Archive for the ‘Acceptance’ Category

Proverbs 14:33 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: November 14, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 14, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 14:33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.

Wise men and fools differ in two important ways. First, a wise man’s heart is full of understanding, but a fool’s is filled with folly. Second, a wise man has humility to keep his wisdom to himself, but a fool’s arrogance causes him to spew out the foolishness in his heart (Pr 13:16; 15:2,28; 29:11). Wisdom and modesty make a man great, but foolishness and pride make him an offensive loser. Examine yourself. Which are you?

Dissect the proverb carefully. An understanding man, a man with discretion, knowledge, and prudence, keeps wisdom in his heart. He is not agitated or eager to throw his opinion around when opportunities arise. He is content to be a listener. In fact, he would rather not speak unless asked or expected to do so. He is a man of few words, and you often have to work to get him to share his wisdom (Pr 10:19; 15:28; 17:27; 20:5; Eccl 9:17).

However, a fool must tell everyone what he is thinking. His greatest joy is talking, for he believes and presumes he has great insights to offer (Pr 18:2). Once he starts talking, he is difficult to stop. He keeps babbling, whether he knows the subject or not (Eccl 10:12-14). Though a fool is ignorant and stupid, his pride and lack of discretion cause him to pour out the folly inside. He could improve his reputation just by closing his mouth (Pr 17:28)!

Of course, a wise and understanding man will speak, and he will speak a lot in the right setting for the right purpose. He fulfills his purpose from God by being a tree of life to many (Pr 10:21; 11:30; 15:4,7). Though humble about his own natural abilities, like the prophet Agur (Pr 30:1-3), he is committed to acquiring knowledge and wisdom so he can give the certain words of truth to those who ask him (Pr 22:17-21; I Pet 3:15).

Reader, ask yourself two questions. Do you have wisdom and understanding in your heart? Do you keep them there until serious and sober men ask your opinion for noble reasons? Your answers to these questions will indicate whether you are a good person or a despised fool. In fact, better than your answers, what would others say about you? Do others perceive you to be wise and discreet? Or foolish and talkative? Be very honest.

What can you do about your heart? This book of Proverbs offers wisdom throughout (Pr 1:1-6; 8:1-5; 9:4-6). It tells the starting point – the fear of God (Pr 1:7; 9:10). It compares wise men and fools over and over, for you to choose the former and despise the latter. Wisdom is not far away! Change your life – fill your heart with wisdom from heaven! It is the chief goal of a successful life (Pr 4:7). And it brings great rewards (Pr 4:8).

What can you do about your mouth? This book of Proverbs says much about your speech, because it is the main indicator of your heart, and it affects others the most (Pr 4:24; 10:32; 13:3; 14:7; 17:7; 18:7; 20:15; 22:11; 24:26). Solomon assumed you can learn discreet, wise, and gracious speech (Pr 15:28; 16:23; 22:17-18). Since Jesus Christ said you will be judged by your words in the Day of Judgment, it is time you applied yourself diligently to perfect your heart and your speech (Matt 12:34-37; Ps 19:14; 139:23-24).

Spiritual Training 14 November 2013

Posted: November 14, 2013 in 2 Timothy, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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2nd Timothy 1:5-7 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.  For this reason I remind you fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 

At the time of his ordination, Timothy had received special gifts of the Spirit to enable him to serve the church (see 1 Timothy 4:14). In telling Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God,” Paul was encouraging him to persevere. Timothy did not need new revelations or new gifts; he needed the courage and self-discipline to hang on to the truth and to use the gifts he had already received (see 1:13, 14). If Timothy would step out boldly in faith and proclaim the gospel once again, the Holy Spirit would go with him and give him power.

1:6 Clearly Timothy’s spiritual gift had been given to him when Paul and the elders had laid their hands on him and set him apart for ministry (see 1 Timothy 4:14). God gives all Christians gifts to use to build up the body of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 12:4–31), and he gives special gifts to some through church leaders, who serve as God’s instruments. 1:6, 7 Timothy was experiencing great opposition to his message and to himself as a leader. His youth, his association with Paul, and his leadership had come under fire from believers and nonbelievers alike. Paul urged him to be bold.

Paul mentions three characteristics of the effective Christian leader: power, love, and self-discipline. These are available to us because the Holy
already received (see 1:13, 14). If Timothy would step out boldly in faith and proclaim the gospel once again, the Holy Spirit would go with him and give him power.

Lets Bring it Home:  When you use the gifts God has given you, you will find that God will give you the power you need to accomplish whatever task he gives you.  When we allow people to intimidate us, we neutralize our effectiveness for God. The power of the Holy Spirit can help us overcome our fear of what some might say or do to us, so that we can continue to do God’s work. 1:7

Proverbs 13:24 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: November 13, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 13, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 13:24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is carful to discipline him

It is not easy for a loving parent to discipline a child, but it is necessary.  The greatest responsibility that God gives parents is the nurture and guidance of their children.  Lack of discipline puts parents’ love in questions because it shows a lack of concern for the character development of their children.  Disciplining children averts long-range disaster.  Without correction, children grow up with no clear understanding of right and wrong and with little direction to their lives.  Don’t be afraid to discipline your children.  It is an act of love.  Remember, however, that your efforts cannot make your children wise; they can only encourage your children to seek God’s wisdom above all else.

Spiritual Training 13 November 2013

Posted: November 13, 2013 in 2 Timothy, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

2nd Timothy 1:5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 

Timothy’s mother and grandmother, Eunice and Lois, were early Christian converts, possibly through Paul’s ministry in their home city, Lustra (Acts 16:1).  They had communicated their strong Christian faith to Timothy, even though his father was probably not a believer.

Lets Bring it Home:  Don’t hide your light at home; our families are fertile fields for planting gospel seeds.  Let your parents, children, spouse, brothers, and sisters know of your faith in Jesus, and be sure they see Christ’s love, helpfulness, and joy in you.

Proverbs 12:28 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: November 12, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 12, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 12:28 In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality. 

Is immortality possible? Is enjoying life while never dying possible? Ponce de Leon sought a fountain of youth. Men try exercise, diet, supplementation, and alternative medicine to enhance life and extend life, but they die as painfully, quickly, and surely as others. Are immortality and eternal life possible? This proverb teaches they are possible. Life without death is found in the way and pathway of righteousness (Pr 10:2; 11:4,19)!

Man’s greatest fear is death, and this fear enslaves him to religious lies and all sorts of deceptions and scams (Heb 2:15). If evolution were true, it would have evolved death away long ago as the greatest weakness of each species. But evolution is a lie, for it has not even altered life expectancy in the 4000 years of recorded history. Men can only wish to be saved from death. They have no means to slow it down or stop it (Eccl 8:8).

What is the way of righteousness? It is the life of wisdom – fearing God and keeping His commandments (Pr 8:12-21,32-36; 13:14; 14:27; 16:17; Matt 21:28-32). It is the highway of holiness and road of righteousness – it is the King’s highway – the strait and narrow way of Jesus Christ that leads to life, which only a few ever find (Matt 7:12-14; 22:14).

What is death? It is a physical body dying – and much more. It is also death to fellowship and joy with God (Luke 15:24; I Tim 5:6). It includes the dead state of your soul by your first birth (Gen 2:17; Eph 2:1-3). It is dying before your time by the judgment of God or men (Ps 55:23; Eccl 7:17). It is the second death in the lake of fire (Rev 20:14; 21:8).

Fools face early death by men or God. If they commit capital crimes, the magistrate kills them. If the death penalty is neglected, the Lord kills them. They die from STD’s, jealous spouses, other fools, violent accidents, drug overdoses, and suicide! Parental discipline could save them from these untimely deaths (Pr 23:13-14). And righteousness as simple as honoring their parents could add to their life expectancy (Pr 20:20; 30:17; Eph 6:2-3).

Foolish rebels reject righteousness and reap the grim consequences (Pr 8:36). Do you remember Eli’s sons, Jim Morrison, Amnon, Princess Diana, Ananias and Sapphira, Jimi Hendrix, Absalom, Marilyn Monroe, Adonijah, Adolph Hitler, Haman, Alexander, Judas, Eva Braun, Herod Agrippa I, James Dean, Nabal, Al Capone, Onan, JFK, Lot’s wife, Pharaoh, Goliath, MLK, Belshazzar, many rock stars, many rap artists, etc.?

Fools who do not die early die without hope, go to hell, and face the second death. While they lived, they were dead; when they are dead, they have yet to die! They hide their dead and dysfunctional lives with alcohol, plastic surgery, fake smiles, and drugs. The horrors of death and hell will take them down, down, down. They will rue the day of their birth; they will grieve in anguish; they will beg for annihilation; there will be no relief, ever!

Reader, righteousness extends life! Wickedness shortens life! In this world and the next! Solomon had seen it among his own brothers and many others of his generation. He repeated the advice and warning many times (Pr 3:2,16; 8:35-36; 9:11; 10:16,25,27-28,30; 11:4,7-8,19; 12:3,7; 13:9,14,22; 14:11,32; 15:24; 19:23; 21:12,15,21; 28:10,18).

Righteous men enjoy the good life now (Pr 3:18; John 10:10). They are passed from death to life already and shall never be condemned (John 5:24). At death, their souls go to heaven; their bodies sleep in the grave, waiting for the resurrection (John 11:25-26; Acts 7:60; I Thess 4:14). The second death has no power over them (Rev 20:6,15). Where can you learn more about immortality? The gospel of Jesus Christ (II Tim 1:9-10; Tit 1:1-4)!

Ponce de Leon is long dead (1460-1521), but those in the way of righteousness mock death! They shout in confident derision against their once fatal enemy, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? … But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Cor 15:55-57). Are you wise enough and courageous enough to leave the wide gate and broad way to join them (Matt 7:12-14)?

Spiritual Training 12 November 2013

Posted: November 12, 2013 in 2 Timothy, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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2nd Timothy 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dear Son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord

When we are united with Christ life takes on both immediate and eternal dimensions.  Paul’s use of the phrase, “the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, “can apply to the life that Jesus gives immediately to those who trust him, as well as to the life fully realized in eternity.  On one hand, Paul said, “If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17).  So new life begins at conversion. 

Yet on the other hand we “wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:23).  The present experience we enjoy provides a foretasted of our completed redemption as Christ’s return.

Lets Bring it Home:  When we struggle with difficulties in this life, remember that the best is yet to come.

Proverbs 08:10 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: November 12, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 08, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 8:10 Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice silver

How important is financial gain to you? How much effort do you put into professional improvement? Do you have a personal plan to advance professionally and improve your financial situation? How much concern, study, and time into savings or investments? Is your ultimate goal to be financially independent because you have acquired all you need?

Lady Wisdom speaks here, and she advertises her instruction and knowledge as better than silver and gold. Great efforts are made to acquire money during a lifetime, but men make very little effort in comparison to obtain wisdom and understanding. Are the priorities in your life geared toward instruction and knowledge, or toward income?

This comparison is made often in Proverbs. Solomon saw that most men were eager and diligent to pursue money, and he more than any man realized that wisdom is greater than any financial asset or accomplishment (Pr 4:7; Eccl 12:13-14). Both he and his father David exalted wisdom above riches (Pr 3:13-14; 8:11,19; 16:16; Ps 119:72,127).

America is a carnal and materialistic society. The rich are viewed as successful – the higher the income, the better the man, most believe. They spend years preparing for a particular profession, and some work many more hours than necessary to seek riches and success. But they neglect wisdom, which could save their lives from pain and trouble.

Money is a good thing to have, as it can eliminate many of life’s small irritations. Solomon wrote, “Money answereth all things” (Eccl 10:19). But it is far inferior to wisdom. For He also wrote, “For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it” (Eccl 7:12).

Instruction and knowledge are found in the Word of God. Do you value the Bible more than financial success? Does this show in your desire to read and study it? David said of the Scriptures, “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward” (Ps 19:10-11). Do you love Scripture like he did?

Men are happy to work overtime. Are you as happy when the pastor preaches overtime? Successful men go beyond expectations and competitors in performing their jobs. Do you read and study more than the bare minimum and what your peers are doing? Diligent men never miss a day of work. Are you as faithful in reading the Bible? Examine yourself.

There are 168 hours in a week. There are 1440 minutes in a day. You know how many of them are spent pursuing income. How many are spent pursuing wisdom? You cannot study the Bible even close to the hours you must work, unless you are in the ministry. But how many minutes or hours in a week do you give the fear of the Lord and the pursuit of wisdom? Finding wisdom takes the diligence of hunting for hid treasure (Pr 2:1-5).

Wisdom loves those who love her (Pr 8:17). Can she tell that you love her? Or do you appear to be in love with mammon – the world’s god of money and success? You cannot love both (Matt 6:24; I Tim 6:6-10; Jas 4:4). Set your heart on wisdom and God’s Scriptures as your heritage and joy instead of the things of this life (Ps 119:111).

“Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding,” Solomon wrote (Pr 23:23). You buy these things by giving up other activities and pursuits in your life. You give up the carnal ambitions of the world to put more emphasis on wisdom. Jesus commended wise men, who sold all for His kingdom (Matt 13:44-46).

What if you gain the whole world, but lose your own soul (Matt 16:26)? If your priorities are out of line, the consequences are costly! Tell Lady Wisdom right now that you love her and appreciate her offer by confessing your slothfulness to God, and then alter your schedule to make more time for wisdom. God will hear the words, see the effort, and He will bless you with more wisdom or both more wisdom and financial gain (I Kgs 3:5-13)!

Spiritual Training

Posted: November 12, 2013 in 2 Timothy, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

2nd Timothy 1:1-3 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dear Son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord

When we are united with Christ life takes on both immediate and eternal dimensions.  Paul’s use of the phrase, “the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, “can apply to the life that Jesus gives immediately to those who trust him, as well as to the life fully realized in eternity.  On one hand, Paul said, “If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17).  So new life begins at conversion. 

Yet on the other hand we “wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:23).  The present experience we enjoy provides a foretasted of our completed redemption as Christ’s return.

Lets Bring it Home:  When we struggle with difficulties in this life, remember that the best is yet to come.

Proverbs 7:19 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: November 7, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 07, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 7:19 My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey

Fornicators and adulterers often say, “We will not get caught.” In this proverb, an adulteress enticed her victim by promising safety for a secret liaison. Lying no less than Satan to Eve, she told him no harm would come, for her husband was traveling. Lying no less than Delilah to Samson, she did not tell him that his God was not on a long journey!

The older English word “goodman” means a husband. The sly Jezebel here in Solomon’s parable used this word to speak of her husband distantly and disrespectfully (Pr 2:17), to keep both consciences silent from thinking of her innocent husband, her lover from her youth. Adultery usually requires some degree of criticism of spouses for it to ever occur.

Using male pronouns like “he” and “him” to slight her diligent husband (Pr 7:19-20), she suggested her own bed as a safe place for their tryst (Pr 7:16-17). She offered much time for great lovemaking, as he would be gone a good while (Pr 7:20). See the comments on Pr 7:18. It is godly wisdom for women to remember the reverence of Sarah (I Pet 3:5-6).

She further spoke of her husband’s long journey, and implied frequent business trips by it, to solicit sympathy from the fool that she was lonely and needed his love and affection. How many adulterers have excused their heinous sin by blaming a spouse, when it is rather a lack of the fear of God and temperance to keep them content in their marriage?

Sin is deceitful, but sexual sins are more deceitful than most (Pr 3:13). The short pleasure can be so great and the distant consequences so obscure, sexual sins are considered victimless as long as both parties consent. But sin does not tell you about sexual diseases, unwanted pregnancies, guilt, shame, jealous husbands or angry fathers, future sexual dysfunction, unwanted memories, confusion of love and sex, resentment, loneliness, etc.

America and much of the world now entertain themselves with such sexual intrigues as this parable describes by their songs, novels, and movies. Adultery is epidemic and encouraged by the media for women to find themselves and for older women to have fun with younger men. Men think it is their prerogative and role to bed as many women as possible. But what does God and the Bible say about such heinous wickedness?

Solomon’s lesson here would be a great plot for a movie or novel today, and the whore would be the heroine. All would enjoy her arts of beguiling the young man; her conquest would be celebrated as the triumph of love; the drama would conclude pleasantly; and most young men that saw or read it would desire to be so lucky. Thus fools make a mock at sin (Pr 14:9). Thus Satan sells his poison (Ps 101:3). But what does the LORD say?

He condemned both parties to death (Lev 20:10; Deut 22:22-24; II Sam 12:13; John 8:5). What if both were consenting? It is a sin worthy of death (Heb 13:4; Rev 21:8). A husband in Israel returning from a business trip could take his wife to the priests for the test of jealousy, with no need for circumstantial evidence. If she were guilty of sexual infidelity, her belly would swell and her genitals would rot immediately (Num 5:11-31).

Business trips are often more dangerous for men, for there are many temptations in a fine hotel far from home, with much time, luxurious food and wine, and anonymity. Let every man that nameth the name of Christ limit his travels and keep his vessel (I Thess 4:1-8). To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Let Joseph be your example (Gen 39:7-12).

Keep your marital separations to a minimum. Separation only makes the heart grow fonder if both parties are godly and the separation necessary. Otherwise, spouses have daily lovemaking obligations, and unnecessary separations become covenant breaking and defrauding and give sexual place to Satan (I Cor 7:1-5). God knew separations would occur due to business and war, so He prohibited them for the first year (Deut 24:5).

A virtuous woman can always be trusted, no matter where she is (Pr 31:10-12). Yet to be safe, women should limit and guard their time away from home (Pr 7:11-12; I Tim 5:12-15), for the woman is an easy target for seduction (Pr 30:19-20; Gen 3:1-6; I Tim 2:14; I Pet 3:7). She can help herself much by staying busy at home (Pr 31:13-27; Titus 2:3-5). And she must have fulfilling and frequent lovemaking with her husband (I Cor 7:1-5).

Though a husband leaves for a long business trip, the eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching everything the sinful wife thinks and does, and be sure her sin will find her out (Pr 15:3; Num 32:23). The husband far from home should remember that God watches his sexual intentions and actions also (Pr 5:21; Job 34:22; Jer 23:24; Heb 4:13). Beware!

Dear reader, the goodman of the church will soon return, the Lord of glory, the bridegroom and husband of the church (Matt 24:42-51; Mark 13:34-37; I Thess 3:13; 5:1-10; II Pet 3:9-17). Will He find you waiting in adoring purity and faithfulness? Or in bed with the world (James 4:4)? The pleasure of meeting Him confidently far exceeds any pleasures of sin for a season here, ask Moses or Jesus (Heb 11:24-26; Mark 10:28-30).

Spiritual Training 07 November 2013

Posted: November 7, 2013 in 2 Timothy, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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2nd Timothy: Paul was facing death.  He was not dying of a disease in a sterile hospital with loved ones gathered nearby.  He was very much alive, but his condition was terminal.  Convicted as a follower of Jesus of Nazareth, Paul sat in a cold Roman prison cut off from the world, with just a visitor or two and his writing materials.  Paul knew that soon he would be executed, so he wrote his final thoughts to his “son” Timothy, passing to him the torch of leadership, reminding him of what  was truly important, and encouraging him in the faith.

MEGATHEMES

Boldness

EXPLANATION: In the face of opposition and persecution, Timothy was to carry out his ministry without fear or shame. Paul urged him to utilize boldly the gifts of preaching and teaching that the Holy Spirit had given him.

IMPORTANCE: The Holy Spirit helps us to be wise and strong. God honors our confident testimony even when we suffer. To get over our fear of what people might say or do, we must take our eyes off of people and look only to God.

Faithfulness

EXPLANATION: Christ was faithful to all of us in dying for our sin. Paul was a faithful minister even when he was in prison. Paul urged Timothy to maintain not only sound doctrine but also loyalty, diligence, and endurance.

IMPORTANCE: We can count on opposition, suffering, and hardship as we serve Christ. But this shows that our faithfulness is having an effect on others. As we trust Christ, he counts us worthy to suffer, and he will give us the strength we need to be steadfast.

 

 

Preaching and Teaching

EXPLANATION: Paul and Timothy were active in preaching and teaching  the Good News about Jesus Christ. Paul encouraged Timothy not only to carry the torch of truth but also to train others, passing on to them sound doctrine and enthusiasm for Christ’s mission.

IMPORTANCE: We must prepare people to transmit God’s Word to others so that they in turn might pass it on. Does your church carefully train others to teach?

Error

EXPLANATION: In the final days before Christ returns, there will be false teachers, spiritual dropouts, and heretics. The remedy for error is to have a solid program for teaching Christians.

IMPORTANCE: Because of deception and false teaching, we must be disciplined and ready to reject error. Know the Word of God as your sure defense against error and confusion.

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