Posts Tagged ‘jesus christ’

Proverbs 08:18 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: January 8, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Proverbs 08, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 8:18 – With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. 

Wisdom is the surest way to wealth and reputation for nations and persons. Folly, the opposite of wisdom, generally leads to poverty and shame, as many proverbs and human experience prove. Hear Lady Wisdom promote the value of wisdom by its great benefits.

But there is much more, for spiritual wisdom that pleases God also leads to eternal riches in glory with the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ and the acceptance and honor of God as His dear children and the brethren of Jesus Christ. There are no greater benefits!

At first pass, this proverb seems simple. But its difficulty is in dividing the blessings rightly (II Tim 2:15). Are the riches natural or spiritual? To avoid doctrinal shame, we must divide it with great care and true submission to the Holy Spirit and scripture.

Consider the context from three vantage points. First, the whole book of Proverbs is primarily spiritual wisdom for natural life here. This is apparent throughout. Second, the eighth chapter is a personification of wisdom and its benefits (Pr 8:1-9,32-34). Third, the surrounding context is wisdom’s blessings on nations and governments (Pr 8:10-21).

The preceding verse encourages you to seek wisdom early – in life, in each day, in each situation – and you will be blessed. The following verse indicates that the riches under consideration are of greater value than financial riches. Wisdom will bring success in this life and the world to come, for it is the true fear of God (Pr 8:12-14; Eccl 12:13-14).

Wisdom does bring natural success to the nations and men seeking her. The success she brings is of an enduring sort based on righteousness. When Israel was wise, they were rich, very rich (Deut 28:1-14; I Kgs 10:27). When Israel sinned foolishly, they were reduced to poverty, great poverty (Deut 28:15-68; I Kgs 11:9-13). And this is one of the basic lessons of this book of wisdom (Pr 10:4,22; 11:24; 12:24; 19:15; 20:13; 21:17).

Adam Smith only saw surface aspects of success in “The Wealth of Nations” in 1776. For God had declared 3000 years earlier, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance” (Ps 33:12). And He also wrote, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Ps 9:17). Wise political theory would include thorough understanding of the God of nations!

America was great, and still has greatness, for one simple reason – God’s blessing. A large part of America, now a small minority, feared Him and sought Bible wisdom. “Witty inventions” (Pr 8:12), “strength” (Pr 8:14), “justice” (Pr 8:15), “judges” (Pr 8:16), “judgment” (Pr 8:20), “substance” (Pr 8:21), and “treasures” (Pr 8:21) are all blessings of wisdom on the US. This proverb adds riches, honour, durable riches, and righteousness!

Wicked men may get rich, as Nebuchadnezzar, Croesus, Xerxes, or Alexander the Great, but their riches were not durable or righteous. Those riches were God’s judgment – the prosperity of fools (Pr 1:32; Ps 17:14). Wise men are sometimes made poor, like Job and Jesus, for God providentially does other things in their lives (Job 1:1-12; Phil 2:5-8). Therefore, riches are not an absolute proof of wisdom, nor does wisdom always lead to riches. But the general rule is true – wisdom brings wealth and honor.

This general rule for nations and men is the primary thrust of the book, the chapter, and this proverb. Yet, spiritual riches of a durable nature extend beyond this life. They are superior to wealth, and they ought to be sought diligently (Matt 6:19-21,33; 13:44-46). True wisdom leads God’s children to a wonderful life now and eternal life to come (Ps 73:23-24; Mark 10:29-31). Whether rich or poor financially, glory shall soon be revealed of such splendor that nothing here can be compared to it (Rom 8:18; II Cor 4:17-18).

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.  

Spiritual Training 12 December 2013

Posted: December 12, 2013 in 2 Timothy, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

2nd Timothy 2:8-10  (8) Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David.  This is my gospel, (9) for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal.  But God’s word is not chained.  (10) Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 

False teachers were a problem in Ephesus.  At the heart of false teaching is an incorrect view of Christ.  In Timothy’s day many asserted that Christ was divine but not human-God but not man.  These days we often hear that Jesus was human but not divine-man but not God.  Either view destroys the good news that Jesus Christ has taken our sins on himself and has reconciled us to God.  In this verse, Paul firmly states that Jesus is fully man (“descended from David”) and fully God (“raised from the dead”). This is an important doctrine for all Christians.

Philippians 2:5-7 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross!

The incarnation was the act of the preexistent Son of God voluntarily assuming a human body and human nature.  Without ceasing to be God, he became a human being, the man called Jesus.  He did not give up his deity to become human, but he set aside the right to his glory and power.  In submission to the Father’s will, Christ limited his power and knowledge, Jesus of Nazareth was subject to place, time and many other human limitations.  What made his humanity unique was his freedom form sin.  In his full humanity, Jesus showed us everything about God’s character that can be conveyed in human terms.

Paul was in chains in prison because of the gospel he preached.  The truth about Jesus is no more popular in our day than in Paul’s, but it still reaches receptive hearts.  When Paul said that Jesus was God, he angered the Jews who had condemned Jesus for blasphemy; many Jews, however, became followers of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:24).  He angered the Romans who worshiped the emperor as god; but even some in Caesar’s household turned to Jesus (Philippians 4:22).  When Paul said Jesus was human, he angered the Greeks who thought divinity was soiled if it had any contact with humanity; still many Greeks accepted the faith (Acts 11:20,21).  The truth that Jesus is one person with two united natures has never been easy to understand, but that doesn’t make it untrue.

Lets Bring it Home: The truth of God’s Word is being believed by people every day and changing their lives for eternity.  Despite the opposition, continue to proclaim Christ.  Some will listen and believe.

Proverbs 11:16 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: December 11, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 11, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 11:16   A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. 

Here is one of Solomon’s greatest proverbs. It has a simple rule for great women and a simple rule for great men in just a few words. If you rank proverbs by brevity, wisdom, value, and clarity, this is one of the best. Love these ten words and the wisdom they give.

Dear woman, do others love and praise you? If so, you are gracious. If they do not, you are odious (Pr 30:21-23). The rule is simple. To have a good name and be held in loving favour by others, you need to learn graciousness and diligently practice it (Pr 22:1,11).

Graciousness will cause people to love and respect you. They will mark you as charming, enjoy your company, desire your friendship, praise your spirit, and use you as an example of virtue. A lack of graciousness will take these things from you. The rule is simple.

Dear man, have your assets grown over the years? If so, you are strong. If not, you are weak. The rule is simple. If you need better financial growth, you need to correct your financial weaknesses, which are taught in this book of Proverbs (Pr 12:11; 13:4; 21:20).

Strength keeps men from the temptations to waste and lose money. A strong man is not vulnerable to financial foolishness. It is weakness that causes men to spend too much, chase vanity, neglect saving, and pursue foolish ideas that bring loss. The rule is simple.

If you quickly read this proverb without assessing your life, you are foolish, rebellious, and arrogant. This is God’s holy word! If you flunk the rule for your sex, you must make whatever changes are needed to obey the wisdom given here. This is God’s holy word!

Dear reader, a woman is that wonderful creature God made for Adam (Gen 2:18). Well behaved, she is his most desirable possession (Pr 12:4; 18:22; 19:14). Poorly behaved, she is more bitter than death (Eccl 7:26), the world cannot stand her (Pr 30:21-23), and her stench cannot be hid (Pr 27:15-16). Even beauty cannot cover an odious woman (Pr 11:22), so a woman of average looks without graciousness is a terrible pain to humanity!

A gracious woman is “a lovely person.” Her warm and gentle virtue wins others. She is never offensive or haughty, always discreet and modest, and delightfully charming in every way. She is never disagreeable or critical. She is always kind and makes others feel safe and accepted. There is never tenseness, coldness, or harshness with this woman.

She has no haughty thoughts about herself and would swear she is not gracious. She limits her speech to kind and gentle words, and then only when they add significant value. She is submissive and cheerful. She never thinks she is owed anything by anyone. She is a wonderful hostess and never does anything offensive. She is most excellent. Every wise woman will learn all there is about this trait and diligently seek to acquire it.

An odious woman is the opposite. Her abrasive and offensive manners annoy others. She is haughty, indiscreet, and irritating in various ways. She is contrary and wants to give her opinion. She makes others feel uncomfortable. There is no warmth and pleasantness with this woman. Most everyone avoids her. Wise women will hate this creature.

A woman’s honour is her respect and esteem by others. Her family’s or spouse’s opinion matters little. What do other good men and women think of her? Here is the rule. Do they treasure her company? Do they use her as an example of virtue? Do they praise her? Do they love her instantly and permanently? This is the goal of a holy woman.

Graciousness earns honour and keeps honour. The rule is simple. Gracious women are always esteemed. If you are not highly regarded by others, you lack graciousness. By the mirror of God’s word, you must identify and cover your odious blemishes (Jas 1:21-25).

Do not deceive yourself by thinking you are gracious, for only others can measure it by how you affect them. You can know it by the number, the quality, the affection, and the depth of your friends. Do not run and hide in your conceit and self-righteousness.

Dear Christian lady, God’s word and this book of proverbs can teach you more about graciousness. If you humbly seek the Lord, He will give you the wisdom and strength to acquire this glorious trait of David and Jesus (Pr 22:11; I Sam 18:1-4; Ps 45:2; Lu 4:22).

What about the man? God gave him dominion over the earth (Gen 1:26; 2:15; 3:17-19). From his position of authority, he works to acquire assets for his family (Pr 19:14; Eph 4:28; I Thes 4:11-12; I Tim 5:8). A strong man works hard every day to make a good income (Pr 10:4; 21:5), and he leaves an inheritance for his grandchildren (Pr 13:22).

Strength is the power to do things and the force to repel attacks. A strong man has the ability to make wise choices, do the right thing, and resist temptations. He is able to rule his financial spirit (Pr 16:32). He can see potential evil and avoid it by wise measures (Pr 22:3). He is not intimidated by difficult assignments like other men (Pr 20:4; 22:13).

Think financially. A strong man is not vulnerable to vain financial ideas. He is disciplined. He is patient. He is persistent. He works hard at a boring job and does not waste precious capital chasing dreams. He rejects all talk about easy income or high-return investments. He knows that increase comes by labor. He is not distracted.

Read and consider. He locks down spending when necessary. He takes two jobs, if that is necessary. He saves money away from even his own use. He hates risk; he cuts losses short before they hurt him; and he invests in secure things. He is scrupulously honest. He pays all his taxes. He knows how to prudently use his wife and family for financial gain.

A weak man cannot do these things, for he is vulnerable to financial foolishness. He listens to harebrained schemes. He thinks there are shortcuts to success. He cannot stop spending, for he is too weak. He does not save, for he always has something else to buy. Money burns in his pockets. He takes risks; he holds losing ventures too long; he invests in vain ideas. He chases dreams. He is impulsive and cannot stick with a long-term goal.

Strength will keep riches. Strong men will have assets in the end. Many men make a lot of money during their lives, but many do not have very much in the end. It is weakness of character that lets riches get away. There is more financial wisdom in Proverbs than in Harvard’s MBA program. Have you learned its wisdom? Have you applied its wisdom?

America is the land of opportunity. Never has it been possible to make more with less effort than in America during the last fifty years. Strong men will have something to show for it. If you are not getting ahead, there is wisdom in God’s word to show your weak areas, and you need to eliminate them. Strong men keep riches. The rule is simple.

But what of true riches, the spiritual blessings in Jesus Christ? Strong men will retain them, for only weak men let the things they have heard slip away (I Thess 5:21). It is your duty as a man in the house of God to earnestly contend for the faith once delivered (Jude 1:3). Make sure you show greater strength maintaining the pillar and ground of the truth than you do keeping your savings accounts and balance sheets (I Tim 3:15).

Christian man! Here is your calling: “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (I Cor 16:13). Apply yourself with diligence and strength to retain the grace of God and defend the apostolic faith until Jesus Christ returns without losing any of either.

The Lord Jesus Christ was the ultimate Man in graciousness and strength, and it is your high privilege and duty to learn of Him and follow His glorious and prosperous example.

Proverbs 20:06 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: November 20, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 20, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

 Proverbs 20:06  – Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Spiritual Training 07 November 2013

Posted: November 7, 2013 in 2 Timothy, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command 

2nd Timothy: Paul was facing death.  He was not dying of a disease in a sterile hospital with loved ones gathered nearby.  He was very much alive, but his condition was terminal.  Convicted as a follower of Jesus of Nazareth, Paul sat in a cold Roman prison cut off from the world, with just a visitor or two and his writing materials.  Paul knew that soon he would be executed, so he wrote his final thoughts to his “son” Timothy, passing to him the torch of leadership, reminding him of what  was truly important, and encouraging him in the faith.

MEGATHEMES

Boldness

EXPLANATION: In the face of opposition and persecution, Timothy was to carry out his ministry without fear or shame. Paul urged him to utilize boldly the gifts of preaching and teaching that the Holy Spirit had given him.

IMPORTANCE: The Holy Spirit helps us to be wise and strong. God honors our confident testimony even when we suffer. To get over our fear of what people might say or do, we must take our eyes off of people and look only to God.

Faithfulness

EXPLANATION: Christ was faithful to all of us in dying for our sin. Paul was a faithful minister even when he was in prison. Paul urged Timothy to maintain not only sound doctrine but also loyalty, diligence, and endurance.

IMPORTANCE: We can count on opposition, suffering, and hardship as we serve Christ. But this shows that our faithfulness is having an effect on others. As we trust Christ, he counts us worthy to suffer, and he will give us the strength we need to be steadfast.

 

 

Preaching and Teaching

EXPLANATION: Paul and Timothy were active in preaching and teaching  the Good News about Jesus Christ. Paul encouraged Timothy not only to carry the torch of truth but also to train others, passing on to them sound doctrine and enthusiasm for Christ’s mission.

IMPORTANCE: We must prepare people to transmit God’s Word to others so that they in turn might pass it on. Does your church carefully train others to teach?

Error

EXPLANATION: In the final days before Christ returns, there will be false teachers, spiritual dropouts, and heretics. The remedy for error is to have a solid program for teaching Christians.

IMPORTANCE: Because of deception and false teaching, we must be disciplined and ready to reject error. Know the Word of God as your sure defense against error and confusion.

Proverbs 24 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: October 24, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Proverbs 24, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 24:25 But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them.

It is very wrong to excuse or protect the wicked, especially for civil rulers or judges; citizens and nations will curse and despise such leaders and their government (Pr 24:23-24). King Solomon in this context is teaching how rulers must punish evildoers.

In the proverb before you, Solomon encouraged leaders and judges to rebuke wicked men to receive the delight and blessing of God and men. It is the holy duty of righteous men, especially in positions of authority, to judge righteously and rebuke all evildoers.

The proverb is primarily for rulers, as Solomon the king addressed his son, the future king (Pr 24:21-24). Great rulers must govern justly, which includes rebuking sin wherever they find it (Pr 16:12; 20:8,26). It is a calamity and travesty when rulers compromise with wickedness. Jesus Christ is the only perfect ruler (Heb 1:9; Rev 19:15).

But the proverb also applies to all men, especially in their lesser offices of authority, for righteous men have a duty to rebuke sin and warn unruly men. Allowing any you know or meet to continue in sin without a rebuke is an act of hatred (Lev 19:17). If you are an employer, husband, or father, you have a duty to punish sinners to enforce righteousness.

If righteous men do not correct or rebuke sin, how will fools be instructed and warned or saints taught and perfected? If the wicked are not rebuked and punished, what will restrain them? You have a duty to live and speak in a way to reprove evil (Eph 5:11). From top to bottom, all men should rebuke sinners to send the right message (Eccl 8:11).

You are your brother’s keeper (Gen 4:9). “Iron sharpeneth iron,” Solomon said (Pr 27:17). Church members are to warn the unruly, and every church has them (I Thes 5:14). This is the means to help churches grow spiritually (Gal 6:1; Jas 5:19-20). Even fools and simple men can learn and improve by seeing scorners punished (Pr 19:25; 21:11).

Of course, the ministers of Jesus Christ have a great duty and role to rebuke the wicked, like Elihu rebuking the wicked words of Job (Job 32:1-2) or John the Baptist rebuking the unlawful marriage of Herod (Matt 14:3-5). A minister is at war every time he steps in the pulpit – war against the foolish notions of his hearers (II Cor 10:4-6). Public sinners should be rebuked publicly to get the attention of the whole church (I Tim 5:20).

Pastors must lift up their voices like trumpets and show churches their sins (Is 58:1). The work is so harsh at times that they have been described as hewing people in pieces with their words (Hos 6:5). They are to preach the word, whether the people want to hear it or not (II Tim 4:1-4). And they should mock any efforts to despise their authority (Tit 2:15).

They must avoid preaching smooth things, which sinful generations crave (Is 30:8-11). The word of God properly preached is a hammer and fire – it breaks in pieces the rocks of stubborn hearers (Jer 23:28-29). The people were astonished at the authority of Jesus Christ, for He rejected the mealy-mouthed compromise of their preachers (Matt 7:28-29).

The proverb here is primarily for civil rulers and judges, but it applies to every person in a position of authority, especially gospel ministers. Be attentive and faithful to rebuke the sinners God brings to your attention to obtain the delight and good blessing described here. If you exercise your authority well, you will also improve your part of the world.

Proverbs 22:17-18 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: October 22, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 17, Proverbs 18, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 22:17-18 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise, apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. 

The words of God are wonderful things! It is your duty to bow down your ears and hear them (Pr 22:17). It is your duty to apply your heart to love them (Pr 22:17). They will bring great pleasure to your soul, and you will be prepared to share them with others.

Keeping God’s words in your heart will be pleasant to your soul. They will be sweeter than honey (Ps 119:103), the rejoicing of your heart (Ps 119:111), and like finding great spoil (Ps 119:162). Jeremiah said they were the joy and rejoicing of his heart (Jer 15:16).

Do you crave God’s words? Job said, “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). How long do you go without food? Do you crave God’s words like you do food?

Is the preaching of God’s words the best part of your week? Or is it going out to eat? Do you go to hear His very words explained? Does your pastor even believe He has God’s words? Does he present them as individual jewels from God’s mouth? Demand them!

Do you have the words of God? There are so many Bibles today, all proclaiming to be the word (singular) of God. But which Bible has the words (plural) of God? Jesus Christ and His apostles had Scripture from which they argued important doctrine from single words (Matt 22:31-33,41-46; John 8:58; 10:33-36; Gal 3:16; 4:9; Heb 8:13; 12:26-27).

Do you love and appreciate the divine library God has given you? Is it as precious to you as much fine gold and as sweet to you as honeycomb (Ps 19:10)? Do you open its pages with awe and reverence, begging God to reveal new things to you (Ps 119:18)? There are 66 books of all kinds in this library, 1189 chapters, 31,102 verses, and 788,280 words!

Only by knowing the certain words of God can we use them to answer others, for Solomon said, “That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” (Pr 22:21). It is only the certain words of truth that we want to hear, and it only them we want to speak to others.

If you keep these precious words within you, meditating upon them and applying them to your own life and the world around you, they will become fitted in your lips. You will have ready words on the tip of your tongue for those seeking the truth. You will be able to answer their hard questions, for the words of truth will be very familiar to your mind.

God’s true saints have His words fitted in their lips, and they feed many (Pr 10:21; 15:7). They exalt Jesus Christ as the sovereign Lord of all in their hearts, and they are always ready to give an answer to those asking for reasons for their faith (I Pet 3:15). If this is not true of you, reader, where have you failed? Do you need a better teacher, to listen more attentively, to read more often, or to meditate more carefully? Do whatever it takes!

Proverbs 17:07 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: October 17, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 17, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

Proverbs 17:7 Arrogant lips are unsuited to a fool-how much worse lying lips to a ruler. 

Are your words compatible with your character, conduct, and position? You do yourself a disservice when speaking well, if your life does not back up your words. And you do much worse to yourself, if you have a leadership role and are not scrupulously honest. The lesson is simple: make both your words and works good, so as to be compatible.

Excellent speech is only attractive when spoken by a wise man (Eccl 10:12). When fools, known by their general folly, try to sound noble or wise, they only irritate others by their conceit and hypocrisy. But far worse, as indicated by the comparative “much less,” is a person in authority who does not have the highest regard for honesty and truth (Pr 16:12).

Speech is usually a good measure of a person, which makes incompatible speech so bad. But character and conduct generally say more. The worst of men can sound noble and virtuous for a minute, and the most reputable by word or rank can reveal an evil heart by fraud or lying. Even a child is known by his doing, not his talking (Pr 20:11).

Good words or fair speeches from ignorant or wicked men are revolting to the senses, for the two things are entirely incompatible. Fools and evil men do not have the heart or conduct to justify counsel or leadership, so they should be ignored and rejected (Pr 17:16; 26:1-9). Their efforts to join in discussion with wise and prudent men are profanely rude.

How much more repulsive are lies from a person in authority! A leader or ruler is in office for the comfort, guidance, prosperity, and security of those under his authority. But dishonesty destroys confidence in those in power, leaves men vulnerable, and perverts justice. The assignment of authority from heaven brings with it a high call for integrity.

Noble men and rulers must never lie, because it is an ugly blot on their character, reputation, and office, which should be known by all for faithful and sober honesty. Deceit or lying of any sort is very unbecoming to any person in a position of power or influence. The privilege of authority and leadership brings the responsibility of truth.

A wise man of the world, Plato, taught that princes have a right to lie due to privilege of office, the opposite of Solomon’s warning. From whom do you want to learn? A pagan philosopher or an inspired Preacher (Eccl 12:9-11; I Cor 1:19-20)! Governments have often said or implied, Qui nescit dissimulare, nescit regnare – he who knows not how to dissemble knows not how to reign. But they are the blind leading the blind, and they and their followers shall fall into the ditch of trouble and destruction (Matt 15:12-14).

Thankfully, there have been wise rulers who knew the value of truth in office. Louis IX of France (1214-1270) said, “If truth be banished from all the rest of the world, it ought to be found in the breast of princes.” King Alphonsus of Arragon, who read the Bible through fourteen times, declared, “One word of a prince should be a greater security than a private man’s oath.” A king’s divine sentence cannot contain lies (Pr 16:10).

Faithfulness, honesty, and truth uphold leaders, for those under authority find comfort, peace, and security in the certainty of their ruler’s words. Great kings delight in righteousness and right speaking that flows from a pure heart (Pr 16:13; 22:11). They know truth will preserve their reign (Pr 12:19) and lies will corrupt their court (Pr 29:12).

It is a shame when politicians use spin to alter public perception of events or legislation when not necessary or right. Political honesty and integrity are too often sacrificed. Wise rulers will keep certain things concealed and divert attention, for they more than ordinary men have the need to keep classified or other information from the public (Pr 29:11).

There has been only one king whose lips never came close to lying – Jesus Christ – the Faithful and True Witness (Rev 1:5; 3:14; 19:11). He is the Truth (John 14:6). He is the Word of Truth (Jas 1:18). He brought grace and truth, and He bore witness to the truth (John 1:14,17; 18:37; Rom 15:8). David and sons paled in comparison (II Sam 23:1-5).

Let every one that claims the name of Jesus Christ despise and reject all exaggeration, dishonesty, and lying, especially if they have any position of authority from parent to president. Let them go out of their way to make things openly and visibly honest to all men. Parents must be impeccably honest to keep the hearts and minds of their children. Pastors must be so to keep their hearers (II Cor 8:20-21; Titus 2:8).

Let every one that claims the name of Jesus Christ depart from folly and sin, lest he pollute and stain the Christian religion with his hypocrisy. Why should the precious truth of the gospel of Christ be polluted through the lips of a fool (Ezek 20:39; II Tim 2:19)? Hypocrisy is the greatest blight on the only true religion by those who profess with their lips and deny with their lives (Isaiah 29:13; Ezek 33:31; Matt 15:7-9; Titus 1:16).

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
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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 14 May 2013

Posted: May 15, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Romans, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

Romans 12:04-05 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Paul uses the concept of the human body to teach how Christians should live and work together. Just as the parts of the body function under the direction of the brain, so Christians are to work together under the command and authority of Jesus Christ.

Lets Bring it home: We Christians must avoid two common errors: (1) being too proud of our abilities, or (2) thinking we have nothing to give to the body of believers. Instead of comparing ourselves to one another, we should use our different gifts, together, to spread the Good News of salvation.

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