Take it easy there, Big Boy! - lessons from Proverbs 7

With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. ~ Proverbs 7:21-23

This is a little note to all the men out there, most specifically, ME! Sex is not something that God designed for us to be out of balance on. It is not something he created in order for us to abuse women. This can happen passively by "secret lusts" or thoughts of fantasy or it can take place actively by taking advantage of women sexually without the bounds of marriage. It is a TRAP, gentlemen! Do not get DUPED! Sex is an absolutely wonderful, worshipful thing when it is done in the boundry of a loving, godly, safe, adventurous marriage relationship.

I need to hear this every single day. The testosterone in my body, my culture, and my own worldly desires keep screaming at me that the girl on the magazine cover or the woman I see walking down the street is something to be "conquered." She is someone's daughter, someone's baby, someone's little girl on her daddy's knee - and perhaps someone else's wife (or wife to be!). She is ultimately God's daughter.

Any other lies I (or we) tell ourselves that our lust is "okay" or that it is "not that bad" does not consider how very dangerous this whole area can be to our very lives, especially our lives with God. Guys, this can wipe us out. It can take us out of the game. It can quite literally ruin our lives. When we bow down at the alter of lust we fail to seek the One who really satisfies and we settle for a little hor dourve instead of the banquet feast God has for us.

All that to say to us men: Spring is coming - Guard your hearts!

Trike

Proverbs 6

Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? ~ Proverbs 6:27

Simple verse...Simple to interpret in context.... We all need to quit farting around with sin - especially the sin of lust! You can not play with this fire and not get burned. I NEED to constantly be reminded of this, so Proverbs 6:27 is the winner for today. Nuff said...

Day Five - Are we wise yet?

Today was a great day of worship at Hope, and then having a few people over for lunch. Been a bit busy, so I think I will just give you the verse that hit me today, and give you more tomorrow.

For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. ~ Proverbs 5:21

See ya tomorrow,

Trike

Day Four of our March to Wisdom

Once again, I hit a chapter that I have been ministered to for many years. The following passages have meant a lot to me in the past, and especially verse 23:

7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7, NIV).

18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. 19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. (Proverbs 4:18, 19, NIV).

23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (Proverbs 4:23, NIV).

25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. (Proverbs 4:25, NIV).

Proverbs 4:23 has been one of the most important verses in my life. It kept me from several bad moves in my realationship with women in my college years. It kept me from allowing my "urges" to drive me instead of my God given "passion", which I think is so important for this current generation to also think about.

Since I have already memorized those verses, I needed to look for something new, and, once again, was pleased to find vr. 26

26 Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. ~ Proverbs 4:26

I am at a point in my life where I need to constantly decide to chose between what is "good" and what is "best", especially in my role at Hope and with outside minsitry opportunities. There are just so many things one can give themselves too, but only some are "firm."

Also, this is a great verse to think about when it comes to being enticed by sinful urges. The footnote in the NIV says that the verse could also read, "Consider the paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm." I need to seek wisdom daily for good decisions to not give myself to sinful urges or to settling for what is good as opposed to best. "Father, make this happen by your Spirit, for your glory and for my joy!"

Trike

Day three - Proverbs 3

Well, today the Lord did a cool thing. I really enjoyed all of Proverbs 3, but some of the verses that really impacted me I have already memorized:

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. (Proverbs 3:5-7, NIV).

9 Honour the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. (Proverbs 3:9, 10, NIV).

27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. 28 Do not say to your neighbour, “Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”--when you now have it with you. (Proverbs 3:27, 28, NIV).

Such great wisdom to live by! However, this time through Proverbs 3, verse 34 hit me:

He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. (Proverbs 3:34, NIV)

Wow! I was hit once again how God really dislikes pride and arrogance in our lives. He loathes those who are proud, and especially those who mock those are correcting us. This passage actually says that God "mocks" those who are mockers. Amazing... Reminds me to keep my heart humble, or God will do it for me!

See you tommorow for Ch. 4,

Trike

Proverbs 2 - Day TWO

Well, I've gotta confess, the proverb that God really put on my heart was actually 5 verses long (gulp - remember, I am committing myself to memorize these things... and I don't even remember where I put my car keys today!). Anyway, here is today's for me:

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. ~ Proverbs 2:1-5

After reading that passage I have two instant reactions:
1. I get fired up! Such a great thing to pursue! Such a challenge! Do I really WANT to know and fear God THAT bad? Am I willing to forgo all else to find the "pearl of great price" (Matthew 13:45-46)?
2. I feel so lazy! I am so easily satisfied with how far I have come, with the knowledge and blessings that have come from knowing Jesus Christ as I already do. Yet, I want so much more. I want to know him and fear him and love him with more and more of my heart. I want him to daily influence and intervene in my daily existence from the mondane to the magnificient.

I'd love to hear what God is teaching you this day. Yesterday's comments were great!

Trike

Day ONE of March to Wisdom

Hey, glad to have you along for the ride of our March through Proverbs - I know, it's corny, but hey, it works for me.

Anyway, feel free to post your own insights into Proverbs or just what God hit you with during this month. Posts will be made daily by me with the verse that impacted me during my reading of Proverbs, and with the verse that I am working on memorizing for today. 31 verses of Proverbs in 31 days... I used to be able to do this in the 'old' days - let's hope it is still there...

So, for the first chapter of Proverbs, God spoke to me about making sure I keep my heart open to hear his voice when he rebukes me. In this proverb, "wisdom" is personified and says:

"If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you."
Proverbs 1:23

Am I purposefully, non-defensively listening when I get corrected by others, or the Spirit of God? Am I asking intensely, "God, is this true? Does this person have my best in mind... Is this a word from you? Are you trying to show me something through this rebuke?" Or, if it is just a thought that has come, do I ask, "Is this thought that has come into my mind from you, or is just something that has flown through, brought on by the enemy or my perfectionist tendencies? Does this point me to Jesus, or away from him?"

In other words, do I listen with my heart as hard things are said to me. This does not mean that everyone who says something against me needs to be given a "You're right!" immediately. No, sometimes people say things that are not accurate, or vengeful to us. As a leader, sometimes this is the case. However, what is the "kernal" of truth in what is being said? Am I looking for that like treasure to form me more and more to be like Jesus?

If so, then God promises to "pour out" the heart of wisdom to me, and make the thoughts of wisdom know to me! Very cool!

I'd love to hear what God is speaking to you about Proverbs one. Add your proverb and thoughts in the comments section.

Are you up to the March to Wisdom challenge?

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
~ Proverbs 1:1-6

Proverbs is an incredible book of Scripture. It is filled with the sayings of the wise - principles that, if followed, lead to knowing Christ better, and living a life of integrity. However, it is not a book of promises - in other words, if you do these things you will get rich, or get your health back, etc. It is a gift for us to know how to live life successfully in this murky world.

This March, I would like to challenge our entire church (anyone else who surfs onto this blog) to do something - join me on a “March to Wisdom.” I am going to be reading the book of Proverbs one chapter per day, and would invite everyone (men, women and children) at Hope to join in with me if you would like to. There are 31 chapters of Proverbs and 31 days in March. Perfect! 1 Chapter per day.

After you have read a chapter, I would ask you to pick out one proverb and then either memorize it, put it on a card to meditate on, or just write it in a journal. I’ll be memorizing 31 proverbs and posting my “Journey through Proverbs” online on my blog - www.stevetreichler.blogspot.com. I would invite you all to add your proverb of the day to the comment section each day as well, adding any comments how your proverb has ministered to you.

Seeking wisdom with you this March,
Trike

Sorry, blog readers - just been so busy

I have been in the midst of getting ready for a missions trip to the Ukraine, finishing two major projects for my Doc of Ministry at Trinity in Deerfield, and, I know, life isn't too busy - let's remodel our basement! With all of that, I am sorry, but I've put blogging on hold. I'm replacing my old worn out laptop this Friday with a new one, and will have to start breaking it in. I'll catch up with thoughts about my classes, ministry season at Hope right now, dreams for the church planting efforts here at Hope as well as my trip to the Ukraine soon.... keep posted!

An amazing website

Just came across one of the coolest free websites on the web - bible.org. There is an entire Theology Class offered FREE, called "The Theology Program" and it includes readings and video of classroom instruction.

If nothing else, check out their 216 Theology Questions Answered" page - it is awesome, with video of each answer.

I haven't listened to all of it, so be discerning in what they are teaching, but from a first glance, it looks real helpful and sound. Helped a bunch with prepping for the intro to the gospel of John.

Keep lovin' the word,

Trike

Too busy to blog?

Dude and Dudettes,

I want to say I am so sorry that I have been negligent in updating my site here. I'm back in the saddle now!

For those of you who get crazy busy in the fall, like me, here's a little something that will save you a bunch of time - trust me:

Bunnies do "It's a Wonderful Life in 30 seconds"

And, for those of you who have bunch of free time, check these out!

Time Wasters

Enjoy!

ST

A thrilling game...

Wow! What a Little League AA (10-11yr olds) Championship Game last night. The Orange Team put out this kid for pitching that we had never seen before, and whose velocity and control was incredible. Little League rules state that a kid can only pitch 3 innings, so needless to say, we we were waiting until we could get past this kid. We didn't score any runs the first three innings.

Calvin started for us as pitcher, and did a fine job. The first two innings he gave up just one run each. Then in the 3rd, no fault to his pitching, but the ended up getting 5 runs.

I had to have a little "sermon" to keep the kids from getting dispondent, now being down 7-0 in the bottom of the 3rd (we were home). It seems to have paid off, as the kids kept themselves in it, although, with "Joe Smoke" out there, we still were not able to fashion any runs.

Nathan came in a pitched the rest of the game. They didn't get any runs at all in the 4th. We, however, were now facing a human pitcher, someone like we had seen all year. We rallied for a 5 run inning, making the score at the end of 4 innings 7-5 - HEY, we're back in this thing!!

They got one in the top of the 5th (which in our division is our last inning). So, we were down three going into the final at bat. Ezra, one of my favorite kids on the team, got a great hit right down the 1st base line to start the inning. He was able to steal second on a past ball. The next two batters, unfortunately, struck out, leaving us with 2 outs. Carrington drew a walk, and Ezra stole third on the play (very funny here, he actually walked to third, thinking that he had drawn a walk from 2nd to third as well - but there was no one one 2nd base!). Kevin, out top of the order guy got a hit, scoring Ezra to make it 8-6, and Chris also got a hit, now loading the bases.

Dononvan was up. Donny has been my most improved player of the year. He came this year with very little baseball experience, but, man, has he shown up and worked hard! He was so nervous he was grabbing his stomach to breath. Bases loaded, two outs, down by two. Wow, I felt for the little guy. Lots of pressure. He quickly got 2 strikes against him, and was able to lay off a couple of lousy pitches that were way out of the zone. Finally, with a 2-2 count, he swung at a good pitch, but didn't get all of it. It was back to the pitcher, but he would have to make a good play to get Donny out. Unfortunately for us, he did, and the game was over. If that play would have been an overthrow, we would have scored two runs, and the game would have been tied.

Very sad players, but I couldn't be more proud as a coach! They worked hard, were class acts in winning and losing this year, and left every little last bit of their effort out on the field.

Afterward, we had an award ceremony for the 2nd place medalions, and then we had our last team get together where I awarded each player with a personal award for their accomplishments this year. Kudos to the 2005 Midway Little League Runners Up, the M&Ms (Maroon team)! To quote Hoosiers, "I love you guys!"

We're going to the BIG DANCE, This Friday night, 8pm!

The Lord is just too good to me. I've experienced a serious healing of sorts from my back pain, enough so that I could coach our little league team tonight. What an exciting game! We beat the Red team, who we have lost to every time we have played them in the regular season. Excellent starting pitching from Danny, and good relief from Chris in the 4th inning. An "in the park home run" from Nathan, doubles by Calvin and Donovan, as well as just great defensive plays by Chris, Ezra, Jonnell and Talvin all kept us in this game. However, the game ball went to Levi Nelson for his 5th inning "Shut-em-down" perfomance. He stuck out all three batters and allowed us to keep our 7-3 margin. (NOTE - we only play 5 innings in AA Little League)

Now on Friday night, at Midway Little League Field (1 block East of Hamline on Marshall Ave - take a left and the field is at the end of the block) we are going to be playing for the League Championship! Kudos to the kids and the hard work they have put in. If you want to go, there are no ticket prices, and I guarantee a great game. Game time is 8pm.

Ouch!!

It doesn't look like much of an injury, but for the second time in about 5 years, I have herniated (ruptured) a disc in my back. This one came about as just a sore back on June 28th, but within 2 weeks I was wincing in pain. Then, last week when I was taking a class on Postmodern Preaching I was doing all I could to not just scream at the top of my lungs! I left the last day of class at lunch time, and was fortunate to have a buddy named Dan who bummed me a couple of Vicodin for the trip home (did I just admit to taking a non-prescription narcotic? - we'll keep Dan's last name just between him and me, eh?!?)

Anyway, made the 6 hour journey back from Trinity near Chicago, and was bedridden in pain for the next 3 days. Got some of my own drugs from my doc for pain and for swelling he prescribed a steroid (can you say - AHHHNOOLD! I knew you could!). Also, Chris and Claudia Roberts came and prayed over me on Sunday.

On Monday, I was able to get up and around without excruciating pain, and went to my back specialist. Turns out I hav ruptured disc, which either the steriod will allow time for the body to dissolve or we'll have to go back in there through surgery again.

I'm doing well, not in the pain I was in, but it still hurts some. If you are willing, seeking the great, awesome healer in Jesus Christ would be appreciated.

I'll update you'll soon.

Trike

Pastor on Sabbatical!!

The pictures say it all...and, no, I don't own this beauty...but one can always pray. Thanks to Katie Feldhahn's dad for the great day of riding this gorgeous Victory!

Let's Trash the Joint!!!

I'm reading a GREAT book right now by Craig Van Gelder on "The Essence of the Church: A Community Created by the Spirit." I just have to share this great quote I just read. Van Gelder is commenting on Jesus' teaching in the parable of the Strong Man (Luke 11:14-23):

Jesus then teaches two important truths. He first notes that if it is by the "finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you" (20). The kingdom of God is not just about ideas and words; it is also about power and confrontation. The children of the kingdom should expect to be involved in a power encounter with the evil one, a conflict between kingdoms that requires reliance on God's power for victory.
The second point Jesus teaches on this occasion is that God's redemptive reign as inaugurated in the person and presence of Jesus has defeated and bound the strong man, Satan. The children of the kingdom are now to participate in this great redemptive drama by plundering the strong man's stronghold. They are to reclaim lost territory by bringing back to right relationship with God what was lost in the fall. The enemy has been defeated and is bound. Although his power still operates, he has encountered someone stronger. Greater is he who is in the children of the kingdom than he who is in the world.
Page 83, emphasis mine.

This fires me up! Go plunder the strong man's plunder!!

A goal reached...

As you can see from our pastoral photo above, Hamlet, Cor and I went golfing this week. Alright, not really, but there is a close resemblance, don't ya think?

Anyway, I really did go golfing with Matt McNiece this Monday morning and acheived a goal I have been working on for about 5 years...I beat 90! Without any "foot-wedges" or "gimme a mulligan"s or "that's a gimme", etc. I played it straight up and beat 90!! I have beaten 90 many times before, but never "staight up" or not giving myself a few breaks - i.e., that ball that went in the water was of the devil, so I better hit a godly ball, etc.

Keeping score the right way, I have scored exactly 90 a few times, and 91s and 92s flourish. BUT, I just couldn't seem to break the old 90 mark!

Well, in the presence of our Lord and Matt McNiece (Jesus being just a bit more important in that gallery of spectators), I did it! Scored an 88 (44 on both sides) on Como Golf Course in St. Paul on Monday, June 13th, 2005. And, CJ, no I did not hit your house on the back nine!

Trike

One AWESOME LITTLE LEAGUER...yes, he is my son, Calvin (Ripkin) Treichler!

I am having the time of my life coaching Little League this year once again. Here's some of my recent pictures of my boy playing his heart out at our last game (okay, I'll fess up - we won BIG - 7 to 3!)


Look at that determination...look at that "ready position"
...whose kid is this anyway?


GREAT CUT!! Too bad the ball is in the catcher's glove though...

Signed,

One proud Coach and Dad

One of my favorite places on earth...

In college, I had the opportunity to attend a Navigator Summer Training Program which was held at the headquarters of the Navs in Colorado Springs. Glen Eyrie, which means "valley of the eagle's nest", is a stunningly beautiful place right on the foothills of the Rockies. I spent that summer in the mid-80's there, and have fallen in love with this wonderful setting ever since.

In fact, we are always looking an opportunity to someday move out to the Colorado area, ANYWHERE. My heart is forever in Colorado! Well, maybe we'll retire out there... God seems to be directing to Minnesota for a variety of reasons for the time being...don't worry.

Anyway, if you ever get the chance to spend some time at the Glen, DO IT. Here's their website.

Carole and I just had the great opportunity to sharpen our marriage during a 4 day retreat at the Glen two weeks ago. It was one of the most relaxing, encouraging and refreshing times in my entire life. AND, to be there with my wonderful bride of 17 years was just a memory that neither of us will ever forget. I am the most fortunate man on the face of the earth to have such a beautiful, loving, soft-hearted, and wonderful mother as my life-partner, and thanks be to God (and that wonderful person who gave us the free airfare to get out there! - you know who you are!).

Lord, thanks for Carole and for the joy she is to my heart. Thanks so very much that my heart still goes "pitter-patter" when I see her after being away for a time. You are just too good to allow me the opportunity to enjoy her and to have her be in my life. Your grace is almost too much for me to bear ---- You're just too good when I stop to think about it, and the gift of a sharpened marriage and the joy it brings to my heart is evidence of your outpouring of goodness to me. You're Awesome!

I passed! I actually DO have a world view!

Below are my results from a online quiz that I got from my friend Mark Van Steenwyk to see what your predominant world views are. I am SO HIP - I scored as a postmodernist.

[TOTALLY SARCASTIC SIDE NOTE - doesn't it completely defy the whole postmodernism thing to take a test to see that you are postmodernist! I mean, should I, as a postmodernist, be completely concerned with the parameters of this quiz - shouldn't I be DECONSTRUCTING IT TO DEATH - shouldn't I be unable to answer any question with definition at all - in fact, why am I trying to say anything at all in this blog entry, since it is all filled with words which are completely meaningless to describe anything anyway - END OF TOTALLY POSTMODERN SARCASTIC RANT]

However, my most second place was "FUNDAMENTALIST" - which is someone who totally believes in absolutes...how screwed up is that? I'm a messed up person. Do I believe everything is black and white - or that the entire world is open to interpretation? I need a sabbatical to figure myself out (I should as the elders for another month to figure this quiz out!)

I'm not sure it's worth more than 3 minutes of your time (but, that's all it takes, so go ahead and see how you score. The link is here.

I SO DIG the little graphic that describes my world view too. Pretty much sums up what is going on inside my head most days...

Here are my results:

You scored as Postmodernist. Postmodernism is the belief in complete open interpretation. You see the universe as a collection of information with varying ways of putting it together. There is no absolute truth for you; even the most hardened facts are open to interpretation. Meaning relies on context and even the language you use to describe things should be subject to analysis.

Postmodernist		56%
Fundamentalist		56%
Cultural Creative		50%
Romanticist		38%
Idealist		25%
Existentialist		25%
Materialist		19%
Modernist		13%

What is Your World View? (updated)
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