Archive for the ‘Encourgement’ Category

Spiritual Training 30 September 2014

Posted: September 30, 2014 in 1 Corinthians, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Instruction on public worship                                                                                                

1 Corinthians 11:03-16. I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you. Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels.

     Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.

     Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.

The phrase, “the head of every man is Christ,” could mean that:

(1) because Christ was present at Creation, he is the Creator of every man; and (2) Christ is every believer’s source of life in the new creation. In the phrase, “the head of the woman is man,” head is not used to indicate control or supremacy, but rather, “the source of.” Because man was created first, the woman derives her existence from man, as man does from Christ and Christ from God. Evidently Paul was correcting some excesses in worship in which the emancipated Corinthian women were engaging. The phrase, “the head of Christ is God,” does not mean that Christ was inferior to God in any way. Paul was referring to the incarnation of Christ. Through Christ’s coming to earth, believers receive forgiveness and are united with God and with one another. From this theological base, then, Paul began to address the issue of head coverings. Submission, which is a key element in the smooth functioning of any business, government, or family. God ordained submission in certain relationships to prevent chaos. It is essential to understand that submission is not surrender, withdrawal, or apathy. It does not mean inferiority, because God created all people in his image and because all have equal value. Submission is mutual commitment and cooperation.

Thus God calls for submission among equals. He did not make the man superior; he made a way for the man and woman to work together. Jesus Christ, although equal with God the Father, submitted to him to carry out the plan for salvation. Likewise, although equal to man under God, the wife should submit to her husband for the sake of their marriage and family. Submission between equals is submission by choice, not by force. We serve God in these relationships by willingly submitting to others in our church, to our spouses, and to our government leaders. 11:9–11 God created lines of authority in order for his created world to function smoothly. Although there must be lines of authority, even in marriage, there should not be lines of superiority. God created men and women with unique and complementary characteristics. One sex is not better than the other. We must not let the issue of authority and submission become a wedge to destroy oneness in marriage. Instead, we should use our unique gifts to strengthen our marriages and to glorify God. 11:10 “A woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels” may mean that the woman should wear a covering on her head as a sign that she is under the man’s authority. This is a fact even the angels understand as they observe Christians in worship. See the note on 11:2 for an explanation of head coverings. 11:14, 15 In talking about head coverings and length of hair, Paul is saying that believers should look and behave in ways that are honorable within their own culture. In many cultures long hair on men is considered appropriate and masculine. In Corinth, it was thought to be a sign of male prostitution in the pagan temples. And women with short hair were labeled prostitutes. Paul was saying that in the Corinthian culture, Christian women should keep their hair long. If short hair on women was a sign of prostitution, then a Christian woman with short hair would find it even more difficult to be a believable witness for Jesus Christ.

Lets Bring it Home: Paul wasn’t saying we should adopt all the practices of our culture, but that we should avoid appearances and behavior that detract from our ultimate goal of being believable witnesses for Jesus Christ while demonstrating our Christian faith.

Proverbs 30:31 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: September 30, 2014 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 30:31 A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king with his army around him.

Here are three more things comely in their going, beautiful in the discharge of their gifts and offices (Pr 30:29-31)! The lion, the king of beasts, has already been described (Pr 30:30). If you meditate on these three things, there are lessons of wisdom to be found (Job 12:7-10; Ps 107:43; 119:96). The greyhound is beautiful by speed, the he goat by grave leadership, and an invincible king by irresistible authority. Delight in these traits!

Agur the son of Jakeh wrote this chapter of Proverbs (Pr 30:1). But God inspired his words by three counts. First, all Scripture is inspired, and Proverbs is part of Scripture (II Tim 3:16-17). Second, these proverbs by Agur were a prophecy, a revelation of God’s wisdom by inspiration (Pr 30:1; II Pet 1:19-21). Third, he warned against adding to God’s words (Pr 30:5-6; Rev 22:18-19). Therefore, we read these words as from God Himself.

Most of Agur’s proverbs are lists of things (Pr 30:11-31). The list here is four things that are comely in their going – beautiful in their appearance, movements, and conduct (Pr 30:29-31). The lion, already mentioned in the previous verse, has a bold and majestic walk, showing confident pride; he fears no creature, and he does not turn away from any (Pr 30:30). He is the king of beasts and illustrates boldness, confidence, and fearlessness.

What is beautiful about the greyhound? The greyhound is a slender, streamlined dog, having loins tightly girded for exceptional running speed. Its name has nothing to do with color, but rather with being a coursing dog, a hound that hunts by sight and pursuit. English gentlemen and pharaohs owned them, with references dated before 2000 B.C. The typical male greyhound weighs 70 lbs., and it can run short distances near 45 mph.

The greyhound is elegant, easygoing, and gentle. With long legs and tail, compact muscles, slender profile, and alert appearance, the greyhound is attractive, fast, and agile. With eyesight to see small moving objects at up to one half mile away, it was created and bred to hunt by sight and chase. It is comely in its going, whether walking elegantly or agilely chasing down a rabbit in an open field, a task only a cheetah could match.

What is beautiful about the he goat? With a long beard, magnificent horns, and constant presence at the head of the flock, the he goat presents a strong picture of grave and sober leadership. It was common knowledge that he goats go at the front of the flock (Jer 50:8). And God used a he goat as the powerful symbol for Alexander the Great (Dan 8:5-8), which is very fitting, as the Macedonians revered the goat. The he goat is an excellent guide and protector, illustrating the beauty of a faithful, patriarchal leader.

What is beautiful about an invincible king? It is hard to appreciate the authority of a king, against whom there is no rising up, since there are no more kings, other than figureheads. National rulers today have little authority or power in comparison. They must answer to legislators and courts, have their college conduct scrutinized, beg the votes of peasants to remain in power, obtain permission for vacations, cooperate with the media, shake hands and kiss babies, grin and wave like a mannequin, and justify every decision to scorners.

Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was the greatest king (Dan 2:37-40; Jer 27:6-7; 28:14; Ezek 26:7). He was not voted into office; he answered to no one but God; opponents did not draw rude cartoons about him; he did not shake hands or kiss babies. He could start a new religion on a whim and enforce it with death by fire on every politician in the world (Dan 3:1-7). If you offended him, even if you were in his cabinet, he would have you cut in pieces, your house leveled, and a great pile of dung erected in its place (Dan 2:5; 3:29).

Solomon and David were great kings in their own right (II Sam 8:1-6; I Kgs 2:12; 4:20-28). They understood the power of a king, and they wrote about it. He was to be feared as the lion is feared in the jungle (Pr 16:14-15; 19:12; 20:2; 24:21-22; Eccl 8:2-5; 10:4,20). And he was to suppress all evil in his realm (Pr 14:35; 16:10; 20:8,26; 29:14). We know by Agur’s words that the trait we are to admire is his invincibility and irresistibility, which is declared by the words, “Against whom there is no rising up.” This is a beautiful thing, no matter what the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights imply.

What lessons can be learned by this list from the natural creation? First, the Lord Jesus Christ fulfills all these traits perfectly; and second, Christians should also seek to fulfill them. It is not enough for you to be righteous: you should also be comely in going, by adding beauty and grace to every performance. It is by comely conduct in duties that Christians add glory and praise to their religion. Duty and righteousness are excellent, but the manner and spirit in which you do them adds to their beauty (Pr 22:11; Matt 5:16; I Cor 13:5; Gal 4:18; 5:6; Phil 1:27; Titus 2:1,9-10)! Christian, are you comely in going?

Are you bold and fearless like the lion in doing your Christian duties, regardless of opposition or threats (Pr 28:1; Job 32:1-14; Ps 119:98-100; Heb 13:6)? Are you quick to keep the commandments of God, like the greyhound (Ps 119:60; Gal 1:15-17)? Are you a leader by example in your marriage, family, and church, like the he goat (I Cor 16:13; Eph 4:16; 6:4)? Are you unmovable, like a great king, in defending God-ordained authority, righteousness, and the apostolic gospel (Pr 22:17-21; I Pet 3:15; Jude 1:3)?

The Lord Jesus Christ is the Lion of the tribe of Judah and turns away from none (Rev 5:5). He destroyed the works of the devil, who is described as a roaring lion (I John 3:8; I Pet 5:8). He is like the greyhound, for he is quick in understanding (Is 11:3) and coming quickly (Rev 2:5,16; 3:11; 22:7,12,20). He leads His people, as their Apostle, Bishop, and great High Priest, much like the he goat. And there is no rising up against Him, for He is King of kings, the Blessed and Only Potentate (I Tim 6:13-16)! Hallelujah! Amen!

Proverbs 29:07 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: September 29, 2014 in Bible Study, Encourgement, Personal Growth, Proverbs 29, Spiritual Training, The Poor
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Proverbs 29:07 The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicket have no such concern.

Ignorance is not bliss, nor an excuse, when it comes to the poor. Wicked men do not think about them or make any effort to know their situations or troubles. But a righteous man considers the poor and explores their circumstances to learn what they need and how he can help. Ignorance is not bliss, nor an excuse, in this matter, for God will punish the selfish man that neglects to think about the poor and take care of them (Pr 21:13; 28:27).

Selfish and stingy persons, who are the wicked of this proverb, do not think or care about the poor. They are so obsessed with their own worthless lives that there is no room in their mind or heart for others, even when those others are in need or trouble. If you confront them, they say, “I did not want to pry into their personal business,” or, “I mind my own business, as you should,” or, “I did not know they were having such difficulties,” or, “I cannot afford to help anyone else, because I do not have many luxuries myself.”

Consider Job. God bragged to the devil that Job was a perfect and upright man (Job 1:1-8). Did Job think about the poor? Did he inquire about the poor to know when help was needed? Job said, “I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out” (Job 29:16). Amen! Job also said, “I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy” (Job 29:12-13).

Pure religion is thinking and doing for the poor (Pr 14:31; 17:5; Ps 112:9; Luke 19:8-9; Jas 1:27; I John 3:16-19). God does not care about your fasting, church attendance, Bible reading, or tithes, if you ignore or neglect the poor (Is 1:10-20; 58:3-7; Matt 23:23). He measures religion where it counts – in the heart and by your wallet! How much have you thought about the poor? Have you felt their pain? Have you asked about their needs? What have you done about it? Have you responded with labor or money? How much?

Financial success depends on giving to the poor, but wicked men do not give, because they greedily think they will get ahead by not giving. They are blind. You cannot become poor by giving to the poor, for the Lord will repay in abundance, even beyond what you give. Consider it well (Pr 11:24-26; 19:17; 22:9; 28:8; Luke 6:38; II Cor 9:6-11)!

Poor saints are your primary duty (Deut 15:7-11; Acts 2:42-45; 4:34-37; 6:1-7; 11:27-30; Rom 15:25-27; I Cor 16:1; II Cor 9:1-2). The only pagan poor you are bound to consider are those God brings directly in your path in a crisis (Luke 10:25-37). Only those of both types who are doing all they can for themselves are worthy. When you give to the Christian poor, there are two other bonuses to consider. First, Jesus Christ will remember your charity in the Day of Judgment (Matt 10:41-42; 25:31-46), and second, some have entertained angels unawares (Heb 13:2; Gen 18:1-8; 19:1-3; Judges 13:2-23).

If you are a woman, there is another reason for charity. If you are ever widowed, a true church will fully support you (I Tim 5:3-16; Acts 6:1-6). The qualifications for this special class of widows include a great reputation for diligence in good works, including the lodging of strangers and relief of the afflicted (I Tim 5:10; Pr 31:20; Acts 9:36-43). You can be fully vested in God’s retirement plan by investing in good works for others.

Empathy is feeling with and for others. Paul wrote, “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body” (Heb 13:3). It is practicing the golden rule from your heart and mind (Luke 6:31). God’s law required empathy with generosity (Ex 22:21-27; Deut 15:7-11; 24:12-22; Ps 41:1), which Job practiced (Job 31:16-22). How considerate are you of others in need? How tender is your heart, and how wide do you open your hand to help them (Deut 15:7-11)?

King Lemuel’s mother taught him to intervene for the poor (Pr 31:8-9), and she taught him to only marry a woman with that kind of heart (Pr 31:20). A great measure of noble character is a person’s eagerness to help others in trouble. But this wisdom is not only for the Old Testament: it is also required in the New (Rom 12:13). Your own happiness and blessings depend on how you treat the poor (Pr 14:21; Ps 41:1-3; Acts 20:35).

What will you do about this proverb? Despise it? Forget it? Whom should you be thinking about right now? Whom will you have to your house for a meal, or take out to eat, next? Those who can repay in some way, or those who cannot (Luke 14:12-14)? Lip service is worthless and cruel (Jas 2:15-16). The omniscient God is watching your heart, mind, and wallet (Pr 15:3; Heb 4:12-13). True love that proves eternal life performs (I John 3:14-19), like the Lord Jesus Christ performed mightily for you (II Cor 8:9; 9:15).

Spiritual Training 29 September 2014

Posted: September 29, 2014 in Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Under Gods Command
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All of us make hundreds of choices every day. Most choices have no right or wrong attached to them-like what you wear or what you eat. But we always face decisions that carry a little more weight. We don’t want to do wrong, and we don’t want to cause others to do wrong, so how can we make such decisions?

If I choose one course of actions:

Does it help my witness for Christ? (1 Corinth 9:19-22)

Am I motivated by a desire to help others know Christ? (1 Corinth 9:23; 10:33)

Does it help me do my best? (1 Corinth 9:25)

Is it against a specific command in Scripture and would thus cause me to sin? (1 Corinth 10:12)

Am I thinking only of myself, or do I truly care about the other person? (1 Corinth 10:24)

Am I acting lovingly or selfishly? (1 Corinth 10:32)

Does it glorify God? (1 Corinth 10:31)

Will it cause someone else to sin? (1 Corinth 10:32)

Proverbs 26:11 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: September 26, 2014 in Acceptance, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Proverbs 26, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 26:11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.

A disgusting trait of dogs is to eat their vomit. When their belly must reject offending matter, they return and eat it again. It is a shame we do not have the same sickening horror for sin that we do for this picture of a dog vomiting his filth and eating it.

Peter declared this to be a true proverb (II Pet 2:20-22). He used it to condemn those who forsake their conversion and return to the vomit of this world. To escape the pollutions of this world and then return to be entangled and overcome in them again puts a man in a worse condition than before conversion.

A bad heart attack will get a man’s attention. A couple days after bypass surgery, he wants the intimate details of super nutrition and the best exercise program. He makes resolutions, plans his schedule, and orders a year’s worth of pita bread and lettuce and two treadmills. But after three months of no angina, he is again a couch potato inhaling pounds of cheese nachos and candy! Did he forget the crushing pain of his heart attack? Or does he crave the poison that almost killed him? Or both?

Consider a drunkard (23:29-35). He has woe, sorrow, contentions, babbling, and wounds from his binges. He loses his job, his driving license, his wife, his children, and his reputation. He gets sick and feels as if he spent the night lying on the top of a ship’s mast! Yet he says, “When shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.” Fool! Dog!

What filth have we vomited up and cast away by the grace of God and the conviction of His Spirit? What folly have we rejected? We will be tempted to return to it. Which vomit tempts us? Complaining? Pornography? Ungodly music? Drunkenness? Lustful fantasies? Gluttony? Television? Bitterness? Fornication? Disobedience to parents? Marital defrauding? An unscriptural church? Lack of submission? Backbiting?

There can be no partial turning from sin. It never works! It never will work! You can still smell the vomit, and you will turn to it again. We must flee from our temptations and sins with all our might and speed! We must eliminate the sources of the temptation! We must completely satisfy your appetite with spiritual things, so we have no hunger for vomit. There are no shortcuts. If we hang around the filth, you will take it up again.

If a dog had a conscience, it would be ashamed of its vile nature. But what of human sinners! Our return to defiling sin is worse! Where is their shame? We will soon have everlasting shame and contempt, unless saved by the Lord Jesus Christ (Dan 12:2).

Only by the grace of God and the gift of repentance can a man be saved from his folly and the snare of Satan (II Tim 2:25-26). If you have the least degree of conviction about any sin at this moment, repent immediately and take drastic measures to rid your life of that folly. Flee to Jesus Christ. Perhaps the grace of God will save you today.

Let us say with the psalmist, “I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly” (Ps 85:8). Let us hear the warning of our Savior, “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee” (John 5:14).

 

 

 

Spiritual Training 26 September 2014

Posted: September 26, 2014 in 1 Corinthians, 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 Corinthians 10:28-33 But if anyone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the man who told you and for conscience’ sake-the other man’s conscience, I mean, not yours. For why should my freedom be judged by another’s conscience? If I take part in the meal with thankfulness why am I denounced because of something I thank God for? So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God-even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Why should we be limited by another person’s conscience? Simply because we are to do all things for God’s glory, even our eating and drinking. Nothing we do should cause another believer to stumble. We do what is best for others, so that they might be saved. We should also be sensitive to the meaning of our actions to new Christians who are sorting out how to renounce sinful ways from the past and live for Christ. However, Christians should not make a career out of being the offended people with oversensitive consciences.

Believers must not project their standards onto others. Many believers who have been Christians for years are still oversensitive and judgmental of others. Instead of being the offended weaker brothers and sisters, they are no more than offended “Pharisees.”

Christian leaders and teachers should carefully teach about the freedom Christians have in matters not expressly forbidden by Scripture. New or weak Christians should not remain in a weak or sensitive state but should grow into maturity and discernment lest they prove to be an unnecessary burden on others’ freedom in Christ.

 Lets Bring it Home: God’s love must so permeate our motives that all we do will be for his glory. Keep this as a guiding principle by asking, “Is this action glorifying God?” or “How can I honor God through this action?”

 

 

Spiritual Training 08 September 2014

Posted: September 8, 2014 in 1 Corinthians, 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 Corinthians 10:23-24 “Everything is permissible” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

Sometimes it’s hard to know when to defer to weaker believers. Paul gives a simple rule of thumb to help in making the decision; we should be sensitive and gracious. The goal here is not a general sensitivity that worries about what others might possible think. Rather, it is a genuine awareness of others, and a willingness to limit what we do when there is a real possibility of misunderstanding and offense, some actions may not be wrong, but they may not be in the best interest of others.

Lets Bring it Home: We have freedom in Christ, but we shouldn’t exercise our freedom at the cost of hurting a Christian Brother or Sister. We are not to consider only ourselves, but we must also consider the needs and perspectives of others. When we love others, our freedom should be less important to us than strengthening the faith of a brother or sister in Christ.

Proverbs 08:28 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: September 8, 2014 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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Proverbs 8:28 when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep

How old is wisdom? How important is wisdom to God? How important should it be to you? These questions are answered in this proverb. The Creator God of heaven and earth had wisdom in the beginning, before He created the clouds in the sky and the fountains in the oceans. He used wisdom to create these things (Pr 3:19-20). You should love wisdom.

Proverbs 8 is a long personification of wisdom. King Solomon introduced Lady Wisdom and described her offer to men (Pr 8:1-11); he listed many of her benefits (Pr 8:12-21); he stated that God possessed wisdom before creating the world (Pr 8:22-31); and he repeated the offer of wisdom and warned of severe judgment on those refusing (Pr 8:32-36).

If the LORD Jehovah had wisdom in the beginning and used it to create the world, then surely it deserves your attention. You spend many hours, much effort, and lots of expense pursuing other things, why not wisdom? How many minutes and how much effort have you spent recently trying to acquire wisdom? It is time to get serious about your life.

God established the clouds above, and wisdom was with Him then. Do you grasp the wisdom of the water cycle and the many tons of water suspended in clouds? “He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them” (Job 26:8). “Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou” (Job 35:5).

“Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out. For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof: Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly. Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds?” (Job 36:26-29).

“Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?” (Job 37:16). “All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again” (Eccl 1:7).

“Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are? Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven?” (Job 38:34-38).

Consider a heavy rainfall of 4 inches. This is 2.5 gallons per square foot, approaching 21 pounds in weight. For an acre, this becomes about 109,000 gallons; 905,000 pounds; or 452 tons of water. No wonder Job said, “He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them” (Job 26:8). God established the clouds above. Glory!

But what if the same rain falls on the average U.S. county, which is 800 square miles, or 512,000 square acres? Then the number of gallons becomes 56 billion! And the weight of that water is 463 billion pounds, or 232 million tons! If just clouds over your head can hold this kind of weight, then you need some of the wisdom God used in creating them!

God strengthened the fountains of the deep, which are ocean springs. If you did not know there are springs and fountains in the ocean, the Bible has said so for 3500 years (Pr 8:28; Job 38:16; Gen 8:2). It was only in 1977 that deep-sea geologists found hydrothermal vents in the earth’s crust blasting forth hot mineral water far below the surface.

God had wisdom in the beginning. He always had wisdom. He used His wisdom to create the heavens and the earth. How will you live the rest of your life? By the traditions of your parents? By the habits of your childhood? By trial and error? By your peers? By the learned experts who warn about an ice age one generation and global warming the next?

Reader, wisdom is offered to you. Rudimentary knowledge of God may be learned from viewing and considering His creation (Ps 19:1-7; Rom 1:19-21). But great wisdom and understanding is acquired from God’s inspired scriptures, the Bible (Ps 19:7-11; II Tim 3:16-17). When did you last read them? When did you last hear them preached? You are missing the greatest blessing in life, if you do not seek out the Bible or preaching today.

Spiritual Training 25 August 2014

Posted: August 25, 2014 in 1 Corinthians, 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 Corinthians 10:21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.   

As followers of Christ we must give him our total allegiance. We cannot, as Paul explains, have a part in “both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. “Eating at the Lord’s Table means communicating with Christ and identifying with his death. Eating at the demons’ table means identifying with Satan by worshiping or promoting pagan (or evil) activities.

Lets Bring it Home: Are you trying to lead two lives, following the desires of both Christ and the crowd? The Bible says that you can’t do both at the same time.

Proverbs 25:11 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: August 25, 2014 in Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 25, Spiritual Training, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 25:11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in setting of silver

How beautiful is your speech? Would hearers compare it to a beautiful painting or sculpture? King Solomon praised good speech in this proverb by comparing it to an exquisite scene. In your city are many paintings or sculptures of fruit in bowls and other settings, and apples are commonly used. Fine homes are decorated with such lovely art.

Here is a simple simile, a figure of speech of comparison. It is identified by the word “like.” Apples, gold, pictures, and silver are not the real subject matter of the proverb. They only have comparative value taken together as a beautiful setting. Proper speech is praised and recommended by comparing and likening it to their combined beauty.

What are pictures, especially before photography? Since the other uses do not define the word (Num 33:52; Is 2:16), you should find a dictionary summary of this English word.

  • Picture.  A painting, drawing, sculpture, statute or other   symbolic representation of some thing as a work of art.

Can you visualize apples of gold in a painting or sculpture of silver? As in a silver basket or bowl? What a beautiful combination of color and images! So are words well spoken!

As the next verse shows, Solomon again used a simile to praise and encourage good speech (Pr 25:12), though there he used “as” to show the simile. Still using gold, he compared it to fine jewelry. You should easily get the lesson of learning good speech.

Right words used the right way at the right time are wonderful. The person speaking them deserves a kiss on the lips (Pr 24:26). Such proper words are wonderful (Pr 15:23,26; 16:13,24; 22:11; Eccl 12:10; Col 4:6). Will you start today to beautify your speech?

Some have foolishly dreamed this proverb proves an important rule of hermeneutics, or Bible interpretation – single words are more important than their context. They imagine a single word is like gold and its context like silver, and since gold is worth more than silver, then a single word is more important than its context. Incredible! Such wisdom is too high for us (Ps 131:1), since the Holy Spirit has no hermeneutics here, and especially a rule that is entirely contradictory to understanding a passage of scripture. Lord, help us.

Furthermore, a single word is not the point or lesson of the proverb. Paul said much more than one word when giving a word of exhortation (Acts 13:15). And he called Hebrews a word when closing out that lengthy epistle (Heb 13:22)? Solomon and you use the word “word” this way, as something said, quite often (Pr 12:25; 13:13; 14:15; 15:23; Eccl 8:4).

How did Jesus Christ speak? Most beautifully! The synagogue at Nazareth could not believe it (Luke 4:22); Mary could not get enough of it (Luke 10:39); His enemies praised it (Jn 7:46); His beautiful tongue and choice of words had been foretold long before (Is 50:4). Delight in His words as recorded in the Bible, and copy them as well.

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