Archive for the ‘Inspiration’ Category

Spiritual Training 20 November 2013

Posted: November 20, 2013 in 2 Timothy, 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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2nd Timothy 1:8-12 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner.  But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, (9) who has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.  This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, (10) but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. (11) And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 

 (12) That is why I am suffering as I am.  Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for the day

In spite of the suffering that might have caused Paul to despair, he affirmed his confidence in God’s protection. This was not a claim to strong faith; rather, it was a trust in one so powerful that even a weak faith was sufficient. Paul based his confidence in Christ on his intimate relationship with him. Paul knew the one in whom he trusted with personal knowledge; he knew Christ so well that no earthly experience could break the bond of love by which Christ held him.

The phrase “guard what I have entrusted to him” could mean: (1) Paul knew that God would protect the souls of those converted through his preaching; (2) Paul trusted God to guard his own soul until Christ’s second coming; or (3) Paul was confident that, though he was in prison and facing death, God would carry out the gospel ministry through others such as Timothy. Paul may have expressed his confidence to encourage Timothy, who was undoubtedly discouraged by the problems in Ephesus and fearful of persecution. Even in prison, Paul knew that God was still in control.

Lets Bring it Home:  No matter what setbacks or problems we face, we can trust fully in God.  If your situation looks bleak, give your concerns to Christ because you know him and love him. Realize that he will guard all you have entrusted to him until the day of his return. For more on our security in Christ, see Romans 8:38, 39.

Proverbs 20:06 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: November 20, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 20, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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 Proverbs 20:06  – Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?

Talk is cheap. Boasting is worthless. Your history is irrelevant. True character is known by present actions and results, not by self-praise, past events, explanations, or excuses (Pr 20:11). Yet fools talk more than wise men (Pr 14:33; 29:11), and sluggards talk more than hard workers (Pr 26:16). Most men love themselves and will quickly tell how gifted and faithful they are, but real performers as measured by the Bible are very rare.

Talk is cheap. What you think about yourself is deceiving and destructive (Pr 12:15; 14:12; 16:2,25; 21:2; Jer 17:9). But what you say about yourself is worse (Pr 14:3; 25:14; 27:1; Eccl 10:11-14; Jas 3:5). Neither God nor men care about your opinion, and especially when it is about yourself. If you must tell others you are good at something, then there must be lack of evidence to prove it, or why would you say it? Testimonials are stupid enough for promoting new products, but they are ridiculous about yourself!

Men have long loved the damning sins of arrogance, boasting, conceit, pride, self-love, and self-esteem. But today these destructive evils are glorified in popular athletes and arrogant entertainers and promoted as cures for most psychological or relational problems. Self-esteem theories are adored, though they merely whitewash sins of conceit and selfishness. Humanistic psychologists have always been deluded, but when so-called Christian leaders promote this narcissistic view of life, truth is in peril (II Tim 3:1-5).

In a day of advertising, mass marketing, and public relations, there is a perverse emphasis on appearance over performance, on perception over reality, on sound bites over substance, on feelings over facts. Due to constant verbal communication via telephone, the Internet, television, radio, and email, there is a perverse emphasis on words over actions. This distortion has created a situation where boasting is accepted over results.

Yet today there are few faithful men that will do what they should (Ps 12:1; II Tim 3:13). Athletes brag about abilities and accomplishments, and politicians claim to be near divine in what they promise to do. Great men do not need to promote themselves, because others will do it for them. Great men never stoop to self-praise; their praise comes from others (Pr 27:2). If other men do not praise you for greatness, there is an obvious reason!

Where is the humility of Solomon? As king of Israel and the well-favored son of David, he admitted he was a little child in understanding (I Kgs 3:5-9). God loved this confession, and so do wise men reading it. Where is the humility of Paul? Though the greatest of the apostles, he admitted he was less than the least of all saints (Eph 3:8). Where is the humility of Agur? As the author of Proverbs chapter 30, he admitted his ignorance (Pr 30:1-4). These three great men did not praise themselves; we praise them.

Do not tell about your job performance. Let a promotion tell it! Do not brag about your great marriage. Let your spouse spread it! Do not tell about your personal holiness. Let your fruits and persecution prove it! Do not tell about your charity and kindness to others. Let your number of devoted friends be the measure! Do not tell how much you can be trusted. Let your credit score tell the truth! Do not tell how much you fear and love God. Let your changed life and the testimony of others prove it (I Thess 1:6-10; I John 2:4)!

Reader, stop talking about yourself! Show your great character to God and men by your actions! James ridiculed Christianity based on mere faith, which is more than the carnal decisions most evangelists solicit today (Jas 2:14-26)! He exalted works as being superior to faith as the evidence of knowing God and obtaining His approval. Jesus, Paul, and Peter taught the same conduct-based doctrine (Matt 7:21; II Cor 5:9-11; II Pet 1:5-12).

Self-righteousness is one of the most damning sins of all. Once infected, how will you be healed? You do not know you are diseased. Whose rebuke would you accept? You have assured yourself that your standing before God is excellent (Luke 18:9-14). Listen to Jesus Christ! He said to the most conservative and respected religious leaders of His day, “Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15).

You will soon give an account of your life to God, and then the truth will be known. Your words of self-praise and self-justification will be just more marks against you. Prepare to meet thy God! Jesus Christ, the Blessed and Only Potentate, will judge you for your words and actions (Matt 12:34-37). He gave you warning that it would be better to have bad words and good performance than good words and bad performance (Matt 21:28-33).

Many ministers promote themselves more than they promote Jesus Christ. They call their ministries after their own names, and they cultivate sycophants to keep their respective personality cults thriving. Just read the dust jackets of the books they write! But the Lord Jesus Christ will humble them in an instant of time, just before they are cast into hell. He will say to these self-praising success stories, “I never knew you,” (Matt 7:21-23).

Reader, are you well known for faithful actions and results that match God’s word? Or do you have to help people out by giving them verbal hints or explanations as to how faithful you are? Forget the talk! Measure yourself only by action, performance, consistency, and results; focus on the actions God’s word makes important, and do them only for the glory of God. May the Lord bless you to be one of the rare faithful ones in this generation.

 

Proverbs 19:20 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: November 19, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 19, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction and in the end you will be wise. 

Are you wiser today than last year? Than ten years ago? These are important questions to answer. How wise will you be later in life? A godly man greatly desires to grow in wisdom. And the way to increase wisdom is easy – you need to hear the counsel of wise men and accept their teaching. You need to appreciate and apply instruction from others.

Today is your opportunity to change your latter end. Will you be an older wise man, sought by family and others for sage advice? Or will you be an old fool, more a burden than a blessing? What you do today determines what you are tomorrow. You are not too young, and you are not too old. Consider your latter end, and receive instruction today.

The children of God were adopted by grace. But they were not adopted to squander their lives in folly. They were adopted to grow up and live as the sons of God in a crooked and perverse world (Matt 5:43-48; Rom 8:29; Eph 5:1-2; Phil 2:14-16). You can waste the grace of God, or you can use it to be great for Him (I Cor 15:10; II Cor 6:1; II Pet 3:18).

How much do you love the private counsel of holy and sober saints? How much do you crave the public preaching of God’s word? Noble men and women receive it with a ready mind (Acts 17:11). A eunuch, a centurion, a businesswoman, and a preacher were all very thankful for teaching they received (Acts 8:26-40; 10:33-48; 16:14-15; 18:24-28).

Examine yourself! Are you truly wiser than last year or ten years ago? Have you grown in graciousness, so that you have more godly friends? Are you in better financial condition by learning and applying the rules of Bible economics? Do you know Jesus Christ and His doctrine better? Are you sought out by more saints to obtain your counsel?

Examine yourself! Does your spouse rejoice at the changes in recent years? Is your employer thankful for many work improvements? Do you handle adversity better than in times past? Can you answer the words of truth to those that ask? Do your parents and children esteem you more? Are you able to give God’s answers for modern dilemmas? Is your pastor thankful for the visible progress? Could you run for office and win?

Life is short. What can you do? “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Ps 90:12). When? “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me” (Pr 8:17). Why? “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Pr 4:7). How? “Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom” (Pr 18:1).

What do you think of preaching? Paul knew that Christians would stop enduring it (II Tim 4:3-4). Churches today prefer rock and roll music with lyrics about an effeminate hippie guru – they call it contemporary Christian music. If you want a wise latter end, then you will reject fables and demand intense preaching of God’s word (II Tim 4:1-2). God sends preachers to teach knowledge and understanding (Jer 3:15). Listen to them!

What do you do with preaching? Peter told his readers to desire the sincere milk of the word to grow by it (I Pet 2:1-3). He exhorted them to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ (II Pet 3:18). And Paul rebuked the Hebrew Christians for not developing into teachers (Heb 5:12-14). Make sure you pray, prepare, pay attention, and apply what you hear (Luke 8:4-18; Jas 1:21-25). Hear and receive teaching that you might be wise.

Spiritual Training 19 November 2013

Posted: November 19, 2013 in 2 Timothy, 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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2nd Timothy 1:8-10 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner.  But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, (9) who has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.  This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, (10) but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 

1:8 In this time of mounting persecution, Timothy may have been afraid to continue preaching the gospel. His fears were based on fact, because believers were being arrested and executed. Paul told Timothy to expect suffering—Timothy, like Paul, would be jailed for preaching the gospel (Hebrews 13:23). But Paul promised Timothy that God would give him strength and that he would be ready when it was his turn to suffer.

1:9, 10 In these verses Paul gives a brief summary of the gospel. God loves us, called us, and sent Christ to die for us. We can have eternal life through faith in him, because he broke the power of death with his resurrection.

Lets Bring it Home:  Even when there is no persecution, sharing our faith in Christ can be difficult. Fortunately we, like Paul and Timothy, can rely on the Holy Spirit to give us courage. Don’t be ashamed to testify of your personal faith in Jesus Christ.  We do not deserve to be saved, but God offers us salvation  anyway

Proverbs 18:03 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: November 19, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 18, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 18:3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes disgrace.

Sinners bring contempt. If a home, church, or nation accepts a wicked person, contempt of that home, church, or nation will follow. Ignominy, which is dishonor and disgrace, brings reproach. If infamous or shameful conduct is not repudiated, reproach will soon follow. The cure for contempt and reproach is to get rid of sinners.

This proverb is not the easiest to grasp. Many perceive the contempt and reproach to be the action of the wicked person against good men. In their view, the wicked person brings his contemptuous insults and ignominious reproaches against good men and righteous practices. But when Solomon wanted to warn against the contempt and reproach of scorners, he stated it clearly (Pr 9:7-8; 22:10; 23:9). So there is a better interpretation.

When a wicked person arrives, contempt will also come, because contempt is the result and consequence of allowing wickedness. Men will despise the presence of a wicked person. When ignominy – dishonor and disgrace – occurs, reproach will also come, because reproach is the consequence and result of allowing such conduct. Ignominy, or a shameful situation, is not doing the reproaching, but rather being the cause of reproach.

Israel was the glory of all nations, when they obeyed the holy and righteous laws of God (Deut 4:6; I Kings 10:6-9; Zech 8:23; Mal 3:12). But God promised they would become a contemptuous and reproachful byword, if they allowed sin in the nation (Deut 28:37; 29:22-28; I Kgs 9:6-9; Ps 44:13-14; Is 52:5; Jer 24:9; Lam 2:15-16; Joel 2:17; Rom 2:24).

Wisdom and righteousness bring glory and honor to men and nations (Pr 1:9; 3:16,22,35; 4:8-9; 8:12-21; 16:31; 21:21; 22:4). But folly and wickedness bring contempt, reproach, and shame (Pr 3:35; 11:2; 13:5,18; 24:9; 25:8-10; 28:12). Godly men despise vile men (Ps 15:4; Pr 29:27), and God despises them as well (Pr 3:32; 11:20; 15:26; Ps 18:25-27).

A gracious woman, a woman always speaking and acting with grace and wisdom, is perpetually honored, for there is nothing to corrupt her pleasant reputation (Pr 11:16; Eccl 10:1). But the odious woman is contemptuously hated and reproached by all, for her froward speech and actions cannot be disguised or hid (Pr 11:22; 27:15-16; 30:21-23).

Paul severely rebuked Corinth for protecting a fornicator in their church (I Cor 5:1-13). They should have mourned and eliminated this reproach on the name of Jesus Christ, for wickedness should not be named once among the saints (Eph 5:3-7). It is the church or nation that is free from evildoers that will be honored and prospered (Ps 144:9-15).

Solomon was a king, and he trained his son to be a good king. If wicked men or ignominy were allowed to exist in government or society, it would bring contempt and reproach on the nation (Pr 14:35; 20:8,26,28; 29:12). He desired rather for Israel the honor and glory that accompanies righteousness and wisdom (Pr 14:28; 16:10,12; 25:5; 29:4,14).

The lesson of the proverb is this: wicked conduct brings contempt and reproach on God’s name and religion, so wicked doers and wickedness must be repudiated and rejected. If this is not done in homes, churches, and nations, the name and doctrine of God will be blasphemed (II Sam 12:14; Neh 5:9; I Tim 5:14; 6:1; Titus 2:5,8,10; I Pet 2:12; 4:14-16).

Whether in the home, church, or nation, wicked men and disgraceful conduct must be identified and avoided (Psalm 101:3-8; 139:21-22; Rom 13:1-7; 16:17-18; Eph 5:11; II Thess 3:6; I Tim 6:5; II Tim 3:5; Titus 3:10-11). Like Solomon’s prince son, you should use any influence you have to mark and reject evildoers. May Jesus Christ be praised!

Proverbs 14:33 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: November 14, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 14, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 14:33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.

Wise men and fools differ in two important ways. First, a wise man’s heart is full of understanding, but a fool’s is filled with folly. Second, a wise man has humility to keep his wisdom to himself, but a fool’s arrogance causes him to spew out the foolishness in his heart (Pr 13:16; 15:2,28; 29:11). Wisdom and modesty make a man great, but foolishness and pride make him an offensive loser. Examine yourself. Which are you?

Dissect the proverb carefully. An understanding man, a man with discretion, knowledge, and prudence, keeps wisdom in his heart. He is not agitated or eager to throw his opinion around when opportunities arise. He is content to be a listener. In fact, he would rather not speak unless asked or expected to do so. He is a man of few words, and you often have to work to get him to share his wisdom (Pr 10:19; 15:28; 17:27; 20:5; Eccl 9:17).

However, a fool must tell everyone what he is thinking. His greatest joy is talking, for he believes and presumes he has great insights to offer (Pr 18:2). Once he starts talking, he is difficult to stop. He keeps babbling, whether he knows the subject or not (Eccl 10:12-14). Though a fool is ignorant and stupid, his pride and lack of discretion cause him to pour out the folly inside. He could improve his reputation just by closing his mouth (Pr 17:28)!

Of course, a wise and understanding man will speak, and he will speak a lot in the right setting for the right purpose. He fulfills his purpose from God by being a tree of life to many (Pr 10:21; 11:30; 15:4,7). Though humble about his own natural abilities, like the prophet Agur (Pr 30:1-3), he is committed to acquiring knowledge and wisdom so he can give the certain words of truth to those who ask him (Pr 22:17-21; I Pet 3:15).

Reader, ask yourself two questions. Do you have wisdom and understanding in your heart? Do you keep them there until serious and sober men ask your opinion for noble reasons? Your answers to these questions will indicate whether you are a good person or a despised fool. In fact, better than your answers, what would others say about you? Do others perceive you to be wise and discreet? Or foolish and talkative? Be very honest.

What can you do about your heart? This book of Proverbs offers wisdom throughout (Pr 1:1-6; 8:1-5; 9:4-6). It tells the starting point – the fear of God (Pr 1:7; 9:10). It compares wise men and fools over and over, for you to choose the former and despise the latter. Wisdom is not far away! Change your life – fill your heart with wisdom from heaven! It is the chief goal of a successful life (Pr 4:7). And it brings great rewards (Pr 4:8).

What can you do about your mouth? This book of Proverbs says much about your speech, because it is the main indicator of your heart, and it affects others the most (Pr 4:24; 10:32; 13:3; 14:7; 17:7; 18:7; 20:15; 22:11; 24:26). Solomon assumed you can learn discreet, wise, and gracious speech (Pr 15:28; 16:23; 22:17-18). Since Jesus Christ said you will be judged by your words in the Day of Judgment, it is time you applied yourself diligently to perfect your heart and your speech (Matt 12:34-37; Ps 19:14; 139:23-24).

Spiritual Training 14 November 2013

Posted: November 14, 2013 in 2 Timothy, 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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2nd Timothy 1:5-7 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.  For this reason I remind you fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 

At the time of his ordination, Timothy had received special gifts of the Spirit to enable him to serve the church (see 1 Timothy 4:14). In telling Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God,” Paul was encouraging him to persevere. Timothy did not need new revelations or new gifts; he needed the courage and self-discipline to hang on to the truth and to use the gifts he had already received (see 1:13, 14). If Timothy would step out boldly in faith and proclaim the gospel once again, the Holy Spirit would go with him and give him power.

1:6 Clearly Timothy’s spiritual gift had been given to him when Paul and the elders had laid their hands on him and set him apart for ministry (see 1 Timothy 4:14). God gives all Christians gifts to use to build up the body of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 12:4–31), and he gives special gifts to some through church leaders, who serve as God’s instruments. 1:6, 7 Timothy was experiencing great opposition to his message and to himself as a leader. His youth, his association with Paul, and his leadership had come under fire from believers and nonbelievers alike. Paul urged him to be bold.

Paul mentions three characteristics of the effective Christian leader: power, love, and self-discipline. These are available to us because the Holy
already received (see 1:13, 14). If Timothy would step out boldly in faith and proclaim the gospel once again, the Holy Spirit would go with him and give him power.

Lets Bring it Home:  When you use the gifts God has given you, you will find that God will give you the power you need to accomplish whatever task he gives you.  When we allow people to intimidate us, we neutralize our effectiveness for God. The power of the Holy Spirit can help us overcome our fear of what some might say or do to us, so that we can continue to do God’s work. 1:7

Proverbs 13:24 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: November 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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Proverbs 13:24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is carful to discipline him

It is not easy for a loving parent to discipline a child, but it is necessary.  The greatest responsibility that God gives parents is the nurture and guidance of their children.  Lack of discipline puts parents’ love in questions because it shows a lack of concern for the character development of their children.  Disciplining children averts long-range disaster.  Without correction, children grow up with no clear understanding of right and wrong and with little direction to their lives.  Don’t be afraid to discipline your children.  It is an act of love.  Remember, however, that your efforts cannot make your children wise; they can only encourage your children to seek God’s wisdom above all else.

Spiritual Training 13 November 2013

Posted: November 13, 2013 in 2 Timothy, 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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2nd Timothy 1:5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 

Timothy’s mother and grandmother, Eunice and Lois, were early Christian converts, possibly through Paul’s ministry in their home city, Lustra (Acts 16:1).  They had communicated their strong Christian faith to Timothy, even though his father was probably not a believer.

Lets Bring it Home:  Don’t hide your light at home; our families are fertile fields for planting gospel seeds.  Let your parents, children, spouse, brothers, and sisters know of your faith in Jesus, and be sure they see Christ’s love, helpfulness, and joy in you.

Proverbs 12:28 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: November 12, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 12, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 12:28 In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality. 

Is immortality possible? Is enjoying life while never dying possible? Ponce de Leon sought a fountain of youth. Men try exercise, diet, supplementation, and alternative medicine to enhance life and extend life, but they die as painfully, quickly, and surely as others. Are immortality and eternal life possible? This proverb teaches they are possible. Life without death is found in the way and pathway of righteousness (Pr 10:2; 11:4,19)!

Man’s greatest fear is death, and this fear enslaves him to religious lies and all sorts of deceptions and scams (Heb 2:15). If evolution were true, it would have evolved death away long ago as the greatest weakness of each species. But evolution is a lie, for it has not even altered life expectancy in the 4000 years of recorded history. Men can only wish to be saved from death. They have no means to slow it down or stop it (Eccl 8:8).

What is the way of righteousness? It is the life of wisdom – fearing God and keeping His commandments (Pr 8:12-21,32-36; 13:14; 14:27; 16:17; Matt 21:28-32). It is the highway of holiness and road of righteousness – it is the King’s highway – the strait and narrow way of Jesus Christ that leads to life, which only a few ever find (Matt 7:12-14; 22:14).

What is death? It is a physical body dying – and much more. It is also death to fellowship and joy with God (Luke 15:24; I Tim 5:6). It includes the dead state of your soul by your first birth (Gen 2:17; Eph 2:1-3). It is dying before your time by the judgment of God or men (Ps 55:23; Eccl 7:17). It is the second death in the lake of fire (Rev 20:14; 21:8).

Fools face early death by men or God. If they commit capital crimes, the magistrate kills them. If the death penalty is neglected, the Lord kills them. They die from STD’s, jealous spouses, other fools, violent accidents, drug overdoses, and suicide! Parental discipline could save them from these untimely deaths (Pr 23:13-14). And righteousness as simple as honoring their parents could add to their life expectancy (Pr 20:20; 30:17; Eph 6:2-3).

Foolish rebels reject righteousness and reap the grim consequences (Pr 8:36). Do you remember Eli’s sons, Jim Morrison, Amnon, Princess Diana, Ananias and Sapphira, Jimi Hendrix, Absalom, Marilyn Monroe, Adonijah, Adolph Hitler, Haman, Alexander, Judas, Eva Braun, Herod Agrippa I, James Dean, Nabal, Al Capone, Onan, JFK, Lot’s wife, Pharaoh, Goliath, MLK, Belshazzar, many rock stars, many rap artists, etc.?

Fools who do not die early die without hope, go to hell, and face the second death. While they lived, they were dead; when they are dead, they have yet to die! They hide their dead and dysfunctional lives with alcohol, plastic surgery, fake smiles, and drugs. The horrors of death and hell will take them down, down, down. They will rue the day of their birth; they will grieve in anguish; they will beg for annihilation; there will be no relief, ever!

Reader, righteousness extends life! Wickedness shortens life! In this world and the next! Solomon had seen it among his own brothers and many others of his generation. He repeated the advice and warning many times (Pr 3:2,16; 8:35-36; 9:11; 10:16,25,27-28,30; 11:4,7-8,19; 12:3,7; 13:9,14,22; 14:11,32; 15:24; 19:23; 21:12,15,21; 28:10,18).

Righteous men enjoy the good life now (Pr 3:18; John 10:10). They are passed from death to life already and shall never be condemned (John 5:24). At death, their souls go to heaven; their bodies sleep in the grave, waiting for the resurrection (John 11:25-26; Acts 7:60; I Thess 4:14). The second death has no power over them (Rev 20:6,15). Where can you learn more about immortality? The gospel of Jesus Christ (II Tim 1:9-10; Tit 1:1-4)!

Ponce de Leon is long dead (1460-1521), but those in the way of righteousness mock death! They shout in confident derision against their once fatal enemy, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? … But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Cor 15:55-57). Are you wise enough and courageous enough to leave the wide gate and broad way to join them (Matt 7:12-14)?

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