Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Proverbs 30
PROVERBS 30
"Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
Do not add to His words,
Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar."
(vs 5-6)
A promise and a warning. To those who trust in the Lord, and keep His words, He is a shield. Every word of God is pure. Every word, every commandment, every statute, every law, every judgement.
"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward."
- Psalm 19:7-11
To those who add to His Holy word, He rebukes and calls a liar. Those called to be God’s children are warned not to add to His word or subtract from His commands. The passage below from Deuteronomy chapter 12, spoken to God’s people Israel, was given also for our example. The New Covenenat did not change the Word of God. The promises and the warnings that were to the nation Israel in the Old Testament, are now to the True Israel, the "Israel of God" (Gal 6:16), which is the body of Christ (Jew and Gentile alike) in the New Testament (Rom 9:4-8) The promises and the warnings given to them, apply to us. (1 Cor 10:1-13). As Paul taught us - "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." - 1 Cor 10:11-12
Looking at that admonition in Deuteronomy: to God’s people it was written -
"When the LORD your God cuts off before you the nations which you are going in to dispossess, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land, beware that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ’How do these nations serve their gods, that I also may do likewise?’ You shall not behave thus toward the LORD your God, for every abominable act which the LORD hates they have done for their gods; for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.
Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it."- Deut 12:29-32
When the Lord Jesus forgives our past sins, and delivers us from our bondage, and we become His disciples, we still dwell in a world full of false gods. Truth is, dear saints, when we accept the call of God on our lives, the lure of those false gods often becomes stronger, as the enemy of our souls seeks to steer us off the Path of Life, and back into the world, and our former way of life (or rather death). The way that leads to death is wide, and the enticements are many. The Lord exhorts us -
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to Life, and there are few who find it."- Matt 7:13-14
The Lord commands that we follow not after those false gods. God is unchanging. Some would have us believe that He changes with the times, and that He now accepts certain sins, and abominable lifestyles. He does not. His Word is pure, His law is perfect. In an attempt to justify our sins, we add to, or subtract from the Holy Scripture. Where His command is to love Him with all our mind, heart, soul and strength... we have loved rather ourselves, at the expense of God and the body of Christ. (I’m speaking here about the the Christian religion as a whole). We rob God of sons and daughters He desires, as we put our own passions and desires first. We sacrifice our children, or even prevent children from being born, to satisfy our own pleasures. These things ought not to be. We are to be multiplying and raising our children properly, in the fear of the Lord, training them in the way that they should go.
May we be found among those who do trust in the Lord God, who do desire His righteous judgments, who do yearn for His Truth. Be encouraged, brothers & sisters, for as the Proverb declares -
"Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him."
(vs 5)
God’s wisdom and understanding to all,
Michael
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Proverbs 29
PROVERBS 29
"He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck,
Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
(vs 1)
We read throughout the Old Testament how Israel often refused to listen to the Lord, and accept His discipline. Even after He had delivered them many times, they would once again need to be rebuked, as they turned from following Him, and stubbornly rejected His correction.
Nehemiah recounts the many rises and falls of the Israelites, and tells of the deliverers (the Judges) that God had sent time and again to rescue them and set the nation back on God’s path and give them rest. But...
“But after they had rest, they again did evil before You.
Therefore You left them in the hand of their enemies,
So that they had dominion over them;
Yet when they returned and cried out to You, You heard from heaven;
And many times You delivered them according to Your mercies,
And testified against them, That You might bring them back to Your law.
Yet they acted proudly, And did not heed Your commandments,
But sinned against Your judgments,
‘ Which if a man does, he shall live by them.’
And they shrugged their shoulders, Stiffened their necks, And would not hear.
Yet for many years You had patience with them,
And testified against them by Your Spirit in Your prophets.
Yet they would not listen;
Therefore You gave them into the hand of the peoples of the lands."
- Neh 9:28-30
Elsewhere in the Book of Proverbs we read -
"Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you;
rebuke a wise man and he will love you."
- Prov 9:8
"He who listens to a life-giving rebuke
will be at home among the wise."
- Prov 15:31
Rebuke or correction is meant to be a good thing. Those who are wise will recognize, accept, and be thankful for a reproof that opens their eyes to God’s Truth on a matter. The Bible says in several places - The Lord rebukes those He loves... for our own good, that He may rid us of the sin in us that cannot dwell in His Presence. He chastens and corrects us... so He can bless us with His goodness.
"Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent."
- Rev 3:19
God is preparing a Church, a body for His Son, kings to rule with the King over all creation. I see a strong connection between verse 1 above, and the following verse -
"The king who judges the poor with truth,
His throne will be established forever."
(vs 14)
The second book of Samuel 7:12-17 was the passage I was led to that tied them together, and I hope to share more on that later, after I pray and seek God’s understanding on these verses.
May we never refuse the correction of the Lord, which comes in prayer, through the reading of the Word, from a pastor or discerning elder. May we always judge rightly and in Truth. Friends, may all we say and do, and hope for, be pleasing unto God.
Peace & blessings,
Michael
"He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck,
Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
(vs 1)
We read throughout the Old Testament how Israel often refused to listen to the Lord, and accept His discipline. Even after He had delivered them many times, they would once again need to be rebuked, as they turned from following Him, and stubbornly rejected His correction.
Nehemiah recounts the many rises and falls of the Israelites, and tells of the deliverers (the Judges) that God had sent time and again to rescue them and set the nation back on God’s path and give them rest. But...
“But after they had rest, they again did evil before You.
Therefore You left them in the hand of their enemies,
So that they had dominion over them;
Yet when they returned and cried out to You, You heard from heaven;
And many times You delivered them according to Your mercies,
And testified against them, That You might bring them back to Your law.
Yet they acted proudly, And did not heed Your commandments,
But sinned against Your judgments,
‘ Which if a man does, he shall live by them.’
And they shrugged their shoulders, Stiffened their necks, And would not hear.
Yet for many years You had patience with them,
And testified against them by Your Spirit in Your prophets.
Yet they would not listen;
Therefore You gave them into the hand of the peoples of the lands."
- Neh 9:28-30
Elsewhere in the Book of Proverbs we read -
"Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you;
rebuke a wise man and he will love you."
- Prov 9:8
"He who listens to a life-giving rebuke
will be at home among the wise."
- Prov 15:31
Rebuke or correction is meant to be a good thing. Those who are wise will recognize, accept, and be thankful for a reproof that opens their eyes to God’s Truth on a matter. The Bible says in several places - The Lord rebukes those He loves... for our own good, that He may rid us of the sin in us that cannot dwell in His Presence. He chastens and corrects us... so He can bless us with His goodness.
"Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent."
- Rev 3:19
God is preparing a Church, a body for His Son, kings to rule with the King over all creation. I see a strong connection between verse 1 above, and the following verse -
"The king who judges the poor with truth,
His throne will be established forever."
(vs 14)
The second book of Samuel 7:12-17 was the passage I was led to that tied them together, and I hope to share more on that later, after I pray and seek God’s understanding on these verses.
May we never refuse the correction of the Lord, which comes in prayer, through the reading of the Word, from a pastor or discerning elder. May we always judge rightly and in Truth. Friends, may all we say and do, and hope for, be pleasing unto God.
Peace & blessings,
Michael
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Proverbs 28
PROVERBS 28
"Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son,
But a companion of gluttons shames his father."
(vs 6-7)
Worldly wealth means nothing in the Eternal scheme of things. What does matter is our behavior. Are we honest in our business. Are we faithful to our loved ones. Do we walk humbly and with integrity before the Lord.
Discernment is the result of practice (Heb 5:14), of inquiring of the Lord always, of keeping His commands and spending time in His Word. Those who live as such are called God’s sons. Those whose time is spent rather on the appetites of our earthly nature, shame our heavenly Father.
As we’ve seen all throughout the Proverbs, we read yet again an emphasis on obedience to God’s Word. Being under the New Covenant we have been freed from the Mosaic Law, but as Paul writes often, we will always be under Law, only now it is the Law of the Spirit of Life that we are subject to (Rom 8). Of himself, and Timothy and Titus, Paul said they were "ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2 Cor 3:6) The Apostle knew the Law of Moses inside and out, and had stuck by it to the point where he once persecuted those who were believing in the Name of Jesus. Yet now he knew and could boldly speak the Truth - The letter of the Mosaic Law brings death, but the Law of the Spirit brings Life.
As Jesus prepared His disciples for what was to come after His sacrifice and Resurrection, and His return to the Father, He told them -
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all Truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you."- John 16:12-14
Obedience to the Law which the Spirit reveals to us, is of the utmost importance, and the consequences are eternal.
"Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us."- 1 John 3:24
"One who turns away his ear from hearing the law,
Even his prayer is an abomination."
(vs 9)
Again, that Law is the Law of the Spirit, that brings Truth and Life. If we turn from that Law, if we allow ourselves to be preoccupied with other things so that we cannot hear Him speaking to us, then what we do pray is an abomination to God. The Spirit knew the time would come when men would turn from the Truth which He came to impart to us, and through Paul, warns us -
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths."- 2 Tim 4:3-4
Indeed, we are to "turn away". Not from hearing, and walking in, the Law of the Spirit, but rather we who are God’s people are to turn away from the sin, and the false gods in our lives -
"Therefore say to the house of Israel, ’Thus says the Lord GOD, "Repent and turn away from your idols and turn your faces away from all your abominations.
"For anyone of the house of Israel or of the immigrants who stay in Israel who separates himself from Me, sets up his idols in his heart, puts right before his face the stumbling block of his iniquity, and then comes to the prophet to inquire of Me for himself, I the LORD will be brought to answer him in My own person.
"I will set My face against that man and make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from among My people. So you will know that I am the LORD."
- Eze 14:6-8
May we never be found turning away from hearing the words of God. May we never allow iniquity to remain in us that will hinder our relationship to God, and our Eternal destiny. Rather may we be able to confidently say -
"Come and hear, all you who fear God,
And I will declare what He has done for my soul.
I cried to Him with my mouth,
And He was extolled with my tongue.
If I regard iniquity in my heart,
The Lord will not hear.
But certainly God has heard me;
He has attended to the voice of my prayer.
Blessed be God,
Who has not turned away my prayer,
Nor His mercy from me!"
- Psa 66:16-20
Peace & blessings to you & yours,
Michael
Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved,
But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
(vs 18)
"Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son,
But a companion of gluttons shames his father."
(vs 6-7)
Worldly wealth means nothing in the Eternal scheme of things. What does matter is our behavior. Are we honest in our business. Are we faithful to our loved ones. Do we walk humbly and with integrity before the Lord.
Discernment is the result of practice (Heb 5:14), of inquiring of the Lord always, of keeping His commands and spending time in His Word. Those who live as such are called God’s sons. Those whose time is spent rather on the appetites of our earthly nature, shame our heavenly Father.
As we’ve seen all throughout the Proverbs, we read yet again an emphasis on obedience to God’s Word. Being under the New Covenant we have been freed from the Mosaic Law, but as Paul writes often, we will always be under Law, only now it is the Law of the Spirit of Life that we are subject to (Rom 8). Of himself, and Timothy and Titus, Paul said they were "ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2 Cor 3:6) The Apostle knew the Law of Moses inside and out, and had stuck by it to the point where he once persecuted those who were believing in the Name of Jesus. Yet now he knew and could boldly speak the Truth - The letter of the Mosaic Law brings death, but the Law of the Spirit brings Life.
As Jesus prepared His disciples for what was to come after His sacrifice and Resurrection, and His return to the Father, He told them -
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all Truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you."- John 16:12-14
Obedience to the Law which the Spirit reveals to us, is of the utmost importance, and the consequences are eternal.
"Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us."- 1 John 3:24
"One who turns away his ear from hearing the law,
Even his prayer is an abomination."
(vs 9)
Again, that Law is the Law of the Spirit, that brings Truth and Life. If we turn from that Law, if we allow ourselves to be preoccupied with other things so that we cannot hear Him speaking to us, then what we do pray is an abomination to God. The Spirit knew the time would come when men would turn from the Truth which He came to impart to us, and through Paul, warns us -
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths."- 2 Tim 4:3-4
Indeed, we are to "turn away". Not from hearing, and walking in, the Law of the Spirit, but rather we who are God’s people are to turn away from the sin, and the false gods in our lives -
"Therefore say to the house of Israel, ’Thus says the Lord GOD, "Repent and turn away from your idols and turn your faces away from all your abominations.
"For anyone of the house of Israel or of the immigrants who stay in Israel who separates himself from Me, sets up his idols in his heart, puts right before his face the stumbling block of his iniquity, and then comes to the prophet to inquire of Me for himself, I the LORD will be brought to answer him in My own person.
"I will set My face against that man and make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from among My people. So you will know that I am the LORD."
- Eze 14:6-8
May we never be found turning away from hearing the words of God. May we never allow iniquity to remain in us that will hinder our relationship to God, and our Eternal destiny. Rather may we be able to confidently say -
"Come and hear, all you who fear God,
And I will declare what He has done for my soul.
I cried to Him with my mouth,
And He was extolled with my tongue.
If I regard iniquity in my heart,
The Lord will not hear.
But certainly God has heard me;
He has attended to the voice of my prayer.
Blessed be God,
Who has not turned away my prayer,
Nor His mercy from me!"
- Psa 66:16-20
Peace & blessings to you & yours,
Michael
Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved,
But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
(vs 18)
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Proverbs 27
PROVERBS 27
"As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
(vs 17)
This verse speaks of the importance of fellowship, and accountability. We are strengthened in our own personal walk, and as the body of Christ, as we meet together (Heb 10:25), as we pray together (James 5:14-16), as we intercede (Eph 6:18-19), as we share the body and blood of Christ together (Acts 2:42-47)
Brothers & sisters, I cannot stress enough the need for fellowship, and I could go on and on on this topic, but I want to take a look at a couple other verses today...
"Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit;
So he who waits on his Master will be honored.
As in water face reflects face,
So a man’s heart reveals the man."
(vs 18-19)
One of my favorite Psalms, that talks a great deal about the relationship between our behavior and the blessings of the Lord, Psalm 37, exhorts us to wait on the Lord, our Master, and walk in His way.
"Wait on the LORD,
And keep His way,
And He shall exalt you to inherit the land;
When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it."
- Psalm 37:34
King David, who knew well that relationship, and desired to receive the blessings of the Lord, cried out to Him -
"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting."
- Psalm 139:23-24
David wanted his heart to be pure and blameless before God, and asked Him to bring conviction where it was needed, that he might repent and turn from any wickedness. He did not try to tell God what was in his heart, rather he asked God to point out any areas in it that might cause offense to Him or any others, that he could make it right, and be found walking in the Lord’s way. That was made very real when, through the Prophet Nathan, God brought conviction upon King David for a sin which he had committed. David made no excuse for his action, but immediately repented. (2 Sam 12:13)
May our actions always be pleasing unto the Lord, and if we do slip, and commit iniquity, may our response be to immediately acknowledge that we have caused offense, to repent before God, and allow Him to cleanse us (1 John 1:9). David was defiled by that which he had done, but his heart was revealed in his response to the conviction brought upon him for his sin. He repented, fasted and prayed before all for the offense he had committed.
In a New Testament account, we read of Peter’s admonition to a man whose actions brought offense - "your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” (Acts 8:21-23)
The Apostle saw what was in the man’s heart, by his behavior.
Many times I’ve heard said, "... but God knows my heart". I remember using that expression myself, and usually to make excuse for something I did that was not quite right. But as the Scripture tells us, it is what is seen that is true of us. "As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man." When we look into a pool of water, or into a mirror, we see what is there, and so it is with our hearts... our behavior shows what is in our hearts, and reveals to others and to God who we truly are.
If we are one of His, then we will show forth the fruit of the Spirit of God - "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." (Gal 5:22)
If we are of the world, then that is what is in our hearts, and that is what will be revealed when push comes to shove. If what is revealed in our behavior is wicked, then we will be cut off from the promised inheritance of God. The Lord will not accept the excuse "but I really have a good heart." If our deeds are evil, then we are defiled.
"That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.
All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man."- Mark 7:20-23
We can tell people all about the kind of person that we are, but, friends, the proof is not in words, but in action. How we behave is who we are. John writes -
"Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.
We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things.
Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.
This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us."
-1 John 3:18-23
The enemy will often play on our hearts, and try to condemn us of things that are not True. But, as John wrote, if we are actually loving God, and one another in deed and truth, then our hearts are assured before Him. We can have confidence in Him, not because of things we say, but because we have obeyed His commands, and it is evident in the things that proceed from our hearts.
Dear saints, may we be living our lives free from condemnation, as we walk according to the Spirit (Rom 8:1-4). But may we seek, and welcome, the conviction of that same Spirit, to reveal any wicked, offensive ways within us that will defile us, that we may seek His help, and even the help of our brothers in Christ, to keep us in the "way everlasting."
Thank You, Lord God, for Your words of Truth and Life. May they sink into our very being, our soul, our heart, and cause us to become those with whom the Master is pleased. Guide us, Lord, and keep us in Your Way.
God bless you and keep you,
Michael
The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
And a man is valued by what others say of him
(vs 21)
"As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
(vs 17)
This verse speaks of the importance of fellowship, and accountability. We are strengthened in our own personal walk, and as the body of Christ, as we meet together (Heb 10:25), as we pray together (James 5:14-16), as we intercede (Eph 6:18-19), as we share the body and blood of Christ together (Acts 2:42-47)
Brothers & sisters, I cannot stress enough the need for fellowship, and I could go on and on on this topic, but I want to take a look at a couple other verses today...
"Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit;
So he who waits on his Master will be honored.
As in water face reflects face,
So a man’s heart reveals the man."
(vs 18-19)
One of my favorite Psalms, that talks a great deal about the relationship between our behavior and the blessings of the Lord, Psalm 37, exhorts us to wait on the Lord, our Master, and walk in His way.
"Wait on the LORD,
And keep His way,
And He shall exalt you to inherit the land;
When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it."
- Psalm 37:34
King David, who knew well that relationship, and desired to receive the blessings of the Lord, cried out to Him -
"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting."
- Psalm 139:23-24
David wanted his heart to be pure and blameless before God, and asked Him to bring conviction where it was needed, that he might repent and turn from any wickedness. He did not try to tell God what was in his heart, rather he asked God to point out any areas in it that might cause offense to Him or any others, that he could make it right, and be found walking in the Lord’s way. That was made very real when, through the Prophet Nathan, God brought conviction upon King David for a sin which he had committed. David made no excuse for his action, but immediately repented. (2 Sam 12:13)
May our actions always be pleasing unto the Lord, and if we do slip, and commit iniquity, may our response be to immediately acknowledge that we have caused offense, to repent before God, and allow Him to cleanse us (1 John 1:9). David was defiled by that which he had done, but his heart was revealed in his response to the conviction brought upon him for his sin. He repented, fasted and prayed before all for the offense he had committed.
In a New Testament account, we read of Peter’s admonition to a man whose actions brought offense - "your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” (Acts 8:21-23)
The Apostle saw what was in the man’s heart, by his behavior.
Many times I’ve heard said, "... but God knows my heart". I remember using that expression myself, and usually to make excuse for something I did that was not quite right. But as the Scripture tells us, it is what is seen that is true of us. "As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man." When we look into a pool of water, or into a mirror, we see what is there, and so it is with our hearts... our behavior shows what is in our hearts, and reveals to others and to God who we truly are.
If we are one of His, then we will show forth the fruit of the Spirit of God - "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." (Gal 5:22)
If we are of the world, then that is what is in our hearts, and that is what will be revealed when push comes to shove. If what is revealed in our behavior is wicked, then we will be cut off from the promised inheritance of God. The Lord will not accept the excuse "but I really have a good heart." If our deeds are evil, then we are defiled.
"That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.
All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man."- Mark 7:20-23
We can tell people all about the kind of person that we are, but, friends, the proof is not in words, but in action. How we behave is who we are. John writes -
"Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.
We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things.
Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.
This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us."
-1 John 3:18-23
The enemy will often play on our hearts, and try to condemn us of things that are not True. But, as John wrote, if we are actually loving God, and one another in deed and truth, then our hearts are assured before Him. We can have confidence in Him, not because of things we say, but because we have obeyed His commands, and it is evident in the things that proceed from our hearts.
Dear saints, may we be living our lives free from condemnation, as we walk according to the Spirit (Rom 8:1-4). But may we seek, and welcome, the conviction of that same Spirit, to reveal any wicked, offensive ways within us that will defile us, that we may seek His help, and even the help of our brothers in Christ, to keep us in the "way everlasting."
Thank You, Lord God, for Your words of Truth and Life. May they sink into our very being, our soul, our heart, and cause us to become those with whom the Master is pleased. Guide us, Lord, and keep us in Your Way.
God bless you and keep you,
Michael
The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
And a man is valued by what others say of him
(vs 21)
Proverbs 26
PROVERBS 26
"As a dog returns to his own vomit,
So a fool repeats his folly."
(vs 11)
This verse above speaks loud and clear to me, friends. The Holy Scripture contains many incredible promises of God. Born into this world in a sinful state, we have the opportunity to partake of God’s wonderful plan when we accept the blood sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, and turn from the wicked ways of the world.
When Messiah Jesus stood to teach in the temple of His hometown...
"He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
“ The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty (set free) those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”
- Luke 4:17-19
I lived in the world for too long, made many mistakes, and brought sadness to the heart of God by my sinful behavior. Having been set free and given the opportunity to receive His promises, I would be a fool if I were to return to any of the ways I once lived. Jesus said we are only truly disciples of His IF we continue in His word. Then we will know the Truth, and t he Truth will make us free. Jesus is the Truth. Once we have accepted His atonement for our past sins, repented, and been baptized into His Name, we have become of the family of God. When we deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Jesus, we become His disciples. We become part of the household of God. Then He tells us, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine."
Can we now allow sin to remain in our lives? Jesus tells us - "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin." Everyone. He goes on to say that that slave (of sin) will not remain in the house forever. If we continue to sin, we show that we are not His disciple, and we will not remain in His house. Only those who are truly sons will remain. Then will the Son, Himself, make us truly free.
This word Jesus spoke not only to the Jews of His day, but to all who would believe in Him. It is a Kingdom principal that will stand til the end of this age.
"So Jesus was saying to those who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the Truth, and the Truth will make you free."
"Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." (from John 8:31-36)
As I've written previously, I believe the Apostle Paul would be greatly disappointed to see how his teachings have been distorted to a point where Christians are taught that God doesn't see their current sinful behavior anymore, and that regardless of how we live our lives we will remain in the house of God forever because of His grace.
"What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.
I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting Life.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
- Rom 6:15-23
That entire passage above, and the entire book of Romans, was written to Christians. I’ve actually heard pastors say that verse 23 was written to the unsaved. Have any of us ever composed a letter to someone, and then, all the sudden, write a sentence to someone else in the middle of it, and then continue on writing to whom the letter was addressed? Might I say, that would be ridiculous. Dear saints, the entire New Testament wwas written to believers. All the promises and all the warnings are to us, the body of Christ. Paul continued on in his letter -
"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God."- Rom 8:1-8
Can we say this day that God is pleased with our behavior? Are we indeed walking according to the Spirit, in obedience to the Word, and in the fear of the Lord? For that is what sets us free from condemnation.
I know what I share here is not what many hear from the pulpits on Sunday morning, and may even contradict what many others preach. Yet it is the Word of God. He has given me a heart for those in the body of Christ who are hurting. And it saddens me to see Christians who accept sin in their lives because they are ’taught’ that it is okay for Christ will continue to forgive them anyway. The Scripture warned this day would come, that the people of God would say to their spiritual leaders - "Speak to us pleasant words, prophesy illusions." (Is 30:10).
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the Truth, and be turned aside to fables."- 2 Tim 4:3-4
I judge no one’s salvation, ever. And I down no one for their belief in a doctrine. I only share what the Lord puts on my heart, and what the Holy Spirit has made clear to me in the Scripture. And I write to encourage and strengthen my brothers & sisters in Christ. The Apostle Peter, on the other hand, does make bold statements about those who teach false doctrine, to satisfy their own desires, increase their fame, or pad their pocketbooks.
"For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who are barely escaping from the ones who live in error, promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.
For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them.
It has happened to them according to the true proverb, "A dog returns to its own vomit, " and, "A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire."
- 2 Pet 2:18-22
And we see that Peter quotes our opening verse from Proverbs 26, to describe what it is like for those who turn back to the things we have been set free from. May that never be true of us. May we never allow ourselves to be enticed and become entangled by that which brings only separation from God.
Brothers & sisters, my prayer is that we will hold firmly to that which is True, that we will look always to Christ for understanding, and that our hope will remain in the promises of God. Yea, that we ourselves will remain in His house, His family, forever.
God’s peace and blessings to you & your loved ones,
Michael
"As a dog returns to his own vomit,
So a fool repeats his folly."
(vs 11)
This verse above speaks loud and clear to me, friends. The Holy Scripture contains many incredible promises of God. Born into this world in a sinful state, we have the opportunity to partake of God’s wonderful plan when we accept the blood sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, and turn from the wicked ways of the world.
When Messiah Jesus stood to teach in the temple of His hometown...
"He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
“ The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty (set free) those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”
- Luke 4:17-19
I lived in the world for too long, made many mistakes, and brought sadness to the heart of God by my sinful behavior. Having been set free and given the opportunity to receive His promises, I would be a fool if I were to return to any of the ways I once lived. Jesus said we are only truly disciples of His IF we continue in His word. Then we will know the Truth, and t he Truth will make us free. Jesus is the Truth. Once we have accepted His atonement for our past sins, repented, and been baptized into His Name, we have become of the family of God. When we deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Jesus, we become His disciples. We become part of the household of God. Then He tells us, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine."
Can we now allow sin to remain in our lives? Jesus tells us - "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin." Everyone. He goes on to say that that slave (of sin) will not remain in the house forever. If we continue to sin, we show that we are not His disciple, and we will not remain in His house. Only those who are truly sons will remain. Then will the Son, Himself, make us truly free.
This word Jesus spoke not only to the Jews of His day, but to all who would believe in Him. It is a Kingdom principal that will stand til the end of this age.
"So Jesus was saying to those who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the Truth, and the Truth will make you free."
"Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." (from John 8:31-36)
As I've written previously, I believe the Apostle Paul would be greatly disappointed to see how his teachings have been distorted to a point where Christians are taught that God doesn't see their current sinful behavior anymore, and that regardless of how we live our lives we will remain in the house of God forever because of His grace.
"What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.
I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting Life.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
- Rom 6:15-23
That entire passage above, and the entire book of Romans, was written to Christians. I’ve actually heard pastors say that verse 23 was written to the unsaved. Have any of us ever composed a letter to someone, and then, all the sudden, write a sentence to someone else in the middle of it, and then continue on writing to whom the letter was addressed? Might I say, that would be ridiculous. Dear saints, the entire New Testament wwas written to believers. All the promises and all the warnings are to us, the body of Christ. Paul continued on in his letter -
"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God."- Rom 8:1-8
Can we say this day that God is pleased with our behavior? Are we indeed walking according to the Spirit, in obedience to the Word, and in the fear of the Lord? For that is what sets us free from condemnation.
I know what I share here is not what many hear from the pulpits on Sunday morning, and may even contradict what many others preach. Yet it is the Word of God. He has given me a heart for those in the body of Christ who are hurting. And it saddens me to see Christians who accept sin in their lives because they are ’taught’ that it is okay for Christ will continue to forgive them anyway. The Scripture warned this day would come, that the people of God would say to their spiritual leaders - "Speak to us pleasant words, prophesy illusions." (Is 30:10).
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the Truth, and be turned aside to fables."- 2 Tim 4:3-4
I judge no one’s salvation, ever. And I down no one for their belief in a doctrine. I only share what the Lord puts on my heart, and what the Holy Spirit has made clear to me in the Scripture. And I write to encourage and strengthen my brothers & sisters in Christ. The Apostle Peter, on the other hand, does make bold statements about those who teach false doctrine, to satisfy their own desires, increase their fame, or pad their pocketbooks.
"For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who are barely escaping from the ones who live in error, promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.
For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them.
It has happened to them according to the true proverb, "A dog returns to its own vomit, " and, "A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire."
- 2 Pet 2:18-22
And we see that Peter quotes our opening verse from Proverbs 26, to describe what it is like for those who turn back to the things we have been set free from. May that never be true of us. May we never allow ourselves to be enticed and become entangled by that which brings only separation from God.
Brothers & sisters, my prayer is that we will hold firmly to that which is True, that we will look always to Christ for understanding, and that our hope will remain in the promises of God. Yea, that we ourselves will remain in His house, His family, forever.
God’s peace and blessings to you & your loved ones,
Michael
Proverbs 25
PROVERBS 25
"Whoever has no rule over his own spirit
Is like a city broken down, without walls."
(vs 28)
Dear friends, this past week has been a busy one, and has left me physically and mentally drained. But I wanted to share a quick thought on the last verse of this Proverb.
As we see elsewhere in the Proverbs, and in many of Paul’s epistles, the necessity of self-control for the Christian. If we have not self-control, or discernment, we let our guard down, and find ourselves an easy prey for the enemy. Without those walls standing firmly in place, representing the Eternal Law of God, then sin can easily enter and lead us astray. We see that all around us today, in the world, and even in the church as well, as those without self-control fall, time & again. Rather than ruling our own spirit, by keeping it humble before the Lord, and allowing it to be renewed and strengthened day by day, we have allowed our spirits to be ruled by money, greed, and pleasure.
Of these days the Apostle Paul prophesied -
"But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
- 2 Tim 3:1-7
Oh, there is much to be said about this subject. There are many accounts in the Old Testament of God’s people failing to keep a reign on their spirits and practice self-control, and the results where always disastrous. Perhaps we will study more on this next month, or in an upcoming Proverb.
"Solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."- Heb 5:13
May we be found among those who do indeed practice self-control, rule their spirits, and have trained their senses to discern good & evil. The result being that the Lord will grant us to partake of the solid food of His Word, that we may come to the knowledge of the Truth.
God’s peace & blessings to all,
Michael
"Whoever has no rule over his own spirit
Is like a city broken down, without walls."
(vs 28)
Dear friends, this past week has been a busy one, and has left me physically and mentally drained. But I wanted to share a quick thought on the last verse of this Proverb.
As we see elsewhere in the Proverbs, and in many of Paul’s epistles, the necessity of self-control for the Christian. If we have not self-control, or discernment, we let our guard down, and find ourselves an easy prey for the enemy. Without those walls standing firmly in place, representing the Eternal Law of God, then sin can easily enter and lead us astray. We see that all around us today, in the world, and even in the church as well, as those without self-control fall, time & again. Rather than ruling our own spirit, by keeping it humble before the Lord, and allowing it to be renewed and strengthened day by day, we have allowed our spirits to be ruled by money, greed, and pleasure.
Of these days the Apostle Paul prophesied -
"But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
- 2 Tim 3:1-7
Oh, there is much to be said about this subject. There are many accounts in the Old Testament of God’s people failing to keep a reign on their spirits and practice self-control, and the results where always disastrous. Perhaps we will study more on this next month, or in an upcoming Proverb.
"Solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."- Heb 5:13
May we be found among those who do indeed practice self-control, rule their spirits, and have trained their senses to discern good & evil. The result being that the Lord will grant us to partake of the solid food of His Word, that we may come to the knowledge of the Truth.
God’s peace & blessings to all,
Michael
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Proverbs 24
PROVERBS 24
"These things also belong to the wise:
It is not good to show partiality in judgment."
(vs 23)
Dear brothers & sisters, fellow followers of our Lord Jesus, may we - in everything - judge rightly. Firstly in our own lives, may we make proper judgment against sin, and for holiness and righteousness. In the example we show before our children and those around us, may we never compromise, may we never accept or make excuse for sinful behavior. And as the body of Christ, may we not show favoritism towards any member, but judge righteous judgment in all matters. Scripture says it is a sin to show partiality towards others, because they have more worldly wealth or greater position or "fame". A few days ago, as we studied Proverbs 21 we read a verse from Ezekiel that applies here as well -
“You say, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ Hear now, O house of Israel, is it not My way which is fair, and your ways which are not fair?" - Eze 18:25
The Lord’s brother, James, had much to say about how we are to treat one another, as Christians.
"My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, "You sit here in a good place, " and you say to the poor man, "You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool, " have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?" - James 2:1-4
And he quotes a command given by God, through Moses, Paul, and the Lord Jesus, Himself -
"If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself, ” you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors." - James 2:8-9
As many times as this appears in the Bible, we can see that it is important to Almighty God, how we (who will one day judge men and angels) judge now.
"You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you are to judge your neighbor fairly." - Lev 19:15
"You shall not distort justice; you shall not be partial, and you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous." - Deut 16:19
Sadly, today’s church, as a whole, does not stand against sin as they should, in an effort to be politically correct and keep people from being offended and leaving their congregations. Yet Paul stood firm on this issue. He recognized the reality of living in a world full of sin, but his command to the body of Christ was to never accept sinful behavior, and not to allow it to remain in the church, regardless of who the person committing iniquity was.
"He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous, ”
Him the people will curse;
Nations will abhor him.
But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
And a good blessing will come upon them."
(vs 24-25)
A popular saying among Christians - "we are sinners saved by grace", is indeed True, but that is not the end of our faith, it is the beginning. Once we have accepted the call of God on our lives, we are to turn from our wicked ways, follow after the Spirit of Life, and "be holy". Paul, who wrote much about our faith in Christ, also wrote these words to the body of Christ -
"I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner - not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.” - 1 Cor 5:9-13
and again -
"Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality." - 1 Tim 5:20-21
God’s forgiveness is never to be taken lightly, or for granted. We who are being shown the Truth as we walk according to the Spirit, are to judge rightly, without partiality, with discernment, and with the wisdom of God. The Father shows no favoritism toward those who make a name for themselves, or those who have great earthly wealth, or even great knowledge of the Scripture. Rather He calls us all to be holy, and He will judge each of us fairly according to our own deeds, choices and behavior.
"Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God."
- 1 Pet 1:13-21
Indeed, we’ve covered some hard Truth tonight. May any conviction we feel come only from the Holy Spirit, and cause us to seek the Lord, and His strength to help us overcome.
God’s wisdom and understanding to us all,
Michael
If you say, "But we knew nothing about this, "
does not He who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not He who guards your life know it?
Will He not repay each person according to what he has done?
(vs 12)
"These things also belong to the wise:
It is not good to show partiality in judgment."
(vs 23)
Dear brothers & sisters, fellow followers of our Lord Jesus, may we - in everything - judge rightly. Firstly in our own lives, may we make proper judgment against sin, and for holiness and righteousness. In the example we show before our children and those around us, may we never compromise, may we never accept or make excuse for sinful behavior. And as the body of Christ, may we not show favoritism towards any member, but judge righteous judgment in all matters. Scripture says it is a sin to show partiality towards others, because they have more worldly wealth or greater position or "fame". A few days ago, as we studied Proverbs 21 we read a verse from Ezekiel that applies here as well -
“You say, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ Hear now, O house of Israel, is it not My way which is fair, and your ways which are not fair?" - Eze 18:25
The Lord’s brother, James, had much to say about how we are to treat one another, as Christians.
"My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, "You sit here in a good place, " and you say to the poor man, "You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool, " have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?" - James 2:1-4
And he quotes a command given by God, through Moses, Paul, and the Lord Jesus, Himself -
"If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself, ” you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors." - James 2:8-9
As many times as this appears in the Bible, we can see that it is important to Almighty God, how we (who will one day judge men and angels) judge now.
"You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you are to judge your neighbor fairly." - Lev 19:15
"You shall not distort justice; you shall not be partial, and you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous." - Deut 16:19
Sadly, today’s church, as a whole, does not stand against sin as they should, in an effort to be politically correct and keep people from being offended and leaving their congregations. Yet Paul stood firm on this issue. He recognized the reality of living in a world full of sin, but his command to the body of Christ was to never accept sinful behavior, and not to allow it to remain in the church, regardless of who the person committing iniquity was.
"He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous, ”
Him the people will curse;
Nations will abhor him.
But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
And a good blessing will come upon them."
(vs 24-25)
A popular saying among Christians - "we are sinners saved by grace", is indeed True, but that is not the end of our faith, it is the beginning. Once we have accepted the call of God on our lives, we are to turn from our wicked ways, follow after the Spirit of Life, and "be holy". Paul, who wrote much about our faith in Christ, also wrote these words to the body of Christ -
"I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner - not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.” - 1 Cor 5:9-13
and again -
"Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality." - 1 Tim 5:20-21
God’s forgiveness is never to be taken lightly, or for granted. We who are being shown the Truth as we walk according to the Spirit, are to judge rightly, without partiality, with discernment, and with the wisdom of God. The Father shows no favoritism toward those who make a name for themselves, or those who have great earthly wealth, or even great knowledge of the Scripture. Rather He calls us all to be holy, and He will judge each of us fairly according to our own deeds, choices and behavior.
"Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God."
- 1 Pet 1:13-21
Indeed, we’ve covered some hard Truth tonight. May any conviction we feel come only from the Holy Spirit, and cause us to seek the Lord, and His strength to help us overcome.
God’s wisdom and understanding to us all,
Michael
If you say, "But we knew nothing about this, "
does not He who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not He who guards your life know it?
Will He not repay each person according to what he has done?
(vs 12)
Monday, June 23, 2008
Proverbs 23
PROVERBS 23
"Do not eat the bread of a selfish man,
Or desire his delicacies;
For as he thinks within himself, so he is.
He says to you, "Eat and drink!"
But his heart is not with you."
(vs 6-7)
There is a worldly spirit that can come upon a man, even one who is a Christian. A party spirit that is selfish and contains no Eternal Life. It was said of some of God’s people Israel -
"Yes, they are greedy dogs
Which never have enough.
And they are shepherds
Who cannot understand;
They all look to their own way,
Every one for his own gain,
From his own territory.
“Come,” one says, “I will bring wine,
And we will fill ourselves with intoxicating drink;
Tomorrow will be as today,
And much more abundant.”- Is 56:11-12
That is the party spirit that brings only death. There are those who would entice us to partake of that spirit with them, but it is to satisfy their own selfishness for truly their "heart is not with you."
Paul wrote this warning, and promise, to the Christian church -
"The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." - Gal 6:8
Continuing this thought... skipping down a bit in this Proverb we read -
"Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaining?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?
Those who tarry long over wine,
those who go to try mixed wine."
(vs 29-30)
Passages like these speak volumes to me. Because I’ve been there. I know the sorrow and the strife I brought upon myself. I can recall the complaining I used to do. I know the wounds I afflicted upon others without cause. I was walking that selfish path that leads to death. Praise God I am no longer on that path.
Ten years ago God showed me the destruction I was reaping, caused by many years of excessive drinking. He opened my eyes through the Scripture and made real to me the damage I was doing to my life and those around me, and the consequences that would occur if I continued in that way.
"Woe to those who rise early in the morning,
That they may follow intoxicating drink;
Who continue until night, till wine inflames them!
The harp and the strings,
The tambourine and flute,
And wine are in their feasts;
But they do not regard the work of the LORD,
Nor consider the operation of His hands.
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!
Woe to men mighty at drinking wine,
Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink."
(Isaiah 5:11-12, 21-22)
And had I not obeyed the voice of the Lord, those consequences would have been Eternal.
"Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble,
And the flame consumes the chaff,
So their root will be as rottenness,
And their blossom will ascend like dust;
Because they have rejected the law of the LORD of hosts,
And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel."
(Isaiah 5:24)
Now we know from the Bible our Lord Jesus drank wine, and indeed His first miracle at Cana in Galilee was turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). And we can read Jesus repeating what many were saying of Him, in Matthew’s Gospel -
"The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ’Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds." - Matt 11:19
Those saying this were judging by external standards, for they had not ears to hear what He was saying, they had not spiritual eyes to discern the Truth. Jesus was not a drunkard. He did not desire the selfish things of man. For His heart is with us.
"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." - John 7:24
Jesus invites us to come to the Truth. To get for ourselves as much wisdom, and understanding as we can, and not squander it or take it lightly. He warns us not to trade it for earthly pleasures or to become weary in seeking it.
"Listen, my son, and be wise,
And direct your heart in the way.
Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine,
Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;
For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty,
And drowsiness will clothe one with rags.
Listen to your father who begot you,
And do not despise your mother when she is old.
Buy Truth, and do not sell it,
Get wisdom and instruction and understanding."
(vs 19-23)
"What is Truth?", Pilate asked. (John 18:38)
Jesus would say to us - "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but by Me’." - John 14:6
My friends, all that our Lord Jesus told His disciples, all His instruction to the crowds, all the warnings He gave to those who believed Him not, and all His promises throughout Scripture are True. All He spoke about the Kingdom is True. He cannot speak anything but the Truth, for He is Truth. He is called "Faithful and True" (Rev 3:14, 19:11)
This Truth is available to us... for a price. It is not merely handed to us, lest we abuse it. As Adam and Eve experienced: wisdom and knowledge, without The Truth, without Christ, will only get us into trouble. There was another who desired greatly to obtain all wisdom apart from the Lord, one who desired to be equal to God on his own terms. His destruction was eternal (Isaiah 14:12-15)
God will not grant us all understanding if we were not subject to the Lord Jesus. He cannot allow us to partake of the Tree of Knowledge, unless we first partake of the Tree of Life. The price we pay to buy Truth is in setting aside our earthly desires to spend time with Jesus, and learn from Him. We purchase His wisdom and understanding not with money, but with our time. It is in prayer, in seeking Him, in crying out to Him that He opens our eyes that we may see, and our ears that we may truly hear. When we give up our selfish desires to follow Him, we exchange our human knowledge for His Truth.
"Therefore I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may be rich, and white garments to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see." - Rev 3:18
Drunkenness is a sin. Partaking of the fruit of the vine as Jesus did is not. Disobeying a personal commandment from the Lord to abstain from certain activities that may be fine for others is a sin. Acting in faith, with a clear conscience before God is not. Causing your brother or sister in the Lord to stumble by your behavior is a sin. Exhorting them, and pursuing righteousness peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, is not.
"So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.
I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." - Rom 14:12-19
May we first judge ourselves, that we be found in right standing with God. And let us "judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment."
Dear saints, I didn’t realize this post would get this long! I pray that what I’ve shared here is faithful to the Word of God, and that it may be a blessing and minister Life to those who managed to read it all the way through.
God’s peace and love to you & your families,
Michael
"Do not eat the bread of a selfish man,
Or desire his delicacies;
For as he thinks within himself, so he is.
He says to you, "Eat and drink!"
But his heart is not with you."
(vs 6-7)
There is a worldly spirit that can come upon a man, even one who is a Christian. A party spirit that is selfish and contains no Eternal Life. It was said of some of God’s people Israel -
"Yes, they are greedy dogs
Which never have enough.
And they are shepherds
Who cannot understand;
They all look to their own way,
Every one for his own gain,
From his own territory.
“Come,” one says, “I will bring wine,
And we will fill ourselves with intoxicating drink;
Tomorrow will be as today,
And much more abundant.”- Is 56:11-12
That is the party spirit that brings only death. There are those who would entice us to partake of that spirit with them, but it is to satisfy their own selfishness for truly their "heart is not with you."
Paul wrote this warning, and promise, to the Christian church -
"The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." - Gal 6:8
Continuing this thought... skipping down a bit in this Proverb we read -
"Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaining?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?
Those who tarry long over wine,
those who go to try mixed wine."
(vs 29-30)
Passages like these speak volumes to me. Because I’ve been there. I know the sorrow and the strife I brought upon myself. I can recall the complaining I used to do. I know the wounds I afflicted upon others without cause. I was walking that selfish path that leads to death. Praise God I am no longer on that path.
Ten years ago God showed me the destruction I was reaping, caused by many years of excessive drinking. He opened my eyes through the Scripture and made real to me the damage I was doing to my life and those around me, and the consequences that would occur if I continued in that way.
"Woe to those who rise early in the morning,
That they may follow intoxicating drink;
Who continue until night, till wine inflames them!
The harp and the strings,
The tambourine and flute,
And wine are in their feasts;
But they do not regard the work of the LORD,
Nor consider the operation of His hands.
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!
Woe to men mighty at drinking wine,
Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink."
(Isaiah 5:11-12, 21-22)
And had I not obeyed the voice of the Lord, those consequences would have been Eternal.
"Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble,
And the flame consumes the chaff,
So their root will be as rottenness,
And their blossom will ascend like dust;
Because they have rejected the law of the LORD of hosts,
And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel."
(Isaiah 5:24)
Now we know from the Bible our Lord Jesus drank wine, and indeed His first miracle at Cana in Galilee was turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). And we can read Jesus repeating what many were saying of Him, in Matthew’s Gospel -
"The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ’Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds." - Matt 11:19
Those saying this were judging by external standards, for they had not ears to hear what He was saying, they had not spiritual eyes to discern the Truth. Jesus was not a drunkard. He did not desire the selfish things of man. For His heart is with us.
"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." - John 7:24
Jesus invites us to come to the Truth. To get for ourselves as much wisdom, and understanding as we can, and not squander it or take it lightly. He warns us not to trade it for earthly pleasures or to become weary in seeking it.
"Listen, my son, and be wise,
And direct your heart in the way.
Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine,
Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;
For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty,
And drowsiness will clothe one with rags.
Listen to your father who begot you,
And do not despise your mother when she is old.
Buy Truth, and do not sell it,
Get wisdom and instruction and understanding."
(vs 19-23)
"What is Truth?", Pilate asked. (John 18:38)
Jesus would say to us - "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but by Me’." - John 14:6
My friends, all that our Lord Jesus told His disciples, all His instruction to the crowds, all the warnings He gave to those who believed Him not, and all His promises throughout Scripture are True. All He spoke about the Kingdom is True. He cannot speak anything but the Truth, for He is Truth. He is called "Faithful and True" (Rev 3:14, 19:11)
This Truth is available to us... for a price. It is not merely handed to us, lest we abuse it. As Adam and Eve experienced: wisdom and knowledge, without The Truth, without Christ, will only get us into trouble. There was another who desired greatly to obtain all wisdom apart from the Lord, one who desired to be equal to God on his own terms. His destruction was eternal (Isaiah 14:12-15)
God will not grant us all understanding if we were not subject to the Lord Jesus. He cannot allow us to partake of the Tree of Knowledge, unless we first partake of the Tree of Life. The price we pay to buy Truth is in setting aside our earthly desires to spend time with Jesus, and learn from Him. We purchase His wisdom and understanding not with money, but with our time. It is in prayer, in seeking Him, in crying out to Him that He opens our eyes that we may see, and our ears that we may truly hear. When we give up our selfish desires to follow Him, we exchange our human knowledge for His Truth.
"Therefore I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may be rich, and white garments to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see." - Rev 3:18
Drunkenness is a sin. Partaking of the fruit of the vine as Jesus did is not. Disobeying a personal commandment from the Lord to abstain from certain activities that may be fine for others is a sin. Acting in faith, with a clear conscience before God is not. Causing your brother or sister in the Lord to stumble by your behavior is a sin. Exhorting them, and pursuing righteousness peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, is not.
"So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.
I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." - Rom 14:12-19
May we first judge ourselves, that we be found in right standing with God. And let us "judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment."
Dear saints, I didn’t realize this post would get this long! I pray that what I’ve shared here is faithful to the Word of God, and that it may be a blessing and minister Life to those who managed to read it all the way through.
God’s peace and love to you & your families,
Michael
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Proverbs 22
PROVERBS 22
"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
Loving favor rather than silver and gold.
The rich and the poor have this in common,
The LORD is the maker of them all.
A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself,
But the simple pass on and are punished."
(vs 1-3)
"The prudent sees the evil and hides himself,
But the naive go on, and are punished for it."
(vs 3) NAS
Webster's 1828 DIctionary defines one who is prudent as one who is cautious, practically wise; one who is careful of the consequences of enterprises or action; cautious not to act when the end is of doubtful utility. And he quotes Proverbs 22:3 and Proverbs 14:15 to emphasis his definition.
Dear friends, may we always exercise wise discernment, that we may foresee the consequences of our actions, and hide ourselves from that which is evil; that we may turn aside from the paths that lead to pain and sorrow.
The Bible tells us to flee fornication (1 Cor 6:18), flee idolatry (1 Cor 19:14), turn from our wicked ways (Eze 33), flee the love of money and material possessions (1 Tim 6:10-11). God has called us to maturity, to be "conformed not to this world" (Rom 12:2), but rather "be conformed into the image of His Son." (Rom 8:29).
"Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." - 2 Tim 2:22
"By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, " have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected.
By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked." - 1 John 2:3-6
I love this song of King David, of whom the Scripture says was a "man after God's own heart" ~
"I will sing of lovingkindness and justice,
To You, O LORD, I will sing praises.
I will give heed to the blameless way
When will You come to me?
I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart.
I will set no worthless thing before my eyes;
I hate the work of those who fall away;
It shall not fasten its grip on me.
A perverse heart shall depart from me;
I will know no evil."
- Psalm 101:1-4
Sin is a choice. Never do we HAVE to sin. We must choose to flee from temptation and turn away from sinful desires. God will not accept excuses for any willful sinful behavior from His children.
And I pray we would be found teaching these principles, these words of Life, to our children.
"Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it."
(vs 6)
Oh, the wonderful promise to those who heed God's charge to us, to those who keep Christ's commands -
"He who loves purity of heart,
and whose speech is gracious,
will have the King as his friend."
(vs 11)
The King, Himself, desires to be our friend. Christ Jesus, who is, and always be, our Lord and Master, would that we also enter into that deeper relationship with Him. That of friendship.
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
You are My friends if you do whatever I command you."- John 15:9-14
"The King shall be his friend."
The earthly king David had this hope within him. To have intimate friendship with the Eternal King. Therefore he determined as we read above "I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart. A perverse heart shall depart from me." He set himself to purify his heart. The Apostle John, who got as close to the King as he could, writes -
"Everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." - (1 John 3:3)
May this be our hope as well. To be not only servants of the Most High, but friends of the King as well.
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." - Matt 5:8
Peace & blessings,
Michael
"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
Loving favor rather than silver and gold.
The rich and the poor have this in common,
The LORD is the maker of them all.
A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself,
But the simple pass on and are punished."
(vs 1-3)
"The prudent sees the evil and hides himself,
But the naive go on, and are punished for it."
(vs 3) NAS
Webster's 1828 DIctionary defines one who is prudent as one who is cautious, practically wise; one who is careful of the consequences of enterprises or action; cautious not to act when the end is of doubtful utility. And he quotes Proverbs 22:3 and Proverbs 14:15 to emphasis his definition.
Dear friends, may we always exercise wise discernment, that we may foresee the consequences of our actions, and hide ourselves from that which is evil; that we may turn aside from the paths that lead to pain and sorrow.
The Bible tells us to flee fornication (1 Cor 6:18), flee idolatry (1 Cor 19:14), turn from our wicked ways (Eze 33), flee the love of money and material possessions (1 Tim 6:10-11). God has called us to maturity, to be "conformed not to this world" (Rom 12:2), but rather "be conformed into the image of His Son." (Rom 8:29).
"Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." - 2 Tim 2:22
"By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, " have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected.
By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked." - 1 John 2:3-6
I love this song of King David, of whom the Scripture says was a "man after God's own heart" ~
"I will sing of lovingkindness and justice,
To You, O LORD, I will sing praises.
I will give heed to the blameless way
When will You come to me?
I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart.
I will set no worthless thing before my eyes;
I hate the work of those who fall away;
It shall not fasten its grip on me.
A perverse heart shall depart from me;
I will know no evil."
- Psalm 101:1-4
Sin is a choice. Never do we HAVE to sin. We must choose to flee from temptation and turn away from sinful desires. God will not accept excuses for any willful sinful behavior from His children.
And I pray we would be found teaching these principles, these words of Life, to our children.
"Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it."
(vs 6)
Oh, the wonderful promise to those who heed God's charge to us, to those who keep Christ's commands -
"He who loves purity of heart,
and whose speech is gracious,
will have the King as his friend."
(vs 11)
The King, Himself, desires to be our friend. Christ Jesus, who is, and always be, our Lord and Master, would that we also enter into that deeper relationship with Him. That of friendship.
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
You are My friends if you do whatever I command you."- John 15:9-14
"The King shall be his friend."
The earthly king David had this hope within him. To have intimate friendship with the Eternal King. Therefore he determined as we read above "I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart. A perverse heart shall depart from me." He set himself to purify his heart. The Apostle John, who got as close to the King as he could, writes -
"Everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." - (1 John 3:3)
May this be our hope as well. To be not only servants of the Most High, but friends of the King as well.
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." - Matt 5:8
Peace & blessings,
Michael
Proverbs 21
PROVERBS 21
Just a quick thought or two...
"The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD,
Like the rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes."
(vs 1)
When a king fully commits his way unto the Lord, and places his heart into His hand, the Lord can direct all his steps and guide all his ways, that His will might be done in the kings life.
Friends, we are called to be kings. Kings unto God. John greeted the saints in the Name of "Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." - Rev 1:5-6
And we are called to commit our heart unto Him, that His holy and perfect will might be worked out in us, that we might abide in His Light.
"You are a chosen generation, a royal (kingly) priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." - 1 Pet 2:9
"There is desirable treasure,
And oil in the dwelling of the wise,
But a foolish man squanders it.
He who follows righteousness and mercy
Finds life, righteousness, and honor."
(vs 20-21)
As we studied yesterday in Proverbs 20 we read the parable of the wise & foolish virgins. Those who were wise made sure they always had enough of the oil for their lamps. They did not squander that which they had. Here too the Scripture tells us that oil is found in the dwelling, or temple, of the wise. That temple is our heart, our mind, soul and strength.
Jesus said we are to be the "light of the world", that we should not "hide our lamps under a bushel", that we are to "let our light so shine..." that God may be glorified. (Matt 5:14-16) And that oil represents the anointing of the Holy Spirit. As we seek the Lord, commit our hearts to Him, we allow Him to fill us with His Spirit, that our lamps might shine brightly with His Light.
"You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness
will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
- Psalm 23:5-6
As we follow righteousness and mercy... goodness and love will follow us. As we allow the Holy Spirit to dwell with us, then we find ourselves dwelling in the family of God, in the living temple of the Lord. As we keep ourselves in the Presence of the Lord, His Spirit abides with us, and we are blessed by Him, and ourselves become a blessing to others. Praise His Holy Name!
God's peace & love to you & yours,
Michael
Just a quick thought or two...
"The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD,
Like the rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes."
(vs 1)
When a king fully commits his way unto the Lord, and places his heart into His hand, the Lord can direct all his steps and guide all his ways, that His will might be done in the kings life.
Friends, we are called to be kings. Kings unto God. John greeted the saints in the Name of "Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." - Rev 1:5-6
And we are called to commit our heart unto Him, that His holy and perfect will might be worked out in us, that we might abide in His Light.
"You are a chosen generation, a royal (kingly) priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." - 1 Pet 2:9
"There is desirable treasure,
And oil in the dwelling of the wise,
But a foolish man squanders it.
He who follows righteousness and mercy
Finds life, righteousness, and honor."
(vs 20-21)
As we studied yesterday in Proverbs 20 we read the parable of the wise & foolish virgins. Those who were wise made sure they always had enough of the oil for their lamps. They did not squander that which they had. Here too the Scripture tells us that oil is found in the dwelling, or temple, of the wise. That temple is our heart, our mind, soul and strength.
Jesus said we are to be the "light of the world", that we should not "hide our lamps under a bushel", that we are to "let our light so shine..." that God may be glorified. (Matt 5:14-16) And that oil represents the anointing of the Holy Spirit. As we seek the Lord, commit our hearts to Him, we allow Him to fill us with His Spirit, that our lamps might shine brightly with His Light.
"You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness
will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
- Psalm 23:5-6
As we follow righteousness and mercy... goodness and love will follow us. As we allow the Holy Spirit to dwell with us, then we find ourselves dwelling in the family of God, in the living temple of the Lord. As we keep ourselves in the Presence of the Lord, His Spirit abides with us, and we are blessed by Him, and ourselves become a blessing to others. Praise His Holy Name!
God's peace & love to you & yours,
Michael
Friday, June 20, 2008
Proverbs 20
PROVERBS 20
"The lazy man will not plow because of winter;
He will beg during harvest and have nothing."
(vs 4)
Noah Webster translates ~
"The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold;
[therefore] shall he beg in harvest, and [have] nothing."
(Websters Bible)
Just meditating on, and praying about this one verse, I can feel a sermon building up in me! I’m thinking we may have to wait to cover any other verses from this Proverb ’til later.
Jesus offered this warning to those who would follow Him -
"No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62
Several of our Lord’s parables addressed those who did not continue to labor unto their calling, those who made excuses for not following and obeying Him wholeheartedly (Matt 25:24-30, Luke 13:22-30)
May we not cease from cultivating the seed that has been planted in us. When the excitement of new birth (salvation) of the Spring, the fire (revival) of Summer, and the rain (Holy Spirit) of Autumn, have given way to a cold season of testing and refining (Winter), may we not look back to that which we have been delivered from. May we press on, and say, as the Apostle Paul -
"I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." - Phil 3:8-14
Paul never became lazy in his walk, he never took God for granted. The winter seasons of suffering and persecution he looked upon as opportunity to know Christ more intimately, his eyes ever looking ahead to the Harvest. The Word exhorts us to keep our hand to the plow, to continually press in, to fight the good fight, to keep our lamps trimmed & burning. When that final Harvest comes, will the Lord find that we have been steadfastly plowing, sowing, reaping even now, that which brings Eternal Life. (John 4:35-38) When comes our time to stand before God, may we possess as much of Christ as He has given us opportunity to possess.
"Whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him." - Matt 13:12
Looking at one last illustration of this Kingdom principle that came to mind; that of the wise and foolish virgins.
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps.
Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. But at midnight there was a shout, ’Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the prudent, ’Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the prudent answered, ’No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’
And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. Later the other virgins also came, saying, ’Lord, lord, open up for us.’ But he answered, ’Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’
Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour." - Matt 25:1-13
The Lord had returned. Some had been diligent, others had not been. Dear saints, when it seems as though the Bridegroom is delaying His coming, may we not assume the harvest is still away off (John 4:35), may we not turn back, doubting (2 Pet 3:4). Let us be alert; watching, plowing, pressing in, always filling our lamps, ever letting our light shine, that we may be prepared for His coming (at the appointed time, or to us as individuals even now). May we not be found lacking at the Harvest (Again, in that Day, or when the Lord calls us to minister His Life to others)
God bless you, and grant us all understanding and discernment concerning His Word, His Truth. Amen.
Michael
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water,
But a man of understanding will draw it out.
(vs 5)
"The lazy man will not plow because of winter;
He will beg during harvest and have nothing."
(vs 4)
Noah Webster translates ~
"The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold;
[therefore] shall he beg in harvest, and [have] nothing."
(Websters Bible)
Just meditating on, and praying about this one verse, I can feel a sermon building up in me! I’m thinking we may have to wait to cover any other verses from this Proverb ’til later.
Jesus offered this warning to those who would follow Him -
"No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62
Several of our Lord’s parables addressed those who did not continue to labor unto their calling, those who made excuses for not following and obeying Him wholeheartedly (Matt 25:24-30, Luke 13:22-30)
May we not cease from cultivating the seed that has been planted in us. When the excitement of new birth (salvation) of the Spring, the fire (revival) of Summer, and the rain (Holy Spirit) of Autumn, have given way to a cold season of testing and refining (Winter), may we not look back to that which we have been delivered from. May we press on, and say, as the Apostle Paul -
"I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." - Phil 3:8-14
Paul never became lazy in his walk, he never took God for granted. The winter seasons of suffering and persecution he looked upon as opportunity to know Christ more intimately, his eyes ever looking ahead to the Harvest. The Word exhorts us to keep our hand to the plow, to continually press in, to fight the good fight, to keep our lamps trimmed & burning. When that final Harvest comes, will the Lord find that we have been steadfastly plowing, sowing, reaping even now, that which brings Eternal Life. (John 4:35-38) When comes our time to stand before God, may we possess as much of Christ as He has given us opportunity to possess.
"Whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him." - Matt 13:12
Looking at one last illustration of this Kingdom principle that came to mind; that of the wise and foolish virgins.
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps.
Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. But at midnight there was a shout, ’Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the prudent, ’Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the prudent answered, ’No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’
And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. Later the other virgins also came, saying, ’Lord, lord, open up for us.’ But he answered, ’Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’
Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour." - Matt 25:1-13
The Lord had returned. Some had been diligent, others had not been. Dear saints, when it seems as though the Bridegroom is delaying His coming, may we not assume the harvest is still away off (John 4:35), may we not turn back, doubting (2 Pet 3:4). Let us be alert; watching, plowing, pressing in, always filling our lamps, ever letting our light shine, that we may be prepared for His coming (at the appointed time, or to us as individuals even now). May we not be found lacking at the Harvest (Again, in that Day, or when the Lord calls us to minister His Life to others)
God bless you, and grant us all understanding and discernment concerning His Word, His Truth. Amen.
Michael
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water,
But a man of understanding will draw it out.
(vs 5)
Proverbs 19
PROVERBS 19
"Many plans are in a man’s heart,
But the counsel (or purpose) of the LORD will stand.
What is desirable in a man is his kindness,
And it is better to be a poor man than a liar.
The fear of the LORD leads to life,
So that one may sleep (abide) satisfied, untouched by evil."
(vs 21-23)
Brings to mind one of my favorite songs ~
"All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands...
For it’s only in Your will that I am free...
Jesus, all for Jesus, All I am and have and ever hope to be."
(Robin Mark, Revival in Belfast)
As we’ve seen often in the Proverbs, when we make plans without consulting the Lord, or walk in ways that are not His, trouble is close behind.
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the ways of death."
- Prov 14:12, 16:25
Scripture tells us we will be judged by the paths we’ve planned & walked on... by our deeds... according to our ways.
"I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."
- Jer 17:10 (and repeated at least 10 times in the New Testament, under the New Covenant)
"And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." - Heb 4:13
May the ways we choose to walk contain Life, lacking not the Presence of the Lord. May they be plans that stand by His counsel, and come to bear Eternal fruit.
Dear friends, God has His own plan for each one of us. Indeed His plan may very well include the things we hope for and desire, yet He wants us to commit our ambitions, hopes and plans to Him. For when we walk on His paths... do as He has commanded... and follow His ways... then we find ourselves fulfilling His desire for our lives, His perfect will. We do this as we surrender our will and ways to Him, and trust not in our Adamic nature.
The Apostle Paul exhorts us - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." - Rom 12:1-2
As we come before Him daily, seeking His face, presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice, turning from the lusts of the world, and waiting upon Him... He asks to be a light to those around us, to love our neighbor, to walk humbly with Him, to show kindness and mercy.
"What is desirable in a man is his kindness."
(vs 22a)
"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality." - Rom 12:10-13
Indeed this has been His command since the beginning.
"He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God." - Mic 6:8 (NAS)
May these things be true of each of us, I pray.
God’s wisdom and understanding to all,
Michael
He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul,
But he who is careless of his ways will die.
(vs 16)
"Many plans are in a man’s heart,
But the counsel (or purpose) of the LORD will stand.
What is desirable in a man is his kindness,
And it is better to be a poor man than a liar.
The fear of the LORD leads to life,
So that one may sleep (abide) satisfied, untouched by evil."
(vs 21-23)
Brings to mind one of my favorite songs ~
"All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands...
For it’s only in Your will that I am free...
Jesus, all for Jesus, All I am and have and ever hope to be."
(Robin Mark, Revival in Belfast)
As we’ve seen often in the Proverbs, when we make plans without consulting the Lord, or walk in ways that are not His, trouble is close behind.
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the ways of death."
- Prov 14:12, 16:25
Scripture tells us we will be judged by the paths we’ve planned & walked on... by our deeds... according to our ways.
"I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."
- Jer 17:10 (and repeated at least 10 times in the New Testament, under the New Covenant)
"And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." - Heb 4:13
May the ways we choose to walk contain Life, lacking not the Presence of the Lord. May they be plans that stand by His counsel, and come to bear Eternal fruit.
Dear friends, God has His own plan for each one of us. Indeed His plan may very well include the things we hope for and desire, yet He wants us to commit our ambitions, hopes and plans to Him. For when we walk on His paths... do as He has commanded... and follow His ways... then we find ourselves fulfilling His desire for our lives, His perfect will. We do this as we surrender our will and ways to Him, and trust not in our Adamic nature.
The Apostle Paul exhorts us - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." - Rom 12:1-2
As we come before Him daily, seeking His face, presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice, turning from the lusts of the world, and waiting upon Him... He asks to be a light to those around us, to love our neighbor, to walk humbly with Him, to show kindness and mercy.
"What is desirable in a man is his kindness."
(vs 22a)
"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality." - Rom 12:10-13
Indeed this has been His command since the beginning.
"He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God." - Mic 6:8 (NAS)
May these things be true of each of us, I pray.
God’s wisdom and understanding to all,
Michael
He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul,
But he who is careless of his ways will die.
(vs 16)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Proverbs 18
PROVERBS 18
"A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all wise judgment."
(vs 1)
No man is an island in the body of Christ. All of us have a part to play that is essential. The twelfth chapter of 1st Corinthians says that we are "all the members of the body" and that "to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." When any one of us goes against wise judgment, seeking our own desires and separating ourselves from the body, we suffer, and so does the rest of the body. The Book of Acts in speaking about a unified body of believers, the first Christian church, states -
"They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." - Acts 2:42
Fellowship with one another is vital. When we isolate ourselves for any length of time from our brothers & sisters in the Lord, we make ourselves vulnerable to the enemy of our souls. The Apostles warn us to remain in fellowship, using our gifts, strengthening and encouraging one another, lest we fall prey.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." - 1 Pet 5:8
"Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." - Heb 10:24-25
Another Proverb full of an incredible amount of meat and Truth, along with another busy week at work, leaves much to be studied in the coming months. Just a quick look at a couple more verses...
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe."
(vs 10)
Those who are obedient to the Lord, and act righteously, will suffer persecution in this world. For them that choose to live according to the flesh often attack, when conviction comes, those who trust in, and fear, the Name of the Lord.
"They gather together against the life of the righteous,
And condemn innocent blood.
But the LORD has been my defense,
And my God the rock of my refuge.
He has brought on them their own iniquity,
And shall cut them off in their own wickedness;
The LORD our God shall cut them off."- Psalm 94:21-23
We know that the "the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God." (James 1:20). So rather than lash out in our flesh, and commit iniquity, we are to run to, and trust in that Rock, our Lord Jesus Christ, our deliverer. our salvation.
"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge;
My savior, You save me from violence."- 2 Sam 22:2-3
And this one last verse...
Now, myself, I’ve never been married (yet), but I’ve heard from many others their thoughts and opinions on marriage, both positive and negative. Some have even ’encouraged’ me to remain single... Yet my Bible says here in this Proverb -
"He who finds a wife finds a good thing,
And obtains favor from the LORD."
(vs 22)
I have several friends who have been married for decades and you can clearly see the hand of God upon their lives. Of these men and their wives, I can see the reality of another verse from Proverbs which we read last week -
"An excellent wife is the crown of her husband." (Prov 12:4a)
These men found a good thing. And the Lord has blessed them. God designed and intended marriage to be a good thing from the very beginning, when He said - "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." (Gen 2:18) "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." (Gen 2:24).
Yes, friends. Much meat. Much Truth. May we inquire of the Lord always what He would say to us as we read theses verses.
God bless you and grant you understanding,
Michael
The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
(vs 15)
"A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all wise judgment."
(vs 1)
No man is an island in the body of Christ. All of us have a part to play that is essential. The twelfth chapter of 1st Corinthians says that we are "all the members of the body" and that "to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." When any one of us goes against wise judgment, seeking our own desires and separating ourselves from the body, we suffer, and so does the rest of the body. The Book of Acts in speaking about a unified body of believers, the first Christian church, states -
"They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." - Acts 2:42
Fellowship with one another is vital. When we isolate ourselves for any length of time from our brothers & sisters in the Lord, we make ourselves vulnerable to the enemy of our souls. The Apostles warn us to remain in fellowship, using our gifts, strengthening and encouraging one another, lest we fall prey.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." - 1 Pet 5:8
"Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." - Heb 10:24-25
Another Proverb full of an incredible amount of meat and Truth, along with another busy week at work, leaves much to be studied in the coming months. Just a quick look at a couple more verses...
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe."
(vs 10)
Those who are obedient to the Lord, and act righteously, will suffer persecution in this world. For them that choose to live according to the flesh often attack, when conviction comes, those who trust in, and fear, the Name of the Lord.
"They gather together against the life of the righteous,
And condemn innocent blood.
But the LORD has been my defense,
And my God the rock of my refuge.
He has brought on them their own iniquity,
And shall cut them off in their own wickedness;
The LORD our God shall cut them off."- Psalm 94:21-23
We know that the "the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God." (James 1:20). So rather than lash out in our flesh, and commit iniquity, we are to run to, and trust in that Rock, our Lord Jesus Christ, our deliverer. our salvation.
"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge;
My savior, You save me from violence."- 2 Sam 22:2-3
And this one last verse...
Now, myself, I’ve never been married (yet), but I’ve heard from many others their thoughts and opinions on marriage, both positive and negative. Some have even ’encouraged’ me to remain single... Yet my Bible says here in this Proverb -
"He who finds a wife finds a good thing,
And obtains favor from the LORD."
(vs 22)
I have several friends who have been married for decades and you can clearly see the hand of God upon their lives. Of these men and their wives, I can see the reality of another verse from Proverbs which we read last week -
"An excellent wife is the crown of her husband." (Prov 12:4a)
These men found a good thing. And the Lord has blessed them. God designed and intended marriage to be a good thing from the very beginning, when He said - "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." (Gen 2:18) "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." (Gen 2:24).
Yes, friends. Much meat. Much Truth. May we inquire of the Lord always what He would say to us as we read theses verses.
God bless you and grant you understanding,
Michael
The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
(vs 15)
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Proverbs 17
PROVERBS 17
"Better a dry crust with peace and quiet
than a house full of feasting with strife."
(vs 1)
Similar verses appear in the Proverbs we’ve read the last two days...
"Better is a little with righteousness
than great revenues with injustice."
- Prov 16:8
"Better is a little with the fear of the LORD
than great wealth with turmoil.
Better a meal of vegetables where there is love
than a fattened calf with hatred."
- Prov 15:16-17
I get the sense that God is telling us that love and peace are more important than ’stuff’.
Brothers & sisters, if striving to obtain material possessions and security is at the expense of righteousness and integrity, if family and relationships suffer as the result of our ambition, then we need to re-assess our priorities. In the worlds eyes we may not seem to have much, but let us remember what the Word encourages us to do -
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matt 6:19-21
If our heart is on the heavenly things of God, then we will treasure what He blesses us with here on earth. Family. Friends. Simple pleasures. Our God has promised to provide all that we truly need, if our hearts are in the right place. While many strive to find pleasure and security in inanimate things, Jesus tells us that "one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15)
Priorities.
"For the nations eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you." - Matt 6:32-33
Seek first the Kingdom. Let us have confidence that God is our provider. He will grant us all we need as we seek Him and His righteousness; and so much more. When the pursuit of material wealth takes precedence over all else, the fruit is often, as we read, "strife", "injustice", "turmoil" and "hatred" in the home. I’ve seen it. I’ve known those whose main goal in life was to be a better provider for their families, yet worked so hard to that end that they lost the very ones that loved them because their focus was on getting what they thought they needed, rather than on what God had given them to love, cherish and enjoy. May we never compromise our integrity to gain that which is only passing away. Rather, let us walk humbly with our God and sow that which brings eternal Life.
"Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
than a rich man who is perverse in his ways."
- Prov 28:6
Dear friends, so when it seems as though others around us have it better or easier than us, or that the "grass is greener...", chances are it ain’t so. True peace and joy cannot be found in obtaining the material things of this world, but in putting God above all, and allowing Him to work out His will in us.
God Bless & keep you,
Michael
Children’s children are the crown of old men,
And the glory of children is their father.
(vs 6)
Yea, another verse that we could write a book about. :)
"Better a dry crust with peace and quiet
than a house full of feasting with strife."
(vs 1)
Similar verses appear in the Proverbs we’ve read the last two days...
"Better is a little with righteousness
than great revenues with injustice."
- Prov 16:8
"Better is a little with the fear of the LORD
than great wealth with turmoil.
Better a meal of vegetables where there is love
than a fattened calf with hatred."
- Prov 15:16-17
I get the sense that God is telling us that love and peace are more important than ’stuff’.
Brothers & sisters, if striving to obtain material possessions and security is at the expense of righteousness and integrity, if family and relationships suffer as the result of our ambition, then we need to re-assess our priorities. In the worlds eyes we may not seem to have much, but let us remember what the Word encourages us to do -
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matt 6:19-21
If our heart is on the heavenly things of God, then we will treasure what He blesses us with here on earth. Family. Friends. Simple pleasures. Our God has promised to provide all that we truly need, if our hearts are in the right place. While many strive to find pleasure and security in inanimate things, Jesus tells us that "one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15)
Priorities.
"For the nations eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you." - Matt 6:32-33
Seek first the Kingdom. Let us have confidence that God is our provider. He will grant us all we need as we seek Him and His righteousness; and so much more. When the pursuit of material wealth takes precedence over all else, the fruit is often, as we read, "strife", "injustice", "turmoil" and "hatred" in the home. I’ve seen it. I’ve known those whose main goal in life was to be a better provider for their families, yet worked so hard to that end that they lost the very ones that loved them because their focus was on getting what they thought they needed, rather than on what God had given them to love, cherish and enjoy. May we never compromise our integrity to gain that which is only passing away. Rather, let us walk humbly with our God and sow that which brings eternal Life.
"Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
than a rich man who is perverse in his ways."
- Prov 28:6
Dear friends, so when it seems as though others around us have it better or easier than us, or that the "grass is greener...", chances are it ain’t so. True peace and joy cannot be found in obtaining the material things of this world, but in putting God above all, and allowing Him to work out His will in us.
God Bless & keep you,
Michael
Children’s children are the crown of old men,
And the glory of children is their father.
(vs 6)
Yea, another verse that we could write a book about. :)
Monday, June 16, 2008
Proverbs 16
PROVERBS 16
"The preparations of the heart belong to man,
But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
But the LORD weighs the spirits.
Commit your works to the LORD,
And your thoughts will be established."
(vs 1-3)
Oh that the Lord God would establish our thoughts, that He would direct even how we think, that His will would become our desire, that our tongues would speak His words. The Proverb tells us - "The preparations of the heart belong to man." We are the only ones that can prepare our own hearts. And if we do, the Lord can speak through us.
In the Old Testament, the Lord relayed His commandments to the Persian king through Ezra, who had prepared his heart to hear from Him.
"For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel..." - Ezra 7:10-11
Being in tune with what the Lord is saying is accomplished by turning our hearts to Him, and allowing Him to direct our steps. In those who were given ruler-ship over God’s people, we can see the importance of that action.
Unto king Jehoshaphat, of ancient Judah, the prophet Jehu did bring conviction for his tolerance of sin, yet he commended him for setting his heart to seek the Lord.
"Nevertheless good things are found in you, in that you have removed the wooden images from the land, and have prepared your heart to seek God.” - 2 Chron 19:2-3
The result was that - "The realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around." - 2 Chron 20:30
Then we have the example of Solomons son Rehoboam, who was in part responsible for the nation of Israel being divided from within, because he followed his own way and did not prepare His heart...
"And he did evil, because he did not prepare his heart to seek the LORD." - 2 Chron 12:14
Whereas Jehoshaphat had a relatively peaceful reign, Rehoboam was constantly at war. (2 Chron 12:15)
One king prepared His heart before the Lord. The other did not.
The Hebrew word for ’heart’ used here each time is the noun לֵב (Leb) which as Strongs defines - "includes not only the motives, feelings, affections and desires, but also the will, the aims, the principles, the thoughts and the intellect of man."
More than our emotions, it is our entire inner being. Strongs continues - "In fact, it embraces the whole inner man, the head never being regarded as the seat of intelligence. While it is the source of all action and the center of all thought and feeling the heart is also described as receptive to the influences both from the outer world and from God Himself." (3820)
Preparing our "hearts" before Him is more than a feeling or even an attitude, it means to empty ourselves of selfish motives and desires, set aside our own will, and commit our thoughts and ways to God. I believe this is what Paul was talking about when he charges us to "present our bodies a living sacrifice" (Rom 12:1)
The Word tells us to - "purify our hearts" (James 4:8), "wash our hearts from evil" (Jer 4:14), to "set our hearts toward the Lord" (1 Chron 22:19) These are things we do. These are the preparations we make to our hearts that the Lord can dwell therein: instructing our minds, teaching our intellect, establishing our feelings, granting our desires, molding our will into one with His.
Paul’s prayer for the saints was - "that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love... that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."- from Eph 3:17-19
Grounded in love for one another, love for Jesus. That we may be filled with the fullness of God. The Father and the Son.
Jesus said - "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him." - John 14:23
Friends, I’m not there. I want to be. Rather than continually warring with my Adamic nature and dealing with the consequences, I yearn to dwell in the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, that is available to each of us, as we daily prepare our hearts to receive Him. As we determine to follow His way.
God bless you & your loved ones, and guide you into all Truth,
Michael
A man’s heart plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.
(vs 9)
"The preparations of the heart belong to man,
But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
But the LORD weighs the spirits.
Commit your works to the LORD,
And your thoughts will be established."
(vs 1-3)
Oh that the Lord God would establish our thoughts, that He would direct even how we think, that His will would become our desire, that our tongues would speak His words. The Proverb tells us - "The preparations of the heart belong to man." We are the only ones that can prepare our own hearts. And if we do, the Lord can speak through us.
In the Old Testament, the Lord relayed His commandments to the Persian king through Ezra, who had prepared his heart to hear from Him.
"For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel..." - Ezra 7:10-11
Being in tune with what the Lord is saying is accomplished by turning our hearts to Him, and allowing Him to direct our steps. In those who were given ruler-ship over God’s people, we can see the importance of that action.
Unto king Jehoshaphat, of ancient Judah, the prophet Jehu did bring conviction for his tolerance of sin, yet he commended him for setting his heart to seek the Lord.
"Nevertheless good things are found in you, in that you have removed the wooden images from the land, and have prepared your heart to seek God.” - 2 Chron 19:2-3
The result was that - "The realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around." - 2 Chron 20:30
Then we have the example of Solomons son Rehoboam, who was in part responsible for the nation of Israel being divided from within, because he followed his own way and did not prepare His heart...
"And he did evil, because he did not prepare his heart to seek the LORD." - 2 Chron 12:14
Whereas Jehoshaphat had a relatively peaceful reign, Rehoboam was constantly at war. (2 Chron 12:15)
One king prepared His heart before the Lord. The other did not.
The Hebrew word for ’heart’ used here each time is the noun לֵב (Leb) which as Strongs defines - "includes not only the motives, feelings, affections and desires, but also the will, the aims, the principles, the thoughts and the intellect of man."
More than our emotions, it is our entire inner being. Strongs continues - "In fact, it embraces the whole inner man, the head never being regarded as the seat of intelligence. While it is the source of all action and the center of all thought and feeling the heart is also described as receptive to the influences both from the outer world and from God Himself." (3820)
Preparing our "hearts" before Him is more than a feeling or even an attitude, it means to empty ourselves of selfish motives and desires, set aside our own will, and commit our thoughts and ways to God. I believe this is what Paul was talking about when he charges us to "present our bodies a living sacrifice" (Rom 12:1)
The Word tells us to - "purify our hearts" (James 4:8), "wash our hearts from evil" (Jer 4:14), to "set our hearts toward the Lord" (1 Chron 22:19) These are things we do. These are the preparations we make to our hearts that the Lord can dwell therein: instructing our minds, teaching our intellect, establishing our feelings, granting our desires, molding our will into one with His.
Paul’s prayer for the saints was - "that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love... that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."- from Eph 3:17-19
Grounded in love for one another, love for Jesus. That we may be filled with the fullness of God. The Father and the Son.
Jesus said - "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him." - John 14:23
Friends, I’m not there. I want to be. Rather than continually warring with my Adamic nature and dealing with the consequences, I yearn to dwell in the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, that is available to each of us, as we daily prepare our hearts to receive Him. As we determine to follow His way.
God bless you & your loved ones, and guide you into all Truth,
Michael
A man’s heart plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.
(vs 9)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Proverbs 15
PROVERBS 15
"A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable,
But the mouth of fools spouts folly."
(vs 1-2)
The Complete Jewish Bible translates -
"A gentle response deflects fury,
but a harsh word makes tempers rise.
The tongue of the wise presents knowledge well,
but the mouth of a fool spews out folly."
(vs 1-2) CJB
We’ve read in Proverbs 12 & 13 recently about the power of our words; how they can tear down, or how they can bring Life. When we are at work or school, can others see Christ in us, by the things we say and do? As we congregate in church, or gather with friends, is our speech edifying? As we share with our families, and teach our children, are the words we use full of the wisdom of the Lord?
Peter exhorts us - "All of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling (or insult for insult), but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For -“ He who would love lifeAnd see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit." - 1 Pet 3:8-10
And rather than, as our Adamic nature would be inclined to do, lash back at those who belittle or persecute us for our beliefs, he tells us to act in righteousness and...
"Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." - 1 Pet 3:15
That hope that is within us. The hope of the gospel, the hope of salvation, of glory, of a coming Kingdom of righteousness, the hope of Eternal Life. May we be prepared always to share that hope with those who ask us, to those who see the Light of Christ shining in us, to those who want to know how we can keep from falling apart even through difficult circumstances.
Dear saints, may we, as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, grasp hold of that hope, live in His Light and, as Paul writes - "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." - Col 4:6
"The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things."
(vs 28)
"The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
Watching the evil and the good.
A soothing tongue is a tree of life,
But perversion in it crushes the spirit."
(vs 3-4)
The Word often links sinful behavior and perverse speech together, and condemns them both. Addressing the Christian church, the Holy Spirit, through Paul, says -
"Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or course joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." - Eph 5:3
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." - Psalm 19:14
Foul language has no place in the Kingdom of God. Even if no one around us hears, the spiritual realm is aware. "The eyes of the Lord are in every place." The heavenly host is watching -
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus..." - Heb 12:1-2a
This was a problem for me a few years ago. Swearing and blasphemy were a large portion of my daily vocabulary when I was living in the world, and caring mainly about myself. When God got a hold of me, He clearly showed me in the Scriptures that He will not accept swearing and foul language. Such talk will hinder us from entering into His presence. Paul writes -
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth..." - Eph 4:29
and -
"Put to death what is earthly in you: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming...Put away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth." - Col 3:5-8
When we find this spirit of folly come upon us in our times of human weakness and vulnerability, may we turn even more toward God, and make a stand for what we know is right. I pray each of us would ever be a light and a blessing to those around us, always mindful of the witness that our lives show forth.
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for the building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." - Eph 4:29
I’m grateful for the Truth the Lord has shown me regarding power of our words. My struggle in this area has become less and less over the last decade, as I keep my focus on Jesus, and allow Him to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Brothers & sisters, let us know that He can deliver us from any sin or bondage, if we come humbly to His throne, and confess it before Him with a repentant heart.
May each one of us be continually growing in the knowledge of our Lord, overcoming by His strength, and dwelling in His Presence.
Peace & blessings,
Michael
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD,
But the words of the pure are pleasant
(vs 26)
"A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable,
But the mouth of fools spouts folly."
(vs 1-2)
The Complete Jewish Bible translates -
"A gentle response deflects fury,
but a harsh word makes tempers rise.
The tongue of the wise presents knowledge well,
but the mouth of a fool spews out folly."
(vs 1-2) CJB
We’ve read in Proverbs 12 & 13 recently about the power of our words; how they can tear down, or how they can bring Life. When we are at work or school, can others see Christ in us, by the things we say and do? As we congregate in church, or gather with friends, is our speech edifying? As we share with our families, and teach our children, are the words we use full of the wisdom of the Lord?
Peter exhorts us - "All of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling (or insult for insult), but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For -“ He who would love lifeAnd see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit." - 1 Pet 3:8-10
And rather than, as our Adamic nature would be inclined to do, lash back at those who belittle or persecute us for our beliefs, he tells us to act in righteousness and...
"Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." - 1 Pet 3:15
That hope that is within us. The hope of the gospel, the hope of salvation, of glory, of a coming Kingdom of righteousness, the hope of Eternal Life. May we be prepared always to share that hope with those who ask us, to those who see the Light of Christ shining in us, to those who want to know how we can keep from falling apart even through difficult circumstances.
Dear saints, may we, as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, grasp hold of that hope, live in His Light and, as Paul writes - "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." - Col 4:6
"The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things."
(vs 28)
"The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
Watching the evil and the good.
A soothing tongue is a tree of life,
But perversion in it crushes the spirit."
(vs 3-4)
The Word often links sinful behavior and perverse speech together, and condemns them both. Addressing the Christian church, the Holy Spirit, through Paul, says -
"Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or course joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." - Eph 5:3
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." - Psalm 19:14
Foul language has no place in the Kingdom of God. Even if no one around us hears, the spiritual realm is aware. "The eyes of the Lord are in every place." The heavenly host is watching -
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus..." - Heb 12:1-2a
This was a problem for me a few years ago. Swearing and blasphemy were a large portion of my daily vocabulary when I was living in the world, and caring mainly about myself. When God got a hold of me, He clearly showed me in the Scriptures that He will not accept swearing and foul language. Such talk will hinder us from entering into His presence. Paul writes -
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth..." - Eph 4:29
and -
"Put to death what is earthly in you: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming...Put away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth." - Col 3:5-8
When we find this spirit of folly come upon us in our times of human weakness and vulnerability, may we turn even more toward God, and make a stand for what we know is right. I pray each of us would ever be a light and a blessing to those around us, always mindful of the witness that our lives show forth.
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for the building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." - Eph 4:29
I’m grateful for the Truth the Lord has shown me regarding power of our words. My struggle in this area has become less and less over the last decade, as I keep my focus on Jesus, and allow Him to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Brothers & sisters, let us know that He can deliver us from any sin or bondage, if we come humbly to His throne, and confess it before Him with a repentant heart.
May each one of us be continually growing in the knowledge of our Lord, overcoming by His strength, and dwelling in His Presence.
Peace & blessings,
Michael
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD,
But the words of the pure are pleasant
(vs 26)
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Proverbs 14
PROVERBS 14
"A faithful witness does not lie,
But a false witness will utter lies.
A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it,
But knowledge is easy to him who understands.
Go from the presence of a foolish man,
When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way,
But the folly of fools is deceit.
Fools mock at sin,
But among the upright there is favor."
(vs 5-9)
Dear friends, as I told a good brother recently as he prepared to teach our mid-week Bible Study, I never realized how much depth of Truth was contained in these 31 Proverbs. It’s been a real blessing to be able to study & share with you from the Scriptures, and I pray that God would reveal to each of us, His wisdom and understanding concerning each verse we read.
Just a couple insights I want to share this morning...
"Do they not go astray who devise evil?
But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good.
In all labor there is profit,
But idle chatter leads only to poverty."
(vs 22-23)
How we labor, how we plan and spend our time, not only has great effect on our lives today, but also has Eternal consequences. Whatever it is: our jobs, our ministry, our giving and helping, our time in prayer, even our hobbies... may it be unto the Lord.
"Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality."- Col 3:23-25
The Apostle Paul, a servant of Christ and to men, wrote to admonish those who would take advantage of the members of the body of Christ, using the Name of the Lord for their own gain. At the same time, he sought to encourage those who humbly worked to help those who were truly in need, further the Gospel, and bring glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus. He stated firmly -
"if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good." - 2 Thess 3:10-13
May we bring to the Lord in prayer all that we plan to do, and may all that we do be pleasing unto Him.
"A true witness delivers souls,
But a deceitful witness speaks lies.
In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,
And His children will have a place of refuge.
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
To turn one away from the snares of death."
(vs 25-27)
We will see the phrase - "The fear of the Lord" many times over the next few days as we continue on in Proverbs. The Bible speaks much about fearing the Lord, and only Him. From that fear comes wisdom, discernment, sustenance, strength, Life.
"O fear the LORD, you His saints;
For to those who fear Him there is no want.
The young lions do lack and suffer hunger;
But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing.
Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Who is the man who desires life
And loves length of days that he may see good?
Keep your tongue from evil
And your lips from speaking deceit.
Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
And His ears are open to their cry." - Psalm 34:9-15
May the Holy Spirit grant us understanding of what it means to ’fear the Lord’, May it become a part of our character. May the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself, be a very real part of our lives more and more each day.
God bless you all,
Michael
Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding.
(vs 33a)
"A faithful witness does not lie,
But a false witness will utter lies.
A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it,
But knowledge is easy to him who understands.
Go from the presence of a foolish man,
When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way,
But the folly of fools is deceit.
Fools mock at sin,
But among the upright there is favor."
(vs 5-9)
Dear friends, as I told a good brother recently as he prepared to teach our mid-week Bible Study, I never realized how much depth of Truth was contained in these 31 Proverbs. It’s been a real blessing to be able to study & share with you from the Scriptures, and I pray that God would reveal to each of us, His wisdom and understanding concerning each verse we read.
Just a couple insights I want to share this morning...
"Do they not go astray who devise evil?
But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good.
In all labor there is profit,
But idle chatter leads only to poverty."
(vs 22-23)
How we labor, how we plan and spend our time, not only has great effect on our lives today, but also has Eternal consequences. Whatever it is: our jobs, our ministry, our giving and helping, our time in prayer, even our hobbies... may it be unto the Lord.
"Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality."- Col 3:23-25
The Apostle Paul, a servant of Christ and to men, wrote to admonish those who would take advantage of the members of the body of Christ, using the Name of the Lord for their own gain. At the same time, he sought to encourage those who humbly worked to help those who were truly in need, further the Gospel, and bring glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus. He stated firmly -
"if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good." - 2 Thess 3:10-13
May we bring to the Lord in prayer all that we plan to do, and may all that we do be pleasing unto Him.
"A true witness delivers souls,
But a deceitful witness speaks lies.
In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,
And His children will have a place of refuge.
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
To turn one away from the snares of death."
(vs 25-27)
We will see the phrase - "The fear of the Lord" many times over the next few days as we continue on in Proverbs. The Bible speaks much about fearing the Lord, and only Him. From that fear comes wisdom, discernment, sustenance, strength, Life.
"O fear the LORD, you His saints;
For to those who fear Him there is no want.
The young lions do lack and suffer hunger;
But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing.
Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Who is the man who desires life
And loves length of days that he may see good?
Keep your tongue from evil
And your lips from speaking deceit.
Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
And His ears are open to their cry." - Psalm 34:9-15
May the Holy Spirit grant us understanding of what it means to ’fear the Lord’, May it become a part of our character. May the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself, be a very real part of our lives more and more each day.
God bless you all,
Michael
Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding.
(vs 33a)
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