The Wise or Foolish Path 07.23.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday July 23, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Proverbs. Please read Chapters 8-11 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%208-11&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the benefits of wisdom; and the contrast between the wise and foolish. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we have two choices in life, to be wise or foolish.

Nothing in life is to be more treasured, more priceless, than knowing the Word of God. As Solomon spoke these proverbs to his son, God is also speaking to us as His own children. "All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it." (Proverbs 8:8-11).

Is it any surprise that Satan seeks so relentlessly to keep Christians from reading what God has written, the only sure way of knowing right from wrong? When we commit ourselves to be obedient to reading God's Word, our first considerations become love, loyalty, and service to our Lord. "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (9:9-10). This wisdom and understanding covers every aspect of life: physical, moral, spiritual, financial, and our social well-being.

The basic difference between the wise man and the fool is in the use each makes of his time, talents, and material possessions. When we rely on God and His Word it will result in loving obedience to Him. "The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked." (10:1-3).

We all are on one of two roads in our journey through life. The road followed by the wise is narrower and more difficult, but it brings happiness, satisfaction, peace, and eternal life; however, the broad road of the fool inevitably leads to a life of self-interest, leaveing one never satisfied and always wanting something more ultimately resulting of eternal death.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the Creator who prepared the heavens (Proverbs 8:27-31). "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:3).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
As we earnestly seek and follow You our minds are being renewed daily. Our ambitions, goals, and affections are being transformed into what You created us to be. It is in dying to the world that we become alive unto Christ and it is through Your mercy that we offer our lives today as living sacrifices. Bless us with the wisdom we need to follow the journey that You have prepared for us. In Jesus' name......Amen.

Have a great and mighty day!
God Bless,
Christina

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Listen to Instruction 07.22.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday July 22, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Proverbs. Please read Chapters 4-7 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%204-7&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the power of wisdom to protect us from evil; the seven sins most hated by God; and the necessity of keeping God's Commandments. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that the things that we see and hear, especially if they are evil, are stored in our minds and are often used by Satan to tempt us to sin. In order to overcome these sins we are to become wise to the instruction of God and evaluate ourselves to see if we are setting ourselves up.

Truly it is by listening to the instruction of a father that will spare a child heartache and misery as they grow. God uses Solomon to explain the importance of wisdom, "Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth." (Proverbs 4:1-5).

He also instructs us how to live wisely, "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (4:18-23). To be diligent means to keep the heart persistent with following God. The more we spend time with God the wiser we get and the less we fall into wickedness.

This characteristic of Satan underlies the following seven sins that are an abomination unto God. "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." (6:16-19). The first of the seven deadly sins is a proud look. This type of pride is the attitude that shows others that we are superior or better than them. Of all sins, pride comes first, for it precedes all other sins. When we are too proud of ourselves it leaves us thinking that we are above and beyond needing help from other and especially God. It is good to feel good knowing that we are doing great things for God or others, but when we let our pride take over it reflects the rest of our attitude and behavior toward others which cause a manifestation of other sins.

An obligation rests upon every Christian to let his words be an overflow of the Spirit-filled life. We cannot offer a member of our body for His use on one occasion and then on the next, use it to deceive or destroy another. "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be." (James 3:8-10).

We do not realize it, but we reveal our hearts by what we say and hear. Ponder the kind of talk you enjoy hearing and speaking, in this way you can get to know yourself. For it is the kind of talk that you love to hear and speak about that indicates the type of person your are. The sort of person who pours into your ears all the latest information has sized you up as being the type of person who wants to hear that kind of garbage. You can evaluate yourself by taking time to note the things people come and talk to you about.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the teacher of wisdom (Proverbs 4:7,11). Christ is our Teacher, "That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:2-3).

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord,
We ask You to not only open our eyes to that which is around us, but we ask You to open our hearts and reveal to us any evil that is in us. Lord, help us to learn from Your instruction and may we continue to hide Your Word in our hearts that we might not sin against You. How blessed we are to know that as You reign in our hearts, our spirits understand which is Scriptural and that which is heresy. May we ever be vigilant in Scripture and fervent in prayer as we encounter the gods of this world. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a wonderful day!
God Bless,
Christina

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Giving God Control 07.21.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday July 21, 2008 and today we are beginning our studies on the book of Proverbs. The book of Proverbs is the twentieth book in the Old Testament and contains 31 chapters. The book was written by David's son, Solomon, with the exception of chapters 30 and 31. The book was first written to Israel, but the truths for practical living are applicable to all believers and the purpose of the book is to show that no matter what the world has to offer without the Lord, all is vanity.

The word "proverbs" means "a brief saying instead of many words." Each verse in Proverbs is a concise summary of an important truth. It is difficult to make a general outline of the book because each chapter and sometimes each verse within the chapter deals with a different subject. The reason for writing these brief sayings or "proverbs" is to condense wisdom to help us remember spiritual truths better. The Proverbs are short summaries of great spiritual truths.

Today we will read Proverbs Chapters 1-3, Click Here to read or Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%201-3&version=9

Today we will read and learn about wisdom beginning with the fearing of God; the necessity of searching for wisdom; and the importance of trusting in the Lord. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that great gain is obtained by giving control of our lives over to God. This is a principle the world refuses to accept.

Solomon, as well as all the other writers of the Bible, was inspired by God to record exactly what God wanted us to know in order to be the person He created us to be. "To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:2-7).

There is a promise in connection with spiritual wisdom. Many understand most of the literal meaning of the Bible, but many do not comprehend its spiritual significance because they have not submitted to its guidance. However, when we take the time to meditate on these words we not only become wiser we also understand God. "My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God." (2:1-5)

Speaking through Solomon, God is saying: "Take My Word seriously." It alone can provide you with true wisdom that will guide you. "He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:" (2:8-11).

Despite the Lord's urging, some people spend little, or no, time reading the Bible, and only a few ever pray for spiritual achievements so that they may accomplish the purpose for which God created them. Discerning Christians will put their personal goals in harmony with God's and seek Him first while making all secular goals secondary. This proves time and time again that we have better success at reaching personal goals when we put God first. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33).

The choice of whom we will serve is of utmost importance, for it affects everything else in life. With the same intense energy by which worldly success is pursued by many, Christians should seek achievements of eternal value for the good of others and the glory of God.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the Creator, "The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens." (3:19). "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:" (Colossians 1:16).

Dear Lord,
We pray for a sincere heart that is sensitive to Biblical truths as they apply to our lives. We struggle with forgetfulness and indifference which are twin enemies of a living vibrant relationship with You. Lord, we invite You to arrange the circumstances of our lives that will keep us patiently looking to You and asking for Your divine guidance instead of trying to take on the world without You. In Jesus' name......Amen.

Have a great day and week!
God Bless,
Christina

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Praise The Lord 7.20.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Sunday July 20, 2008 and today we are completing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 144-150 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20144-150&version=9

Today we will learn about David's praise for God's mercy and goodness; the benefits of trusting in God; all creation urged to praise the Lord; and triumph in the God of Israel. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we need to praise God always as praising God give us hope and increases our faith in Him.

The psalmist begins and ends each of the last five psalms saying, "Praise ye the LORD", which is the literal translation of the Hebrew word Hallelujah. He further proclaims, "Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being......Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever" (Psalm 146:1-2, 5-6). Praising God not only lifts Him up it also lifts us up as well, giving us the hope that we can get through our struggles.

The more we are determined to truly put Christ first in our lives, the more we will experience interruptions which demand our time and attention. Many times, we allow even the good things to keep us from the best that God has to offer. Remember, God knows our hearts and also knows if we are truthful in our walk with Him. While we do not see beyond the surface, God does and no matter how good we look on the outside we can not hide the inside.

The Psalms in this book make us aware that nothing comes into our lives by accident. Everything God permits satan to do to us is to develop His highest good in us. These closing psalms assure us we have a loving, Heavenly Father who wants the best for His children and all we have to to is call on Him and have the patience to seek and trust Him in all that we do.

God has provided His Word as the One True Guide that reveals how we should live to please Him. Our Lord has provided His Church where we can sing praises to Him, share our testimonies with others who love Him, and receive instruction and inspiration from spiritual leaders. As Christians, we were never meant to be self-sufficient, independent loners, but responsible members of the Body of Christ, which is the Church. "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:13-16).

The Book of Psalms concludes by saying, "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." (Psalm 150:6).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus,
Instead of a murmuring and ungrateful attitude, I want to join with the multitude of believers and praise You. I will praise You, my great Redeemer, for who You are and for Your acts of kindness seen so many times throughout my day. I will never cease to praise Your name because You never cease to work on my behalf. Your mercy and love, Your strength and comfort, Your sustaining power and guiding hand endures forever and are only a tiny fraction of the many reasons that lead me to praise You. In your mighty name, Jesus.......Amen.

Enjoy your day!
God Bless,
Christina

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God Knows Everything 07.18.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Friday July 18, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 132-143 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20132-143&version=9

Today we will read about a prayer for God's blessing; the joy of unity; exhortation to praise the Lord; God's enduring mercy; God's Word magnified, the all-seeing providence of God; David's prayer for deliverance from Saul; comfort in prayer; and a prayer for mercy in judgment. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that Satan would like for us to believe that we can hide our sin and get away with it, but the truth is God knows our hearts and knows everything sin that we commit.

Those who form the family of God should surely live together in peace and harmony. You will be unable to discover any beauty worth speaking of in the false unity created and maintained by compromise of principles and man made rules and regulations. "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." (Psalm 133).

The unity that is pleasant to the Lord is the unity of Christians brought about through the Holy Spirit. We are all unique, yet there is perfect unity. The word pleasant denotes delightful and lovely. It should be an attitude manifestation toward others.

God reveals that, at conception, we became a person, a living soul. Although, as an unborn infant, we were hidden from human view, as if buried in the earth, our bodies are no mystery to our Creator, who prepares us for our journey on earth. Nothing that we are going through is a surprise to God because He already knew that it was going to happen. God explains this to David as He inspired him to write Psalm 139. "O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether." (Psalm 139: 1-4).

David shows us that a sincere love of God prompts a clear break from sin, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (139:23-24). This request expresses sincerity. It is not the request of one who was ignorant of his true character and inflated with presumption, but of one who thoroughly knew his natural human tendency to self deception. Just as one unguarded entrance to a high-walled city may admit an invading horde, David knew that yielding to one temptation could weaken an otherwise guarded life.

Let us be well assured that God alone knows our hearts completely. For example, David in his time of sins of adultery and murder, apparently lived without confession and without forgiveness and without his conscience convicting him because he was in all other activities appearing as a very good and gracious king of the kingdom of God. "(See II Samuel). One year later the prophet Nathan was led of God to show David what he was doing wrong. It was God's authoritative Word that brought conviction and exposed David's wickedness to his own heart. Deeply grieved, David confessed his sin, repented, and was pardoned by God and restored to fellowship with Him. But as God foretold, David suffered many tragedies to the day of his death.

The Word, by the power of the Holy Spirit, is the instrument which the Lord God uses today to search the depths of the human heart.

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed as the descendant of David. "The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne." (Psalm 132:11). "He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:" (Luke 1:32).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Nothing brings abiding peace more than knowing that we are saved from the penalty of sin and that we are firmly grounded in Your holy precepts. It makes us feel safe in a struggling world that continues to search for knowledge from all the wrong sources. We are sound in our outlook when we align our understanding and convictions with the teachings of Christ, in You we are saved and we are sound. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day and weekend! TGIF!

God Bless,
Christina

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