Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category


Under Gods Command
 
Proverbs 25:18- Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor.  
 
Lying (false testimony) about someone is as vicious as an act of physical violence.  Its effects can be as permanent as those of a stab wound.   The next time you are tempted to pass on a bit of gossip, imagine yourself stabbing the victim of your remarks with a sword.  This image may shock you into silence.


Under Gods Command
 
Jeremiah 2:2 – I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me and followed me through the desert, through a land not sown.
 
We appreciate a friend who remains true to his or her commitment, and we are disappointed with someone who fails to keep a promise.  God was pleased when his people obeyed initially, but he became angry with them when they refused to keep their commitment.  Temptations distract us from God.  Think about your original commitment to obey God, and ask yourself if you are remaining truly devoted.

Proverbs 24:10

Posted: January 24, 2011 in Uncategorized

Under Gods Command

 Proverbs 24:10 If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!

 Times of trouble can be useful.  The can show you who you really are, what kind of character you have developed.  In addition, they can help you grow stronger.  When Jeremiah questioned God because of the trouble he faced.  God asked how he ever expected to face big challenges if the little ones fired him out (Jeremiah 12:5). Don’t complain about your problems.  The trouble you face today is training you to be strong for the more difficult situations you will face in the future.


Under Gods Command

 Jeremiah 1:16 – I will pronounce my judgment on my people because of their wickedness in forsaking me, in burning incense to other gods and in worshiping what their hands have made. 

 The people of Judah sinned greatly by continuing to burn incense to and worship other gods.  God had commanded them specifically against this (Exodus 20 3-6) because idolatry places trust in created things rather than the Creator.  Although these people belonged to God, they chose to follow false gods.  Many “gods” entice us to turn away from God.

 Now let’s relate this to today.  Material possessions dreams for the future, approval of others, and vocational goals compete for our total commitment.  Striving after these at the expense of our commitment to God puts our heart where Judah’s was-and God severely punished Judah.


Under Gods Command

 Genesis 50:5 – My father made me swear an oath and said, “I am about to die; bury me in the tomb I dug for myself in the land of Canaan.  Now let me go up and bury my father; then I will return.”

 Joseph had proven himself trustworthy as Pharaoh’s adviser.  Because of his good record, Pharaoh had little doubt that he would return to Egypt as promised after burying his father in Canaan.  Privileges and freedom often result when we have demonstrated our trustworthiness.  Since trust must be built gradually over time, take every opportunity to prove your reliability even in minor matters.

Proverbs 21:11-12

Posted: January 22, 2011 in Uncategorized

Under Gods Command

 Proverbs 21:11-12 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge. (12) The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin. 

 It is usually better to learn from the mistakes of others than from our own.  We can do this by observing other people’s lives and listening to their advice.  Take counsel from others instead of plunging ahead and learning the hard way

 

Proverbs 20:9

Posted: January 22, 2011 in Uncategorized

Under Gods Command

 Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”?

 No one is without sin.  As soon as we confess our sin and repent, sinful thoughts and actions begin to creep back into our lives.  We all need ongoing cleansing, moment by moment.  Thank God he provides forgiveness by his mercy when we ask for it.  Make confession and repentance a regular part of your talks with God.  Rely on him moment by moment for the cleansing you need.


Under Gods Command 

Jeremiah 1:5-8 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”  “Ah, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you and say whatever I command you.  Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. 

 God knows us, as he knew Jeremiah, long before we were born or even conceived.  He thought about you and planned for you.  When you feel discouraged or inadequate, remember that God has always thought of us as valuable and that he has a purpose in mind for us.  If God gives us a specific task, accept it cheerfully and do it with diligence.  If God has not given us a specific call or assignment, then seek to fulfill the mission common to all believers to love, obey, and serve God until his guidance becomes more clear.

 Often we struggle with new challenges because we lack self-confidence, feeling that they have inadequate ability, training, or experience.  Jeremiah thought he was “only a child” to young and inexperienced to be God’s spokesman to the world.  But God promised to be with him.  We should not allow feelings of inadequacy to keep us from obeying God’s call.  He will always be with us.  When you find yourself avoiding something you know you should do, be careful not to use lack of self-confidence as an excuse.  If God gives you a job to do, he will provide all you need to do it.

 God does not keep us from encountering life’s storms, but he will see us through them.  In fact, God walks through these storms with us and recues us.


Under Gods Command

Proverbs 19:18 – Discipline your son, for in that there is hope, do not be a willing party to his death. 

 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!


Under Gods Command

Genesis 30:22-24 Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and opened her womb.  She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, “God has taken away my disgrace.”  She named him Joseph, and said “May the Lord add to me another son.”

Eventually God answered Rachel’s prayers and gave her a child of her own.  In the meantime, however, she had given her maidservant to Jacob.  Trusting God when nothing seems to happen is difficult.  But it is harder still to live with the consequences of taking matters into our own hands.  Resist the temptation to think God has forgotten you.  Have patience and courage to wait for God to act.