly in your corner will tell you when you’re wrong even when they stand to personally gain from the decision you are considering.

So, to the question, “Is the devil in your camp?” I certainly hope not.

Blessings to you all, my friends.

Daniel

The Note 2 Self Guy

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Poor Man’s Proverb #29: Are You Down With Diversity?

Are you down with diversity? In other words, are you a fan or okay with diversity? Sadly, many people have given in to the notion that their race is the superior race and should reign supreme over all others.

This way of thinking gives birth to a very dangerous weapon used by the devil – racism. Racism is built on the foundation of hatred and contempt for others. When fully developed and embraced, it separates us as a nation and fosters an “Us versus Them” mentality. At its core, murder results.

Racism seeks to destroy God’s command mentioned in Matthew 22:38, “…Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”  It is in direct violation of this command. Is that really what we want?

Note 2 self: God is the author of diversity. He created everything. Everywhere we look we see  His fondness for diversity.  So clearly, God endorses it. For those who believe in God and yet hates his brother because he looks different, I have one question for you. Do you really think there is a separation in heaven for the various races of people? Everything that is in me says NO! We are all God’s people. He loves us all. In heaven, we will all be one big happy family.

So to the question, are you down with diversity? I am, what about you?

Blessings to you all, my friends.

Daniel

The Note 2 Self Guy

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Poor Man’s Proverb #28: Do We Realize Where Hate Will Take Us?

Perhaps many of us have uttered the words, “I hate you.”  Was it said out of anger and frustration, or did we really mean it?

Hate is a strong word and a powerful emotion. It will take its owners down a road that they will regret.

What does God have to say about hating others? In 1 John 3:15, it states the following: “Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.”

 

Note 2 self: So, God equates the hatred of others with murder. Wow! This is in stark contrast with how our society views the hatred of others. Until reading this scripture, I would have never come up with the equation HATE = MURDER.  Time to let that hate “thang” go!  Unforgiven hatred is an express elevator ride to hell!

Blessings to you all, my friends.

Daniel

The Note 2 Self Guy

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Poor Man’s Proverb #27: Is LUST Your Middle Name?

The devil has many weapons at his disposal, but few are more effective than lust.  Lust is an equal opportunity offender. It affects people from all walks of life. It cares nothing about our social or economic status. Lust seeks to lure us into other sins that further deepen the devil’s hold on our lives.  Lust leads to fornication, adultery, pornography, prostitution and the like.

Like the professional marketer that he is, the devil markets lust in a variety of ways.  Go to the grocery store, and you will find magazines at the checkout counter with seductively clothed women on the cover. This theme continues but with greater intensity and openness in television, movies, social media, emails, texts and other forms of communications.

God gives us several scriptures to help us combat lust. Here are a few.

” So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” Colossians 3:5

“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” 1 Corinthians 6:18

“Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.” Proverbs 6:25

“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” Romans 13:14

“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.” Romans 6:12

 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:27-28

Note 2 self: Yes, I am a Christian man, but I am still a man. Like anyone else, I too am susceptible to lust.  James 4:7 states the following: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”  As a result, I have developed the two-second rule. If I find myself staring at a woman for longer than two seconds, I turn away and begin thinking about Jesus on the cross.  Staring longer than two seconds starts to generate unhealthy and sinful thoughts. To be clear, I don’t believe God has a problem with us admiring the beauty of others. It becomes a problem when our thoughts begin to take us places we should not be. Remember, prolonged thoughts usually turn into actions.

So, to the question, is LUST your middle name? I try very hard for it not to be.

Blessings to you all, my friends.

Daniel

The Note 2 Self Guy

 

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Poor Man’s Proverb #26: Girl, He Is A Bum. You Can Do Better!

Throughout the years, I have been amazed at some of the poor choices in men my female friends have made. Many of these women were beautiful, educated, talented, God-fearing and all-around good woman of high moral fiber.  Yet, they seemed to be attracted to men who were not good for them. And sadly, many entered into relationships with these men at their own peril.

So the question becomes, why? None of us have the power to see the future, but some things are obvious. We just choose to look the other way and before we know it, we think we are in love but love should not cause us pain and suffering.

 

Note 2 the ladies: If he is morally bankrupt don’t waste your time with him.  If you see behavior in him that is unbecoming of who you are as a person, then head for the hills.  Do not allow yourself to be lured into a relationship that will cause you future devastation. If he is indeed a man who loves the Lord, then opportunity may await you.  Ask yourself a question before you enter into a relationship with any man.  Is he an Ephesians 5 kind of guy?  Ephesians 5 outlines how a man should love and treat his wife. If you see that in him, then maybe he is worth going out with.    

You are God’s daughters, and He loves you. He loves you too much to send you junk! “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord.” (Proverbs 18:22) Remember, you are some man’s good thing!

Blessings to you all, my friends.

Daniel

The Note 2 Self Guy