Set Free 24-7

Without Good Directions People Lose Their Way | Journey Through Proverbs 11

A Proverb a Day Keeps the Police Away! Join me as we read through the book of Proverbs in the Message Version this month! Have you ever taken a trip to an unfamiliar place and not consulted a map or GPS? Did you get lost? Did it take longer than it should have? God doesn't want us to be lost which is why He gave us the Bible and He welcomes us into a close relationship with Him! Don't get stuck on the journey of life asking for directions at a random gas station. Start your trip out right and today's reading is packed full of wisdom, insight, and good instruction for living to keep you on the right path! I'm not pushy or preachy, I'm just glad that you are here!
Watch the video for this episode here! https://youtu.be/oWkwNZmeDSQ
 
"Develop Good Direction With Proverbs 11: Stay On Course With Godly Advice"
Summary/Abstract
This is the On the Road edition of Set Free 24/7 and the speaker is on the road with his wife Heidi, who is driving. He has been reading Proverbs for the last eleven days and hopes that the listener has seen some of the benefits of reading the Bible daily. They are on their way to Chicago, where the speaker will be speaking at a church. The theme for the Proverb today is “without good direction, people lose their way.” This is a reminder to people to constantly be looking for guidance and direction, as it is easy to get lost in life without it. Proverbs 11 encourages good direction and moral character. Without good direction and moral character, people will get lost and fall flat on their faces. The Bible and Jesus can be used as a GPS and guide for life. Good character is the best insurance and helps in difficult times. When good people prosper, the whole town cheers and when bad people suffer, the whole town celebrates. Kindness is beneficial, but cruelty causes hurt. Generosity and good work will be rewarded, but wickedness and deceit will not. This conversation is about the wisdom found in Proverbs chapter 11. It starts by discussing the proverb that states that the one who blesses others is abundantly blessed. It goes on to discuss how those who help others are helped and those who exploit or abuse their family end up with nothing. It is said that a life devoted to things is a dead life, while a God shaped life is a flourishing tree. The conversation ends with the reminder to always consult the Bible and use it to guide your life and decisions. At the end of the conversation, it is suggested that viewers like, share, and pray for each other.
Timestamps
0:00:00
Heading: On the Road Edition: Proverbs 11 - Without Good Direction People Lose Their Way
0:01:28
Proverbs 11: Good Direction Leads to Success
0:06:17
"Exploring Proverbs Chapter 11: The One Who Blesses Others is Abundantly Blessed"
Highlights
Common sense tells you that's a stupid way to live a good life is a fruit bearing tree. A violent life, though, destroys souls. If good people barely make it, what's in store for the bad and friends? Just like that, we are done with Proverbs chapter 1111 days in this thing and man a Proverb a day keeps the police away. And for me this has been just a great relearning of some of the things that are in Proverbs and just going through and seeing what's the direction that we're pointed? What direction are you pointed? Have you consulted your GPS before you started out today?
The world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed. Those who help others are helped. Curses on those who drive a hard bargain. Blessings on all who play fair and square. The one who seeks good finds delight. The student of evil becomes evil. A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump. A God shaped life is a flourishing tree. Exploit or abuse your family and you end up with a fistful of air.
So here we go. Without good direction people lose their way. God hates cheating in the marketplace but he loves it when businesses are above board. The stuck up fall flat on their faces but down to earth people stand firm. The integrity of the honest keeps them on track. The deviousness of crooks brings them to ruin. A thick bankroll is no help when life falls apart. But a principled life can stand up to the worst.. Moral character makes for smooth traveling but an evil life is a hard life. Good character is the best insurance. Crooks get trapped in their sinful lust when the wicked die. That's it. The story's over. End of hope. A good person is saved from much trouble. A bad person runs straight into it. The loose tongue of the Godless spreads destruction. The common sense of the Godly preserves them. When it goes well for good people the whole town cheers.
 
CONNECT WITH ROBERT! EMAIL: robert@setfree247.com WEBSITE: setfree247.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/rjwoldhuis TWITTER: @setfree247
 

An Honest Life Is Immortal | Journey Through Proverbs 10

A Proverb a Day Keeps the Police Away! Join me as we read through the book of Proverbs in the Message Version this month! An honest life is immortal, but how do you get it? Discipline and the Fear of God are 2 things that point you in the right direction! Today's reading is packed full of wisdom, insight, and good instruction for living to keep you on the right path! I'm not pushy or preachy, I'm just glad that you are here!
Watch the video of this episode here! https://youtu.be/ymaAEo9XICM
"Grow Your Life With Proverbs 10: Honest Living Leads To Prosperity"
Summary/Abstract
The speaker, Robert, is inviting people to join him in reading from the Bible in a paraphrased version known as the Message version. He suggests that this version makes the Bible easier to understand and helps to shed light on certain passages. He encourages people to keep the daily streak alive and to do things that will help them avoid negative police interaction. He then mentions a study he recently read that suggested reading the Bible at least four times a week. Robert is trying to create a community of people who will read the Bible and make positive changes in their lives. The speaker discussed the positive changes that resulted from a study of Proverbs. These changes included a 228% increase in sharing faith, a 231% increase in discipling others, and a 407% increase in memorizing scripture. Eugene Peterson wrote that the Proverbs are organized randomly rather than thematically, but each of them serves as a truth-tipped arrow aimed at the heart with a sharp point that penetrates the place where decisions are made and destinies are determined. This conversation highlighted the choice between wisdom and folly, goodness and wickedness, and life and death. The conversation is derived from Proverbs chapter 10 in the Bible. It emphasizes the importance of leading an honest life and encourages people to make wise choices. The speaker talks about how an honest life will bring blessings and how the wicked will suffer the consequences of their actions. They also mention how lazy people will get nothing but trouble while good people will be rewarded with success. The speaker also emphasizes that God is the best source of security and wisdom. They conclude by stressing that living an honest life will bring freedom and confidence while a dishonest life will bring misery and shame. The speaker discussed two points: the power of a kind word and how fear of God expands life. The speaker talked about how a kind word, even to a stranger, can make a huge difference in their day. This is in contrast to living a life of addiction, which is a puny life. The speaker explained that an addiction can look like many things, from social media to working too much, and anything that takes away from a close relationship with God. The speaker then asked the audience to consider if they were putting things before God in their life.
Timestamps
0:00:00
Conversation on Proverbs 10: Message Version
0:01:04
Conversation Summary: Impact of Proverbs on Christian Living
0:03:21
"Exploring Proverbs 10: An Honest Life is Immortal"
0:08:37
Topic: The Fear of God Expands Your Life and the Power of a Compliment
0:10:54
"Putting God First: A Conversation on Prioritizing Faith"
Highlights
The ambitions of bad people crash. God is solid backing to a welllived life but he calls into question a shabby performance. Good people last, they can't be moved. The wicked are here today and gone tomorrow. A good person's mouth is a clear fountain of wisdom. A foul mouth is a stagnant swamp. The speech of a good person clears the air and the words of the wicked pollute it. And friends, we're not about pollution here. So that's the end of chapter ten what stood out to you today? I like a lot of the if it's this way, it's this, and if it's this way, it's that. Because guess what? Sometimes we need things to be that clear in our life.
The more talk, the less truth. The wise will measure their words. The speech of a good person is worth waiting for. The blabber of the wicked is worthless. The talk of a good person is rich, fair for many, but chatterboxes die of an empty heart. Fear of God expands your life. God's blessing makes life rich. Nothing we can do can improve on God. An empty head thinks mischief is fun but a mindful person relishes wisdom.. The nightmares of the wicked will come true. What the good people desire, they get. When the storm is over, there's nothing left of the wicked. Good people, firm on their rock of foundation, aren't even phased. A lazy employee will give you nothing but trouble. It's like vinegar in your mouth and smoke in your eyes. The fear of God expands your life. A wicked life is a puny life. The aspirations of good people end in celebration.
Honesty lives confident and carefree but shifty is sure to be exposed. An evasive eye is a sure sign of trouble ahead but an open face to face meeting results in peace. The mouth of a good person is a deep life giving well but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse. Hatred starts fights but love pulls a quilt over the bickering. You'll find wisdom on the lips of a person of insight but the short sighted needs a slap in the face.
And that's really what Proverbs is all about. It's showing us two different sides of things a lot of times. Eugene Peterson today, before I start out in chapter ten, he had written here beginning at this point in Proverbs, the Proverbs are now organized randomly instead of thematically. Each of them is a truth tipped arrow aimed at the target of the heart, its sharp point penetrating the place where decisions are made and destinies are determined.. In each case, the choice is clear wisdom or folly, goodness or wickedness, life or death. The choice is ours, and so are the consequences. So, friends, let's jump right in here to Proverbs chapter ten, and we're going to see what God has to say. So it's an honest life is immortal, wise son, glad father, stupid son, sad mother, ill gotten gain gets you nowhere. An honest life is immortal god won't starve an honest soul but he frustrates the appetite of the wicked.
Okay, but what about some things that might increase? So the cool thing I saw was, number one, sharing your faith with others went up 228%. Discipling other people went up 231%. And this one I love memorizing scripture, went up 407%. Now, listen, I'm not the kind of guy that's going to say, oh, you got to memorize this and you got to memorize that. This whole thing isn't about making you memorize scripture.. But I do hope that through all this, I might introduce you to some scriptures that you personally feel are worth memorizing for yourself. All of us have different scriptures that speak to us, so I hope through this you maybe find one that you're able to hold on to. I know I've had scriptures that have spoken to me in some very tough times, and it's good to have that kind of thing to keep you going, to keep you focused on the right thing.

A Dinner Party With Lady Wisdom | Journey Through Proverbs 9

A Proverb a Day Keeps the Police Away! Join me as we read through the book of Proverbs in the Message Version this month! Have you ever turned down an invite to a dinner party? Well, if you get an invite to Lady Wisdom's house, make sure you accept! Today's reading is packed full of wisdom, insight, and good instruction for living to keep you on the right path! I'm not pushy or preachy, I'm just glad that you are here! Connect with me at robert@setfree247.com
Watch the video for this episode here! https://youtu.be/BjKJYzj-T8E
youtube.com/@setfree247 
TITLE "Proverbs 9 Offers Lady Wisdom's Invitation for a Meaningful Life"
SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
In Proverbs 9, Lady Wisdom throws a dinner party to invite people to a life of meaning and away from confusion. She encourages people to turn away from the scoffer and the madam prostitute who is brazen and empty-headed. Lady Wisdom emphasizes the importance of living wisely and wisely gaining insight into life through the knowledge of a holy God.
She promises that those who reason with her will be rewarded with love and those who live a skilled life will get their start in the fear of God. Lady Wisdom promises that by living a wise life, wisdom will permeate and years of life will ripen. The speaker is talking about Proverbs 9 and how adding a little bit of the Bible into our daily routine can have positive effects. They encourage the listeners to drop down any comments or prayer requests in the comments section. They mention a woman on Main Street who invites people to go with her, but warns that they may end up in hell. The speaker then encourages people to give them a like, share, and prayer before ending the conversation.
TIMESTAMPS 0:00:00 Scripture Reading: Proverbs 9 - Lady Wisdom's Dinner Party
0:02:52 Heading: Proverbs 9: Reflection and Prayer Requests
HIGHLIGHTS So give me a like how about a share and all the prayers, send them my way, and I'll gladly send some of yours. So have a great rest of the day. Proverbs nine is out. That's right. Give me some food, get me around a table with some people and let's just chat. So let's see what Lady Wisdom has to say. So proverbs chapter nine. Lady Wisdom has built and furnished her home. It's supported by seven hewn timbers. The banquet meal is ready to be served. Lamb is roasted. The wine is poured out. The table is set with silver and flowers. Having dismissed her serving maids, lady Wisdom goes to town and stands in a prominent place and invites everyone within the sound of her voice.

Lady Wisdom Calls Out | Journey Through Proverbs 8

A Proverb a Day Keeps the Police Away! Join me as we read through the book of Proverbs in the Message Version this month! I love the women that are in my life right now and I am blessed by their love and their wisdom. When lady wisdom calls out to you, don't ignore her call! Today's reading is packed full of wisdom, insight, and good instruction for living to keep you on the right path!
This episode is also available to watch as a video! Click here! https://youtu.be/QiTGFDAEMcw 
 
"Reading The Bible Regularly Leads To Positive Changes In Life"
Summary/Abstract
Robert welcomed the listeners to Set Free 24/7 and began discussing Proverbs and the importance of reading the Bible. He shared a study that he had recently read, which showed that individuals who read the Bible four times or more a week had drastically reduced chances of getting drunk, engaging in sex outside of marriage, viewing pornography, and gambling. Robert concluded by saying that reading the Bible regularly likely also significantly reduces the chances of interacting with police, as this is what Set Free 24/7 is all about. The speaker talks about how reading the Bible every day has made a positive impact in their life. They encourage the listener to read Proverbs 8, which speaks of Lady Wisdom. Lady Wisdom encourages the listener to use good sense, listen to her words, and prefer her life discipline over chasing after money and worldly knowledge. This is because Wisdom is ultimately better than all the trappings of wealth. Lady Wisdom is a personalization of God's spirit, who works within us to help us live God's life and achieve wholeness in our environment. Wisdom is more than just good advice or a brilliant idea; it is a presence that helps us to pursue and deal with brokenness. Eugene Peterson encourages us to embrace Lady Wisdom's ways in order to find life, wealth, glory, honor, and a good name. He emphasizes the importance of being alert and responsive in the morning and listening carefully to Lady Wisdom's teachings. Lady Wisdom is calling out to everyone to embrace life and not settle for anything less than the best. She speaks from personal experience, having overcome her own struggles with drug addiction and fraud. She encourages her listeners to strive for an abundant life that God will make room for. She also offers her support through prayer, inviting anyone who needs to make a request to do so in the comments. Her message is to live life to its fullest and not be afraid to reach out for help.
Timestamps
0:00:00
Heading: Proverbs Reading and Its Impact on Behaviors
0:01:09
Heading: The Benefits of Reading the Bible Every Day
0:03:32
"Exploring Lady Wisdom: An Analysis of Proverbs 8"
0:08:01
Heading: Lady Wisdom's Message: Life is Good and Abundant for All
Highlights
Wisdom is God's spirit working within us to fashion our lives into wholeness in the actual environment in which we find ourselves. In these circumstances, in this neighborhood and in this family, lady Wisdom is present not only to make it possible to pursue wholeness, but also to deal with brokenness. It is no use shutting our eyes to it and saying that it doesn't exist. It's no use wallowing in it and saying that there's nothing that we can do about it.
Wisdom is God's spirit working within us. The Holy Spirit is God moving in us to live God's life. In proverbs this Holy Spirit is given the name lady Wisdom. What that does is personalize this aspect of God so that wisdom is not just information or a direction, not just good advice or a brilliant idea. What this does is personalize this aspect of God so that wisdom is not just information or direction and not just good advice or a brilliant idea.
You'll recognize this as true. You with open minds, truth-ready minds will see it at once. Prefer my life discipline over chasing after money and God knowledge over a lucrative career. For Wisdom is better than all the trappings of wealth. Nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her. I am Lady Wisdom and I live next to sanity. Knowledge and discretion live just down the street. The fear of God means hating evil whose ways I hate with passion, pride and arrogance and crooked talk, good counsel and common sense are my characteristics.
It's right here in black and white. Some people actually just dedicated their lives to this study to get you the information, so do with it as you may. But I know for me, this is the right path. It has to be because I know where I was before when I wasn't reading the Bible every day. I did five years in prison for drug addiction and fraud and all sorts of other crazy crimes that went along with that fed into my drug addiction.

The Knock That Saved My Life | David’s Story of Freedom

Welcome to Set Free 24-7! Today I have a special guest who has battled depression, anxiety, and addiction to painkillers and has a beautiful story that shows how God kept pursuing him, even as he came to the end of himself.
If you don't know David, he has eyes that smile, is always ready to share a laugh with you, and a genuine heart for serving others and the Lord. I met him a year ago and getting to know him and Elizabeth has been a highlight in my life.
This podcast contains topics that can be sensitive to some listeners. David speaks about depression and coming to a place where he was contemplating taking his own life. If you are struggling with these same thoughts, please know that there is help and support available. The Suicide Prevention Hotline number is 988 on any phone and my wife and I are always willing to sit and talk with you.
I pray that David's Story blesses you and gives you a measure of hope today. Thanks for listening!
 
SHOW NOTES: 
"Davids Story: The Knock That Saved His Life"
March 24th, 2023
David is a guest on the Set Free 24-7 podcast, and he has a story to tell. He grew up in a rural area where he was brought up on his grandfather's farm and was an outgoing, but shy kid who loved to talk to people. He enjoyed playing, riding motorcycles, and swimming. His family consisted of his parents, and his father worked a lot so he didn't get to spend much time with him. However, he remembers fondly the family vacations where his father did some fishing and he spent time with his grandparents. He has experienced depression, anxiety, and addiction and has a story to tell of how God kept pursuing him even as he came to the end of himself. The speaker talks about his childhood growing up with two older brothers. They didn't go to church often and when they did, it was a long and boring experience. One of his older brothers joined the Marines at 17 and the other joined the Army and got married at a young age. The speaker was the only kid left at home, so he was very active and played a lot. Dave was the youngest of three brothers and had to fend for himself when his brothers left home. He didn't like school and was not particularly good at academics, but he did enjoy running and wrestling. In high school, he had difficulty fitting in and was beaten up a few times. He tried to stay away from people he didn't like and returned the favor when necessary. During his senior year, he went for a ride with a friend in his new 1971 Chevelle. The speaker was in an accident with a friend in which his friend's brakes went out. The accident was one of the speaker's first experiences with the Lord and he saw white lights and heard the word clear. His friend ended up in a wheelchair due to arthritis. The speaker had a lack of relationship with God before high school. After his brother died in a car accident in 1997, the speaker started to talk to a pastor and started going to church. His parents got divorced shortly after his brother's death and the speaker was very angry at the world. He was almost taken to jail after getting into a confrontation with a truck driver, but he was allowed to go to church instead. He started going to church, but wasn't really invested. Finally, in 2006, he started to invest in his faith and his relationship with God grew from there.
00:00:00
Interview with David: A Story of Overcoming Depression, Anxiety, and Addiction
00:02:32
Heading: Growing Up as a Kid in a Non-Church Going Family
00:04:30
Conversation with Dave about Growing Up as the Baby of the Family
00:06:29
Heading: Reflection on Life-Changing Experiences with God
00:10:20
Recounting a Life-Changing Moment: A Conversation with Coach Chris
00:12:59
Conversation Summary: Group Formation at a Retreat
00:14:46
Subject: Addiction Recovery Support Group Conversation
00:18:45
Conversation on the Benefits of Quitting Drugs Cold Turkey
00:20:53
Heading: Reflection on Baptism and Divorce
00:22:38
Conversation Summary: Life After Divorce and Finding Love Again
00:25:00
Summary of Conversation with Husband Regarding Divorce
00:27:00
Heading: Reflection on Failed Marriage and Turning to the Church for Support
00:29:00
Heading: Reflections on Blended Families and Starting Over
00:33:29
Conversation Summary: Dealing with the Pain of a Breakup
00:35:43
Heading: Conversation about Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts
00:37:18
Heading: Conversation between Pastor Joe and David about Finding Love Again
00:40:40
Conversation Summary: How a Friendship Led to a Relationship
00:42:41
Conversation Summary: Reflection on Baptism and Relationship with Elizabeth
00:46:23
Conversation Summary: Proposing to Partner's Daughter's Mother
00:50:00
Recounting a New Year's Eve Proposal
00:51:52
Conversation Summary: Building Trust and Strengthening Bonds in Marriage
00:53:49
Conversation with Pastor John and Elizabeth: Working as a Team and Finding Hope in Difficult Times
00:56:33
Conversation on the Power of Forgiveness and Starting Fresh
00:58:28
Conversation on Patience, Divorce, and Accountability
01:02:46
Conversation on Gratitude and the Power of Prayer
01:04:32
Interview with David: Exploring the Power of Dressing Up

Journey Through The Message 44 | The Words You Speak Are ETERNAL!

How important are the words that we say to people? In today's reading, we learn that our words are ETERNAL and they matter. As we finish out in Matthew 18 today, we also learn about forgiveness and how many times we are called to forgive...are you keeping track of the number? Maybe we shouldn't be so focused on the number and instead look at the message behind it. In Acts, Paul is back trying to make an impression on the Roman authorities. What in your life, besides your testimony and your proclamtion of faith, is giving witness to the goodness of God to the people around you? And as we close the day out in Leviticus, we see how God cared for his people by the good advice he was handing out, but wow, that sure did make the priests busy having to examine everyone and their sore and sickness. I am thankful for a God who cares about those little details today and points us to the road of freedom. 
 
Join my wife and me as we read through the Bible in The Message version this year! Put a fresh set of eyes on the Bible with this beautiful translation and enjoy a little back and forth as we dig into God's Word. Grab a cup of coffee, put us in the background, and let's read this amazing book together. 
Today's Text if you are following along:
Matthew 18:15-35
Acts 25:13-27
Psalm 41
Leviticus 11-13
 
Continue the conversation on our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/5879162978841385 
Want to follow along with us? Get the Message Devotional Bible HERE! https://amzn.to/3IBtT6F 
Need a LARGE PRINT VERSION? -- https://amzn.to/3IO01nJ
The Message Devotional Bible (Hardcover): Featuring Notes and Reflections
from Eugene H. Peterson
Find Your Way in Scripture.Scripture is another world. One we find our way into. And one that finds its way into us. Steeped in Scripture, Eugene Peterson’s faith-filled reflections open the door.The Message Devotional Bible invites you on a journey―call it practicing resurrection, call it eating this book, or call it simply a long obedience in the same direction. From the pastor who translated the entire Bible, The Message Devotional Bible sets you on the right path―devoted not just to the Bible but to God, who, in Jesus, became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.Open the door between Scripture and your world.From Eugene . . .
Over 600 scriptural insights
52 contemplative readings
Introductions to the books and genres of the Bible
Plus . . .
More than 400 reflection questions
9 neighborhood-themed articles

Journey Through The Message 43 | Whoever Becomes Simple Again

How high do you want to rank in God's kingdom? Are you ready to become simple again? Have faith like a child? It's funny that Jesus doesn't list a bunch of rules to follow or things to do. As we join Paul, he is with Festus but not having a "festus" kind of day and you can tell he is tired of playing games. He is bold in his faith and knows the law and how to use it. And as we close today in Leviticus, we see God punishing some of the priests for not following directions in their worship and sacrifices. Sometimes I wish God would intervene like that today with some of the people that call themselves preachers. The Gospel doesn't need you to fluff it up or make it anything that it isn't. God's love and his work on the cross is good enough! Join us as we Journey through some important passages and have a little fun doing it! 
 
Join my wife and me as we read through the Bible in The Message version this year! Put a fresh set of eyes on the Bible with this beautiful translation and enjoy a little back and forth as we dig into God's Word. Grab a cup of coffee, put us in the background, and let's read this amazing book together. 
Today's Text if you are following along:
Matthew 18:1-14
Acts 25:1-12
Psalm 40
Leviticus 8-10
 
Continue the conversation on our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/5879162978841385 
Want to follow along with us? Get the Message Devotional Bible HERE! https://amzn.to/3IBtT6F 
Need a LARGE PRINT VERSION? -- https://amzn.to/3IO01nJ
The Message Devotional Bible (Hardcover): Featuring Notes and Reflections
from Eugene H. Peterson
Find Your Way in Scripture.Scripture is another world. One we find our way into. And one that finds its way into us. Steeped in Scripture, Eugene Peterson’s faith-filled reflections open the door.The Message Devotional Bible invites you on a journey―call it practicing resurrection, call it eating this book, or call it simply a long obedience in the same direction. From the pastor who translated the entire Bible, The Message Devotional Bible sets you on the right path―devoted not just to the Bible but to God, who, in Jesus, became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.Open the door between Scripture and your world.From Eugene . . .
Over 600 scriptural insights
52 contemplative readings
Introductions to the books and genres of the Bible
Plus . . .
More than 400 reflection questions
9 neighborhood-themed articles

Smooth Talking Honey Tongued Seductress | Journey Through Proverbs 7

A Proverb a Day Keeps the Police Away! Join me as we read through the book of Proverbs in the Message Version this month! Have you ever met a smooth-talking honey-tongued seductress? Don't allow temptations to knock you off course! Today's reading is packed full of wisdom, insight, and good instruction for living to keep you on the right path!