Archive for the ‘Encourgement’ Category

Proverbs 13:24 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: May 13, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 13, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command
Proverbs 13:24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is carful to discipline him

Loving parents spank their children. They start early, and they do not hold back. They want the best for their children, and they know spanking will help them succeed. They trust God and Solomon far more than today’s arrogant, ignorant, and bankrupt ideas.

This proverb is amazing! One short sentence will prove if you love God, if you fear God, if you love your children, and if you are wise. You cannot avoid these conclusions. If you do not spank your children, you have chosen to hate God, your children, and wisdom!

The lesson here is important, and it is repeated throughout Proverbs: corporal punishment works, and wise parents use it (Pr 3:12; 10:13; 19:18; 20:30; 22:15; 23:13-14; 26:3; 29:15,17). It is not open to debate. God has spoken, that settles it! 3000 years of recorded human history endorse it, and today’s dysfunctional youth confirm that they needed it!

The world would be a better place, if parents obeyed this proverb. But most have been brainwashed by educators, politicians, and the news media against corporal punishment. Though a serious problem is seen everywhere – a generation of haughty, lazy, rebellious, selfish, and narcissistic youth – the world hates God and Solomon’s wisdom in the Bible.

Do you love your son? Only hateful fathers do not spank sons. They love themselves too much to spend the effort, emotion, time, and short-term grief to confront and spank a child for his profit. The father that truly loves his son and wants him to be great will faithfully spank him at a young age when there is hope. If you do not use the rod, you hate your son; if you truly delight in him, you will correct and spank him (Pr 3:11-12).

True love is more than the mushy sentimentality of the modern heresy of unconditional love. True love is the sacrificial desire for the personal and spiritual welfare of another; it is doing what is necessary to help another person please God and men more perfectly. Of course, you cannot read about such love in Ben Spock’s books or Mad Magazine. This love is only known by Christians and only taught in the Bible. You can ignore all others.

True love is known by its goal and the choice of means to attain it. Godly parents want their children to grow in favor with God and man, the highest goal possible for human existence. And they use the God-inspired and time-proven means to achieve that goal – the rod and reproof (Pr 29:15). This is the highest degree of love a parent can have. Do you love your children this way and this much? There is no better idea, so forget it!

Do you want the best for your child? He was born foolish, and you must drive it out of him, or you will send a foolish adult into the world to be punished by life and other authority figures (Pr 22:15). The rod gives wisdom, so not using it selfishly deprives your children of wisdom they need for success (Pr 29:15). The rod saves children from death and hell, so not using it chooses future pain and trouble for your children (Pr 23:13-14).

The only proven way to maximize character and success is to spank him. How can you guarantee a selfish, lazy, immature adult lacking the character necessary for life success? Cater to his whims, coddle his moods, allow him the freedom of his peers, and avoid any criticism or negativity that might disappoint him! This is what parents now call training. Try to enter any work animal in a competition that has not felt a bridle or whip (Pr 26:3)!

Do you want joy and peace in old age? A child left to himself will shame his parents, but reproof and spanking make wise children (Pr 29:15,17). Do you know parents that live out their lives in grief for foolish, rebellious, or criminal children? You may be one yourself. They did not consistently spank their children when they were young to have joy of them later (Pr 10:1; 15:20; 17:21,25; 19:13; 22:6; 23:15-16,24-25; 29:3,15,17).

Here is a conflict: parents follow fuzzy feelings they call love to get children anything they want, let them do whatever they wish, and avoid anything that disappoints them. They think happy children are good children. These parents reinforce the foolishness of children and the sins of this generation – pride, laziness, rebellion, selfishness, etc.

Here is another conflict: Suzy Smartmouth of the PTA plasters signs around town that say, “Kids, you can’t beat ‘em.” Doctor Dimwits, the school psychologist says spanking warps the personality and is no deterrent to bad behavior. Benjamin Spock and James Dobson join similar philosophies against Bible strictness (Pr 20:20; 30:17; Deut 27:16).

Who will you believe? The Creator God that designed the family unit has declared His will clearly and repeatedly. King Solomon the wisest king and philosopher in world history gave his inspired counsel and advice. Who will you believe? The United Nations and UNICEF, who propose children’s rights between warnings about global warming?

The world’s thinkers do not have a clue about parenting, especially the more education and/or intelligence they have. When a spoiled child in America kills school children, what is the response of educators, politicians, and the media? Gun control! Neither America nor the world needs gun control – they need child control taught in this proverb!

What is a rod? It is a slender stick perfect for stripes on the backs of fools and foolish children. What is chastening? It is the use of the rod to create those wisdom marks. What is betimes? It is early when there is still hope for the child to be wise. What is sparing? It is deciding for whatever reason that you do not love your children enough to use the rod.

Grandparents once said, “Spare the rod, spoil the child”; the character of that generation to the character of the present one is like light to darkness. This generation says, “Kids, you can’t beat ‘em.” Who is right? Those grandparents chose the inspiration of God, the wisdom of Solomon, and common sense. Today’s effeminate and permissive society bows to ignorant educators and silly soccer moms, both of which are clueless about life.

Those grandparents knew true love did what was necessary to prepare a child for life. They knew allowing a child to go unchecked without corporal punishment was to hate a child. They knew an untrained child would grow into an undisciplined adult, unprepared for a successful life. They knew undisciplined adults would have much pain and trouble.

The present crop of arrogant, lazy, rebellious, spoiled, violent, and wayward youth proves the lesson. Never has the world seen such a batch of dysfunctional, selfish children and youth who expect everything to be handed to them. The chickens have come home to roost. God and Solomon were right. Any other opinion should be despised (Ps 119:128).

If you love your children, you will use corporal punishment early and quickly – betimes. If you wait too long, they become hardened in foolishness, and then it is too late (Pr 19:18; Eccl 8:11). Parents can avoid troublesome teens by training children and pre-teens the Bible way. If you foolishly spare the rod, you will reap the painful consequences.

The best Father in the world is God. He loved His children so much that He sent His only begotten Son to die for them. How does He treat His beloved children when they disobey Him? Do you know your Bible? He whips them with a scourge and expects them to like it and learn from it (Heb 12:5-13)! If they do not learn fast enough, He will take them out of this world (I Cor 11:30-32). Joel Osteen and Rick Warren do not teach this very often!

God’s favorite son other than Jesus was David. He loved David very much. When David sinned, and the Bible records several, God punished Him severely. The beatings he took for adultery with Bathsheba and others sins were very severe. But David loved his beatings, because he knew they were given in love for his profit (Ps 119:67,71,75). If you are a child of God, you should appreciate your Father’s love and show it to your children.

Spiritual Training 13 May 2013

Posted: May 13, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Romans, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Romans 12:03 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God as given you.

Healthy self-esteem is important because some of us think too little of ourselves; on the other hand, some of us overestimate ourselves. The key to an honest and accurate evaluation is knowing the basis of our self-worth-our identify in Christ. Apart from him, we aren’t capable of very much by eternal standards; in him, we are valuable and capable of worthy service. Evaluating yourself by the worldly standards of success and achievement can cause you to think too much about your worth in the eyes of others and thus miss your true value in God’s eyes.

Lets Bring it home: When was the last time anyone done an accurate evaluation of the person they see in the mirror everyday? I bet it done add up to the times we did evaluations on others.

Spiritual Training 10 May 2013

Posted: May 10, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Romans, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Romans 12:1-2 There fore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

When sacrificing an animal according to God’s law, a priest would kill the animal, cut it in pieces, and place it on the altar. Sacrifice was important, but even in the Old Testament God made it clear the obedience from the heart was much more important (1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 40:6; Amos 5:21-24). God wants us to offer ourselves, not animals, as living sacrifices-daily laying aside our own desires to follow him, putting all our energy and resources at his disposal and trusting him to guide us. We do that out of gratitude that our sins have been forgiven.

Lets Bring it home: Christians are called to “not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, “with its behavior and customs that are usually selfish and often corrupting. Many Christians wisely decide that much worldly behavior is off limits for them. Our refusal to conform to this world’s values, however, must go even deeper than the level of behavior and customs-it must be firmly planted in our minds-“be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” It is possible to avoid most worldly customs and still be proud, covetous, selfish, stubborn, and arrogant. Only when the Holy Spirit renews, reinstructs, and redirects our minds are we truly transformed

Proverbs 10:23 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: May 10, 2013 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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Proverbs 10:23 A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.

Wisdom is gentle, good, kind, and loving. Hurting others is never amusing. You should provide comfort, health, peace, and security to those around you. Harming another by words or actions is cruel, foolish, and wicked. Wise men are always gracious and helpful.

Sin is a joke to most today. Mischief that harms others is celebrated. Consequences of sin are ignored, and reprovers are despised. Sin is the delight of many. They cause trouble without fear, guilt, or shame. They jest and joke about evil; they mock the righteous. But such men are fools. Those with understanding know such dysfunctional conduct offends God and men. Wise men know there is honor and reward for sobriety and righteousness.

Solomon warned, “Fools make a mock at sin,” and, “Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom” (Pr 14:9; 15:21). This generation uses sin as content for entertainment. Mischievous boys in school are often the most popular; the bold and flagrant are considered brave and strong; the wildest actors are called stars. Others rap brutishly and foolishly about whores and violence. Men of understanding grieve about such mischief.

The segment of society most susceptible to this disease is young men. They have the folly of youth bound in their hearts, but they have the abilities and liberties to be out and about in mischief. Solomon feared their draw and influence on his son (Pr 1:10-19; 2:10-22; 13:20). Paul warned young men with one single piece of advice that would make them great, if they could do it, “Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded” (Tit 2:6).

Compulsory education, a terrible joke of social do-gooders, crams young fools hating learning into classrooms, where out-of-touch teachers present ridiculous topics with no bearing on life. What is the general effect on young men, who should be working a man’s day, at a man’s job, under a man’s rule? Folly, frustration, mischief, rebellion, and sin! They goad each other on in sinful pranks until society reeks of their noxious insanity!

What happens when these fools get home? Television offers profane entertainment at the expense of God and others. Sitcoms, consuming evening programming, are from hell in their disregard for God, morality, sobriety, and other virtues. Even so-called innocent cartoons, with constant efforts to harm and mock others, are foolishly bad. What will you do to protect and direct your children away from such character-corrupting influences?

Young fornicators take advantage of girls, without regard for them, their fathers, or their future husbands. They laugh about their exploits. Young gluttons have eating contests, and roar hilariously when one throws his food back out. Young drunkards laugh about who has the worst hangover from their binge drinking. Others put sugar in the gas of the principal’s car, and celebrate when he must replace his engine. But God is not mocked!

Fools think only of the moment; they miss both tomorrow’s consequences and God’s judgment at death. They neither consider their future nor do anything toward it. The magistrate eventually puts them in prison; their public records then include a felony or two; a bigger fool molests them in a prison shower; they contract a deadly pestilence; and death will bring a reckoning with the infinite God of heaven. What a sport, huh! Ha! Ha!

What kind of person thinks and acts this way? Fools! There is no fear of God before their eyes (Ps 36:1-4; 53:1; Rom 3:18). They rejoice to do evil, and delight in the perversity of the wicked (Pr 2:13). They are the bane of every nation, the calamity and grief of every father, the heaviness and shame of every mother (Pr 10:1; 17:25; 19:13; 29:15). What will you do to protect your children from such character-corrupting influences?

How are they corrected? Easily! “Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools” (Pr 19:29). “A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back” (Pr 26:3). “Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beating spurge the inmost being” (Pr 20:30). If severe punishment was executed speedily in the world, there would not be such a overabundance of dishonorable anarchists (Pr 19:25; 21:11; Ec 8:11).

Solomon, when using death as a means of promoting sobriety, told young men, “Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity” (Eccl 11:9-10).

Parent, soberly teach your children about life, death, morality, sin, and right treatment of others. Foolish talking, jesting, kidding, and foolish sarcasm are hurtful and unnecessary (Pr 12:18; 26:18-19), and Paul warned God will judge the world because of them (Eph 5:3-5). They are an inconvenient use of speech; giving thanks is much better. Do not allow these things among your children, and they will grow up to be noble and wise.

Parent, a tender regard for all weak things, even baby birds in a nest or mother animals with their young, should be cultivated, but especially doing good to all men (Deut 22:6-7; Ex 23:19; Gal 6:10; I Tim 4:10). Children with physical or mental handicaps or racial or economic differences should be objects of charity and protection, not ridicule and persecution. Wisdom includes kind and protective regard for such things (Pr 12:10).

A man of understanding has wisdom regarding these matters – he sees through the folly of the fool and considers it carefully. He despises a mischievous approach to life. He sees the trouble coming tomorrow for today’s folly. He sees the judgment coming after death. He sees the great reward of righteousness (Pr 21:12; Job 18:5-21; Ps 19:11; 37:34-38; 58:11). He develops a sober and thoughtful outlook. Be wise, reader, and understand!

Moses prayed, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Ps 90:12). What a great perspective on life – to use each day carefully in a wise way before God and men. This should be your prayer and pursuit. God’s blessings and favor are upon the wise, but the way of transgressors is hard (Pr 13:15). Life is short, and you ought to make the best and most of it in the eyes of God and everyone you meet.

Paul warned, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (II Cor 5:10-11). Solomon concluded his book of philosophy, Ecclesiastes, with this same warning (Ec 12:13-14). Life is serious, and you should avoid and influences toward foolish levity.

Jesus ignored the vanity of this life, looking instead at the joy waiting in heaven (Heb 12:1-2; Ps 16:8-11). He had wisdom and understanding to look beyond the folly here for the joy there. Isaac Watts wrote, “The hill of Zion yields, a thousand sacred sweets, before we reach the heavenly fields, or walk the golden streets.” Only the wisdom of faith sees the sacred sweets here and the golden streets there. Open your eyes of faith and wisdom today to see the important, noble, and lasting things that glorify and please God.

Spiritual Training 09 May 2013

Posted: May 9, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Romans, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Romans 11:34-36 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

The implication of these questions is that no one has fully understood the mind of the Lord. No one has been his counselor. And God owes nothing to any one of us. Isaiah and Jeremiah asked similar questions to show that we are unable to give advice to God or criticize his ways (Isaiah 40:13; Jeremiah 23:18). God alone is the possessor of absolute power and absolute wisdom. In the final analysis, all of us are absolutely dependent on God. He is the source of all things, including ourselves. He is the power that sustains and rules the world that we live in. And God works out all things to bring glory to himself. The all-powerful God deserves our praise.

Lets Bring it home: Do we praise God like we should?

Proverbs 09:12 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: May 9, 2013 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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Proverbs 9:12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.”

Your future is in your hands – in your heart and mind – for good or bad. Your response to wisdom will drastically affect your life one way or the other. Great privileges have great responsibilities. Individual liberty has individual consequences. What will happen to you?

The great choice of life, which Solomon repeated often, is the choice of wisdom. If you choose her, you will be blessed; if you reject her, you will be punished. There is no escape; your choice will be repaid. You will bear the consequences. Your wisdom cannot benefit God, nor does your folly hurt him (Job 35:5-8). You alone will bear the results.

The Preacher of the New Testament, Paul warned, “Every man shall bear his own burden” (Gal 6:5). Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; whatever you sow, that is what you will reap (Gal 6:7-8). So dear reader, you must prove your own work, and then you may have rejoicing in yourself, without measuring by others at all (Gal 6:4).

The personification of wisdom continues from the previous chapter to this climactic verse. Lady Wisdom offers you a house and wonderful feast (Pr 9:1-5). What will you do with her invitation? This is the chance of a lifetime! Blessings beyond description are offered (Pr 8:11)! Or will you ignore her and choose certain death for yourself (Pr 8:36)?

After this dramatic conclusion, you are reminded again of the foolish and whorish woman, Folly, of which there are many in the world (Pr 9:13-18). This woman intends to destroy young men. She also has a house, prepared with a perfumed bed, but she takes her foolish and unsuspecting guests to hell with her (Pr 5:3-13; 6:23-35; 7:6-23; 9:18).

Today, dear reader, you must choose. And tomorrow you must choose again. Will you humble yourself before God’s perfect words of wisdom? Or will you reject them in the pride, stubbornness, and rebellion of your foolish heart? You cannot avoid the choice. What will it be? You will govern your thoughts, words, and actions by revealed wisdom, or you will reject it and allow your habits, lusts, the world, and others to direct your life.

What does the Bible mean to you? How important is it for you to learn and obey it? The great men of Bible history craved it and diligently followed it. Do you faithfully listen to the preaching of it by a man chosen by Jesus Christ, who does not entertain at all but rather declares God’s will without apology or compromise? If not, why not? If not, you must be a scorner. Remember the warning of the proverb, “Thou alone shalt bear it.”

Ezekiel wrote, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezek 18:20). Solomon warns, “The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself” (Pr 14:14). If you backslide from wisdom, the Lord will fill your life with the painful results. But the man who rejects folly will be satisfied with personal blessings.

Moses warned, “Be sure your sin will find you out,” (Num 32:23). These eight words are as certain as gravity and death. No matter what you think of sin, it has consequences. No matter where you sin, God sees and knows all (Pr 15:3; Jer 23:23-24). No matter what precautions you take to protect yourself, they will absolutely not work (Pr 11:21; 16:5).

If you play with sin, you will suffer for it; if you choose godliness, you will be blessed. The way of transgressors is hard (Pr 13:15), and you will not know how hard until it is too late (Pr 1:20-32; Ps 36:1-3). When God swears in anger, there is no deliverance, even if you try to repent (Pr 29:1; Num 14:39-45; Ps 95:7-11; Heb 4:1; 10:26-31; 12:16-17).

Lot scorned wisdom, violating this proverb; he lost great potential blessings and riches; you last see him sitting in the mouth of a cave, ruined, with his two daughters pregnant by his own folly. But Abraham chose wisdom. God called him His friend, told him he was righteous, and covered him with many blessings in a very long life. Heaven is called Abraham’s bosom, and his Seed sits at the right hand of God and provides its million!

Last, consider this contrast from Jesus Christ: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36). And another, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). Have you believed and been baptized Wisdom’s way?

Proverbs 18:17 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: May 8, 2013 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 8:17 I love those who love me and those who seek me find me.

Lady Wisdom promises love to those who will love her, and she promises to be easily found by those who will seek her early. If you love wisdom, she will love you in return and bless your life. If you seek wisdom, you will find her easily, as she is not far from any man (1:20-23; 8:1-5). What is your problem? Love wisdom and seek her now!

Lady Wisdom in this text makes herself available to all who will love and seek her. What is wisdom? The power of right judgment! What is its basis? The fear of the Lord! Where is wisdom most clearly defined and explained? In the word of God! If a man loves Scripture and seeks it early, he will most certainly find knowledge and understanding.

Lady Wisdom loves those who love her. Her love brings honor, riches, life, and God’s favor. What more could you want? Her love is better than rubies, silver, gold, or anything you can imagine. Do you love her? She measures your love by the priority you give her.

Most of the world hates Lady Wisdom (Ps 14:1-3). They love her greatest enemy – the wicked woman Folly (Pr 2:16-19; 9:13-18). They want the world’s foolish lies and soap bubbles – gaily decorated by Hollywood, public education, the news media, and ignorant peers. They resent and despise God, wisdom, and truth. They love death (Pr 8:36).

But what about you? The value of Solomon’s proverbs in your life depends on what you do with them. Do you love wisdom? How do you show it? What emphasis or priority does wisdom have in your life? Do you seek her early? Do you aggressively seek her?

In much of chapters 8 and 9, Solomon personified wisdom as a lady offering affection and friendship. Contrasting Lady Wisdom with the strange woman Folly, he created a powerful image of two women seeking the souls of men. Compare the two women and their invitations of companionship that lead to very different results (Pr 9:4-5,16-17).

Lady Wisdom promises love to those who love her, and she promises to be easily found by those who seek her early. If you love wisdom, she will love you back and bless your life. If you seek wisdom, you will find her easily, as she is not far from anyone (Pr 1:20-23; 8:1-5). What holds back your affection and desire? Love wisdom and seek her now!

What does Lady Wisdom represent? What is wisdom? It is the power of right judgment, knowing the perfect response to every situation. What is its basis? The fear of the Lord! Where is wisdom most clearly defined and explained? In the Bible! If a man passionately loves and emphasizes God’s word, he will gain knowledge to drastically improve his life.

Lady Wisdom does not owe favor to any man. Men rejected wisdom in the Garden of Eden, so they have no right to truth; the asinine opinions now believed by educated men on all subjects prove their depravity. When a man chooses one lie, God will send him strong delusion to believe many more to his destruction (Ezek 14:7-11; II Thess 2:9-13).

Here is a sincere invitation and offer from God and Solomon, but it is only recognized and obeyed by the children of God. Most men have no faith, so they reject both the living God and His words in the Bible. What will you do with this gracious and kind invitation? The apostle Paul considered all things to be loss and dung in comparison with divine wisdom, which is most fully expressed in knowing Christ Jesus the Lord.

Wisdom expects you to love her. Wise men will separate themselves from foolish goals in life to focus on getting wisdom (Pr 18:1). They will make pleasing God first in their lives (Matt 6:33). Unless you have great passion for wisdom, you will search for it in vain (Pr 2:1-5). David said, “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day” (Ps 119:97). Anything less will not work. Neglecting wisdom is to love death (Pr 8:36).

Wisdom expects you to seek her early in life, before you learn man’s foolishness, or damage your life with folly, and while you have the passion and strength of youth. Solomon wrote, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not.” (Eccl 12:1). Childhood and youth are vanity, so it is the best time to reject folly and seek wisdom to avoid youthful sins (Eccl 11:10; Ps 25:7; Pr 22:6; II Tim 2:22).

Wisdom expects you to seek her early in the day, before the duties and distractions of life take your heart and mind away from the most important love of your life. Take time first thing in the morning to read God’s word and tell Him how much you love Him and desire His wisdom (Ps 63:1-6; 84:1-2; 119:18). Great men in scripture did this (Gen 19:27; Ps 5:3; 119:147). Or do it three times a day like David and Daniel (Ps 55:17; Dan 6:10).

The precious news of the gospel is that God loved His children long before they loved Him, even when they were His enemies (I Jn 4:19; Rom 5:8). God’s love for His elect is so great He drew each one to Him, caused each one to love Him, will display His love to each one more and more as they love Him, and not a single one of them can be separated from His love in time or eternity (Jer 31:3; Hos 11:3-4; Jn 14:23; Rom 5:5; 8:35-39).

Spiritual Training 08 May 2013

Posted: May 8, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Romans, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Romans 11:13-24 I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I make much of my ministry in the hope that I May somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.
If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.
Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature, were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!

Paul was appointed as a missionary to the Gentiles. He reminded his Jewish brothers of this fact, hoping that they too would want to be saved. The Jews had been rejected, and thus Gentiles were being offered salvation. But when a Jew comes to Christ, there is great rejoicing, as if a dead person has come back to life.

Speaking to Gentile Christians, Paul warns them not to feel superior because God rejected some Jews. Abraham’s faith is like the root of a productive tree, and the Jewish people are the tree’s natural branches. Because of faithlessness, the Jews were the broken branches. Gentile believers have been grafted into the tree like a wild olive shoot. Both Jews and Gentiles share the tree’s nourishment based on faith in God; neither can rest on heritage or culture for salvation.

“Continue in his kindness” refers to steadfast perseverance in faith. Steadfastness is a proof of the reality of faith and a by-product of salvation, not a means to it.

Lets Bring it home: If you have not been grafted into the tree, trust the Lord now, and put your faith in Jesus right now. “Continue in his Kindness” refers to steadfast perseverance in faith. Steadfastness is a proof of the reality of faith and a by product of salvation, not a means to it. Remember: For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.

Proverbs 7:21 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: May 7, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Proverbs 07, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 7:21With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.

Women can overpower men – by words! Men crave hearing a woman’s praise, affection, and loyalty. A whore’s flattery is very dangerous. Wicked women use this power to entice men to sin; virtuous women use it to please, protect, and build up their husbands.

Solomon’s long parable about an adulteress seducing a young fool includes the power of her words tempting him to sin with her. Her speech is so powerful, she “caused him to yield” and “forced him” into sexual sin. He is fully guilty for sinning with her, but the wisdom of this proverb is to rightly grasp the danger and power of her flirting words.

In this perverse world, no matter how a woman dresses or acts, it is always the man’s fault for sexual problems. Sexual harassment occurs in only one direction for such weak minds and today’s courts. But the LORD and Solomon warned about women seducing and forcing men, and they were right. Women have power (Pr 6:24-25; 7:26; Eccl 7:26).

Whorish women create more sexual temptation for men than lewd men do for women (Pr 23:27-28). Only the basest of women are attracted to crude, forward, and lascivious men. Women are naturally protected by stronger inhibitions, need for commitment, families, laws, and social decorum. But what can protect men from a bold seductress? Proverbs!

Flattery is excessive praise used to seduce someone against his will. It is presenting a matter very favorably in order to make it more pleasant and to beguile the listener. Men love the praise of a woman, for winning the adoration, favor, and devotion of a woman is an instinctive drive placed in their hearts and loins by God. Evil women manipulate this desire in men to prey on them in their various schemes of seduction for selfish purposes.

Whatever inhibitions against sexual sin a man has – by religion, parental training, or noble character – he will often lose them due to the enticing and flattering speech of a desirable woman. The adoration of a woman is an elixir that only a few exceptional men can resist, and then only by the grace of God. Joseph may have resisted Potiphar’s wife, but he was an exception to the general rule of Scripture and human experience.

King Solomon often warned his son about the smooth and silky words of a whorish seductress (Pr 2:16; 5:3; 6:24; 7:5; 22:14). Wise men will take sober heed and avoid such women, before their lying words steal their souls and virtue. But here he has just described in detail the verbal approach of an adulteress enticing a naïve victim (Pr 7:13-20). His summary in this proverb states the case well. She forced the young man to yield!

Solomon described the whore as using an embrace, a kiss, and a bold, uninhibited face before her words (Pr 7:13). Then he gave a lengthy description of her much fair speech:

1. I am really a good girl: I am no whore: sleeping with me will not be sin (7:14).
2. I have made many preparations and have lots of things for a great time (7:14).
3. My motives are very noble in wanting to share a great time with you (7:15).
4. I have waited a long time and dreamed often of finding a man like you (7:15).
5. I am so glad I found you, because I do not want to be with anyone else (7:15).
6. It is so wonderful to be alone with you and feel the passion between us (7:15).
7. I have wanted to meet you for a long time; I have made preparations (7:16).
8. I have arranged things for the ultimate, perfect lovemaking between us (7:16).
9. I know special things you will love, that other boring women overlook (7:17).
10. I care about you more than any other woman, so I go to greater efforts (7:17).
11. We surely have a love between us that no one else has ever had before (7:18).
12. Let us fully experience the depths of this unique, special love we have (7:18).
13. No woman has ever felt as strongly about any man as I feel for you (7:18).
14. Our lovemaking will exceed all the lovemaking in the world’s history (7:18).
15. The comfort and pleasure we can find in each other will be wonderful (7:18).
16. Our love and pleasure will last all night – and all our lives – forever (7:18).
17. Don’t worry about any risk, for my old man is on a long business trip (7:19).
18. He loves business more than me: I need your love and body so much (7:19).
19. There is no risk of getting caught; I have figured everything out for us (7:20).
20. He has money, which he loves; we have a love his money cannot buy (7:20).

Young man, how strong was Samson? Was he stronger than any man? Indeed! He was stronger than you. But whores have slain many strong men (Pr 7:26). Delilah used words to destroy him, even though he knew she wanted to destroy him. Why could he not resist her? Because flattering words from a beautiful woman are too much for most men! Read about his weakness and helplessness before her manipulating flattery (Judges 16:4-21).

Young man, how wise was Solomon? Was he wiser than any man? Indeed! He was wiser than you. But whores have cast down and wounded many great men (Pr 7:26). Exotic women caused even Solomon to sin, against the good advice of his own proverbs (I Kgs 11:1-8; Neh 13:26). Among many nations there was no king like him, and God loved Him, but these women corrupted his great character by power over him (Eccl 7:26).

In avoiding the dangerous flattery of women, you must also guard against seducing words in notes, cards, emails, text messages, tweets, phone messages, letters, forums, or any other forms of communication. It does not matter how a woman’s words arrive in a man’s mind, they are powerful. She can communicate with you more easily today than ever before, and wisdom demands caution in all these new dangers of the 21st century.

Christian woman, guard your speech to men other than your father or husband. Be sober. Hate flirting or flattery. While praise is a wonderful thing, it is too powerful for you to give to men other than on rare occasions and with great discretion. But you should learn to use kind words and feminine adoration of your father and husband, for it can build a man’s soul and character to be the strong and noble creature God intended him to be.

Christian wife, why let the world’s women tempt your husband by your silence or prudery at home? A virtuous wife is skilful in all the arts of lovemaking (Pr 5:19; I Cor 7:1-5; Heb 13:4), including words that comfort, intrigue, arouse, and invite her husband. If you have not been taught such things, you need to read King Solomon’s Song! The book of Proverbs has lessons of wisdom, but his song describes two hot married lovers!

The subtle and damning nature of flattery is seen also in false religion, where good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of simple hearers to sell false doctrine (Rom 16:17-18; II Cor 2:17; 11:3-4,13-15; Col 2:4; II Pet 2:3,18). What is the protection? Look for the plain and simple churches of Jesus Christ with straightforward preaching of the Bible. Look for ministers who provide all things direct and honest (II Cor 4:2). Instead of pulpit manner, look for pulpit content. Instead of presentation, look for doctrine and instruction.

Spiritual Training 07 May 2013

Posted: May 7, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Romans, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

Romans 11:11-12 Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.

Paul had a vision of a church where all Jewish and Gentile believers would be united in their love of God and in obedience to Christ. While respecting god’s law, this ideal church would look to Christ alone for salvation. A person’s ethnic background and social status would be irrelevant (see Galatians 3:28) what mattered would be his or her faith in Christ.

But Paul’s vision has not yet been realized. Many Jewish people rejected the gospel. They depended on their heritage for salvation, and they did not have the heart of obedience that was so important to the Old Testament prophets and to Paul. Once Gentiles became dominant in many of the Christian churches, they began rejecting Jews and even persecuting them. Unfortunately, this practice has recurred through the centuries.

True Christians should not persecute others. Bothe Gentiles and Jews have done so much to damage the cause of the God they claim to serve that Paul’s vision often seems impossible to fulfill. Yet God chose the Jews, just as he chose the Gentiles, and he is still working to unite Jew and Gentile in a new Israel, a new Jerusalem, ruled by his Son (Ephesians 2:11-22)

Lets Bring it home: Do we persecute others? That’s a white church, and that’s a black church. What do we say about the Jews, and about ourselves? Are we guilty of this also? How much bad luggage are we carrying from back in the day?

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