Archive for the ‘Encourgement’ Category

Proverbs 28:23 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: July 28, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Proverbs 28, Proverbs 28:23, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 28:23 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.

True friendship and esteem depend on your contribution to others’ lives. Those who flatter others may have some superficial friends or foolish companions, who enjoy the empty praise. But those who correct and teach others the way of God more perfectly will have devoted and thankful friends for the profit they obtain for their souls and lives.

What does it mean to rebuke? It means to reprove or reprimand another person for some action or trait that is not acceptable. It is telling another person they are wrong and they need to change. It means to point out their errors and express strong dislike of them.

What does it mean to flatter? It means to praise or compliment unduly or insincerely. It is telling another person positive things merely to make them happy and desirous of your friendship. It means to play on a person’s vanity and cheer them without a good basis.

The proverb does not compare two good things and suggest one is better than the other. Rebuke is a very good and holy thing, for it stops sin in others’ lives and directs them to righteousness. Flattery is an evil thing, for it comforts and encourages men to continue in a course of sin merely for a superficial relationship (Pr 20:19; 29:5; Job 17:5; Ps 12:2-3).

True love will rebuke sin in friends. In fact, loving your neighbor requires you to rebuke them for sin. If you do not rebuke them, you hate them (Lev 19:17). If you love someone, you want to help perfect him by pointing out the things that are wrong in his life (Pr 27:5-6; Rom 15:14; I Thes 5:14). You will risk the relationship in order to hopefully help him.

The rebuke under consideration here is the reproof or reprimand of sin, as measured by the word of God. This proverb has nothing to do with matters of liberty, because neither God nor good men care what you think in matters of liberty. No man has any right to judge in matters that God has not judged in the Bible. Personal opinion is just that!

Consider the value of rebuke. There can be no progress without change, and there can be no change without correction, and correction means rebuke for doing something the wrong way. Disciplinarian fathers will be loved more in the long run than pampering fathers; and athletes generally appreciate severe coaches for getting the most out of them.

Flattery, no matter how cheery, positive, or vain, does no one any good. It merely wastes the earth’s oxygen and creates noise pollution. You leave such a person worse for the experience, no matter how pleasant the flattery sounded at the moment. Eventually a righteous person will avoid flatterers, for they truly prefer rebuke (Pr 27:9; Ps 141:5).

Great men and women are trees of life – they nourish others with wisdom (Pr 10:21; 11:30). But most people are quite worthless, because they never contribute to the profit or perfection of others. They are too fearful to help. They are too ignorant to help. They are too selfish to help. Instead of being trees of life, they are merely rotting fence posts!

The value and vitality of a church depends on the practice of this proverb. There are two great benefits. If church members fulfilled their roles of rebuking one another for sin, a church would grow in grace and holiness (Rom 15:14; Eph 4:16; I Thess 5:14; Heb 3:12-13; 10:24-25). And, look again at the proverb. The church would grow in love and true esteem for one another by the benefit gained from the wise and godly rebukes. Glory!

Most churches are little more than superficial social clubs. After a short session of a form of godliness, which they call a worship service, they engage in idle chitchat and inane bantering. Then they go home backbiting and slandering one another. God forbid! They ought to be soberly confessing their faults to one another, exhorting one another to greater godliness, and rebuking any known sins (Gal 6:1; Eph 4:29; Jas 5:16,19-20).

Why do most Christians never correct or rebuke anyone in matters of godliness? Because they reject the truth of this wisdom! They assume the way to obtaining and maintaining friends is flattery, comfortable chitchat, and foolish talking. They fear losing friends and their favour – the very opposite of God’s wisdom – so they never reprove others for sin.

What is the reward for rebuking others? God is pleased you have fulfilled your role and kept His instruction, and the man you rebuked will love you for it (Pr 9:7-9). However, he may not love you at the moment of your rebuke! And for this you must be prepared. Remember the proverb. It says he will love you “afterwards.” Children will obey strict training when they are old, though maybe not that week (Pr 22:15; Heb 12:11)!

The Lord Jesus Christ, the preeminent example, was always correcting, rebuking, and instructing those He met in life, whether disciples or enemies. And Paul did the same thing, spending his life to correct and reprove the sin he found in lives. Righteous men and women loved them both, for they appreciated the holy efforts to perfect their lives.

If a person were properly convicted about the coming Day of Judgment, there would be little time for anything else but perfecting others by wise rebukes and instruction. For once you stand before the King of kings, you will very strongly wish others had rebuked you more, and others will very strongly wish you had rebuked them more. Why make it the great Day of Regret? Gently and wisely rebuke sin where you see it today.

Proverbs 25:6-7 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: July 25, 2014 in Bible Study, Encourgement, Faith, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 06, Proverbs 07, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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 Proverbs 25:6-7 Do not exalt yourself in the King’s presence and do not claim a place among great men, (7) it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman.

Jesus made this proverb into a parable

We should not seek honor for ourselves. It is better to quietly and faithfully accomplish the work God has given us to do. As others notice the quality of our lives, then they will draw attention to us.

When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table he told them this parable:

Luke 14:7-11 When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

14:7–14 Jesus taught two lessons here. First, he spoke to the guests, telling them not to seek places of honor. Service is more important in God’s kingdom than status. Second, he told the host not to be exclusive about whom he invites. God opens his kingdom to everyone.

14:11 How can we humble ourselves? Some people try to give the appearance of humility in order to manipulate others. Others think that humility means putting themselves down. Truly humble people compare themselves only with Christ, realize their sinfulness, and understand their limitations. On the other hand, they also recognize their gifts and strengths and are willing to use them as Christ directs. Humility is not self-degradation; it is realistic assessment and commitment to serve.

Jesus advised people not to rush for the best places at a feast. People today are just as eager to raise their social status, whether by being with the right people, dressing for success, or driving the right car.

Lets Bring it Home: Whom do you try to impress? Rather than aiming for prestige, look for a place where you can serve. If God wants you to serve on a wider scale, he will invite you to take a higher place.

Proverbs 24:09 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: July 24, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 24, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 24:9 The schemes of folly are sin, and men detest a mocker.

Here are two rules of wisdom. First, foolish thoughts are sin in God’s sight. Men think their imaginations are their own, but they forget such thoughts are sin against God, Who sees them all. Second, the scorner, a person despising correction and teachers, is hated by good men, for he causes much strife, and removing him brings joy and peace (Pr 22:10).

The Pharisees promoted hypocrisy by allowing evil thoughts, as long as the actual sin was avoided. Hating a person in your heart or lusting after another man’s wife was fine to them, if literal murder or adultery was avoided (Matt 5:21,27). But Jesus said unjustified anger or lusting after another woman was murder or adultery in His sight (Matt 5:22,28). He is the holy Lord! Tremble before Him, even in the secret thoughts of your heart!

Foolishness is any conduct without regard for God or wisdom, which is sin (Pr 19:3; 22:15; Ps 14:1). Even foolish talking – filthy, frivolous, or jesting speech – is condemned, and God will judge the world for it (Eph 5:3-7). God hates folly! He knows a man’s heart is the source of his character and conduct, so He examines it (Matt 12:34-35; 15:18-20).

Sexual fantasies are common, but God condemns them. Sexual sins are folly (Gen 34:7; Deut 22:21; II Sam 13:12), and to imagine such folly is sin. Job said he would not think upon a maid (Job 31:1), and Solomon warned not to lust after strange women even in your heart (Pr 6:25). God ponders man’s goings, including those involving sex (Pr 5:21).

Envy, hatred, and pride are also popular thoughts. Men, and women, love to despise others and exalt themselves in their hearts. In fact, most envy, hatred, and pride are limited to the heart (Jas 3:14-16). But the Lord condemns these evil and foolish thoughts as devilish murder and rebellion. Purify your hearts, ye double minded (Jas 4:8)!

A scorner is a pain and a problem. Their arrogant rejection of correction and instruction makes them impossible to teach (Pr 9:7-8). Their conceited resentment of teachers and reprovers makes peace impossible (Pr 22:10). They must be avoided or cast out. It is only natural and right for men to hate them, for they cause constant strife and trouble with any authority. They are worse than a fool, for they are conceited in their ignorance (Pr 26:12).

Reader, here are two matters of wisdom. First, keep your heart with all diligence, for sin begins with foolish thoughts (Pr 4:23; Jas 1:13-16). Search your heart and thoughts by prayer to reveal any evil there (Ps 139:23-24). Second, love instruction and reproof to avoid being a scorner. Humble yourself before the great God, His word, and His teachers.

Spiritual Training 24 July 2014

Posted: July 24, 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 9:01 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord?

Some Corinthians were questioning Paul’s authority and rights as an apostle, so Paul gave his credentials, he actually had seen and talked with the resurrected Christ, who had called him to be an apostle (see Acts 9:3-18). Such credentials make the advice he gives in this letter more persuasive. In 2 Corinthians 10-13, Paul defends his apostleship in greater detail.

Changed lives were the evidence that God was using Paul.

Lets Bring it Home: Does your faith have an impact on others? You can be a life-changer, helping others grow spiritually, if you dedicated yourself to being used by God and letting him make you effective.

Battle Focus on Jesus

Posted: July 23, 2014 in Acceptance, Battle Focus, 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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Under Gods Command:

Mathew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

 To “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” means to turn to God first for help, to fill your thoughts with his desires, to take his character for your pattern, and to serve and obey him in everything.

Lets Bring it Home: What is really important to you? People, objects, goals, and other desires all compete for priority. Any of these can quickly become most important to you if you don’t actively choose to give God first place in every area of your life.

 Matthew 14:29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!

Peter started to sink because he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the high waves around him. His faith wavered when he released what he was doing.

Lets Bring it Home: We may not walk on water, but we do walk through tough situations. If we focus on the waves of difficult circumstances around us without looking to Jesus for help, we too may despair and sink. To maintain your faith when situations are difficult, keep your eyes on Jesus power rather than on your inadequacies.

 

Proverbs 23:35 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: July 23, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 23, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 23:35 “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t fell it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?

The drunkard is insane! He drinks until he is senseless and cannot feel the pain he causes himself and others. Then he must sleep for hours or days to get rid of his miserable hangover. But as soon as he is awake, he goes straight for the bottle again. This proverb describes the shameful attitude and action of the drunkard, rather than his literal words.

The Preacher has already taught you, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Pr 20:1). The proverb before you illustrates the mocking and raging consequences of drunkenness – the man is violently hurt by strong drink and foolishly mocked by wine, but he intends to drink even more, soon.

Solomon also listed the troubles of the drunkard, “Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?” (Pr 23:29). In spite of such constant and miserable consequences, the drunkard returns again to much wine (Pr 23:30). Give me another one, he shouts obnoxiously!

The dog eats his own vomit, for his nature demands it (Pr 26:11). Pigs return to wallowing in the mud, for their nature demands it (II Pet 2:22). But the drunkard has no such natural instinct for self-destruction other than the deceitfulness of sin and the addicting properties of alcohol. “Whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise!” Stay away!

This proverb describes the bodily troubles often experienced by drunkards. They engage in brawls for no reason at all; they provoke fights they would otherwise avoid. They fall down steps and off chairs; they have auto accidents. But they feel little, for they are senseless to physical, mental, or spiritual perception. They are lost in their drunkenness!

And though the consequences of drunkenness are horrible, the drunkard continues to drink himself drunk. He can no longer deliver himself, though he has a lie in his right hand. He builds a horrible habit, gives place to the devil, and becomes a slave to alcohol. What could have been an asset is now a noose slowly choking him to death (Pr: 31:6-7).

Is the drunkard more stupid than other sinners? Hardly! All sins have short pleasure, great and long-lasting pain, and eternal judgment. Why do men love and continue in any sin? Is there hope for the drunkard? Certainly! All sinners may have great hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul wrote, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom 7:24-25).

Spiritual Training 23 July 2014

Posted: July 23, 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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Under Gods Command

1 Corinthians 8:4-9 So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), yet for us there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

     But not everyone knows this. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food they think of it as having been sacrificed to an idol, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled, But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. 

Paul addressed these words to believers who weren’t bothered by eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols. Although idols were phony, and the pagan ritual of sacrificing to them was meaningless, eating such meat offended Christians with more sensitive consciences. Paul said, therefore, that if a weaker or less mature believer misunderstood their actions they should, out of consideration, avoid eating meat offered to idols.

8:10-13For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, won’t he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against your bothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall. 

Christian freedom does not mean that anything goes. It means that our salvation is not determined by good deeds or legalistic rules, but by the free gift of God (Ephesians 2:8,9). Christian freedom, then, is inseparably tied to Christian responsibility. New believers are often very sensitive to what is right or wrong, what they should or shouldn’t do. Some actions may be perfectly all right for us to do, but many harm a Christian brother or sister who is still young in the faith and learning what the Christian life is all about.

Lets Bring it Home: We must be careful not to offend a sensitive or younger Christian or, by our example, to cause him or her to sin. When we love others, our freedom should be less important to us than strengthening the faith of a brother or sister in Christ.

Spiritual Training 10 July 2014

Posted: July 10, 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 8:1-3 Now about food sacrificed to idols; We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God.

Love is more important than knowledge. Knowledge can make us look good and feel important, but we can all too easily develop an arrogant, know-it-all attitude. Many people with strong opinions are unwilling to listen to and learn from God and others.

1 John 4:7-8 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

John says, “God is love,” not “Love is God,” Our world, with its shallow and selfish view of love, has turned these words around and contaminated our understanding of love. The world thinks that love is what makes a person feel good and that it is all right to sacrifice moral principles and others rights in order to obtain such “love.” But that isn’t real love; it is the exact opposite-selfishness. And God is not that kind of “love.”

Lets Bring it Home: We can obtain God’s knowledge only by loving him (James 3:17-18). And we can know and be known by God only when we model him by showing love. Real love is like God, who is holy, just and perfect. If we truly know God, we will love as he does

Proverbs 10:18 He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.

Posted: July 10, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 10, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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By hating another person you may become a liar or a fool. If you try to conceal your hatred, you end up lying. If you slander the other person and are proven wrong, you are a fool. The only way out is to admit your hateful feelings to God. Ask him to change your heart, to help you love instead of hate.

Here are two easy ways to sin with your speech. You can be a hypocrite and use polite words to deceive people and hide the bitterness and envy in your heart. Or you can spread false and malicious rumors about a person to others. These two sins are in great supply today. Transparent honesty and integrity – clearly visible and known by all – are rare.

Reader, do you see what the wise man Solomon wrote next? He wrote, “When words are many, sin is not absent but he who holds his tongue is wise” (Pr 10:19). It is hard to speak much and not sin – for every sentence raises the chance of sin. So the Preacher gave the wise advice of closing your lips and not talking so much (Pr 17:27-28; Jas 1:19).

When the prophet Isaiah saw the LORD, he was in terror for the sins of his lips (Is 6:1-7). He said, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts” (Is 6:5). A right view of God will cause you to hate your speech (Ps 4:4)!

The blunt apostle James had no mercy for the tongue. He said, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell” (Jas 3:6). He said, “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (Jas 3:8).

Your tongue is called your glory for praising God (Ps 16:9; 30:12; 57:8; Acts 2:26). But it also curses men. “Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be” (Jas 3:9-10).

You are a fool, if you hide hatred with polite words. Instead of forgiving others and ending conflict, fools cover hatred in their hearts with lies. It is horrible when such evil is in the church. David prayed to be delivered from such hypocrites, whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood and their mouths speak empty pretensions (Ps 144:7-8,11).

You are a fool, if you talk against others. Slander is lying to spread false information or innuendoes about others. Backbiting, talebearing, and whispering are telling the truth about another, but it is information that damages another’s character and reputation. The sin of slander is a violation of the Sixth Commandment against killing, and only very wicked men with evil hearts do it. Limit yourself to saying good things about others.

If you are wise, your tongue is your glory – to praise God and edify others (Ps 30:12; 108:1). It is a precious gift to send worship upward and to feed those around you. If you are a fool, it is your curse – a tool of hypocrisy and murder. It is easy to lie and run others down when they and witnesses are not present to refute you. Be wise (Pr 18:21; Eph 4:29; Col 4:6)! You will give account for every word from your mouth (Matt 12:34-37).

Proverbs 09:09 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: July 9, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Proverbs 09, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command 

Proverbs 9:9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.

Great men grow in wisdom and learning. Are you growing – or just growing older? Instruction and teaching are blessings from God, and great men take advantage of them to increase in knowledge and understanding. The character of any man or woman can be easily seen by their degree of growth in wisdom and learning. What is your character?

The proverb and context have two lessons (Pr 9:7-9). First, Solomon forbad rebuking scorners, for they will hate you and your advice. He commended teaching wise men, for they will love you and the truth and wisdom you give them. Can you tell the difference? Your duty is to wisely allocate your efforts and resources to humble and noble hearers.

The second lesson is that character is known by its response to correction and teaching. All men can be classified as scorners, fools, or wise men. What are you? A fool is basically lazy, selfish, and stupid. A scorner is a rebel that hates advice and those giving it. A wise man is a zealous student of truth and wisdom that loves learning and teachers.

You cannot stand still about truth and wisdom. Either you grow in both, or you backslide in both. Either you defeat the foolish impulses of your heart and mind, or they defeat you. Either you are rejecting the world’s philosophy, or the world’s philosophy is seducing you. Either God is guiding you to more truth, or He is hiding truth from you (Luke 8:18)!

You were born ignorant. You should crave learning and wisdom, lest you stay ignorant. Seeking wisdom should be a great goal of your life (Pr 4:7; 16:16). Is it very important to you? If it is, you will apply yourself to take advantage of every opportunity to learn the truth and wisdom of God from your teachers. Are you reading this proverb carefully?

There are special men in the world, because they love to be corrected and taught so they can learn and grow (Pr 1:5; 15:14). These rare people easily reject distracting activities to focus efforts and time on learning wisdom (Pr 18:1-2). A whole assembly once celebrated understanding God’s word (Neh 8:8-12), the eunuch humbly admitted his ignorance and begged for help (Acts 8:30-34), and Cornelius had an eager spirit (Acts 10:33).

It is folly to squander God’s offer of learning opportunities (Pr 15:32). He commanded, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (I Pet 2:2). It is a command to desire the word in order to grow. It is suicide to neglect or reject the offers of wisdom that God sends to every man (Pr 8:36). It is disgraceful, if you have been taught long enough to be a teacher, but you still need to be taught (Heb 5:12-14).

What causes men to resent teachers and instruction? Some are stubborn (I Sam 15:23). Some are conceited (Pr 26:12). Some are lazy (Pr 18:1-2). Some are carnal (I Cor 3:1-3). Some prefer fables over sober teaching (II Tim 4:3-4). Some do not focus or prepare; some are discouraged by persecution; some are choked by ambition (Luke 8:11-14).

God expects you to grow in wisdom. He offers it daily. Being without understanding is a sin (Pr 14:8; 19:2; Jer 5:21; Rom 1:31). You are to grow in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ (II Pet 3:18). You can surpass your enemies, teachers, and the ancients. How? Keep God’s words with you – meditate on them, and obey them (Ps 119:98-100).

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