Archive for the ‘Acceptance’ Category

Proverbs 30:32 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: October 30, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 30, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 30:32 “If you have played the fool and exalted yourself, or if you have planned evil, clap your hand over your mouth!

Do not speak, unless you have something peaceful and righteous to say, for words of either pride or sin will produce greater evil and harm. If you are guilty for anything, let your words come out very carefully and very slowly. Let every word count for good.

If your conscience or others correct you for arrogance or wickedness, do not attempt to excuse or justify your sins. Humble yourself, confess your error, and thank the reprover. Do not add to your guilt or shame by opening your mouth and making matters worse.

Your mouth is the vent of your heart and mind. If you have not ruled your thoughts, at least rule your mouth by keeping your folly or wickedness to yourself, lest it harm those around you and spread your sin further. This rule is so valuable that even fools can be thought wise by restraining their words and remaining silent (Pr 17:27-28).

Your tongue can be a flame that fires the course of nature, and it is set on fire of hell (Jas 3:6). Words can be deadly poison (Jas 3:8). You hold the power of death and life in your mouth (Pr 18:21). Much talking always includes sin (Pr 10:19). You will give an account for every idle word (Matt 12:36), including filthy, foolish, and jesting words (Eph 5:3-7).

Doing foolishly in lifting up yourself is to be puffed up with pride and vaunting yourself against authority or over others. When you have foolishly gone this far, the best choice is to stop talking, otherwise provocative things will be said leading to a greater conflict. Pride is the cause of all fights (Pr 13:10), so the fewer arrogant words spoken the better.

Thinking evil is your imagination fantasizing or lusting for forbidden things, assuming evil motives for another person’s actions, purposing to rebel against authority, or related sins of the mind. Even the thought of foolishness is sin (Pr 24:9). If you have failed to rule your thoughts, you can still rule your mouth to keep your evil from spreading.

Laying your hand over your mouth is a Biblical expression for ending your speech and being silent. Job told his three friends to do this rather than continue their accusations against him (Job 21:5). Job did this himself when confronted by God (Job 40:4). It is what you should do when you feel pride welling up inside or sinful thoughts at work.

The context describes a great king’s authority (Pr 30:31). Wise men will not provoke him with fighting words, for he has the power to destroy (Pr 16:14; 19:12; 20:2; Ec 8:2-5; 10:4). This warning even includes thoughts or private conversations in your bedroom (Ec 10:20). Retorting against authority is folly, but especially against civil rulers (Tit 2:9).

The context also describes the certainty of a fight or war if wrath is pressed (Pr 30:33). A wise man is quick to hear and slow to speak, for he knows that anger does not work the righteousness of God (Jas 1:19-20). He knows that strife in the heart leads to confusion and every evil work, so he refuses to add grievous words to the fire (Pr 15:1; Ja 3:14-18).

The general lesson is valuable. Words take pride and evil imaginations further than intended, provoke others to respond in kind, are impossible to retract, and the damage is difficult to repair, as with offended brothers (Pr 18:19). Therefore, your tongue should be silent in your mouth until and unless there is something peaceful and godly to say.

When pride or evil whet the tongue, its sharp words pierce others, cutting them needlessly and/or starting a fight. It is so much better to choose the tongue of the wise, dealing grace and health to all who hear (Pr 12:18; 10:20-21; 16:24; Col 4:6; Eph 4:29).

What a peacemaker you could be, if you were always first to lay your hand over your mouth (Pr 15:1; 25:15). But alas, the fire that burns inside often forces release and causes damage (Ps 39:1-3). Be quick to hear and slow to speak to make peace (Jas 1:19-20).

Instead of conceited or corrupt speech, choose the gracious and learned tongue of Jesus Christ, Who spoke better than any man ever (Ps 45:2; Is 50:4; Lu 4:22; Jn 7:46). It is gracious and humble words that win the hearts even of kings (Pr 11:16; 22:11; Ec 10:12).

Spiritual Training 30 October 2013

Posted: October 30, 2013 in 1 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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1 Timothy 6:3-5 If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing, He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. 

Paul told Timothy to stay away from those who just wanted to make money from preaching, and from those who strayed from the sound teachings of the gospel into quarrels that caused strife in the church.

Lets Bring it Home: A person’s understanding of the finer points of theology should not become the basis for lording it over others or for making money.  Stay away from people who just want to argue.

Proverbs 29:26 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: October 29, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 29, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 29:26 Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that man gets justice.  

If the sheriff, governor, or president were your friend, he might help you a little, if you needed protection, provision, or avenging. But those who wait on the LORD will receive perfect help in all situations. The LORD by providence dispenses perfect equity and justice to all men. So your great trust should always be in the LORD. Seek Him today.

Natural man looks down. He trusts other men, like parents, employers, legislators, magistrates, or pastors. He expects them to help, when he is in trouble. But their abilities are limited; they also have troubles; their judgment is distorted; and they are often fickle.

Though parents generally love their children very much and want to help them, David said the LORD would still be there when his parents forsook him (Ps 27:10). Men should look to the heavens, from whence cometh their help (Ps 121:1-8). Looking horizontally is foolish, for all you can see are other potsherds, or broken pottery, like yourself (Is 45:9)!

Favour and judgment in this proverb have similar senses. The judgment here is not punishment, but fair and right treatment. Men love friends in high places, for they think that will be an advantage when in need. But promotion, prosperity, and protection are from the LORD. His favour far exceeds what any man can do for you. Trust Him today!

Do you have enemies? Vengeance is His; He will repay (Rom 12:19). Are your cares too heavy? He will bear them for you (I Pet 5:7). Are you lonely? He will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb 13:6). Do you have needs? He knows them and will supply (Matt 6:25-33). Are rulers oppressing you? He is higher than they (Eccl 5:8)! Are you afraid? He will hide you in His pavilion and protect you from your enemies (Ps 27:1-6).

Esther married Ahasuerus, King of Persia. She should have been safe. But her husband ignorantly signed a decree into law to exterminate her and her people. She went to the LORD with fasting and prayer, and He wonderfully delivered her and her people. Glory!

Precious Hannah was beloved by her husband Elkanah, but his other wife tormented her painfully. So she took her complaint to the LORD. What Elkanah could not rectify, the blessed God did. Hannah had the great Samuel and five other children to boot! Glory!

David said it well. “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish” (Ps 146:3-4). “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes” (Ps 118:8-9).

The only Ruler you should seek favor from is Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. He holds your life now and your destiny in the future in His hands, and His approval and blessing are far more important than anyone else’s, no matter how powerful an earthly ruler might be. Obey Him today and seek His blessing with all your might.

Spiritual Training 29 October 2013

Posted: October 29, 2013 in 1 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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1 Timothy 5:22-25 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others, Keep yourself pure.  Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.  The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them.  In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.    

Paul says that a church should never be in a hurry about choosing its leaders, especially the pastor, because major problems or sins might be overlooked.  It is a serious responsibility to choose church leaders.  They must have strong faith and be morally upright, having the qualities described in 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9.

It is unclear why Paul gave this advice to Timothy, Perhaps contaminated water had led to Timothy’s indigestion and so he should stop drinking only water.  Whatever the reason, this statement is not an invitation to overindulgence or alcoholism. (If anyone can explain this please feel free to hit me back)

Lets Bring it Home: Not everyone who wants to be a church leader is eligible.  Be certain of an applicant’s qualifications before asking him or her to take a leadership position.

Spiritual Training 28 October 2013

Posted: October 27, 2013 in 1 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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1 Timothy 5:19-21 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.  Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning.  I charge you, in the sight of god and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. 

Church leaders are not exempt from sin, faults, and mistakes.  But they are often criticized for the wrong reasons-minor imperfections; failure to meet someone’s expectations, personality clashes.  Thus Paul said that accusations should not even be heard unless two or three witness confirms them.  Sometimes church leaders should be confronted about their behavior, and sometimes they should be rebuke.  But all rebuking must be done fairly and lovingly, and for the purpose of restoration.

Church leadership is a heavy responsibility, As difficult as it might be, Timothy was not to waver on any of Paul’s instruction (and particularly the instructions about rebuking elders).  Any needed discipline or rebuke must be administered without regard to Timothy’s personal inclinations or favoritism.

Lets Bring it Home: Leadership in the church today must be handled with maturity, faithfulness, godliness, and lack of favoritism.  The health of a body of believers is far more important than playing favorites with someone who is not meeting the standards wet forth here.

Proverbs 28:04 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: October 27, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 28, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 28:4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them. 

The best way to oppose the wicked philosophies and lifestyles of this generation is a righteous life. You can make a strong statement and powerful illustration for truth and wisdom by your actions. You need not even open your mouth to argue for godliness.

If you compromise God’s commandments in your life, you commend and endorse the wicked by agreeing with them against God. Instead of commending the wicked by folly yourself, exalt righteousness and condemn sinners by showing the virtues of godliness.

It is easy to criticize the profane opinions and conduct of a God-hating society. The folly of sinners is visible everywhere. But words are cheap, and words are also very hollow, if you compromise truth in your own life. Can you identify this partiality as hypocrisy?

Many sinners justify their disregard for God, religion, or righteousness by the hypocrisy of others. While this excuse will be rejected by Jesus Christ in the great Day of Judgment, nonetheless it points out the damage and danger of believers living carnal lives.

If wicked persons see compromise or inconsistency in your life, they will be strengthened in their folly and rebellion. They will be comforted that you are not much different from them, so they will continue on in their evil course without any check of conscience.

True Christians are a very small minority, so Jesus called them the salt of the earth and light of the world (Mat 5:13-16). If you compromise, you lose your saltiness and are good for nothing. If your light does not shine brightly, you contribute to the world’s darkness.

Sin is sin. Breaking one command is to be guilty of all (Jas 2:10). If you ridicule sodomy, but fantasize about adultery or defraud your spouse of frequent sex, you are as wicked as the sodomite, and you are a hypocrite (Jas 2:11-13). God will judge such hypocrisy.

Keeping the law contends with the wicked – it fights and opposes them. But forsaking the law praises the wicked. If you cheat and compromise God’s holy standard of righteousness, you praise sinners by your choice to break God’s law just like they do.

Rather than picketing an abortion clinic, love and train your children by God’s Word. A loving family with godly and obedient children in public will say more against abortion than any discussion with the mindless murderers entering the baby-killing facility.

Upset about the high divorce rate in America? Then keep a perfect marriage. Divorce is just one aspect of a dysfunctional marriage; there are many more. Where are you compromising in your marriage? Have you examined it by the light of Holy Scripture?

Angry about the rebellious youth today? Make sure you drive the speed limit to respect civil authority, outwork your colleagues to respect business authority, submit to your husband to respect marital authority, and obey your pastor to respect religious authority.

Sick of hearing about evolution? Live like you know the Creator! Live like you were made for His glory, and He has the right to dictate the terms of your life. Glorify Him in all you do, and speak of Him as your Maker. You can condemn evolution this easy way.

Carnal Christianity is the norm today. It is loving pleasure more than God and having a form of godliness without any authority. Condemn these compromisers by loving God more than pleasure and exalting His authority in your life more than church services.

Christian reader, godly living in every part of your life beautifies the gospel (Tit 2:1,10; Phil 1:27) and protects it from the accusations of the wicked (I Tim 5:14; 6:1; I Pet 2:12). Your goal is to be a blameless and harmless son of God in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation and to be a light in the world for the glory of God (Phil 2:15; Matt 5:16).

Proverbs 24 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: October 24, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Proverbs 24, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 24:25 But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them.

It is very wrong to excuse or protect the wicked, especially for civil rulers or judges; citizens and nations will curse and despise such leaders and their government (Pr 24:23-24). King Solomon in this context is teaching how rulers must punish evildoers.

In the proverb before you, Solomon encouraged leaders and judges to rebuke wicked men to receive the delight and blessing of God and men. It is the holy duty of righteous men, especially in positions of authority, to judge righteously and rebuke all evildoers.

The proverb is primarily for rulers, as Solomon the king addressed his son, the future king (Pr 24:21-24). Great rulers must govern justly, which includes rebuking sin wherever they find it (Pr 16:12; 20:8,26). It is a calamity and travesty when rulers compromise with wickedness. Jesus Christ is the only perfect ruler (Heb 1:9; Rev 19:15).

But the proverb also applies to all men, especially in their lesser offices of authority, for righteous men have a duty to rebuke sin and warn unruly men. Allowing any you know or meet to continue in sin without a rebuke is an act of hatred (Lev 19:17). If you are an employer, husband, or father, you have a duty to punish sinners to enforce righteousness.

If righteous men do not correct or rebuke sin, how will fools be instructed and warned or saints taught and perfected? If the wicked are not rebuked and punished, what will restrain them? You have a duty to live and speak in a way to reprove evil (Eph 5:11). From top to bottom, all men should rebuke sinners to send the right message (Eccl 8:11).

You are your brother’s keeper (Gen 4:9). “Iron sharpeneth iron,” Solomon said (Pr 27:17). Church members are to warn the unruly, and every church has them (I Thes 5:14). This is the means to help churches grow spiritually (Gal 6:1; Jas 5:19-20). Even fools and simple men can learn and improve by seeing scorners punished (Pr 19:25; 21:11).

Of course, the ministers of Jesus Christ have a great duty and role to rebuke the wicked, like Elihu rebuking the wicked words of Job (Job 32:1-2) or John the Baptist rebuking the unlawful marriage of Herod (Matt 14:3-5). A minister is at war every time he steps in the pulpit – war against the foolish notions of his hearers (II Cor 10:4-6). Public sinners should be rebuked publicly to get the attention of the whole church (I Tim 5:20).

Pastors must lift up their voices like trumpets and show churches their sins (Is 58:1). The work is so harsh at times that they have been described as hewing people in pieces with their words (Hos 6:5). They are to preach the word, whether the people want to hear it or not (II Tim 4:1-4). And they should mock any efforts to despise their authority (Tit 2:15).

They must avoid preaching smooth things, which sinful generations crave (Is 30:8-11). The word of God properly preached is a hammer and fire – it breaks in pieces the rocks of stubborn hearers (Jer 23:28-29). The people were astonished at the authority of Jesus Christ, for He rejected the mealy-mouthed compromise of their preachers (Matt 7:28-29).

The proverb here is primarily for civil rulers and judges, but it applies to every person in a position of authority, especially gospel ministers. Be attentive and faithful to rebuke the sinners God brings to your attention to obtain the delight and good blessing described here. If you exercise your authority well, you will also improve your part of the world.

Spiritual Training 24 October 2013

Posted: October 24, 2013 in 1 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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1 Timothy 5:17-18 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain, and “The worker deserves his wages.” Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.

Preaching and teaching are closely related. Preaching is proclaiming the Word of God and confronting listeners with the truth of Scripture. Teaching is explaining the truth in Scripture, helping learners understand difficult passages, and helping them apply God’s Word to daily life. Paul says that these elders are worthy of double honor. Unfortunately, however, we often take them for granted by not providing adequately for their needs or by subjecting them to heavy criticism.

Lets Bring it Home: Think of how you can honor your leaders who work hard at preaching and teaching. Faithful church leaders should be supported and appreciated. Too often they are targets for criticism because the congregation has unrealistic expectations. How do you treat your church leaders? Do you enjoy finding fault, or do you show your appreciation? Do they receive enough financial support to allow them to live without worry and to provide for the needs of their families? Jesus and Paul emphasized the importance of supporting those who lead and teach us (see Galatians 6:6, Luke 10:7 and 1 Corinthians 9:4–10). Our ministers deserve to know that we are giving to them cheerfully, gratefully, and generously.

Spiritual Training 22 October 2013

Posted: October 22, 2013 in 1 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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1 Timothy 5:08 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Healthy homes remain the best possible training environment for children.  When it comes to caring for relatives and honoring parents, children take most of their cues by watching how Mom and Dad honor the grandparents.  If our children see the way we, as parents, care for our parents, they will understand the importance of such honor for us in the future.  Healthy, practical honor becomes a priceless gift that one generation gives to another.  Disrespect and lack of care provide harmful examples that will eventually turn on us.  The warning in the verse is ominous (Threatening) indeed.

Lets Bring it Home: How are we, or how did we treat our Parents? Did we, or have we set an examples for our kids to follow?  You seen the verse, worst than a unbeliever.

Proverbs 22:17-18 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: October 22, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 17, Proverbs 18, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 22:17-18 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise, apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. 

The words of God are wonderful things! It is your duty to bow down your ears and hear them (Pr 22:17). It is your duty to apply your heart to love them (Pr 22:17). They will bring great pleasure to your soul, and you will be prepared to share them with others.

Keeping God’s words in your heart will be pleasant to your soul. They will be sweeter than honey (Ps 119:103), the rejoicing of your heart (Ps 119:111), and like finding great spoil (Ps 119:162). Jeremiah said they were the joy and rejoicing of his heart (Jer 15:16).

Do you crave God’s words? Job said, “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). How long do you go without food? Do you crave God’s words like you do food?

Is the preaching of God’s words the best part of your week? Or is it going out to eat? Do you go to hear His very words explained? Does your pastor even believe He has God’s words? Does he present them as individual jewels from God’s mouth? Demand them!

Do you have the words of God? There are so many Bibles today, all proclaiming to be the word (singular) of God. But which Bible has the words (plural) of God? Jesus Christ and His apostles had Scripture from which they argued important doctrine from single words (Matt 22:31-33,41-46; John 8:58; 10:33-36; Gal 3:16; 4:9; Heb 8:13; 12:26-27).

Do you love and appreciate the divine library God has given you? Is it as precious to you as much fine gold and as sweet to you as honeycomb (Ps 19:10)? Do you open its pages with awe and reverence, begging God to reveal new things to you (Ps 119:18)? There are 66 books of all kinds in this library, 1189 chapters, 31,102 verses, and 788,280 words!

Only by knowing the certain words of God can we use them to answer others, for Solomon said, “That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” (Pr 22:21). It is only the certain words of truth that we want to hear, and it only them we want to speak to others.

If you keep these precious words within you, meditating upon them and applying them to your own life and the world around you, they will become fitted in your lips. You will have ready words on the tip of your tongue for those seeking the truth. You will be able to answer their hard questions, for the words of truth will be very familiar to your mind.

God’s true saints have His words fitted in their lips, and they feed many (Pr 10:21; 15:7). They exalt Jesus Christ as the sovereign Lord of all in their hearts, and they are always ready to give an answer to those asking for reasons for their faith (I Pet 3:15). If this is not true of you, reader, where have you failed? Do you need a better teacher, to listen more attentively, to read more often, or to meditate more carefully? Do whatever it takes!

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