Posts Tagged ‘Money Problems’


Under Gods Command

 Jeremiah 14:14 Then the LORD said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name.  I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them.  They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds. 

 What made the people listen to and support the false prophets?  These prophets said what the people wanted to hear.  False teachers earn fame and money by telling people what they want to hear, but they lead people away from God.  It we encourage false teaching, we are as guilty as they are.


Under Gods Command

 Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. 

 If you don’t want to learn, years of schooling will teach you very little.  But if you are to be taught, there is no end to what you can learn.  ‘This includes being willing to accept discipline and correction and to learn from the wisdom of others.  A person who refuses constructive criticism has a problem with pride.  Such a person is unlikely to learn very much.  How does this fit into your life.  Remember,  Same thing, Same Results.  In order to change the results in your life, you have to do something different.


Under Gods Command

 Jeremiah 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil. 

 Not even the threat of captivity could move the people to repent.  The people had become so accustomed to doing evil that they had lost their ability to change. God never rejects those who sincerely turn to him.  God is warning them to repent before it becomes impossible to change.  We must never put off until tomorrow those changes God wants us to make.  Our attitudes and patterns for living can become so set that we will lose all desire to change and will no longer fear the consequences.


Under Gods Command

Jeremiah 10:23-24 I know, O LORD, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.  Correct me, LORD, but only with justice-not in your anger, least you reduce me to nothing.

God’s ability to direct our lives well is infinitely beyond our ability.  Sometimes we are afraid of God’s power and God’s plans because we know his power would easily crush us if he used it against us.   Don’t be afraid to let God correct your plans.  He will give you wisdom if you are willing.


Under Gods Command

 Jeremiah 8:4-6 Say to them, This is what the LORDS says: “When men fall down do they not get up? When a man turns away, does he not return? Why then have these people turned away? Why does Jerusalem always turn away? They cling to deceit; they refuse to return.  I have listened attentively, but they do not say what is right.  No one repents of his wickedness, saying “What have I done?” Each pursues his own course like a horse charging into battle. 

 When people fall down or realize that they are headed in the wrong direction, it only makes sense for them to get up or change directions.  But as God watched the nation, he saw people living sinful lives by choice, deceiving themselves that there would be no consequences.  They had lost perspective concerning Gods will for their lives and were trying to minimize their sin.  Are there some indicators that you have fallen down or are heading the wrong way?  What are you doing to get back on the right path?


Under Gods Command

 

Proverbs 7:4-23  (4) Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman; (5) they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words. (6) At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice. (7) I saw among the simple, I noticed among young men, a youth who lacked judgment.  He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.  Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.  She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home; now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) (13) She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said:  I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows.  So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! (16) I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. (17) I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. (18) Come let’s drink deep of love morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! (19) My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. (20)  He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.  (21)With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.  All at once he followed her like an ox gong to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose (23) till and arrow pierces his liver like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. 

 

Proverbs 7:24-26 Now then my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.  Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths.  Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. 

 

Although this advice is directed toward young men, young women should heed it as well.  The person who has no purpose in life is simple-minded (7:7). Without aim or direction an empty life is unstable, vulnerable to many temptations.  Even though the young man in this passage doesn’t know where he is going, the adulteress knows where she wants him.  Notice her strategies: she is dressed to allure men (7:10); her approach is bold (7:13); she invites him over to her place 7:16-18); she cunningly answers his every objection (7:19, 20); she persuades him with smooth talk (7:21); she traps him (7:23).  To combat temptation, make sure your life is full of God’s Word and wisdom. (7:4). Recognize the strategies of temptation, and run away from them-fast. 

 

You can take definite steps to avoid sexual sins.  First, guard your mind.  Don’t read books, look at pictures, or encourage fantasies that stimulate the wrong desires.  Second, keep away from settings and friends that tempt you to sin.  Third, don’t think only of the moment-focus on the future.  Today’s thrill may lead to tomorrow’s ruin. 


Under Gods Command

 Jeremiah 7:9-11 “Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house which bears my Name, and say, “we are safe”- safe to do all these detestable things?  Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to your? But I have been watching! declares the LORD.  

 There are several parallels between how the people of Judah viewed their temple and how many today view their churches. (1) They didn’t make the temple part of their daily living.  We go to beautiful churches well-prepared for worship, but often we don’t take the presence of God with us through the week.  (2) The image of the temple became more important than the substance of faith.  The image of going to church and belonging to a group can become more important than a life changed for God.  (3) The people used their temple as a sanctuary.  Many use religious affiliation as a hideout, thinking it will protect them from evil and problems.


Under Gods Command

 Proverbs 5:3-8 – For the lips of an adulterous drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edge sword.  Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.  She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths are crooked, but she knows it not. Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say.  Keep to a path far from her; do not go near the door of her house, lest you give your best strength to others and your years to one who is cruel,

 This “adulteress” is a prostitute.  Proverbs includes many warnings against illicit sex for several reasons.  First, a prostitute’s charm is used as an example of any temptation to do wrong or to leave the pursuit of wisdom.  Second, sexual immorality of any kind was and still is extremely dangerous.  It destroys family life.  It erodes a person’s ability to love.  It degrades human beings and turns them into objects.  It can lead to disease.  It can result in unwanted children. Third, sexual immorality is against God’s law. 

 Any person should be on guard against those who use flattery and smooth speech (lips that drip honey) that would lead him or her into sin.  The best advice is to take a detour and even avoid conversation with such people.


Under Gods Command

 Jeremiah 7:2-3 Stand at the gate of the LORD’S house and there proclaim this message. Hear the word of the LORD, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the LORD.  This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place. 

 The people followed a worship ritual but maintained a sinful lifestyle.  It was religion without personal commitment to God. We can easily do the same.  Attending church, taking communion, teaching church school, singing in the choir-all are empty exercises unless we are truly doing them for God.  It is good to do these activities, not because we ought to do them for the church, but because we want to do them for God


Under Gods Command

 Proverbs 4:13-17 Hold on to instruction; do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.  Do not set foot on the path of the wicked, or walk in the way of evil men.  Avoid it, do not travel on it, turn from it and go on your way.  For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.  They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. 

 Even friends can make you fall.  It is difficult for people to accept the fact that friends and acquaintances might be luring them to do wrong.  Young people who want to be accepted would never want to confront or criticize a friend for wrong plans or actions.  Many other people can’t even see how their friend’s actions could lead to trouble.  While we should be accepting of others, we need a healthy skepticism about human behavior.  When you feel yourself being heavily influenced, proceed with caution.  Don’t let your friends cause you to fall into sin.