Day Six~ (See Scriptures Below)
In addition to pausing, Proverbs 6 encourages preparation. Beginning in verse 6, the author uses the ant as one who prepares ahead for the season to come. Your life is never static and what you are experiencing right now is preparing you for the road ahead. Like the ant, you can be very intentional of living in a way that will benefit you in the future. So what can you be incorporating into your life right now that will set you up for success down the road? Keep a step ahead in life by looking to one of God’s humblest creatures – the ant. If you are teachable you can learn from even the most insignificant of God’s creation. Remember, preparation builds confidence.
Proverbs 6 ~ Warnings against folly
1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor,
if you have struck hands in pledge for another,
2 if you have been trapped by what you said,
ensnared by the words of your mouth,
3 then do this, my son, to free yourself,
since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands:
Go and humble yourself;
press your plea with your neighbor!
4 Allow no sleep to your eyes,
no slumber to your eyelids.
5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-
11 and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man. [a]
12 A scoundrel and villain,
who goes about with a corrupt mouth,
13 who winks with his eye,
signals with his feet
and motions with his fingers,
14 who plots evil with deceit in his heart—
he always stirs up dissension.
15 Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant;
he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
16 There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
Warning Against Adultery
20 My son, keep your father's commands
and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
21 Bind them upon your heart forever;
fasten them around your neck.
22 When you walk, they will guide you;
when you sleep, they will watch over you;
when you awake, they will speak to you.
23 For these commands are a lamp,
this teaching is a light,
and the corrections of discipline
are the way to life,
24 keeping you from the immoral woman,
from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife.
25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty
or let her captivate you with her eyes,
26 for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread,
and the adulteress preys upon your very life.
27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap
without his clothes being burned?
28 Can a man walk on hot coals
without his feet being scorched?
29 So is he who sleeps with another man's wife;
no one who touches her will go unpunished.
30 Men do not despise a thief if he steals
to satisfy his hunger when he is starving.
31 Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold,
though it costs him all the wealth of his house.
32 But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment;
whoever does so destroys himself.
33 Blows and disgrace are his lot,
and his shame will never be wiped away;
34 for jealousy arouses a husband's fury,
and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.
35 He will not accept any compensation;
he will refuse the bribe, however great it is.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Proverbs 5: Be driven by faith, not by your feelings.
Day Five~ (See Scriptures Below)
Proverbs 5 reminds you to think before you act; to be driven by your faith not your feelings. This is how you can stand against the temptations of life or avoid taking shortcuts because of a sense of entitlement. Many a pitfall could be avoided if you would contemplate the ramifications and consequences of your decisions. Wisdom is that intermediate step between thought and action. It might be only a few seconds, hours, days or weeks. But taking that step can prevent much pain. What time do you need to take right now before you say what you thought you wanted to say or do what you thought you wanted to do? Before pressing the accelerator … pause for a moment.
Proverbs 5: Warning Against Adultery
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom,
listen well to my words of insight,
2 that you may maintain discretion
and your lips may preserve knowledge.
3 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil;
4 but in the end she is bitter as gall,
sharp as a double-edged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death;
her steps lead straight to the grave. [a]
6 She gives no thought to the way of life;
her paths are crooked, but she knows it not.
7 Now then, my sons, listen to me;
do not turn aside from what I say.
8 Keep to a path far from her,
do not go near the door of her house,
9 lest you give your best strength to others
and your years to one who is cruel,
10 lest strangers feast on your wealth
and your toil enrich another man's house.
11 At the end of your life you will groan,
when your flesh and body are spent.
12 You will say, "How I hated discipline!
How my heart spurned correction!
13 I would not obey my teachers
or listen to my instructors.
14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin
in the midst of the whole assembly."
15 Drink water from your own cistern,
running water from your own well.
16 Should your springs overflow in the streets,
your streams of water in the public squares?
17 Let them be yours alone,
never to be shared with strangers.
18 May your fountain be blessed,
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
19 A loving doe, a graceful deer—
may her breasts satisfy you always,
may you ever be captivated by her love.
20 Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress?
Why embrace the bosom of another man's wife?
21 For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD,
and he examines all his paths.
22 The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him;
the cords of his sin hold him fast.
23 He will die for lack of discipline,
led astray by his own great folly.
Proverbs 5 reminds you to think before you act; to be driven by your faith not your feelings. This is how you can stand against the temptations of life or avoid taking shortcuts because of a sense of entitlement. Many a pitfall could be avoided if you would contemplate the ramifications and consequences of your decisions. Wisdom is that intermediate step between thought and action. It might be only a few seconds, hours, days or weeks. But taking that step can prevent much pain. What time do you need to take right now before you say what you thought you wanted to say or do what you thought you wanted to do? Before pressing the accelerator … pause for a moment.
Proverbs 5: Warning Against Adultery
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom,
listen well to my words of insight,
2 that you may maintain discretion
and your lips may preserve knowledge.
3 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil;
4 but in the end she is bitter as gall,
sharp as a double-edged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death;
her steps lead straight to the grave. [a]
6 She gives no thought to the way of life;
her paths are crooked, but she knows it not.
7 Now then, my sons, listen to me;
do not turn aside from what I say.
8 Keep to a path far from her,
do not go near the door of her house,
9 lest you give your best strength to others
and your years to one who is cruel,
10 lest strangers feast on your wealth
and your toil enrich another man's house.
11 At the end of your life you will groan,
when your flesh and body are spent.
12 You will say, "How I hated discipline!
How my heart spurned correction!
13 I would not obey my teachers
or listen to my instructors.
14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin
in the midst of the whole assembly."
15 Drink water from your own cistern,
running water from your own well.
16 Should your springs overflow in the streets,
your streams of water in the public squares?
17 Let them be yours alone,
never to be shared with strangers.
18 May your fountain be blessed,
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
19 A loving doe, a graceful deer—
may her breasts satisfy you always,
may you ever be captivated by her love.
20 Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress?
Why embrace the bosom of another man's wife?
21 For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD,
and he examines all his paths.
22 The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him;
the cords of his sin hold him fast.
23 He will die for lack of discipline,
led astray by his own great folly.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Proverbs 4: God wants you to keep moving forward with Him today.
Day Four ~ (See Scriptures Below)
No matter what happens in life, God wants you to keep moving forward with Him. Verse 25 says, “Let your eyes look directly in front of you and let your gaze look straight before you.” To do this, you must minimize the distractions that get you sidetracked. It is imperative that the choices you are making are moving you forward in life. So identify what, if anything is pulling you away from achieving your goals and remove the distraction. If there is something in your past that keeps haunting you find out what you need to do to let it go. What step this week can you take to move forward in your life?
Proverbs 4 Wisdom is supreme
1 Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction;
pay attention and gain understanding.
2 I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching.
3 When I was a boy in my father's house,
still tender, and an only child of my mother,
4 he taught me and said,
"Lay hold of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands and you will live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or swerve from them.
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you.
7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, [a] get understanding.
8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.
9 She will set a garland of grace on your head
and present you with a crown of splendor."
10 Listen, my son, accept what I say,
and the years of your life will be many.
11 I guide you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.
14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
or walk in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way.
16 For they cannot sleep till they do evil;
they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.
17 They eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
24 Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Make level [b] paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
27 Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.
No matter what happens in life, God wants you to keep moving forward with Him. Verse 25 says, “Let your eyes look directly in front of you and let your gaze look straight before you.” To do this, you must minimize the distractions that get you sidetracked. It is imperative that the choices you are making are moving you forward in life. So identify what, if anything is pulling you away from achieving your goals and remove the distraction. If there is something in your past that keeps haunting you find out what you need to do to let it go. What step this week can you take to move forward in your life?
Proverbs 4 Wisdom is supreme
1 Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction;
pay attention and gain understanding.
2 I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching.
3 When I was a boy in my father's house,
still tender, and an only child of my mother,
4 he taught me and said,
"Lay hold of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands and you will live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or swerve from them.
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you.
7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, [a] get understanding.
8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.
9 She will set a garland of grace on your head
and present you with a crown of splendor."
10 Listen, my son, accept what I say,
and the years of your life will be many.
11 I guide you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.
14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
or walk in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way.
16 For they cannot sleep till they do evil;
they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.
17 They eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
24 Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Make level [b] paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
27 Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Proverbs Day 3: The safest thing you can do with your life is to place it in the Lord’s hands
Day Three – Proverbs 3 (See scriptures below)
The safest thing you can do with your life is to place it in the Lord’s hands. Verse 5 encourages trust in God and verse 26 speaks of the Lord being your confidence. The benefits are innumerable. One benefit in verse 24 is that your sleep will truly be restful and you will not lose sleep due to anxiety and fear. What area of your life is God asking you to trust Him right now? When you concern yourself with what you can control and put your confidence in God over what you cannot control, your outlook and perspective on life will be so different.
Proverbs 3 Exortations to seek wisdom and walk with the Lord
1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. [a]
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father [b] the son he delights in.
13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gains understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.
21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,
do not let them out of your sight;
22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble;
24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being snared.
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,
when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
"Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"—
when you now have it with you.
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you.
30 Do not accuse a man for no reason—
when he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy a violent man
or choose any of his ways,
32 for the LORD detests a perverse man
but takes the upright into his confidence.
33 The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 He mocks proud mockers
but gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools he holds up to shame.
The safest thing you can do with your life is to place it in the Lord’s hands. Verse 5 encourages trust in God and verse 26 speaks of the Lord being your confidence. The benefits are innumerable. One benefit in verse 24 is that your sleep will truly be restful and you will not lose sleep due to anxiety and fear. What area of your life is God asking you to trust Him right now? When you concern yourself with what you can control and put your confidence in God over what you cannot control, your outlook and perspective on life will be so different.
Proverbs 3 Exortations to seek wisdom and walk with the Lord
1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. [a]
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father [b] the son he delights in.
13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gains understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.
21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,
do not let them out of your sight;
22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble;
24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being snared.
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,
when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
"Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"—
when you now have it with you.
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you.
30 Do not accuse a man for no reason—
when he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy a violent man
or choose any of his ways,
32 for the LORD detests a perverse man
but takes the upright into his confidence.
33 The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 He mocks proud mockers
but gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools he holds up to shame.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Proverbs 2: God's wisdom is intended to prevent you from making painful mistakes
Day Two – Proverbs 2 (See below)
As you grow in your relationship with God, you will become proactive rather than reactive to life. For God’s wisdom is intended to prevent you from making painful mistakes. Verse 8 speaks of guarding and protecting your way and verse 11 is a reminder that “discretion will protect you, understanding will guard you.” Instead of waiting for life to wash over you, make a decision based on God’s wisdom that will put you in a safer, healthier place in life.
In what healthy, safe environment can you place yourself this week?
Proverbs 2 Moral Benefits of Wisdom
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,
13 who leave the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.
16 It will save you also from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words,
17 who has left the partner of her youth
and ignored the covenant she made before God. [a]
18 For her house leads down to death
and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 None who go to her return
or attain the paths of life.
20 Thus you will walk in the ways of good men
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
As you grow in your relationship with God, you will become proactive rather than reactive to life. For God’s wisdom is intended to prevent you from making painful mistakes. Verse 8 speaks of guarding and protecting your way and verse 11 is a reminder that “discretion will protect you, understanding will guard you.” Instead of waiting for life to wash over you, make a decision based on God’s wisdom that will put you in a safer, healthier place in life.
In what healthy, safe environment can you place yourself this week?
Proverbs 2 Moral Benefits of Wisdom
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,
13 who leave the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.
16 It will save you also from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words,
17 who has left the partner of her youth
and ignored the covenant she made before God. [a]
18 For her house leads down to death
and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 None who go to her return
or attain the paths of life.
20 Thus you will walk in the ways of good men
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
A special consideration of the book of Proverbs~ A 31 day devotional...
Historically, Proverbs was an organized manual used by parents and teachers in Israel to provide moral instruction to their children. Since many people, for whatever reason, never received clear and consistent moral instruction, and have learned many of life’s lessons the hard way. Therefore, everyone can benefit from the insight given in the book of Proverbs. These principles give help to stay on the right path of life or redirect lives after a painful detour. Will you take this 31 day journey and be inspired to explore the book of Proverbs?
Day One – Proverbs 1
Proverbs 1 emphasizes the importance of being teachable. Verse 2 speaks of learning wisdom and verse 3 of receiving moral instruction. Everyone needs to be aware of developing a “know-it-all” attitude. In fact, no matter how much someone already knows, that person could always be willing to grow and learn. That’s why verse 5 says, “Let the wise also hear and gain instruction, and let the discerning acquire guidance.” So would you consider placing yourself in an environment where you could grow in God’s wisdom right in your own church? Would you be willing to get involved in some form of ministry? Another one of the ways we accelerate our growth is through service. Is there an area where you could volunteer? How can you put youself in a position to learn and grow? Explore these questions as you meditate on Proverbs 1.
Day One – Proverbs 1
Proverbs 1 emphasizes the importance of being teachable. Verse 2 speaks of learning wisdom and verse 3 of receiving moral instruction. Everyone needs to be aware of developing a “know-it-all” attitude. In fact, no matter how much someone already knows, that person could always be willing to grow and learn. That’s why verse 5 says, “Let the wise also hear and gain instruction, and let the discerning acquire guidance.” So would you consider placing yourself in an environment where you could grow in God’s wisdom right in your own church? Would you be willing to get involved in some form of ministry? Another one of the ways we accelerate our growth is through service. Is there an area where you could volunteer? How can you put youself in a position to learn and grow? Explore these questions as you meditate on Proverbs 1.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Book recommendation: Telling Yourself The Truth by William Backus & Marie Chapian
I often receive requests for book recommendations on various subjects so I am going to periodically offer book reviews such as this one. There are many "go to" books that I recommend to others and I'll let you know about a few of them here.
Telling Yourself The Truth by William Backus & Marie Chapian
Who Would Benefit: Anyone would benefit from this book because we are all products of how we think and what we think on. Also, we can either lie to ourselves or believe the lies of others. When we allow our minds to be occupied ith lies and things that are false, it will negatively impact our life. Jesus said, You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free. The only way to experience the freedom God has for us is to saturate our minds with His truth.
Why I Like It: I lide this book becasue it's not another "power of positive thinking" book. It is scripturally sound and scripturally based. It provides practical steps to discipline our thinking which is what every growing Christian needs to do. Think of the exhortation Paul gives in Philippians 4:8 where we are to focus our minds on certain things. This book helps you to do just that.
Final Thoughts: I personally reread this book every year just to give my way of thinking a check-up. Our bad thinking patterns can develop so subtly that if we don't take the time to evaluate them, they can get quite off-line. rather quickly.
Telling Yourself The Truth by William Backus & Marie Chapian
Who Would Benefit: Anyone would benefit from this book because we are all products of how we think and what we think on. Also, we can either lie to ourselves or believe the lies of others. When we allow our minds to be occupied ith lies and things that are false, it will negatively impact our life. Jesus said, You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free. The only way to experience the freedom God has for us is to saturate our minds with His truth.
Why I Like It: I lide this book becasue it's not another "power of positive thinking" book. It is scripturally sound and scripturally based. It provides practical steps to discipline our thinking which is what every growing Christian needs to do. Think of the exhortation Paul gives in Philippians 4:8 where we are to focus our minds on certain things. This book helps you to do just that.
Final Thoughts: I personally reread this book every year just to give my way of thinking a check-up. Our bad thinking patterns can develop so subtly that if we don't take the time to evaluate them, they can get quite off-line. rather quickly.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
We are to be continually inspired and motivated not by the way things are presently, but by the way things will be one day
Part 4 of 4 of a special consideration of the book of Jude~
Jude is encouraging Christians to rise to the challenges of living for Christ in the last days. Beginning in verse 20, he has reminded us to make the time to build ourselves up, to pray in the Holy Spirit, to maintain ourselves in the love of God. Now, in verse 21, he encourages us to live anticipating the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that brings eternal life. Jude wants us to live expectantly and confidently knowing that all of the promises of God will be fulfilled.
But we must hold to our convictions and live in such a way that whether we see God’s kingdom moving forward or not we must stay fully engaged, totally committed to God. Paul tells us not to walk by sight but to live by faith. Peter tells us that the hope of Christ’s coming and earthly kingdom should be a purifying hope. A hope that keeps us single minded in our devotion to Jesus Christ. We must not forget that hope in the Bible should be defined as confident expectation which echoes what Jude is saying. We are to be continually inspired and motivated not by the way things are presently, but by the way things will be one day. A better day is coming, my friends. The best is yet to come.
Keep anticipating that day for it will be a continual encouragement. Focus on what’s before us, not what’s behind us or where we are presently. I leave you with the priestly blessing given to the people of God recorded in Numbers 6. “The Lord bless you and protect you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Jude is encouraging Christians to rise to the challenges of living for Christ in the last days. Beginning in verse 20, he has reminded us to make the time to build ourselves up, to pray in the Holy Spirit, to maintain ourselves in the love of God. Now, in verse 21, he encourages us to live anticipating the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that brings eternal life. Jude wants us to live expectantly and confidently knowing that all of the promises of God will be fulfilled.
But we must hold to our convictions and live in such a way that whether we see God’s kingdom moving forward or not we must stay fully engaged, totally committed to God. Paul tells us not to walk by sight but to live by faith. Peter tells us that the hope of Christ’s coming and earthly kingdom should be a purifying hope. A hope that keeps us single minded in our devotion to Jesus Christ. We must not forget that hope in the Bible should be defined as confident expectation which echoes what Jude is saying. We are to be continually inspired and motivated not by the way things are presently, but by the way things will be one day. A better day is coming, my friends. The best is yet to come.
Keep anticipating that day for it will be a continual encouragement. Focus on what’s before us, not what’s behind us or where we are presently. I leave you with the priestly blessing given to the people of God recorded in Numbers 6. “The Lord bless you and protect you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Friday, March 19, 2010
Don’t choose to live outside of the place where God’s love can bless your life
Part 3 of a special 4 part consideration of the book of Jude~
Next in Jude’s exhortations of “How to Live for Christ in the Last Days,” he writes in verse 21, “maintain yourselves in the love of God.” At first glance, this phrase may seem a little strange. Most Christians assume, and rightly so, that God unconditionally loves them no matter what. But this phrase isn’t directed towards God. It’s directed towards us. We have the responsibility of maintaining ourselves in that love.
Jude is reminding us that we can take ourselves outside the sphere where God’s love can bless us and prosper us. It’s not that God ever stops loving us, but that we through our disobedience and selfish agendas are no longer experiencing this aspect of God’s love. This phrase is illustrated in the story of the prodigal in Luke 15. The Father in the story never stopped loving his son but because his son left to live a life of sin apart from his father the son was not in the place or in a position where he could truly experience the Father’s love.
There is nothing more empowering or energizing than when we come to know the love God has for us. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians in part was, “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, because you have been rooted and grounded in love, you may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.”
Don’t choose to live outside of the place where God’s love can bless your life. When we reject God’s love we are turning our backs on the greatest love a human being could ever experience and we won’t even come close to matching that quality of love in anyone or anything else. Keep yourselves in a place where God can bless you, my friends.
Next in Jude’s exhortations of “How to Live for Christ in the Last Days,” he writes in verse 21, “maintain yourselves in the love of God.” At first glance, this phrase may seem a little strange. Most Christians assume, and rightly so, that God unconditionally loves them no matter what. But this phrase isn’t directed towards God. It’s directed towards us. We have the responsibility of maintaining ourselves in that love.
Jude is reminding us that we can take ourselves outside the sphere where God’s love can bless us and prosper us. It’s not that God ever stops loving us, but that we through our disobedience and selfish agendas are no longer experiencing this aspect of God’s love. This phrase is illustrated in the story of the prodigal in Luke 15. The Father in the story never stopped loving his son but because his son left to live a life of sin apart from his father the son was not in the place or in a position where he could truly experience the Father’s love.
There is nothing more empowering or energizing than when we come to know the love God has for us. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians in part was, “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, because you have been rooted and grounded in love, you may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.”
Don’t choose to live outside of the place where God’s love can bless your life. When we reject God’s love we are turning our backs on the greatest love a human being could ever experience and we won’t even come close to matching that quality of love in anyone or anything else. Keep yourselves in a place where God can bless you, my friends.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
How would our life look different if we prayed more?
Part 2 of a special 4 part consideration of the book of Jude~
The next encouragement Jude gives us for thriving in the last days, “by praying in the Holy Spirit.” I believe he is talking about prayer that is inspired by, directed by, and sustained by the Holy Spirit of god.
Prayer is such a struggle, such a battle ground for many and the only way to overcome all the forces that pull against prayer is through the strength that the Spirit supplies. Even Jesus said to His disciples, the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak when it comes to prayer. Prayer is a key ingredient to perseverance. Christians living on earth in the last days will need to endure many things. That’s why Jesus told His followers a parable in Luke 18 encouraging prayer and prefacing the parable with these words, “that they should always pray and not lose heart.” To lose heart is to become discourage, to give up.
Paul, teaching Timothy on the priority of prayer in the church says in 1 Timothy 2:1, “First of all, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people.” In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul says, “constantly pray.” Once again linking prayer with the Holy Spirit, Paul writes to the Romans in Romans 8:26, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with in expressible groanings.”
Talking about prayer is important but praying is an absolute necessity. How would our life look different if we prayed more? How can each of us make prayer a greater part of our lives? Is there someone we should link arms with and begin praying together?
The next encouragement Jude gives us for thriving in the last days, “by praying in the Holy Spirit.” I believe he is talking about prayer that is inspired by, directed by, and sustained by the Holy Spirit of god.
Prayer is such a struggle, such a battle ground for many and the only way to overcome all the forces that pull against prayer is through the strength that the Spirit supplies. Even Jesus said to His disciples, the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak when it comes to prayer. Prayer is a key ingredient to perseverance. Christians living on earth in the last days will need to endure many things. That’s why Jesus told His followers a parable in Luke 18 encouraging prayer and prefacing the parable with these words, “that they should always pray and not lose heart.” To lose heart is to become discourage, to give up.
Paul, teaching Timothy on the priority of prayer in the church says in 1 Timothy 2:1, “First of all, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people.” In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul says, “constantly pray.” Once again linking prayer with the Holy Spirit, Paul writes to the Romans in Romans 8:26, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with in expressible groanings.”
Talking about prayer is important but praying is an absolute necessity. How would our life look different if we prayed more? How can each of us make prayer a greater part of our lives? Is there someone we should link arms with and begin praying together?
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Are we allowing the Word of God to make us stronger?
Part 1 of a special 4 part consideration of the book of Jude~
The book of Jude is strategically placed in the order of New Testament books. It comes right before the book of Revelation. Even though the order of books is not inspired by God, Jude’s message is timely for believers who are living before the events of Revelation unfold.
Jude could very well be sub-titled, “How to Live for Christ in the Last Days.” For those who are truly serous about living for Jesus Christ, Jude first writes in verse 20, “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith.” Let’s just take a look at this phrase. Jude reminds us that we must take responsibility for our own spiritual growth. One of the best ways to build ourselves up is through getting into the Bible and then letting the Bible get into us. Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:2, “And yearn like newborn infants for pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation.” In Acts 20:32, Paul said to the leadership of the church at Ephesus, “And now I entrust you to God and to the message of His grace. This message is able to build you up…”
Are we allowing the Word of God to make us stronger? Are we putting ourselves in environments where we can be built up by the Bible? The Bible will make little impact in our lives if we don’t believe it and are convinced that its message is true. So that is why this phrase ends with a reference to faith. If I truly believe something, it will change the way I live my life. In an age where the Bible is being relegated to a minor part in many Christians’ lives, those who will thrive in the last days, according to Jude, will continually be strengthening themselves through God’s Word.
The book of Jude is strategically placed in the order of New Testament books. It comes right before the book of Revelation. Even though the order of books is not inspired by God, Jude’s message is timely for believers who are living before the events of Revelation unfold.
Jude could very well be sub-titled, “How to Live for Christ in the Last Days.” For those who are truly serous about living for Jesus Christ, Jude first writes in verse 20, “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith.” Let’s just take a look at this phrase. Jude reminds us that we must take responsibility for our own spiritual growth. One of the best ways to build ourselves up is through getting into the Bible and then letting the Bible get into us. Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:2, “And yearn like newborn infants for pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation.” In Acts 20:32, Paul said to the leadership of the church at Ephesus, “And now I entrust you to God and to the message of His grace. This message is able to build you up…”
Are we allowing the Word of God to make us stronger? Are we putting ourselves in environments where we can be built up by the Bible? The Bible will make little impact in our lives if we don’t believe it and are convinced that its message is true. So that is why this phrase ends with a reference to faith. If I truly believe something, it will change the way I live my life. In an age where the Bible is being relegated to a minor part in many Christians’ lives, those who will thrive in the last days, according to Jude, will continually be strengthening themselves through God’s Word.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Is there someone God wants you to be concerned about right now and show compassion?
In addition to Ebed Melechs' courage, we also see his compassion. In fact, it was his compassion for Jeremiah which fueled his courage to approach King Zedekiah and ask to rescue Jeremiah from certain death. A great Biblical example of compassion in action is the story of the Good Samaritan as told by Jesus in Luke's gospel, chapter 10. This is a passage that all of us should be continually reminded of. This quality of compassion can inspire us to take the kind of courageous action that Ebed Melech took in Jeremiah 38. If we feel so strongly about someone or something, it can be the only foundation we need to do something courageous. Jeremiah, the prophet of God, found himself in a pit and Ebed Melechs' compassion drew him out. Is there someone God wants you to be concerned about right now and show compassion? When we find ourselves in the pits of life the Bible teaches us that God's compassion is activated to help us out. Listen to the words of the psalmist in Psalm 40:1-2. "I relied completely on the Lord, and He turned to me and heard my cry for help. He lifted me out of the watery pit, our of the slimy mud. He placed my feet on a rock and gave me secure footing."
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Is God asking you to do something courageous?
One of my favorite obscure Bible characters is found in Jeremiah 38. His name is Ebed Melech, whose name means "servant of the king." Most would see him being King Zedekiah's servant but he was more importantly the servant of a greater King - not of this earth.
Jeremiah, the prophet of God, had been thrown into a cistern and left to die. When Ebed Melech found out about this, he felt compelled to approach the king in order to rescue Jeremiah from this fate. This took much courage on the part of Ebed melech. There are many people in the Bible who demonstrated courage. Moses confronted Pharoah, Esther appealed to King Ahasuerus, David faced Goliath. In the first chapter of Joshua, God told Joshua multiple times to be strong and courageous.
Courage, it has been said, is not the absence of fear, but doing what is right in spite of the fear. God needs servants who will be courageous. Is God asking you to do something courageous.? Remember this: God will give you courage if you ask Him.
Jeremiah, the prophet of God, had been thrown into a cistern and left to die. When Ebed Melech found out about this, he felt compelled to approach the king in order to rescue Jeremiah from this fate. This took much courage on the part of Ebed melech. There are many people in the Bible who demonstrated courage. Moses confronted Pharoah, Esther appealed to King Ahasuerus, David faced Goliath. In the first chapter of Joshua, God told Joshua multiple times to be strong and courageous.
Courage, it has been said, is not the absence of fear, but doing what is right in spite of the fear. God needs servants who will be courageous. Is God asking you to do something courageous.? Remember this: God will give you courage if you ask Him.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
We need more Jehoshaphats in the body of Christ.
Jehoshaphat is one of my favorite characters in the Bible. For one, I just like to say his name, but more importantly he is such an inspiring individual. Jehoshaphat's story comes to us in 2 Chronicles 17. The Bible informs us that he has taken the reins of leadership from his father Asa after Asa has died. In 2 Chronicles 17:3, I believe we learn the reason why this man was such an inspiration. We are told that the LORD was with Jehoshaphat. Now some may not view that as too significant. Isn't the LORD with all of us? Absolutely, because God is omnipresent, He certainly is with all of us. But what becomes very clear as you continue reading is that God being with Jehoshaphat was more than just a knowledge of His presence. There was God's blessing, God's favor, God's approval all over Jehoshaphat's life. The reason behind all of this we descover in verse 6 is because he was committed to following the LORD. I believe with all of my heart that this isn't just for Jehoshaphat but for any of us who are committed to following the LORD. When any of us knows that God is with us in the way He was with Jehoshaphat we can live life with such passion and purpose that we are bound to be an inspiration to others. We need more Jehoshaphats in the body of Christ. People who live in such a way that their life inspires others. Could you, would you be that one?
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Once we believe that God will lead us in our lives, the next area of focus must be on our willingness to follow. In fact, this was the first invitation Jesus gave to His initial followers. We read in Matthew 4:19, "Follow me, and I will turn you into fishers of people." The word "follow" means to come here and implies that if we are going to be followers of Jesus Christ, we must follow close to Him and not from a distance. (This is not contradictory to my previous thoughts - I believe we should keep our perspective in that God is God and we are not; but stay close enough to Him to have an intimacy with our Father.)
The Jews had a saying for their young apprentices that they should follow so closely to their rabbi, their teacher, that they walk in his dust. This is true for us as well. In fact, James 4:8 say it this way: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." The concept of drawing near is that two things are in such close proximity to the other that they appear to be joined together. We have before us a leader Who is the greatest example anyone could ever have. Let's decide today to be a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. One cannot effectively lead others spiritually until one has learned to follow Christ Himself.
What an encouragement it was tonight to share God's word with over 500 people at The Mine bible study at Cornerstone, I will miss you all during our 2 week spring break!
The Jews had a saying for their young apprentices that they should follow so closely to their rabbi, their teacher, that they walk in his dust. This is true for us as well. In fact, James 4:8 say it this way: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." The concept of drawing near is that two things are in such close proximity to the other that they appear to be joined together. We have before us a leader Who is the greatest example anyone could ever have. Let's decide today to be a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. One cannot effectively lead others spiritually until one has learned to follow Christ Himself.
What an encouragement it was tonight to share God's word with over 500 people at The Mine bible study at Cornerstone, I will miss you all during our 2 week spring break!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Let God lead the way and trust that He will
Joshua was about to lead the nation of Israel across the Jordan river and into the land that god had promised to their ancestors. But this was a new journey for them. The Bible says in Joshua 3:4 that they had never traveled this way before. This was unfamiliar territory. When we find ourselves in places that are unfamiliar it can also be quite uncomfortable. So what were they to do? The answer is also in verse 4: Let God lead the way and trust that He will. The Israelites were told to stay about 3,000 feet behind the ark of the covenant (the symbol of God's presence amoung His people). This was not just to remind them of the respect and reverence they were to have towards their God. It was symbolic of letting God get out in front and lead them so they could see which way they should go. Not much has changed with respect to finding ourselves in unfamiliar, uncomfortable places. We must let God get out in front and trust Him to lead us. Remember the will of God will not lead us where Spirit of God and the Word of God will not guide us.
*Jeff Royce teaches a weekly verse by verse bible study on Tuesdays at 6:45pm @ Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Chandler, Arizona.
*Jeff Royce teaches a weekly verse by verse bible study on Tuesdays at 6:45pm @ Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Chandler, Arizona.
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