Archive for the ‘Encourgement’ Category


Under Gods Command
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man but in the end it leads to death.

The “way that seems right” may offer many options and require few sacrifices. Easy choices, however, should make us take a second look. Is this solution attractive because it allows me to be lazy? Because it doesn’t ask me to change my lifestyle? Because it requires no moral restraints? The right choice often requires hard work and self-sacrifice. Don’t be enticed by apparent shortcuts that seem right but end in death.

 


Under Gods Command
Jesus is the Good Shepherd

John 10:01-06 “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger, in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice” Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.

At night sheep were often gathered into a sheep pen to protect them from thieves, weather, or wild animals. The sheep pens were caves, sheds, or open areas surrounded by walls made of stones or branches. The shepherd often slept across the doorway of the pen to protect the sheep. Just as a shepherd cares for his, Jesus, the good shepherd cares for his flock (those who follow him). The prophet Ezekiel, in predicting the coming of the Messiah called him a shepherd (Ezekiel 34:23)

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.


Under Gods Command

John 8:46-47 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.

In a number of places Jesus intentionally challenged his listeners to test him. He welcomed those who wanted to question his claims and character as long as they were willing to follow through on what they discovered. Jesus challenge clarifies the two most frequent reasons that people miss when encountering him: (1) they never accept his challenge to test him, or (2) they test him but are not willing to believe what they discover. Have we made either of those mistakes?

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.


Under Gods Command

Proverbs 5:11-14 – At the end of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent. You will say, “How I hated discipline! How may heart spurned correction. I would not obey my teachers or listen to my instructors. I have come to the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly.”

At the end of your life, it will be too late to ask for advice. When desire is fully activated, people don’t want advice they want satisfaction. The best time to learn the dangers and foolishness of going after forbidden sex (or anything else that is harmful) is long before the temptation comes. Resistance is easier if the decision has already been made. Don’t wait to see what happens. Prepare for temptation by deciding now how you will act when you face it.


Under Gods Command

Proverbs 28:13 – He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

It is human nature to hide our sins or overlook our mistakes. But it is hard to learn form a mistake you don’t acknowledge making. And what good is a mistake if it doesn’t teach you something? To learn from an error you need to admit it, confess it analyze it, and make adjustments so that it doesn’t happen again. Everybody makes mistakes, but only fools repeat them.


Under Gods Command

John 6:64-68 Yet there are some of you who do not believe. For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him.” From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go” You have the words of eternal life.

Why did Jesus words cause many of his followers to desert him? 1. Jesus was not the conquering Messiah-King they expected 2. He refused to give in to their self-centered request. 3. He emphasized faith, not deeds. 4. His teachings were difficult to understand and some of his words were offensive. As we grow in our faith, we may be tempted to turn away because Jesus lessons are difficult. Will your response be to give up, ignore certain teachings, or reject Christ? Instead, ask God to show you what the teachings mean and how they apply to your life. Then have the courage to act on God’s truth. There is no middle ground with Jesus. When he asked the disciples if they would also leave, he was showing that they could either accept or reject him. Peter knew there was no other way but to follow Jesus. Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. People look everywhere for eternal life and miss Christ, the only source. Stay with him, especially when you are confused or feel alone.


Under Gods Command

Proverbs 27:6 – Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Who would prefer a friend’s wounds to an enemy’s kisses? Anyone who considers the source. A friend who has your best interest at heart may have to give you unpleasant advice at times, but you know it is for your own good. An enemy, by contrast may whisper sweet words and happily send you on your way to ruin. We tend to hear what we want to hear, even if an enemy is the only one who will say it. A friend’s advice, no matter how painful, is much more valuable.


Under Gods Command

Proverbs 21:06 A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.

Honesty in business and finances is wisdom. The apparent advantage of deceit is only an illusion. It is a vanity – worthless without value. It will not work. The perceived gain will be lost, and the LORD will judge those who lie for monetary advantage. To choose this approach is the same as desiring death and destruction.


Under Gods Command

John 6:39 – And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.

Jesus said he would not lose even one person whom the Father had given him. Thus anyone who makes a sincere commitment to believe in Jesus Christ as Savior is secure in God’s promise of eternal life. Christ will not let his people be overcome by Satan and lose their salvation.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.