Under Gods Command
Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

People with tunnel vision, those who are locked into one way of thinking, are likely to miss the right road because they have closed their minds to any new options. We need the help of those who can enlarge our vision and broaden our perspective. Seek out the advice of those who know you and have a wealth of experience. Build a network of advisers.
Then be open to new ideas and be willing to weigh their suggestions carefully. Your plans will be stronger and more likely to succeed.


Under Gods Command

John 3:25 – 29 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan-the one you testified about-well, he is baptizing and everyone is going to him.” To this John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him. The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.

Some people look for points of disagreement so they can sow seeds of discord, discontent, and doubt. John the Baptist’s disciples ended this theological argument by focusing on his devotion to Christ. It is divisive to try to force others to believe our way. Instead, let’s witness about what Christ has done for us. How can anyone argue with us about that?

John the Baptist’s disciples were disturbed because people were following Jesus instead of John. It is easy to grow Jealous of the popularity of another person’s ministry. But we must remember that our true mission is to influence people to follow Christ, not us.

John the Baptist continued to baptize after Jesus came onto the scene because God had given him his work and he had to continue it until God called him to do something else. John main purpose was to point people to Christ. Even with Jesus beginning his own ministry, John could still turn people to Jesus.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.


Under Gods Command

John 3:19-21 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that I may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.

Many people don’t want their lives exposed to God’s light because they are afraid of what will be revealed. They don’t want to be changed., Don’t be surprised when these same people are threatened by your desire to obey God and do what is right, because they are afraid that the light in you may expose some of the darkness in their lives. Rather than giving in to discouragement, keep praying that they will come to see how much better it is to live in light that in darkness.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.


Under Gods Command

Proverbs 12:16 A fool show his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

When someone annoys or insults you, it is natural to retaliate. But this solves nothing and only encourages trouble. Instead, answer slowly and quietly. Your positive response will achieve positive results. Remember Proverbs 15:01: A gentle answer turns away wrath.


Under Gods Command

Proverbs 11:02 – When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proud people take little account of their weaknesses and do not anticipate stumbling blocks. They think they are above the frailties of common people. In this state of mind they are easily tripped up. Ironically, proud people seldom realize that pride is their problem, although everyone around them is well aware of it. Ask someone you trust whether self-satisfaction has bind you warning signs. He or she may help you avoid a fall.


Under Gods Command

John 3:18 whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

People often try to protect themselves from their fears by putting their faith in something they do or have: good deeds, skill or intelligence, money or possessions. But only God can save us from the one thing that we really need to fear-eternal condemnation. We believe in God by recognizing the insufficiency of our own efforts to find salvation and by asking him to do his work in us. When Jesus talks about unbelievers, he means those who reject or ignore him completely, not those who have momentary doubts.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

 


Under Gods Command
Proverbs 10:3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

Proverbs often describes God’s care for “the righteous.” Being “righteous” does not mean being “like God” in the sense of being perfect. Obviously that is impossible for human beings. Righteous people are those who love the LORD and are seeking to follow him (Psalm 4:3). As Christians, we have been given the power of the Holy Spirit to help us live righteous lives (2 Peter 1:3)


Under Gods Command

John 3: 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

The entire gospel comes to a focus in this verse. God’s love is not static or self-centered; it reaches out and draws others in. Here God sets the pattern of true love, the basis for all love relationships-when you love someone dearly, you are willing to give freely to the point of self-sacrifice. God paid dearly with the life of his Son, the highest price he could pay. Jesus accepted our punishment, paid the price for our sins, and then offered us the new life that he had brought for us. When we share the gospel with others, our love must be like Jesus’-willingly giving up our own comfort and security so that others might join us in receiving God’s love.


Under Gods Command

John 3: 14-15 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

When the Israelites were wandering in the desert, God sent a plague of sakes to punish the people for their rebellious attitudes. Those doomed to die from snakebite could be healed by obeying God’s command to look up at the elevated bronze snake and by believing that God would heal them if they did (see Numbers 21:8-9). Similarly, our salvation happens when we look up to Jesus, believing he will save us. God has provided this way for us to be healed of sin’s deadly bite.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.


Under Gods Command

Proverbs 9:7-9 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.

Are you a mocker or a wise person? You can tell by the way you respond to criticism. Instead of tossing back a quick put down or clever comeback when rebuked. Listen to what is being said. Learn from your critics; this is the path to wisdom. Wisdom begins with knowing God. He gives insight into living because he created life. To know God is not just to know the facts about him, but to stand in awe of him and have a relationship with him. Do you really want to be wise? Get to know God better and better.