Archive for the ‘Inspiration’ Category

Proverbs 16:22 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: October 16, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Proverbs 16, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags:
0

Under Gods Command

Proverbs 16:22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools.

Understanding is a huge advantage. Some men are winners; some are losers. Can you measure true success and wealth? Some men have a fountain of life inside them, and they are truly great. Others are full of folly, which leaves them bankrupt and destroys them.

Understanding, the power of right thinking, is a wonderful thing, but only a few have it. Folly, which is ignorant stupidity, governs the thoughts and actions of most men. God inspired Solomon to write Proverbs for you to gain understanding and have a great life.

What is understanding? It is the ability to comprehend and grasp the true nature of a thing. It is the correct and proper analysis of a dilemma, event, or situation that sees all the angles and consequences. It is accurate and intelligent reasoning that arrives at the right conclusion by correctly absorbing all the details of an issue and any possible contingencies. It looks beyond mere appearances to see the true essence of a thing.

What is a wellspring? It is the source or head-spring of a stream; a fountain-head. When used figuratively, a wellspring is a source of perennial emanation or supply. It is a continual or perpetual provision or supply of some thing. Solomon described a wise man’s excellent speech as a wellspring, when he wrote, “The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook” (Pr 18:4).

Understanding is a wellspring of life by providing a perpetual supply of correct analysis and conclusions for life’s numerous dilemmas, situations, and difficulties. The man with understanding can always choose those alternatives that preserve and prosper his life. The man with understanding is rich indeed. He has a treasury of knowledge and knows how to use it to save himself and those around him from death, dysfunction, and trouble.

But consider most men! They do not have a supply of understanding. They are ignorant and stupid. They are fools. Their thoughts, words, and actions are directed by their own foolish thoughts, which lead them into folly and trouble at every turn. Rather than improving their lives, they create dysfunction, havoc, misery, and pain for themselves (Pr 13:15; 19:8). Every time they turn within to find an answer, they come up with insane and profane ideas. Their folly results in dysfunction, fear, trouble, destruction, and death.

Reader! Do not think yourself above the instruction of folly. You came into this world messing on yourself, and without God’s help, you will end up just as foolish. You were born with a deceitful and desperately wicked heart (Jer 17:9), and only a heart transplant by regeneration and conversion can produce understanding. The world and the devil are intent on taking you down to their base, perverse, and rebellious level of thinking.

You can build a wellspring of life. David wrote, “Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way” (Ps 119:104). And again, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Ps 119:130). The Bible, which has God’s precepts and words, builds understanding. You can understand more than your teachers and the ancients by keeping God’s precepts (Ps 119:99-100). It is God’s words found in the Bible that teach wisdom and understanding (Deut 4:5-8).

Humbly obeying God’s commands and turning away from evil will give understanding (Pr 28:5; Job 28:28; Ps 111:10). This should make perfect sense to you, since it is the infinitely wise God Who inspired the Bible’s words. It begins with the fear of the Lord (Pr 3:3-6; 9:10), and prayer increases it further (Pr 2:2-3; I Kgs 3:9; Col 1:9). It is God’s inspiration that can give a young man the advantage over old men (Job 32:8; II Tim 2:7).

Nabal and his wife Abigail illustrate the difference between her good understanding and his churlish folly (I Sam 25:3). While Nabal put his whole family at risk by being obnoxiously rude to David’s servants, the wise woman preserved her household by godly reasoning with a very angry David. What did the Lord do? He killed Nabal and gave his beautiful wife to David. Her understanding was a wellspring of life to her and her house.

When natural men think, they come up with ideas like evolution and revolution, but men with understanding know both ideas are absurd. Wise men read the Bible and know that all things were created out of nothing by the command of God (Gen 1:1-3; Heb 11:3) and rebellion against civil authority is the nature of a rabid dog (II Pet 2:10-12). They know that capital punishment works, no matter what the ACLU might say (Gen 9:6; Eccl 8:11). And they know that corporal punishment works better than grounding (Pr 13:24; 22:15).

When several worldly men start thinking together, they come up with ideas like same-sex marriages, which a man with understanding hates as an abomination against God and nature (Rom 1:24-27). When you get several women together, they propose the murder of their unborn babies, while demonstrating to save spotted owls and outlaw corporal punishment (Ex 21:22-25; Job 39:13-18). The instruction of fools is folly. If you put such foolish men and women together in a university, then you obtain maximum human folly!

These mindless morons promote labor unions to protect their jobs, which have the very opposite effect of shutting down their companies or exporting that industry to other nations! They reason that WWII brought the prosperity of the 50’s, but are never able to connect the dots to realize that destruction can never bring prosperity! They call Picasso’s confusion art, illiterate rap music, adultery an affair, and sodomy gay. What folly!

The book of Proverbs, which was given to teach understanding (Pr 1:2), teaches men to avoid get-rich-quick schemes (Pr 12:11; 13:11), warns against cosigning (Pr 17:18), teaches how to deal with an offended person (Pr 15:1), warns about the danger of anger (Pr 14:29), and gives the criterion for a great wife (Pr 31:30), among many other lessons.

But understanding goes much further. It includes knowing how the visible universe was created from nothing by God’s command. The man with it knows the cause and cure of death (Rom 6:23). He knows the purpose for man’s existence on earth (Pr 16:4; Rev 4:11). He knows of a spiritual conflict beyond his sight that exceeds any visible event in importance (Eph 6:12). He knows the future of the universe and Who is really in charge!

Fools should be avoided, because their folly will corrupt your good manners (Pr 9:6; 13:20; I Cor 15:33). How can you spot a fool? Listen (Pr 14:7)! A fool cannot control his mouth. He will be pouring out the nonsense that is in his heart (Pr 15:2,28; Eccl 10:12-14). As soon as you detect that a person speaks contrary to God’s word or without study, avoid them and despise them (Is 8:20; Rom 16:17-18; I Tim 6:3-5,20-21; II Tim 2:23).

Stupidity should be against the law: and it is against God’s law (Rom 1:31). God expects you to use the wisdom He offers by His word, pastors, and parents (Pr 1:22-23; 9:1-6). If you do not accept it and seek it, He will laugh at your calamities (Pr 1:24-33; 8:5,36). This is the most important pursuit of your life (Pr 4:5-7; 16:16; 23:23). What hinders you? What distracts you? What deceives you? Seek understanding with all your might.

Once you gain some understanding, you should become a tree of life to those around you (Pr 10:21; 15:4). When others do not know what to do, you should have the certain answers of truth and understanding for them (Pr 22:17-21). Instead of remaining an infant that needs to be taught, you should be growing in understanding to teach others (Heb 5:12-14). Those that know you should seek to you for advice and counsel for their lives.

What will you do today and tomorrow to build a wellspring of life? The future of your life, family, and estate depend on it (Pr 24:3). Even a poor man can have understanding, though poverty usually proves folly (Pr 28:11). God sent pastors to feed you knowledge and understanding (Jer 3:15; Neh 8:7-8). Do you love their reproofs (Pr 15:32)?

You live in the perilous times of the last days, and it is your holy duty before God to be wise and understand what the will of the Lord is for life (Eph 5:15-17). Instead of turning away from the truth to fables like the rest of the Christian world, you must earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jer 6:16; II Tim 4:3-4; Jude 1:3).

Brute beasts have no understanding, no matter what PETA claims (Ps 32:9). But God blinds proud men worse than brute beasts (Is 44:18-20; Rom 1:18-27; Eph 4:17-19). Hyenas and donkeys do not practice same-sex mating and female musk oxen do not eat their young! Do not look for understanding in this world’s educational system, because God has guaranteed to destroy their efforts (I Cor 1:19-20; 3:19-20; Matt 11:25-30).

If you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God in sincerity and truth, you have great understanding through the gift of eternal life (I John 5:20). God has opened your heart and mind to know things that are entirely hid from the world. You should always be thankful (II Thess 2:13), for no man can comprehend or discern the things of God without the miracle of regeneration (Ps 14:2; 53:2; John 8:43; 12:40; Rom 3:11; I Cor 2:14).

The Lord Jesus Christ was given great understanding, for in Him was hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Is 11:1-3; Col 2:3). Humble yourself before God and beg Him for some of that wisdom. He will not turn you away or criticize your urgent request (Jas 1:5; Col 1:9-10). Apply yourself to the word of God each day, and give rapt attention to His preachers. You can have a wellspring of life for your great prosperity.

Spiritual Training 15 October 2013

Posted: October 15, 2013 in 1 Timothy, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, trust in the Lord with all your heart
Tags:
0

Under Gods Command

1 Timothy 4:12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 

Apparently Timothy needed some encouragement. Most likely, so do many people around you. Each day we have many opportunities to support and inspire family members, fellow workers, and even total strangers. People need help and affirmation all along the way. Paul modeled six important principles to help us encourage others:

(1) Begin with encouragement. People who know we will encourage them will be happy to work with us.

(2) Expect of others only what you expect of yourself. People will resist being held to unfair standards.

(3) Develop expectations of others with consideration for their skills, maturity, and experience. People will reject or fail to meet expectations that do not fit them. Be patient with distracted or slow learners.

(4) Monitor your expectations of others. Changing circumstances sometimes require revised or reduced expectations.

(5) Clarify your expectations with others. People are not likely to hit a target that no one has identified.

(6) End with encouragement. People love to be thanked for a job well done.

 Lets Bring it Home: Do we do more encouraging or discouraging in a day, week or month?  Lets flip the scrip and be more encouraging towards others.

Proverbs 15:26 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: October 15, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 15, trust in the Lord with all your heart
Tags: , ,
0

Under Gods Command

Proverbs 15:26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him

Answering well is a precious ability, especially at the right time! Knowing how to answer others is a valuable skill of wise men. The wisdom to help with the right words at the right time makes a person profitable to others (Pr 12:14; 16:13; 23:16; 24:26; 25:12).

Solomon said a good answer is as beautiful as gold apples in a silver bowl (Pr 25:11). But the ability to give the right answer at the right time takes much understanding and wisdom, so he dedicated many of his proverbs to this skill for your success and profit.

The Lord Jesus taught that giving is more blessed than receiving (Acts 20:35). One of the best and easiest ways to give and support others is with a kind or wise word when they need it. There is righteous joy in helping someone with good counsel. But such ability only comes by careful preparation and knowledge before the opportunity presents itself.

Jesus Christ had this ability. “The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary” (Is 50:4). It is a duty and privilege to have this wise tongue, so you also can help others. You can learn how to answer every man and have pleasure doing it (Col 4:6; Gal 6:1-5; I Pet 3:15).

How? Listen very attentively and speak cautiously (Prov 18:13; 29:20; James 1:19).

How? Reduce your words to only valuable ones (Prov 10:19; 17:27-28; Eccl 5:3).

How? Spend time examining your speech by prayer (Psalms 19:12-14; 139:23-24).

How? Keep your heart and thoughts pure and wise (Prov 4:23; 22:11; Luke 6:45).

How? Always be gracious in your speech (Prov 11:16; 22:11; Eccl 10:12; Col 4:6).

How? Make the glory of God an object of your speech (Col 3:17; I Cor 10:31).

How? Study to make sure all your answers are correct (Prov 15:2,28; 16:23).

How? Make sure the words fit the occasion (Prov 10:32; 25:20; I Cor 13:5).

How? Choose words that build others up (Prov 12:18; Eph 4:29; I Cor 10:24).

How? Use gentle words when a person is angry (Prov 15:1; 25:15; Judges 8:1-3).

How? Give certain words of truth rather than opinions (Prov 22:17-22; I Pet 3:15).

How? Learn wisdom to solve dilemmas for others (Prov 10:21; 16:21; 27:9).

How? Be encouraging and uplifting to others (Prov 12:25; 16:24; I Sam 23:16).

How? Use pleasant rather than harsh words (Prov 16:24; Col 4:6; Luke 4:22).

How? Do not debate or dispute with fools (Prov 23:9; 26:4-5; II Tim 2:23).

How? Avoid complaining or negative speech (Prov 17:20; Phil 2:14; Col 3:17).

How? Reject pride and contention in speech (Prov 13:10; 18:6; I Cor 6:7).

How? Let negative words only season speech (Prov 26:5; Jas 3:9-12; Col 4:6).

How? Avoid hurtful words behind a person’s back (Prov 11:13; 20:19; 25:9,23).

How? Work thanksgiving into every conversation (Eph 5:4,20; I Thess 5:18).

If you want a happy life and good life, then learn how to rule your speech and use it for the profit of others (Ps 34:12-16; I Pet 3:10-12). Both men and women can rise in reputation by gracious words that build up others (Pr 11:16; 22:11; 31:26; Ec 10:12; Eph 4:29). This skill and wisdom will make your life productive for both God and men.

The true purpose of the church is the mutual help members give one another while waiting for the return of Jesus Christ (Heb 3:12-13; 10:23-25). But this great goal will only be realized where members learn to answer well at the right time. If godly speech is learned by all, a church can grow up to the full measure of Jesus Christ (Eph 4:13-16).

Spiritual Training 02 October 2013

Posted: October 2, 2013 in 1 Timothy, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
0

Under Gods Command

1 Timothy 4:12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 

Timothy was a young pastor. It would have been easy for older Christians to look down on him because of his youth. He had to earn the respect of his elders by setting an example in his speech, life, love, faith, and purity.

 Lets Bring it Home: Regardless of your age, God can use you. Whether you are young or old, don’t think of your age as a handicap. Live so others can see Christ in you. 

Proverbs 02:1-6 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: October 2, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Proverbs 02, trust in the Lord with all your heart
Tags: , ,
0

Under Gods Command

Proverbs 2:1-6 – My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and it you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.  For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 

Wisdom comes in two ways: It is a God-given gift and also the result of an energetic search.  Wisdom’s starting point is God and his revealed Word, the source of “knowledge and understanding” In that sense wisdom is God’s gift to us.  But he gives it only to those who earnestly seek it.  But because God’s wisdom is hidden from the rebellious and foolish, it takes effort to find it and use it.  The pathway to wisdom is strenuous.  When we are on the path, we discover that true wisdom is God’s and that he will guide us and reward our sincere and persistent search.

Spiritual Training 01 October 2013

Posted: October 1, 2013 in 1 Timothy, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, trust in the Lord with all your heart
Tags: , , ,
0

Under Gods Command

1 Timothy 4:7-10 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales’ rather, train yourself to be godly.  For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God who is the Savior of all people and especially of those who believe.  

 Are you in shape both physically and spiritually? In our society, much emphasis is placed on physical fitness, but spiritual health (godliness) is even more important. Our physical health is susceptible to disease and injury, but faith can sustain us through any  tragedy. To train ourselves to be godly, we must develop our faith by using our God-given abilities in the service of the church (see 4:14–16).

Lets Bring it Home: Are you developing your spiritual muscles? Christ is the Savior for all, but his salvation becomes effective only for those who trust him. How much do we trust him?  What happens when we are squeeze by the world?  What comes out, is it worldly or Spiritual Actions that come out?  Do we immediately lead toward our own understanding until it goes wrong, then come back to Jesus.  If that is the case, we need to work out more with the Lord.

Spiritual Training 30 September 2013

Posted: September 30, 2013 in 1 Timothy, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: , , , , ,
0

Under Gods Command
(False Teaching)

1 Timothy 4:1-5  1The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4For everything God created is good and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 

 The “later times” began with Christ’s resurrection and will continue until his return when he will set up his kingdom and judge all humanity. 4:1, 2 False teachers were and still are a threat to the church. Jesus and the apostles repeatedly warned against them (see, for example, Mark 13:21–23; Acts 20:28–31; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12; 2 Peter 3:3–7). It is not enough that a teacher appears to know what he is talking about, is disciplined and moral, or says that he is speaking for God. If his words contradict the Bible, his teaching is false.

Paul said the false teachers were hypocritical liars who encouraged people to follow “deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” The danger that Timothy faced in Ephesus seems to have come from certain people in the church who were following some Greek philosophers who taught that the body was evil and that only the soul mattered. The false teachers refused to believe that the God of creation was good, because his very contact with the physical world would have soiled him. Though these Greek-influenced church members honored Jesus, they could not believe he was truly human. Paul knew that their teachings, if left unchecked, would greatly distort Christian truth.

Satan deceives people by offering a clever imitation of the real thing. The false teachers gave stringent rules (such as forbidding people to marry or to eat certain foods). This made them appear self-disciplined and righteous. Their strict disciplines for the body, however, could not remove sin (see Colossians 2:20–23). We must not be unduly impressed by a teacher’s style or credentials; we must look to his teaching about Jesus Christ. His conclusions about Christ show the source of his message.

In opposition to the false teachers, Paul affirmed that everything God created is good (see Genesis 1). We should ask for God’s blessing on his created gifts that give us pleasure and thank him for them. This doesn’t mean that we should abuse what God has made (for example, gluttony abuses God’s gift of good food, lust abuses God’s gift of love, and murder abuses God’s gift of life). Instead of abusing, we should enjoy these gifts by using them to serve and honor God. Have you thanked God for the good gifts he has given? Are you using the gifts in ways pleasing to you and to God?

Lets Bring it Home:  Like Timothy, we must guard against any teaching that causes believers to dilute or reject any aspect of their faith. Such false teaching can be very direct or extremely subtle. Believers ought to respond quickly when they sense false teaching being promoted. The truth does not mind honest questions. Sometimes the source may prove to be ignorant of the error and appreciate the correction. But a firm warning may at least keep potential victims from the disastrous results of apostasy that Paul described. (For how to spot false teaching, see Spiritual Training 16 August 2013).

Proverbs 30:10 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: September 30, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 30, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: , ,
0

Under Gods Command

 Proverbs 30:10 “Do not slander a servant to his master, or he will curse you, and you will pay for it.

Accusations must be just and merciful, especially against the afflicted or oppressed, who cannot easily defend themselves. Unnecessary harshness could cause them to curse you, which will then bring God’s hard judgment on you. God’s religion under both testaments includes much compassion and mercy for the lowly, poor, weak, or oppressed.

The Bible throughout allows for servitude or slavery, though it protects servants or slaves by commanding just and kind treatment by masters. The Bible approves and governs both bond servants and hired servants. While legal servitude disturbs some, the confusion is usually due to one’s cultural upbringing, ignorance of the Bible and history, ignorance of servitude in other societies, and/or ignorance of the possible mutual economic benefits.

The God of the Bible, Jehovah by name, protects the lowly, poor, weak, and oppressed, and He commands that all others do the same. He protects orphans and widows (Ps 68:5; 82:1-4). He protects animals (Pr 12:10; Deut 22:6; 25:4). He demands that men speak up when they are able to help those who cannot defend themselves (Pr 24:11-12; 31:8-9).

Servants or slaves were a low class of men, easily afflicted or oppressed by masters, and with little protection by ordinary means of justice or redress. They depended on fairness and kindness from their masters, so God protected them by a variety of duties required of their masters (Lev 25:39-46; Deut 15:12-15; 23:15-16; 24:14-15; Col 4:1; etc.).

This proverb protects servants or slaves from those other than their masters or owners. False or harsh accusations from others in the household or those outside it could provoke their masters and lead to deprivation or punishment. The proverb condemns accusations that were slanderous (a false accusation), trivial (unnecessary), or harsh (unmerciful).

A servant or slave’s lowly status did not stop accusations of wrongdoing that were given honestly, for a major offence, and without prejudice or revenge. Respect of persons in judgment, either low or high, is wrong (Ex 23:3; Lev 19:15). The lowly do not deserve sympathy when guilty of crimes (Pr 6:30-31; Gen 21:25-26; Lev 19:17; I Sam 26:19).

How important is this matter? God defends and judges those with no power to protect themselves, so beware (Pr 22:22-23; 28:27; Deut 10:18; 15:9; Ps 10:14,18; 146:9). Deal carefully, judge lightly, and choose to err on the side of liberality and mercy, and God will bless you (Pr 19:17; 21:13; 22:16; Is 58:6-11). Do justly and love mercy (Mic 6:8).

Consider an example. Jacob moved his family to Egypt, where through a succession of kings they became servants of the Egyptians. The accusation was made that unless they were oppressed, they would become too numerous for the Egyptians (Ex 1:8-14). Israel cried unto the Lord, and He heard them (Ex 2:23-25). Think ten plagues, dead firstborn, a drowned army, and a plundered and ravaged nation! Be careful about accusing a servant!

Consider another example. The scribes and Pharisees, religious elite of the Jews, accused the lowly apostles to their Master Jesus (Matt 15:1-2). It had been better for them not to have left their homes that day. Jesus promptly and publicly took them to task for their hypocrisy and vain religion, shaming them before the multitude (Matt 15:3-11). When informed that the Pharisees were offended, He condemned them further (Matt 15:12-14)!

Consider another example. Judas Iscariot was a thief (John 12:6), and he conspired with the Jews against the Servant Jesus for the price of a servant (Matt 26:15; Ex 21:32). Jesus cursed Judas (Ps 109:6-20; Matt 18:7; 26:24), and he ended up without the money, swallowed up with guilt and grief, and a disemboweled suicide in a worthless field (Matt 27:3-10; Acts 1:16-20). Be careful about accusing a servant, especially the Son of God!

Consider another example. The Jews hated Jesus, and they despised and rejected Him, hid their faces from Him, and accused Him of horrible crimes before God (Is 53:3-4; Matt 9:34; 12:24; 26:65; John 8:48). But Almighty God leveled the city of Jerusalem to the ground because they so treated their holy Servant and Visitor (Luke 19:43-44). Be careful about accusing a servant, especially the Son of God! Kiss Him instead (Ps 2:12)!

To be sure of godliness, speak evil of no man (Tit 3:2). Worry more about the beam in your own eye than the mote in another’s (Matt 7:3-5). Love mercy over judgment (Jas 2:13; Matt 7:1-2). Remember the ten thousand talents God forgave you when considering the hundred pence owed you (Mat 18:21-35). Let love cover what it can (Pr 10:12; 17:9).

Do you understand Christian liberty? God has left many incidental matters of life to each believer’s choice or preference. You have no right to criticize or accuse about these choices. Paul wrote, “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand” (Rom 14:4). Does Solomon’s proverb extend beyond what you first thought? Amen!

Let every man or woman in a position of authority practice fairness and gentleness to fully keep the righteousness of God indicated by this proverb. Let no civil ruler oppress any under him (Eccl 5:8). Let every employer deal fairly (Col 4:1). Let every father avoid discouraging his children (Col 3:21). Let every husband honor his wife (I Pet 3:7). Let every pastor despise partiality or respect of persons (I Tim 5:21).

Christian reader, you are a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you live godly in Christ Jesus, you will be persecuted (II Tim 3:12), and some will think they are pleasing God (Is 66:5). Hear your Master, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD” (Is 54:17).

Proverbs 19:28 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: September 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
Tags: , , , , ,
0

Under Gods Command

Proverbs 19:28 A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil

The LORD is a God of truth (Deut 32:4). He demands honesty and truthfulness in all your dealings. You must tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth at all times, but especially when you speak about others. This is a basic but important rule of wisdom.

Those who deceive or lie as witnesses show that they hate God, despise justice, and have a greedy appetite for sin. They will have their reward, for both God and men despise such wicked fools (Pr 19:29; 22:10; 24:9; Is 29:20-21). Most or all sins can be forgiven more easily than lying or bearing false witness. Never misrepresent another person at all!

When you are asked about another person, you make a choice that reveals your character. You either tell the careful truth about the situation, or you compromise the truth in order to protect yourself or a friend, secure an advantage, or exact revenge. If you answer falsely to those in authority or in need of information, you reveal yourself as a scorner of judgment – thinking it a thing of little worth, without respect or regard for it. God forbid.

The devil is a liar and the father of lying (Gen 3:4; John 8:44). When you corrupt or misrepresent matters about another person, you are an ungodly witness obeying the devil (Eph 2:1-3; Acts 5:3). You must think justice and righteousness are jokes, for you profanely treat them as nothing by your actions. But the LORD of truth declared in the Ten Commandments, “Thou shalt not bear false witness” (Ex 20:16; Deut 5:20).

Perjury is no small matter to the God of heaven and earth. He hates false witnesses (Pr 6:19). He condemned them often in the Bible (Pr 10:18; 25:18; Ex 23:1,7; Lev 19:11,16). False witnesses will pay dearly, both here and hereafter (Pr 19:5,9; 21:28; Rev 21:8,27).

God’s fury against bad speech includes backbiting, slandering, talebearing, and whispering – crimes inoffensively called gossip, but now nearly forgotten. How are these sins related to lying? They use the tongue to destroy others (Lev 19:16; Ps 15:1-3).

What happened to false witnesses under God’s civil laws? The punishment at stake was executed on the perjurer. If it was a capital trial for murder, a false witness would be executed (Deut 19:16-21). If an eyeball was at stake, a perjurer had his eye gouged out. Perfect! Wise men quickly perceive that witnesses in God’s legal system would learn to tell the whole truth. In fact, honesty in court and legal dealings would rise dramatically.

Those who lie about others have no regard for equity, fairness, justice, or righteousness, so God labels them scorners – a despicable type of perverse fool that is beyond help. He describes their mouths, which easily and quickly pour out wicked insinuations and false reports, as devouring iniquity. They are flagrant and greedy sinners without consciences, who will lie without remorse or worry whenever convenient, for gain or revenge.

Reader, do you despise false witnesses? Do you always tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God? Here is the proof: what do you do when you hear someone misrepresent another person? Do you get visibly angry, warn them of their wickedness, and cut them off (Pr 25:23; Ps 101:5; I Thess 5:14)? If you do not, you are an accomplice in their sin, for listening to their lies or slander is a sin itself (Pr 17:4).

Praise God for the Faithful and True Witness at the right hand of God (Rev 3:14; 19:11). He will soon declare the true facts about your life, remembering every good and bad thing you have done (Pr 15:3; Eccl 12:14; Matt 25:31-46; II Cor 5:10). But unless your name is in the Book of Life, you will be cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death (Rev 20:11-15). Is your name there? Beg Him for mercy (Luke 18:14; John 5:24).

Spiritual Training 19 September 2013

Posted: September 19, 2013 in 1 Timothy, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: , , , , ,
0

Under Gods Command

1 Timothy 3:16 Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:

He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angles, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

In this short hymn, Paul affirms the humanity and divinity of Christ. By so doing he reveals the heart of the gospel, “the mystery from which true godliness springs” (the secret of how we become godly). “Appeared in the flesh”—Jesus was a man; Jesus’ incarnation is the basis of our being right with God. “Was vindicated by the Spirit”—Jesus’ resurrection showed that the Holy Spirit’s power was in him (Romans 8:11). “Was seen by angels” and “was taken up in glory”—Jesus is divine.

Lets Bring it Home We can’t please God on our own; we must depend on Christ. As a man, Jesus lived a perfect life, and so he is a perfect example of how to live. As God, Jesus gives us the power to do what is right. It is possible to live a godly life—through following Christ.

Older Entries
Newer Entries