Posts Tagged ‘god’

Spiritual Training 02 January 2015

Posted: January 2, 2015 in 2 Corinthians, 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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Under Gods Command

2 Corinthians 4:6-12 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

The supremely valuable message of salvation in Jesus Christ has been entrusted by God to frail and fallible human beings. Paul’s focus, however, was not on the perishable container but on its priceless contents—God’s power dwelling in us. Though we are “jars of clay,” God uses us to spread his gospel, and he gives us power to do his work. Knowing that the power is his, not ours, should keep us from pride and motivate us to keep daily contact with God, our power source. Our responsibility is to let people see God through us.

Paul reminds us that though we may think we are at the end of our rope, we are never at the end of our hope. Our perishable bodies are subject to sin and suffering, but God never abandons us. Because Christ has won the victory over death, we have eternal life. All our risks, humiliations, and trials are opportunities for Christ to demonstrate his power and presence in and through us. We must ask ourselves, “Could I handle the suffering and opposition that Paul did?” The success syndrome is a great enemy of effective ministry. From an earthly perspective, Paul was not very successful. Like Paul, we must carry out our ministry, looking to God for strength.

Lets Bring it Home: When opposition, slander, or disappointments threaten to rob you of the victory, remember that
no one can destroy what God has accomplished through you.

Spiritual Training 31 December 2014

Posted: December 31, 2014 in 2 Corinthians, 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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Under Gods Command

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

The gospel is open and revealed to everyone, except to those who refuse to believe. Satan is “the god of this age.” His work is to deceive, and he has blinded those who don’t believe in Christ (see 11:14-15). The allure of money, power, and pleasure blinds people to the light of Christ’s gospel.

Lets bring it Home: Those who reject Christ and prefer their own pursuits have unknowingly made Satan their god.

Proverbs 16:05 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: December 16, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 16, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 16:5 – The LORD detest all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

Pride is the inner voice that whispers, “My way is best” It is resisting God’s leadership and believing that your are able to live without his help. Whenever you find yourself wanting to do it your way and looking down on other people, you are being pulled by pride. Only when you eliminate pride can God help you become all he meant you to be.

Do you think you are special? Then repent now before you get hurt! The LORD Jehovah cannot stand anyone thinking highly of himself in his heart. It does not matter how important you might be, or how many friends you might have, you will certainly be punished; the God of heaven will make sure of it. Humble your heart this very minute.

You are nothing (Ps 39:5,11). You are truly less than nothing (Ps 62:9; Is 40:17). You arrived ignorant and helpless, dirtying yourself, and you will leave the same way. If you are very successful, you might leave behind a small estate that will be spent in a few months. The day of your death will be forgotten in weeks, and your grave will be lost.

Your accomplishments are nothing, and they will be forgotten before your funeral, when you cannot recall your own name. You are so fragile and weak that a clothespin on your nose can end your existence (Is 2:22). Your soul lives in a house of clay; the foundation of your body is mere dust; and you can be killed easier than a moth (Job 4:19). Get down!

The blessed and dreadful God of heaven and earth abhors and loathes proud people (Ps 113:5-6). He is extremely disgusted and intensely averse to their arrogance and pompous opinions. He hates them and their proud thoughts and looks (Pr 6:16-19; 15:9). And He will crush and grind them to powder in this world and the next (Job 40:9-14; Dan 4:37).

The words, “proud in heart,” are the specific sin God hates. It is a high opinion of yourself, leading to an attitude of superiority over and contempt for others; it is inordinate self-esteem. Boasting is not the point here. You may keep your pride to yourself. But God sees it, and He will judge it. You must think lowly and soberly about yourself, lest you lie to yourself about your value (Pr 16:18-19; Rom 12:3; Gal 6:3; Phil 2:3-4; II Tim 3:1-5).

Consider this horrible sin! You can avoid things that cause lust of the eyes (Ps 101:3). You can reject opportunities for the lust of the flesh (Rom 13:14). But what about pride? It whispers to your heart every minute of every day and every night! Even in bed your thoughts can be arrogant and critical – comparing yourself to others. In every act and event of life, there is a constant temptation for pride to creep in. Lord, have mercy!

The words, “though hand join in hand,” describe agreement and association with others for safety. It does not matter if others flatter you, or are just as proud. It does not matter what steps you take for protection. It does not matter that you try to be righteous in other areas. You cannot cover for this sin. God will bring you down – fast and hard – for sure!

The first sin in the universe was pride – Satan’s pride (I Tim 3:6). And he was punished for it. How severely? He and his angels are reserved for eternal torment in hell forever (Matt 25:41; II Pet 2:4; Rev 20:10). The devil’s great abilities cannot save him at all.

Are you proud in heart? Find out! Do you wish others treated you better? Why? It must be because you think you are important. Do you worry about others admiring you? Do you resist correction and instruction? Do you envy and resent blessings to others? Can you list any ways you are better than another? Do you gloat a little at their failures?

Does selfishness make serving hard? Are you defensive to reproof and warnings? Do you deserve more public recognition? Can you apologize easily, fully, and quickly? Do you whine about unfair circumstances? Does your spouse have to apologize first? Can you remember others’ past failures? Do you like to argue about “principle”? You may think adultery, drunkenness, and smoking are horrible, but God hates your self-righteous pride!

If you persist, you are done! The Bible is sure: pride brings a penalty! “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Pr 16:18). “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty” (Pr 18:12).  “Surely he scorneth the scorners” (Pr 3:34). “Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased” (Luke 14:11). “God resisteth the proud” (Jas 4:6).

If you have a problem with pride, and God will certainly punish you, what can be done? Repent! Fear the Lord, and hate pride and arrogancy (Pr 8:13)! “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (Jas 4:10). “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (I Pet 5:6).

Manasseh was likely the wickedest king in the history of Israel, but God freely forgave him, when he humbled himself greatly (II Chron 33:1-13). And if he was the wickedest king, then Ahab was second; but God honored his humility as well (I Kings 21:25-29). What does God require? That you walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).

Want to kill pride? Confess your sins fully (Jas 4:5-10). Get a vision of God and crush your heart before Him (Ps 4:4; Is 57:15). Pray like a fool (I Kgs 3:7; Ps 131:2). Never commend yourself, not even indirectly (Pr 27:2). Always admit what you are and have is a gift (I Cor 4:7). Tell your faults, so others will know the real you (Rom 7:8; Jas 5:16).

Apologize quickly and admit unqualified guilt (Mat 5:23-24). Thank those who admonish and correct you (Ps 141:5). Make others and their things most important (Phil 2:3-4). Get down and enjoy the uncomely (Rom 12:16). Do not compare yourself with others (II Cor 10:12). Learn true charity (I Cor 13:4-7). Be a great servant (Luke 22:24-27).

Still want to kill pride? Avoid the spotlight as much as possible (Luke 14:7-12). Enjoy serving those who cannot repay (Luke 14:12-14). Do your charity in secret (Matt 6:1-4). Rejoice at forgiving those who wrong you (Matt 18:21-22). Get down, and enjoy it! The LORD will be pleased, and He will bless you, just as surely as He will punish the proud.

Proverbs 15:19 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: December 15, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 15, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command 

Proverbs 15:19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

Has your life been rough or smooth the last year? What is your outlook? Does the future frighten you, or welcome you? There is a reason for your answers to these questions. Lazy people have two problems in life – things do not work out well for them, and they are afraid of the future. Diligent men find life is smooth and easy, and they rejoice in the opportunities it provides. How many thorns are in your way? You can remove them!

There are two similes – or identified comparisons – in this proverb. A lazy man’s life is like a hedge of thorns, which is a difficult and painful obstacle hindering progress or travel. He has a hard time going forward, and he dreads the effort and trouble. A righteous man’s life is like a smooth, paved highway, which makes his travel comfortable and fast. He finds progress in life to be easy, and he looks forward to the future.

The proverb contrasts slothful men and diligent men, wicked men and righteous men. The slothful man is contrasted to the righteous man to teach that slothful men are wicked and righteous men are diligent. God and good men despise lazy men, for slothfulness is a sin (Pr 6:6-11; 10:26; 18:9; 24:30-34; 26:16; Gen 3:19; Matt 25:26-28; Rom 12:11; I Thess 4:11-12). God’s solution for lazy men is to starve them (Pr 20:4; II Thess 3:10).

How is a slothful man’s life like a hedge of thorns? By his procrastination and neglect of things needful for his progress and success! Laziness creates numerous hardships that make life much more difficult than God ever intended. By procrastinating and excusing himself from preparing for the future, he arrives at the future without assets, credit, skills, or reputation. He is defenseless before adversity; he has no capital to invest in anything; he is worthless in the job market; and he has no friends to vouch for him.

How is a slothful man’s life like a hedge of thorns? By his negative and wicked attitude! Laziness steals his energy, perverts his heart, and blinds his eyes. He thinks he is too tired to work (Pr 19:15). He grieves at the very thought of work (Pr 26:15). He scorns every opportunity to work in spite of excellent reasons from seven wise and successful men (Pr 26:16). Suggest a job. He will claim it is too cold to work (Pr 20:4). Suggest another. He is afraid of lions in the street (Pr 22:13; 26:13). He will imagine and argue for any excuse imaginable to avoid facing the thorns his own laziness has planted!

How is a diligent man’s life made plain? By his past efforts that make the present much easier! By careful planning and hard work, he has provided those things necessary for his progress and success. He knows where he is going, and he has taken the steps to get there. He accumulates assets, credit, skills, and reputation. He can handle adversity, invest in offered opportunities, obtain replacement employment if necessary, and call upon any number of excellent references to help him.

How is a diligent man’s life made plain? By his cheerful and righteous attitude toward work! Hard work is a joy to him! He rejoices at the opportunity to work. He is thankful for his job. He offers to work overtime. He enjoys helping a business. He appreciates and respects his employers. He sleeps well, but only at night (Pr 6:6-11; Eccl 5:12). He looks forward to rising and going to work in the morning. He dives into projects and finishes them, better than anyone else. He is committed to outworking others (I Cor 15:10).

He looks for opportunities to work more, for he knows that rewards and riches will follow (Pr 10:4; 12:24; 22:29; 27:18). He finds a reward in labor itself (Eccl 9:10). He sees the future full of promise and reward. He does not see anything that scares him: the road before him is smooth and made for speed. He is optimistic about life, because he has faced difficult projects before and watched them melt away before his diligent efforts.

All other things being equal, God can give afflictions and troubles to the best of saints, but He will deliver them out of them (Ps 34:19). Everyone has troubles and gets pricked by thorns from time to time, but the righteous man goes forward and clears the thorns away; he does not hide in his bed or house like the slothful man. He gets up after falling, even if he falls again (Pr 24:16). He never quits or resigns to accept the life of a loser.

If you have been slothful, you know the proverb is true: you know you have a hedge of thorns in your way. It will not go away just because you have read this wonderful proverb by Solomon and agree with its lesson. It will only go away if you get up and attack it with the diligence of a righteous man. If you do not attack it, the thorns will grow larger and larger until the hedge completely chokes your life down to a miserable failure. Get up! Get going! Hate sleep! Hate leisure! Attack your duties with growing thorns in mind!

There is one other little problem. God despises sluggards and will oppose them in all they do. If you have been slothful, then God is your enemy, and nothing is going to work like it should. God will only bless and favor the diligent man. Therefore, if you have been slothful, beg Him for forgiveness before you try to remove the hedge of thorns in your own strength. He will blow against your efforts, unless you repent and beg Him for help.

The same rule applies to your spiritual life. If you are slothful about your religious duties, you will be discouraged and overwhelmed by the Bible, by the religious confusion in the world, and by your own carnality (Luke 8:11-18). But the man who diligently seeks the Lord will easily and surely find Him and His great reward (Jer 29:13; Heb 11:6). Reader! The choice is yours in matters both natural and spiritual. Clear away the thorns today!

Proverbs 08:09 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: December 8, 2014 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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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 8:9 To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge

Some say, “The Bible is too difficult!” Others say, “The Bible contradicts itself!” Many conclude, “Anything can be taught from the Bible. It is impossible to know the truth for sure.” The devil laughs with evil satisfaction at such absurd remarks. But Lady Wisdom teaches that the words of wisdom are plain and right – to those with understanding and knowledge! If you have a problem with the Bible, you have the problem, not the Bible!

Solomon used personification in the eighth chapter of Proverbs. The feminine pronouns refer to Lady Wisdom, a woman representing wisdom in Solomon’s appeal for men to reject ignorance and folly and embrace understanding and knowledge. The proverb at hand is part of her introduction, as she claims to speak excellent and right things (Pr 8:6), truth (Pr 8:7), and righteous words that are not at all contradictory or corrupt (Pr 8:8).

A little understanding and knowledge, from fearing the Lord and trembling before His word, will open the Bible to you (Pr 1:7; 9:10; Ps 25:14; Is 66:2; Luke 8:18). The words become plain and right, when you study the Bible humbly by its rules of interpretation. If you approach it arrogantly or critically, it is designed to confuse and destroy you (Ezek 14:1-11; I Cor 1:19-20; 2:13-15; II Thess 2:9-12; II Tim 2:15; II Pet 3:16).

The Bible is plain and right, if you are born again (John 3:3; Rom 3:11), are enlightened by the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:17-18), fear God (Pr 15:33), delight in the Lord (Neh 8:6-8; Ps 37:4), obey what you learn (John 7:17), pray for wisdom (Ps 119:18; Jas 1:5), work for it (2:1-9; 18:1; I Tim 4:13-15), will take correction (Pr 26:12; I Cor 3:18-19), have a godly motive (Ps 119:11; Luke 10:38-42), and use God-given teachers (Mal 2:7; Acts 8:30-31).

The Bible, God’s book of wisdom, reveals secrets of the universe that greatly affect human existence, but most men have no use for it. The Bible is closed to them (I Cor 2:6-15; II Cor 4:3-4). God reveals these things only to His children (Matt 11:25-27). They have no regard for intelligence, education, or the opinions of any or all men. They believe every word of God to be absolute truth, and they despise any other ideas (Ps 119:128).

Consider an example. Solomon wrote corporal punishment is the only way to rightly train children (Pr 13:24; 19:18; 20:30; 22:6,15; 23:13-14; 26:3; 29:15). But PTA and PETA mothers, drunk with the drivel of Drs. Spock, Seuss, and Dobson, reject the Bible as a primitive manual for insensitive monsters that knew nothing about loving children. They say the Bible is impossible to understand, immorally cruel to children, or needs a gentler application for today’s society; but corporal punishment is plain and right to God’s saints.

Consider another example. Moses and Solomon wrote that capital punishment is the only way to treat murderers (Pr 28:17; Gen 9:6; Ex 21:12-14; Lev 24:17). But Mother Theresa, the ACLU, and others without consciences or justice, actually pity murderers more than their victims. Hard to believe? It is true. They write the Bible off as outdated laws for a violent society, but God’s saints know it has divine wisdom for civil authority. Capital punishment is as obvious to them as putting down a rabid dog after it eats an infant.

Consider another example. Moses recorded earth’s origin by writing, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Gen 1:1). But Charles Darwin and other hallucinating educators, in a profane plot to rid the world of a creator God and His rules for living, contrived an impossible pipedream that chaotic gases exploded to form the universe, primordial slime became reproducing salamanders, who chose to become monkeys, one of which was Charles’ mother. Believers and their children laugh at this false science, which no man has or can observe, define, or duplicate (I Tim 6:20-21).

Consider another example, “This is my body,” from I Corinthians 11:24. Catholics presumed Jesus taught cannibalism and meant the words literally, so they invented transubstantiation – the cracker turns into His body, blood, soul, and divinity – though the cracker is still present to human senses and any kind of analysis. Their Bible-rejecting religion idolizes this blasphemous caricature of the Lord’s Supper, forgetting that Jesus also said, “I am the door,” and, “I am the vine,” among numerous other metaphors!

Lutherans, knowing full well the bread still existed (because they could still touch it, taste it, smell it, and see it), invented consubstantiation – the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus coexist with the bread in their version of the Mass. Presbyterians, also superstitious sacramentalists coming from Rome, invented the notion that Jesus is really, truly, and spiritually in the bread, though not present in body, blood, soul, or divinity.

The children of God, with just a little understanding and knowledge, know that Jesus spoke metaphorically, just as you do when holding up a picture of your mother and saying, “This is my mother.” You only mean that the piece of Kodak paper represents your mother. Jesus gave a simple memorial supper to His true followers. There is no sacrifice offered again in any way, shape, or form. The Supper is only to remember Him by using bread and wine to represent and signify His torn body and shed blood. It is not a sacrament, and it does not involve the altering of any substance, at all, in any way.

Reader, the Bible is the only true book on earth. It alone has the words of wisdom from heaven, which Solomon sought to tell you about through Lady Wisdom in this proverb. If you embrace her, she will bless you; if you reject her, you must love death (Pr 8:35-36). But this wonderful book can do you no good, unless you acquire the understanding and knowledge that opens its treasures. Humble yourself before the great God, repent of your pride and sins, and beg Him for wisdom. He will make the words plain and right to you.

Proverbs 04:25 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: December 4, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 04, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

 Proverbs 4:25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.

How is your vision? Forget detail, distance, or depth. How is your directional vision? Do you see straight ahead, or do you have peripheral vision? Peripheral vision, or seeing things from the corner of your eye, is a good thing for driving and sports, but it is horrible for Christians. You must see only one object – God, His kingdom, and His righteousness.

Having told you to keep your heart with all diligence (Pr 4:23), the Preacher warned against peripheral distractions, either left or right (Pr 4:26-27). You must establish your direction straight ahead and keep going that way – to the single goal of pleasing the Lord.

“Eyes” and “eyelids” are synecdoche, where part of a thing represents the whole. Solomon did not care about the little flap of skin that covers your eyeballs. He wanted your heart and mind and soul. He wanted all of you. In the last eight verses of this chapter, he lists ear, eyes, heart, flesh, heart, mouth, lips, eyes, eyelids, feet, and hand.

Your eyes select objects and direct your movements toward them, but it is your heart and mind that give and receive feedback from your eyes. Heart and eyes cannot be separated. It is your overall person, eyes included, you must keep in the way of wisdom and truth.

The Lord Jesus taught against spiritual peripheral vision with similar language. And you should look unto Him as the great example of perfect vision for your soul (Heb 12:1-4). The context of His words will let you learn their sense and application (Matt 6:19-24).

“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.  But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” Matthew 6:22-23

Consider the context well. He condemned laying up treasure on earth, when you can lay up treasure in heaven, for your heart will follow your treasure (Matt 6:19-21). And He denied any man can serve two masters – God and mammon, or money (Matt 6:24).

He reasoned, if a man’s natural vision directs his bodily movements, then a blind eye is a horrible thing, for the body cannot know where to move. Considered spiritually, an eye with undivided honesty and zeal for God will lead to holiness, but a double eye of hypocrisy and worldly lusts will lead to destruction. Consider the Saviour’s warning!

Consider an obscure reference to soldiers in Chronicles. Zebulun brought 50,000 fighting men who were of one heart for David (I Chron 12:33). They had no mixed emotions. They were not thinking about going home. They were not thinking about anything else.

Jesus rejoiced to see Nathanael, for his heart was free from duplicity, hypocrisy, and a double mind (John 1:47). He was an Israelite indeed, fully committed to his God. This single purpose in life marks a consistent Christian that is of great value to Jesus Christ.

The Christian life is a race (I Cor 9:26; Heb 12:1). To win, runners must look straight ahead without being distracted by competitors or other things. Paul pressed forward, not looking sideways, to win the prize of God’s high calling (Phil 3:13-14), and he described those with peripheral vision for worldly things as belly worshippers (Phil 3:18-19).

Wicked men have a double heart (Ps 12:1-2). They are not totally committed to the Lord and spiritual things. Their hearts still lust after this world and its things. They are carnally minded, and they show little evidence of grace in their hearts. You can easily spot them, for they never talk about the Lord with the same passion as they talk about their things.

James warned twice against being double minded – or having more than one objective for your life (James 1:8; 4:8). He said a double minded man is unstable in all his ways, and he exhorted you to diligent efforts to reduce your objectives to only one (James 4:8-10).

Eve was seduced by her wandering eyes (Gen 3:6). Lot’s wife could not keep from looking back (Gen 19:17,26). Achan saw Babylonian goods and money that cost him his life (Josh 7:21). And David took what he saw one night from a rooftop (II Sam 11:2).

Your prayer should be for God to keep your eyes from seeing vanity (Ps 119:37). The lust of the eyes is one of the great temptations of man (I John 2:15-17). So careful was Job in his pursuit of holiness, he made a covenant with his eyes against thinking upon young beautiful women (Job 31:1). Contrast him with false teachers (II Pet 2:14).

The first church, under the powerful influence of the Holy Ghost, had a single mind with God and each another (Acts 2:46). They were undivided in their dedicated and solitary ambition of serving the Lord. Things in the corner of their vision did not distract them.

Godly men serve masters with single hearts (Eph 6:5; Col 3:22). Their solitary goal is to please the Lord on the job, regardless of what men may think or do. They do not seek a raise or promotion as their principal objective, for they see only God’s reward.

Dear reader, what distracts your vision and progress? You need only one goal – pleasing God with a holy life and preparing for heaven. Put on your blinders and keep your eyes and motion straight ahead. Look only forward – only upward – and only heavenward!

Did the Lord Jesus have any other objectives in His life on earth? None! Did things around Him distract him? Never! Though he had food, honor, and glory offered to Him by the devil, He remained absolutely faithful to His one goal – pleasing His Father by a perfect life and death. Glory! Follow this great Example and His singular vision!

Proverbs 20:07 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: November 20, 2014 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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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 20:07 The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.

Your family’s future depends on how you live today. The greatest influence you can have on your children is to live righteously. Children of godly men grow up with greater wisdom than peers, so they are blessed with natural success in measures of prosperity. But far beyond that, God Himself will supernaturally favor the children of godly men.

A good man lives with integrity; he does more than think or claim goodness (Pr 20:6). He will walk the walk, not just talk the talk. He lives by fear of God and faith in Christ, keeping all the commandments. God will send blessing and favor on his descendants. Here is a proverb with the promise of a wonderful blessing. Let the godly lay hold of it!

Understand the condition. This man is not today’s typical carnal Christian, who talks and acts one way on Sunday and with other believers, but lives another way during the week, while at home or in the world. Here is a just man, doing what is right and holy in the sight of God. He seeks the Lord with His whole heart. And he walks in this course every day.

Here is a man with a clean conscience, who guides all his affairs with the discretion of God’s word. He is blameless before God and men, by confessing his sins and making proper amends for them. His affections are set on heaven above, and he crucifies his sinful lusts with Christ. He trembles at the Word of God and humbly walks with his God.

He has no self-righteousness. He has no high opinion of himself or his family. He gladly condescends to men of low estate to love and serve them in any way he can. He knows he is vile; he rejoices in God’s forgiveness of his sins; and he forgives others very quickly and fully because of it. He examines his heart and rejects all bitterness or pride there.

He knows relationships with others are one of God’s measures (Mal 4:5-6; Luke 1:17). He carefully and fervently fulfills duties to rulers, employers, parents, pastor, wife and children – he knows these are exalted in the Bible. He is a benefactor and peacemaker, especially to the lowly, and even to enemies (Luke 6:27-36; 14:12-14; Rom 12:16).

Understand the promise. The holy God of heaven rewards good men with blessings upon their posterity. If those children or grandchildren sin, they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity, but the Lord will be more merciful than He would have been otherwise. If those children also live righteous lives, which is more likely given the example they have witnessed, the Lord will assist and bless them for the sake of their just father.

Consider David, the man after God’s own heart, who was perfect in God’s sight, except for his sins with Bathsheba (I Kgs 15:3-5). To honor David’s virtuous life, the Lord showed repeated mercy to his descendants (I Kgs 11:12,32,36; 15:4; II Kgs 8:19; II Chron 21:7). David described the just, “His seed is blessed” (Ps 37:26). Also, “What man is he that feareth the LORD? His seed shall inherit the earth” (Ps 25:12-13).

Parent! Do you love your children? Your extended posterity? Grasp the priority of this proverb. Live humbly and walk justly before God, and He will bless your children because of your life. Job’s life of integrity even included sacrifices for his children after their birthday parties (Job 1:1-5).

Phinehas and Jonadab, examples of just men, were promised a godly seed (Num 25:11-13; Jer 35:18-19). Believer, are these promises only for others? Consider again. “Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed” (Ps 112:1-2).

But it is just as true that any sin will find you out (Num 32:23). You cannot hide sins in your thoughts, your bedroom, or anywhere else (Eccl 10:20; Jer 23:23-24). His eyes see everything (Pr 15:3). Start with your heart and get rid of anything in it that does not match up with the highest standard of God’s word (Pr 4:23; Ps 139:23-24; Jas 4:9).

God is not obligated to reward you for living a godly life, especially rewards like blessing and favoring your descendants. You should live such a life anyway due to fear and love, as did Paul (II Cor 5:9-15). But God does make such promises, and He expects you to consider them (Eph 6:2-3). Be a just man today for the benefit of your family tomorrow.

 

 

Proverbs 04:26 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: November 4, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Proverbs 04, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 

Wise men do not let life happen to them. They act with careful thought and sober reflection. They plan and manage their lives. They choose wise goals and the means to achieve them, and they compare their progress to them. Other than rare acts of God they cannot avoid, they control and direct their circumstances to serve them, not vice versa.

Rather than bouncing from one goal or direction to another, prudent men fix their lives in one steady course. They discipline all aspects of their lives toward their chosen goals. They carefully consider every part of life. They question, evaluate, and muse upon each choice they make to keep their overall objective before them and steady progress to it.

Reader, where are you going? Ponder the path of your feet. Is getting older all you are doing? Is life happening to you, rather than you directing it? Your daily and weekly routines should have a solid purpose and noble objective. Or are you on a treadmill – in a rut – not making any progress? Step back. Ponder the path of your feet. Examine yourself (II Cor 13:5). Consider your ways (Hag 1:5). Commune with your own heart (Ps 4:4).

What does it mean to ponder? It means to weigh a matter mentally, to consider it carefully, to think about it, to muse over it, and to meditate upon it. Most are too busy with too much noise and activity to stop and think soberly about their lives. Instead of musing, they seek amusements – activities designed to stop all thinking. Instead of self- and life-examination, they chase more entertainment. Instead of thinking, they drown out internal conversation with television, movies, music, drinking, or drugs. What folly!

Instead of quiet time to reflect on their lives, they have radios in their cars, televisions in their homes, and cell phones in their pockets. “God is not in all his thoughts” (Ps 10:4). They do not know where they are going, why they are going in a certain direction, or the consequences of it. They are victims of circumstances rather than managers of them. They are foolish and will be punished as surely as gravity causes things to fall downward.

But wisdom cries, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10). “Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah” (Ps 4:4). “I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search” (Ps 77:6). “But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him” (Hab 2:20). These are the activities of wise and holy men.

It is the fool who lives without thinking, walks without meditating, and chooses his path without pondering. Christians are called to walk circumspectly – examining their path from all angles! Only by this discipline can they understand and apply God’s will to their lives (Eph 5:15-17). It is your duty to make straight paths for your feet (Heb 12:13).

Another error keeps men from pondering their lives – most of their pondering is about others! It is the wicked, self-righteous hypocrite that ponders the lives of others instead of his own. He comforts himself in his sins by trying to identify as many as possible in others (Luke 18:9-14). Jesus condemned worrying about the mote in another person’s eye while you have barn beams in your own. This activity is the opposite of self-examination, and it proves a person to be the opposite of the righteous and wise – it proves him a fool.

What should you ponder? Are you walking with God and growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ? Are you bearing much spiritual fruit? Are you forgiving, loving, and serving all others to keep the second commandment? Is your marriage what it should be? Do you have activities in your life that create temptation and lead to sin? Are you single minded for the kingdom of God? Do you live with eternity in view? If you were to die today, would Jesus Christ find you in the way of righteousness?

Is your life leading toward the holy objective of pleasing Jesus Christ? Does your path on Sundays include a faithful church where all doctrine and practice matches the Scriptures? Are your priorities consistent with those Solomon lists in this book? Do you read, meditate, pray, and sing in private on a regular basis? Ponder the path of your feet.

Father, have you pondered the path your wife and children are taking? It is your duty before God to lead, guide, and correct them into the right way of the fear of the Lord (Ps 34:11). The true measure of your duty and love is to prepare and perfect them to meet the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you helping them keep their feet in the pathway of righteousness?

What keeps you from pondering the path of your feet? Whatever it is, it is not worth the danger of wandering out of the way of understanding and ending up in the congregation of the dead (Pr 21:16). “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Pr 14:12; 16:25). And reader, if you do not ponder your ways, the LORD is pondering them, especially your sexual ways (Pr 5:21). Do not neglect or forget this sacred duty to ponder your feet!

God Jehovah of the Bible calls you like He did Abraham. “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect” (Gen 17:1). Will you answer the call?

If you answer this call, the LORD will send you visible and invisible teachers. “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left” (Is 30:21). Do you obey your teachers?

The psalmist said, “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies” (Ps 119:59). Reader, will you join the psalmist in this frequent duty of pondering your life? “Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD” (Lam 3:40). Make it a part of your daily exercise in prayer (Ps 139:23-24).

Your flesh, the world, and Satan will daily lay snares in the way. You will face many even today. They will try to tempt and trap you in your thoughts, in your speech, in your relationships, in your job, and everywhere else. It is your duty to consider your ways carefully and avoid those snares. It is your duty to turn away, quickly, from every tempting and threatening situation (Pr 4:14-15; Rom 13:14; II Tim 2:22).

After pondering the path of your feet, it is your duty to fix and secure all your ways in the fear of the Lord. How do you identify the fear of the Lord for your life? By the Holy Scriptures! They are the lamp for your feet and the light for your path (Ps 119:105). The sure rock of Christ’s sayings must be the foundation of your house (Matt 7:24-27; II Pet 1:19-21). Establish – fix and settle permanently – all your ways in the Lord. And the grace of God is able to bless you toward this glorious life (I Pet 5:10; I Thess 3:12-13).

True disciples, the true children of God, continue in the word of Christ (John 8:31). They are not moved away from the hope of the gospel, but rather continue in the faith grounded and settled (Col 1:23). And it is by this confident and established perseverance in the truth that you show you are the true brethren of the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb 3:6,14).

Proverbs 22:01 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: October 22, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 22, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart
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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 22:01 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Your reputation is an asset far more important than anything you can buy. The respect of others and their affection for you is an asset you should pursue with great zeal. Your character is a precious treasure that you should enhance each day by wise choices.

What do people think, when they hear your name? Do they think graciousness, godliness, diligence, and faithfulness? Is your name sweet to their ears and thoughts? How do they speak of you to others? Are you often praised in your absence? Do others crave your company? Do they want to honor you with affection, gifts, and service?

Or is your name a bitter thought? Do they think harshness, selfishness, stubbornness, pride, moodiness, or indiscretion? Do they try to avoid you? Do they avoid you? When others talk about you, do they have to make excuses for your conduct? Do they pass over you for invitations or assignments, because you are more irritating than pleasing?

You cannot ignore these questions and be wise. Your reputation and relationships are a great measure of your life. Stop and examine your reputation with others. What others think of you is a far more accurate picture of your life than what you think about yourself, for you have an obvious bias to distort facts in your favor, and you have a deceitful heart that is deeply infatuated with yourself (Pr 16:2; 20:6; 21:2; Jer 17:9; Gal 6:3).

Some people are used as well known examples of specific virtues or all virtues. Others are used as examples of poor character and problems. How is your name used? Are you spoken about affectionately and respectfully, or critically and negatively? Many have no outstanding virtues at all, so they pass through life without any honor or favor, which shows a lack of diligence and priority in pursuing godliness and virtue.

What is a good name? It is not your parents’ choice of a distinguished combination of syllables that sounds sophisticated, classy, or pleasant. It is not merely being named after a respected ancestor. Your bare name has no value at all. Solomon used “good name” as a metonym for a good reputation. He exhorted his son to emphasize having a good reputation with God and good men as one of the chief goals of life (Pr 3:4).

What is loving favour here? It is not giving love and favour to others, but rather receiving love and favour from others. It is obtaining affection and respect from other virtuous persons. It is obtaining their acceptance and approval of your life. Of course, reaching such a position requires you to carefully rule your conduct to please others. It requires consistent righteous behavior to hold the esteem and trust of others (Eccl 10:1).

The proverb has an ellipsis, which is missing words that shorten the sentence and give it boldness. The second clause may be read, “And loving favour is to be chosen rather than silver and gold.” These words taken from the first clause are important to fill out the whole sense of the proverb. A comparison and choice is being taught in both clauses.

In each case it is your choice. You can choose a good reputation and the loving approval of others. It is your choice. Both should be a priority. Both are more important than other measures of success. Circumstances or discrimination are excuses for foolish or lazy men who have not properly pursued these important goals. A wise man will pursue both.

What is the lesson? You should put great emphasis on your reputation and relationships. While many men chase financial and professional success with all their might, Solomon exhorted his son to value his reputation and relationships higher than these other goals. He wanted his son to grow in favor with God and men, and he ranked the importance of this achievement as more valuable than great riches (Pr 3:4; I Sam 2:26; Luke 2:52).

How do you measure by Solomon’s lesson? How important is your reputation to you? Is it more important than any amount of money or success? Do you work harder to improve your name than to get ahead financially? How much do you value the esteem and respect of good men? Do you regularly examine your conduct to be without offence? Do you go out of your way to make sure each thing you do is done very well for all concerned?

God measures you by what others think. You cannot please God and offend good men at the same time. It is impossible. If you are pleasing God and keeping His commandments, you will please others (I Sam 18:14-16; I John 5:2). And your family and close friends do not count, for it is your reputation before good men that is the key. You can easily tell a person’s character by the number and kind of friends he has. These facts do not lie.

Of course, others’ opinions are not your only measure, or the most important (John 5:44). But they are a measure. You foolishly deceive yourself to approve your life and conduct, if good men and women have a low regard of you. Joseph and Daniel were highly regarded even as captives in foreign lands by their excellent spirits and blameless lives.

Demetrius had a great name and reputation of the apostles and all men (III John 1:12); Timothy was highly regarded both before and after he met Paul (Acts 16:1-2; Phil 2:19-22). This high measure of a good reputation in the world is a necessary qualification for the bishops of Jesus Christ’s churches (I Tim 3:7). How do you measure up?

A good reputation before the world is possible, but some ungodly men will not appreciate your righteousness (I Thess 4:12; I Pet 2:12; Dan 6:3-5; Luke 6:26). Solomon primarily intended good and wise men, who know the heart and will of God and measure other men by godliness. Compromise or friendship with the world is a trait of sinners (Jas 4:4).

Your opinion of yourself is quite worthless. It is usually contrary to fact. People with good reputations generally think poorly of themselves, which keeps them humble and sensitive to others; but those with bad reputations think themselves quite desirable, leading to offensive arrogance. The difference between humble modesty and self-righteousness is a large part of a good name, which is built on low self-esteem.

Your great goal is to grow in “loving favour” with God and men, as did Samuel and the Lord Jesus Christ (3:4; I Sam 2:26; Luke 2:52). This happens when you keep the two great commandments – love of God and love of neighbor. The “loving favour” of the proverb is how God and others treat you, which you can choose by living a consistent life of godliness and love toward them. An excellent spirit will cause others to love you.

So great are these goals – your reputation and esteem by others – they should exceed any other goal. Men work long days of hard labor for many years to get rich, but building a good name and reputation are more important. If you had a choice between a good reputation and precious ointment, which was of great value in Israel’s very dry climate and provided much personal pleasure, you should choose the good name (Eccl 7:1).

Consider your funeral (Pr 10:7). The memory of just men is blessed, but the name of the wicked shall rot. How will you be remembered? How long will you be remembered? Will your memory bring pleasant thoughts to hearts? Or will most cringe and be relieved? The number of persons, and their character, and their reaction at a funeral say a great deal.

You have two names. Your first name is your personal name, a unique identifier among the billions on earth. How you live and treat others creates the reputation of your first name. God gave you that name at birth with a blank reputation. What have you done with it since? You have either enhanced it or damaged it. With a single word, your name, reactions and thoughts are triggered in others. What are those thoughts?

Your second name is your surname or family name. How your family lives and treats others creates its reputation. Do you promote your family name? Or are you letting it decay? Do others desire to be with your family? Or have they been offended enough to back away? Do others want to marry into your family to obtain an interest in a good name? A good surname takes consistent godliness from many different persons.

David had a great name in the Bible. His name was much set by in Israel (I Sam 16:18; 18:30). Though Saul was king with a princely son, Jonathan and the nation loved David, for he was better than any other (I Sam 18:1-16). Everyone wanted to be with David, be like David, or be married to David. He earned this by being gracious, humble, and wise at all times. God chose this man, though a sinner, as an example of a great name in Israel.

Blessings at Solomon’s coronation included having a name greater than his father David’s name, which was easily the greatest in Israel (I Kings 1:47). Even God compared all later kings to David, and he was described as a man after God’s own heart. What a goal! How do you measure up, reader? Good fathers will want their sons to exceed them in reputation and loving favour, for they will know the many mistakes they have made.

Nabal was the opposite. He was churlish – overbearing, harsh, and difficult (I Sam 25:2). His name meant fool, and even his wife said he was a fool (I Sam 25:25). He was a man of Belial – wicked and profane. The Lord let him think about dying for ten days before killing him, so David could marry his beautiful wife right after his funeral (I Sam 25:39).

Consider Joseph. Though a slave, he earned the loving favour of God and Potiphar by his exemplary conduct (Gen 39:1-6). Though charged with attempted rape, he earned the loving favour of God and the jailor (Gen 39:19-23). Though a long-term prisoner, he earned the loving favour of God and Pharaoh (Gen 41:38-45; Acts 7:10). Anyone who says their circumstances or past have poorly affected their name is just making excuses.

Consider Daniel. Though a captive eunuch from a strange, small country, he earned the loving favour of God and Ashpenaz, the prince of the eunuchs in Babylon (Dan 1:9). Though living a public life for many decades, his enemies could not find a single error or fault by which to accuse him to the king (Dan 6:1-5). What a role model for young men!

What can you do to build your name and reputation and win the loving favour of others?

Everything you do every day contributes toward your reputation and the favour of others. No matter how small or large, the accumulated effect of your words and actions combine to give God and men an appraisal of your character and faithfulness. Therefore, it is your solemn duty and privilege to keep your heart, lips, and feet with all prudent diligence.

Graciousness is the greatest trait for a good name and the loving favour of others, for it can win the friendship of kings and cause women to be always honored (Pr 22:11; 11:16). It is the perfect combination of gentleness, kindness, humility, and cheerfulness that makes men and women charming and delightful. How gracious are you?

Men love those who help build their lives (Pr 27:9,17; Ps 141:3). Are you a tree of life to others (Pr 11:30; 15:4)? Do they benefit by being around you (Pr 9:8; 25:12; 28:23)? Do they seek you for help? Would you help fellow prisoners like Joseph did? Or your captors like Daniel did? Or a lustful king like Esther did? Or many widows like Dorcas did?

Is your speech a healing balm, a sarcastic whip, or a foolish noise? Men love pleasant and good words that are kind, gentle, friendly, and helpful (Pr 12:18; 16:24; 18:21; 25:11). Is your speech always gracious with only a slight saltiness of rebuke to it (Col 4:6)?

Charity never fails! If you learn and apply the fifteen phrases describing true love (I Cor 13:4-7), your name will blossom as a beautiful flower. If your name is not great and your friends are few, it is evidence you have not learned true love. Charity never fails!

Just a little folly can spoil a reputation quickly (Eccl 10:1), so you must avoid even the appearance of evil (I Thess 5:22). And you must quickly make amends for offences (Matt 5:23-24). Ruling your spirit constantly is necessary to stay virtuous (Pr 16:32). Paul took extra measures to make sure he could never be accused of dishonesty (II Cor 8:21).

Warren Buffet, one of the world’s richest men and well received most anywhere, knows the wisdom of this proverb. He teaches others, “It takes twenty years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you will do things differently.”

John D. Rockefeller, one of the wealthiest men in human history, said, “The most important thing for a young man is to establish a credit – a reputation, character.” He also said, “Next to doing the right thing, the most important thing is to let people know you are doing the right thing.” This latter idea agrees well with Paul (Ro 12:17; II Cor 8:21).

If you are young, you have an advantage.  Your reputation is still being formed, and you should apply yourself with all diligence to make it the very best before God and men. If you are young, you have not made as many mistakes as older persons, meaning you have less to live down. Choose today to make this proverb a high goal and live according to it.

Have you blown your reputation already? Do you think it is too late? It is never too late, if you will repent before God, confess your sins to him, confess your faults to others, and make amends or restitution for any wrongs you have done. David recovered his reputation after terrible sins, and so did Zacchaeus and Peter (Luke 19:1-9; Gal 2:9).

Your name and reputation are daily choices, and you should choose to build them and preserve them more than any other project or goal. You can change your name and reputation, so consider it a blessed privilege, duty, and a high priority for your life. Rather than emphasizing exercise, diet, and sleep to build your body, which has little value to God or men, exercise yourself unto godliness and loving others (I Tim 4:7).

Husband, do you love your wife enough to help build her name and loving favour with others? Parent, do you understand the importance of this proverb as a goal for your children? Diligent efforts should be made every day to make sure your family name and that of each family member is clear of offence. What a wonderful family objective!

If you have taken the name of Jesus Christ as a Christian, it is important that your name and reputation give honor to your religion and its Leader (II Tim 2:19). Be like those of Pentecost, who grew in favor with all the people (Acts 2:47; Phil 2:14-16). Let your life adorn the doctrine of God with glory and beauty (Titus 2:5,8,10). Be like those nameless brethren endorsed by Paul as “the glory of Christ” (II Cor 8:23).

Jesus of Nazareth grew in favour with God and men during his youth (Luke 2:52). He was most gracious in conduct and speech (Ps 45:2; Luke 4:22). Because He loved righteousness and hated wickedness, God’s loving favour blessed Him with the oil of gladness above His fellows (Heb 1:9). His name is above every name by many measures. Choose to have a perfect name, even as His name is perfect in heaven and in earth.

Spiritual Training 27 June 2014

Posted: June 27, 2014 in 1 Corinthians, After you get saved., Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

1 Corinthians 7:20 Each one should remain in the situation, which he was in when God called him. 

Often we are so concerned about what we could be doing for God somewhere else that we miss great opportunities right where we are. Paul says that when someone becomes a Christian, he or she should usually continue with the work he or she has previously been doing provided it isn’t immoral or unethical. 

Lets Bring It Home:Every job can become Christian work when you realize that the purpose of your life is to honor, serve, and speak out for Christ. Because God has placed you where you are, look carefully for opportunities to serve him there.

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