Archive for the ‘Bible Study’ Category

Spiritual Training 24 March 2015 (Ruth 2:13-16)

Posted: March 24, 2015 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Ruth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: ,
0

Under Gods Command 

Ruth 2:13-16“May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.”  14At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.” When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over. 15As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, “Let her gather among the sheaves and don’t reprimand her. 16Even pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.”

The characters in the book of Ruth are classic examples of good people in action. Boaz went far beyond the intent of the gleaners’ law in demonstrating his kindness and generosity. Not only did he let Ruth glean in his field, he also told his workers to let some of the grain fall in her path. Out of his abundance, he provided for the needy.   Boaz told his workers to provide handfuls of grain on purpose; God has a way of providing hand fills for each and every one of us if we just trust him.

Lets Bring it Home: How often do you go beyond the accepted patterns of providing for those less fortunate? Do more than the minimum for others.

Spiritual Training 23 March 2015 (Ruth 2:8-12)

Posted: March 23, 2015 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Ruth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: , , , , ,
0

Under Gods Command (More on Ruth)

Ruth 2:8-12 So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. 9Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.”   10At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?” 11Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband-how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you not know before. 12May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.

Now Ruth had to be beautiful for Boaz to recognize her, and to tell her not go glean in another field. He wanted her right there in his field. Then he told the young men not to touch her. When God singles you out and puts his hand on your life He will order His divine protection around you.

Boaz could have said “She is all mind”, but did not. He was more impress of the fact that she stuck next to Naomi and came back under the care of the God of Israel.

Ruth’s life exhibited admirable qualities: she was hard working, loving, kind, faithful, and brave. These qualities gained for her a good reputation, but only because she displayed them consistently in all areas of her life. Wherever Ruth went or whatever she did, her character remained the same.

Lets Bring it Home: Your reputation is formed by the people who watch you at work, in town, at home, in church. A good reputation comes by consistently living out the qualities you believe in, no matter what group of people or surroundings you are in.

Proverbs 23:17 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: March 23, 2015 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Envy sinners, Evil People, Fear, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 23, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command, zealous
Tags: , , , , ,
0

Under Gods Command

Proverbs 23:17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.

How easy it is to envy those who get ahead unhampered by Christian responsibility or God’s laws. For a time they do seem to get ahead without paying any attention to what God wants. But to those who follow him, God promises a hope and a wonderful future even if we don’t achieve it in this life.

The world exalts and promotes sinners. Movie stars, athletes, performing artists, business tycoons, royalty, politicians, and other rich and famous sinners are pushed at you every day. Solomon, with wise parental love, warned his son against envying worldly sinners (Pr 24:1,19). He knew the fear of God instead should be his only ambition (Ec 12:13-14).

Every generation, of every nation, has had heroes and stars; but only recently can the images and words of these popular sinners be thrown at you all the time. If this warning was important in Solomon’s day, it is much more important today. These sinners are all going down, and every Christian must believe it and live like it (Pr 23:18; Ps 37:1-3).

There are 10,000 sinners to envy in this generation and world. Every age, both male and female, and all temperaments, find certain sinners to be temptations. They imagine how wonderful life could be, if they had the abilities, looks, success, spouse, or circumstances of their idol. He might be a product of Hollywood; she might be a classmate or neighbor.

The fear of the Lord is far better. Every sinner, no matter how rich or famous, will die and go to hell (Ps 49:6-20). So fearing the Lord is man’s whole duty (Ec 12:13-14). With God’s blessing and favor, even obscurity and poverty are better than the dysfunctional, hopeless lives and eternal suffering of the wicked (Pr 15:16; Ps 37:16). Believe it, reader!

Moses did not envy Pharaoh or his rising peers; he chose the reproach of Jesus Christ to be of much greater value, for he saw his and their eternal future (Heb 11:24-26). Asaph described in wonderful terms the wisdom of looking past the glitter to the grave (Ps 73:1-28). While Demas loved this present world, Paul loved a future world (II Tim 4:7-8,10).

A morgue teaches the future of glamour girls. Yesterday’s goddesses are feeding today’s worms. Better yet, visit a cancer ward. Before they rot in the grave, they take on a ghastly and ghostly look. And then comes hell. Young girls envying models is one thing; adult women envying models is twice as vain. But the virtuous woman, shunning this world’s enticements to seek Christ, will live in pleasant splendor forever (Pr 23:18; I Tim 2:15).

Why read magazines glamorizing sinners? Why watch them on television? The world only shows enticing features of them: you do not see them drunk, divorced, depressed, dying, or dead. Why daydream about them? Your deceitful heart dwells on their seducing traits: it lies to you about their present troubles and future judgment, and you believe it. It would be far better to envy the righteous and covet their character and reputations.

Your constant thought must be to fear God, which is to hate evil and keep His commands (Pr 8:13; 14:2; Ps 112:1; 128:1). Fearing the Lord is not a mindset for devotions, for times of trouble, for prayer, for Sunday worship, or the Lord’s Supper – it is the lifestyle, perspective, and worldview that real Christians follow every minute all day long. You cannot allow envy for sinners even a second to get a toehold in your heart or soul!

Spiritual Training 20 March 2015 (Ruth 2:1-7)

Posted: March 20, 2015 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: , ,
0

Under Gods Command (More on Ruth)

Ruth 2:1-7 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz. 2And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” 3So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek. 4Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The LORD be with you!” “The LORD bless you!” they answered. 5Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, “Who does that young woman belong to?” 6The overseer replied, “She is the Moabite who came back from Moab with Naomi. 7She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’ She came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter.”

Ruth was so excited about God that she told Naomi what was going to happen when she went out to gleam. Ruth was saying that someone is going to find supernatural favor by someone watching me work. Now remember, she was a brand new Christian. Ruth was speaking favor into her life. How many times do we hear or say: I will go look for a job, but they won’t accept me. I will go out to gleam, but I won’t find anything, or I am going to apply for a new car but my credit is so bad they won’t even look at me. Have you ever seen yourself with negatives coming out of your mouth?

So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek.

Isaiah 45:02 I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places (God has a God Positioning Satellite in heaven to help you find the way). God will not send you anywhere that he has not already made provisions for you.

Ruth just happen to be out there when Boaz came back and he said who she belong to. God providentially arranges things in our life that we don’t even understand. Ruth was at the right place at the right time for Boaz to show up at the right time and right place.

Now Ruth did not know when she went out to gleam that Boaz was a relative of Elimelek, Naomi’s dead husband. Remember before they left to return to Bethlehem, Ruth said, “ your people will be my people, your God will be my God”. Then the first thing we read when they return there is a wealthy man named Boaz.

Ruth made her home in a foreign land. Instead of depending on Naomi or waiting for good fortune to happen, she took the initiative. She went to work. She was not afraid of admitting her need or working hard to supply it. When Ruth went out to the fields, God provided for her.

Lets Bring it Home: Ruth’s task, though menial, tiring, and perhaps degrading, was done faithfully. What is your attitude when the task you have been given is not up to your true potential? The task at hand may be all you can do, or it may be the work God wants you to do. Or, as in Ruth’s case, it may be a test of your character that can open up new doors of opportunity. If you are waiting for God to provide, consider this: He may be waiting for you to take the first step to demonstrate just how important your need is.

Proverbs 20:05 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: March 20, 2015 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Counsel, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: , ,
0

Under Gods Command

Proverbs 20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

It takes skill to discover what others really think. What wise men think could help you succeed. What fools think could cost you dearly. Only a man of understanding will have the ability and patience to extract personal and secret plans and opinions out of others.

The simile here compares a deep well, where the water lies well below the surface of the ground. In order to obtain the water, significant ingenuity and labor must be put forth to reach so far down and bring the water to the surface. Only the creative and diligent will identify the means and put forth the effort. Most will look elsewhere for easier water.

There are reasons it takes similar skill to draw counsel out of others. First, they may fear letting their opinions be known. Second, they may by godliness and graciousness be modest men, and though gifted, reticent and slow to speak and discuss. Third, they may be planning sinful things, and to admit their thoughts would be to condemn themselves.

There is a positive and negative side to this proverb’s lesson. The positive application is your benefit or need to extract prudent and practical advice from wise counselors for your safety or success. The negative application is your need to discover dangerous plans lurking in the hearts or minds of those that could harm others, themselves, or you.

Good counsel from a multitude of wise advisors is necessary for your success – this is one of the most important rules of wisdom, which Solomon often repeated (Pr 11:14; 12:15; 15:22; 19:20; 20:18; 24:6). It is a very precious thing – like good cologne rejoicing the heart – to get hearty counsel from a friend (Pr 27:9; 24:26; 15:23; 25:11-12).

But obtaining such counsel may be difficult, for true wise men are also godly and sober, not willing to speak until asked properly for the right reasons (Pr 10:19; 15:2,28; 17:27; 29:11). There are also shallow wells and foaming fountains, but they are to be compared to the cackling noise of fools pouring out only folly (Pr 15:28; 29:11,20; Eccl 10:12-14).

If the wise counselor is fearful (it could be for many reasons), you should respectfully assure him that you appreciate any advice he might give, that you will use it discreetly, and that there are no strings attached and no liability or obligation on his part. You should be very cautious to criticize his advice. Let him advise you, not the other way around.

If the wise counselor is modest (it could be either appropriately or excessively), you should remind him that you need him, that he has the years, experience, or reputation for wisdom, and that you are obeying Solomon’s wisdom to ask him. You should provide sufficient background to assist his analysis and thank him well for anything he offers.

A man of understanding will know how to take the elementary advice of the previous two paragraphs and leverage it into a successful interview with either kind of wise counselor – the fearful or the modest. With both counselors, you must be open enough yourself to prove your sincerity. By practicing godly character and holding humble respect for knowledgeable men, you will learn how to draw much pure water from deep wells.

Consider Abigail’s wisdom dealing with her foolish husband and wise David. Her timing, use of gifts, great humility, gentle approach, and prudent conclusions drew water deep from David’s heart to a great victory that day (and a marriage in ten days!). Consider also how the queen of Sheba approached King Solomon to learn his wisdom (I Kgs 10:1-7).

Those in authority must discover the other kind of counsel – the plans of fools or wicked men that they keep hidden for fear of punishment (Pr 25:2; 29:19; Deut 13:12-15; I Cor 1:10-13). This is the work of fathers, masters, husbands, rulers, and pastors. They must create security, plan a wise approach, and explore with wise questions to prime the pump.

Parent, do you often communicate with your children to learn their hearts and minds about the things concerning them most? Do you have the understanding taught in this proverb to draw out their inner fears and thoughts? Can you combine love, knowledge, and authority, in that order, to open your children’s hearts and help them (Pr 23:26)?

Better yet, child, do you go to the well of counsel in your house and get the advice and help you need to succeed? While you may think you know something at 16 or 26, you are in serious need of counsel. Do you know how to draw out sincere and loving instruction from your parents? This is the lesson. Open up to them, and learn from them today.

The Christian God is like no other. His counsel is not hidden away with the ancients, nor buried in endless verbal traditions, nor disguised in obscure hieroglyphics, nor reserved for some priesthood, nor chanted nonsensically in Arabic or Latin. What is needful for you is plainly written in the Bible (Deut 29:29; Ps 19:7-11; 119:128; II Tim 3:16-17).

Jesus Christ is called Counselor for the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are hidden in Him (Is 9:6; Col 2:3). Do you know Him? Do you love Him? He said, “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23). And, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).

Spiritual Training 19 March 2015 (Ruth 1:22)

Posted: March 18, 2015 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Ruth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: , , , ,
0

Under Gods Command (Ruth)

Ruth 1:22 So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.

Everything that God does and when we circle back to where we began from, God will always bring us back at the right time to the right place for the right purpose. It was also the time of Passover and celebration.

Bethlehem was about five miles southwest of Jerusalem. The town was surrounded by lush fields and olive groves. Its harvests were abundant.   Ruth and Naomi’s return to Bethlehem was certainly part of God’s plan because in this town David would be born (1 Samuel 16:1), and, as predicted by the prophet Micah (Micah 5:2), Jesus Christ would also be born there. This move, then, was more than merely convenient for Ruth and Naomi. It led to the fulfillment of Scripture.

Because Israel’s climate is quite moderate, there are two harvest each year, in the spring and in the fall. The barley harvest took place in the spring, and it was during this time of hope and plenty that Ruth and Naomi returned to Bethlehem. Bethlehem was a farming community, and because it was the time of the harvest, there was plenty of leftover grain in the fields. This grain could be collected, or gleaned, and then made into food.

(Gleaning): When the wheat and barley were ready to be harvested, reapers were hired to cut down the stalks and tie them into bundles. Israelite law demanded that the corners of the fields not be harvested. In addition, any grain that was dropped was to be left for poor people, who picked it up (this was called gleaning) and used it for food (Leviticus 19:9; 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:19). The purpose of this law was to feed the poor and to prevent the landowners from hoarding. This law served as a type of welfare program in Israel. Because she was a widow with no means of providing for herself, Ruth went into the fields to glean the grain.

Remember 1:06 When she heard in Moab that the LORD had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, Naomi and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there.

Lets Bring it Home: God has visited his people, so what is the point? There will be seasons in your life where you feel like you’re in the middle of famine. Have you ever felt dry spiritually, emotionally or financially? When one of these seasons or others comes into your life you keep doing what you always been doing and don’t give up. You don’t stop Praising God. God will always show up.

Spiritual Training 18 March 2015 (Ruth 1:17-21)

Posted: March 18, 2015 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, honor, Inspiration, integrity, Loyalty, Personal Growth, Ruth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: , , , , ,
0

Under Gods Command (Ruth)

Ruth 1:17-21 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” 18When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. 19So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?” 20“Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. 21I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”  

Naomi had experienced severe hardships. She had left Israel married and secure; she returned widowed and poor. Naomi changed her name to express the bitterness and pain she felt. Naomi was not rejecting God by openly expressing her pain. However, it seems she lost sight of the tremendous resources she had in her relationship with Ruth and with God. Things in the Scripture are truly stated, but there not statements of truth. God does not give and take. God is a giver not a taker. Every good and perfect gift comes down from above from the Father.

Lets Bring it Home: When you face bitter times and filled with frustration, have you ever said why? But deep down inside you know that God is good Good. God welcomes your honest prayers, but be careful not to overlook the love, strength, and resources that he provides in your present relationships. And don’t allow bitterness and disappointment to blind you to your opportunities.

Proverbs 12:10 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: March 12, 2015 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 12, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Under Gods Command
Tags: ,
0

Under Gods Command 

Proverbs 12:10 A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

How well do you treat animals? It can be a measure of your character. A good man is merciful; he is gentle and kind; he is ruled by pity and compassion; he will not be mean or hard. But the wicked are cruel. Even their kindness is harsh, for they lack the tender, gentle spirit of the righteous man, who is concerned even for animals. They are not kind and merciful; they are like their master the devil, a liar and murderer from the beginning.

This proverb is not for PETA. The lesson is not the care of animals, but the illustration of compassion. While the LORD ordained merciful care of animals from the working ox to birds in the nest (Deut 25:4; 22:6-7), He also gave man dominion over them to work them, wear their skins, sacrifice them, and eat them (Gen 1:26-28; 3:21; 4:4; 9:1-4). A man may hunt honorably even today, but boyish torture of insects or animals is profane.

This writer witnessed many Amish horse-and-buggies in northwestern Pennsylvania as a boy. The difference in men’s character was visible, by this proverb. Some horses were well fed and groomed; others were undernourished and neglected. On hot days, some men walked their horses up the area’s steepest and longest hill; others whipped them on, ignoring the temperature, grade, or speed. And these were often the more pitiful horses!

The lesson is this: righteous men are tender, gentle, compassionate, and merciful; but the wicked are hard, harsh, inconsiderate, and cruel. A righteous man will bear the fruit of the Spirit, which includes tenderhearted gentleness (Gal 5:22-23; Eph 4:32; James 3:17). If you want to be like Jesus Christ instead of the devil, learn gentle kindness (II Co 10:1).

Dear reader, are you compassionate before God and men? Here is how you can show your God and Father’s character, Who sends warm sunshine and nourishing rain on His enemies (Matt 5:43-48). The LORD, though great and dreadful in judgment, is a God full of compassion and tender mercies (Ps 36:7; 103:4; 145:9; Lam 3:22). His ordinance of the O.T. Sabbath included rest for working animals (Ex 23:12; Deut 5:14). How merciful!

A righteous man is merciful to himself (Pr 11:17), animals (Gen 24:19,32; 33:13-14), his wife (I Pet 3:7; Col 3:19), his children (Ps 103:13; Col 3:21), his friends (Jas 3:17-18), and his enemies (Ps 35:11-16). He will not foolishly afflict, punish, or trouble them (Lam 3:32-33; Gal 6:10). He will rather pamper these same parties with kindness. He loves mercy, just like His Father in heaven loves mercy (Mic 6:8; 7:18; Eph 4:32; I Pet 3:8-9).

But the wicked are perverse; their tender mercies are cruel and harsh. They trouble their own souls (Pr 11:17) and neglect their own flesh and blood (I Tim 5:8). Balaam cruelly beat his ass (Num 22:22-32); Judah’s tender mercy to Joseph was to sell him (Gen 37:26-28); Adonibezek had seventy kings without thumbs or big toes under his table (Judges 1:7); Nahash accepted surrender on terms of putting out all right eyes (I Sam 11:1-2); Joab murdered Abner and Absalom in cold blood (II Sam 3:39; 18:5); Rehoboam scorned his own willing nation (II Chron 10:1-19); Jezebel murdered Naboth for a mere vineyard (I Kgs 21:1-16); Pilate offered to chastise the innocent Lord before letting Him go (Luke 23:13-16); and the Romans broke legs to end crucifixions (John 19:31-32)!

Righteous Job tenderly cared for his servants and the poor (Job 31:13-22), but his wife cruelly stabbed him in his darkest hour of need (Job 2:9). David mercifully spared Saul’s life (I Sam 24:1-22), but his daughter Michal scorned David’s finest worship of God (II Sam 6:20-23). Joseph mercifully protected Mary, though horribly hurt (Matt 1:19), but Judah forgot his promise to the lonely and needy Tamar (Gen 38:11-26).

A wicked man will treat his wife harshly, work too many hours, yell at the children, stay at cheap hotels on vacation, forget to feed the fish, slander his enemy, think romance is effeminate, neglect to train his children, expect the family to appreciate his personal preferences, criticize his wife to others, not take his mother out to eat, repeat stories about a co-worker, treat his daughters like sons, or clam up and avoid talking to the family.

A wicked woman will presume she is better than her husband, gossip about the neighbor, criticize her mother-in-law, defraud her husband of daily sex, over-protect her sons from boyish activities, fret about things to get done, nag rather than punish the children, correct her husband often, worry too much about details, dote on the children to the neglect of her man, make the family eat a veggie pizza, or beg for pity for her hard life.

Let every melancholy, introverted masochist read these words: “The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh” (Pr 11:17). Your self-reflection and negative thoughts are wrong and destructive. They destroy you and those around you by your sullenness, withdrawal, bad attitude, critical outlook, or harsh words.

How merciful is a “quiet man,” who clams up? The “strong leader,” who yells frequently at home? The “thoughtful man,” who remembers offences and harbors bitterness? The “funny man,” who laughs all the time and only thinks about himself? The “zealous man,” who cannot forgive quickly and completely? These persons are not merciful at all.

Mercy does not compromise God’s standards (I Kgs 20:31-34). His law includes mercy, and you do not have the wisdom or right to modify His rules. Mercy compromises your standards, your opinions, your feelings, your habits, and your convenience for others.

You will receive the mercy and compassion you give, so it is important you show kindness and gentleness to yourself and others (Jas 2:13). Tender words are not enough: you need bowels of compassion (Col 3:12-13; I John 3:17) and their actions (Jas 2:16).

The blessed Lord showed His tender mercies from hungry crowds to a single grieving widow, from an untouchable leper to a despairing Mary Magdalene (Mark 8:1-2; Luke 7:11-15; Mark 1:40-44; John 20:11-18). And He is compassionate and merciful to you every day, dear reader. If you are a child of the King, then show tender mercy to all, as does your gracious King. Show His grace in your life by reflecting it to all others.

Spiritual Training 12 March 2015 (Ruth 1:1-16)

Posted: March 12, 2015 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Choices, decisions, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Ruth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: , , , , , , ,
0

Under Gods Command (More on Ruth)

Ruth 1:1-16 In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a whiled in the country of Moab. 2The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there.

Now remember, Bethlehem meant The House of Bread. So you leave your praised and provision to follow your emotions. If Bethlehem was the House of Bread, why would you leave there to go to the country of Moab when you know that was a place that God singled out to be one of the worst enemies of Israel? In Psalm 60:08 God called Moab a Washbasin, a place where you wash feet.

 3Now Elimelek, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, 5both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.

This indicates that when trouble came (famine in the land) you give up the House of Bread for the Washbasin of Moab and then tragedy strikes.

Point 1: Bad decisions cause horrible destinies.

6When Naomi heard in Moab that the LORD had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there. 7With her two daughters-in-law she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back to the land of Judah. 8Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the LORD show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. 9May the LORD grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband.”     Then she kissed them goodbye and they wept aloud 10and said to her, “We will go back with you to your people.”  11But Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? 12Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons— 13would you wait until they grew up Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the LORD’s hand has turned against me!”   14At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her.

Orpah remained in Moab. Sometimes when people decide to leave, we need to let them go. Don’t keep begging them to come back.

Point 2: Sometime God will release people out of your life and we want to bring them back. LET THEM GO!

 15“Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.”  

16But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.

Now remember, as Moabites she worship false gods. So what she means now is, she is leaving her false religion to follow the true God. So with living with Naomi’s and Elimelek with all the stress that happen in her life, something attracted her to God.

Point 3: God has a destiny for every person’s life.

Sometimes we need to understand that when God puts his finger on somebody, and how he selects them and how he puts his finger on them to bring them to a level where that person or the people around them would never realized that God has selected them. Are there some people in your life that thought you would never be where you’re at in life?

The woman who was stress out as a kid, sexually molested as a child and now preaching the Word of God all over the world like a Joyce Myer.

God has a way of selecting you, and singling you out. He does not regard your background, and use your background to select your future. What God does, he avoids the pit falls in your life and he selects you because he sees something in you that no one else can see.

Point 4: God does not select you base on the outside, but what is on the inside.   God looks at the heart.

Lets Bring it Home: It is so important that we make right decisions and no one should make decisions simply on basic economics. Where God leads you he will provide for you, but sometime we become impetuous and move on our emotions at that particular time.

Proverbs 11:14 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: March 11, 2015 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Proverbs 11, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: , , ,
0

Under Gods Command

Proverbs 11:14 For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.

Neither you nor your government know how to make good decisions in a vacuum. The protection against bad decisions is to identify a large number of wise men to help make important decisions. If a government proceeds in haste, pride, or by the whims of one man, corruption and trouble will likely follow for that principality. But when a government heeds a broad range of wise men, there is generally profit and safety for all.

God inspired Solomon to write Proverbs to teach young men to be wise (Pr 1:1-5). Here is an important rule of prudence and wisdom. Do not make large decisions without consulting a variety of wise and successful men, who are not emotionally, personally, or financially involved. They can apply their wisdom and experience to your situation without the distracting and distorting influences that may be corrupting your thoughts.

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes. Of course! Have you ever made a bad decision? Of course not! This is a fact of human behavior Solomon had often observed (Pr 14:12; 16:2,25; 21:2). But you are often wrong for many reasons, even though you may not realize it. You are inherently ignorant, emotionally affected, personally biased, educationally distorted, financially motivated, and peer influenced. You are dangerous!

Not every counselor will do! If you choose to check your ideas and decisions with just your friends, most of them will agree with you to keep your friendship and avoid debate. This very thing happened to Solomon’s son, Rehoboam. After the death of his father, he listened to his young friends rather than his father’s aged and wise counselors. Because of this foolish choice, he lost 10 of his nation’s 12 tribes to a rival (I Kgs 12:1-20).

It has been said, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” To counter this perverting effect of authority, those in positions of leadership must rely even more heavily on counselors. If they seek to go it alone, they are taking a great risk with their office and the poor people under them. How many souls, lives, and fortunes would have been saved, if all husbands, fathers, masters, pastors, and rulers had used counselors?

Consider World War II. Counselors could have saved Chamberlain from Hitler’s lies. If Hitler had trusted his military advisors, he would have defeated the Soviets. Counselors tried to save Japan from war with the U.S., but were rejected. And General Patton’s counsel to take out the Soviets should have been considered more. These are decisions that caused many to fall, and these are only a very few associated with only that one war!

Wise readers know God’s sovereign government of nations was the cause, course, and conclusion of World War II, so they need to remember that God in judgment may work above this rule of wisdom by corrupting counselors to bring about His will in nations. He is able and willing to do so, and He has certainly done so in the past (Job 5:12-14; II Sam 15:31; I Kgs 22:19-23; Ps 9:15-17; Isaiah 19:11-14; 29:9-16; I Cor 1:19-20; 3:18-20).

If you desire to grow in wisdom, you will jettison your thoughts and replace them with the opinions of wise counselors. This is a hard choice to make, because you sinfully hate being criticized or corrected. You want to be the wise one that always makes outstanding decisions. You must learn to crush your pride and subject your ideas and plans to the analysis and examination of others. By choosing godly and successful men as your counselors, you can instantly raise the quality and results of your decisions.

The ultimate counselors are those that know the word of God and can apply it to your life and choices (Pr 22:17-21; Job 32:6-22; 33:23-24; Ps 119:98-100; II Tim 3:16-17). Counsel contrary to the Bible is worse than no counsel at all; it is destructive (Is 8:20; I Tim 6:3-5). Do you have godly counselors in your life (Mal 2:7; Acts 8:30-31; Heb 13:7,17)? Are you such a counselor to those that need you (Pr 11:30; 15:4; Heb 5:12-14; I Pet 3:15)? You may find godly counselors in a true church of Jesus Christ.

Older Entries
Newer Entries