Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

DON’T BLAME GOD

“The foolishness of man undermines his way [ruining whatever he undertakes]; Then his heart is resentful and rages against the Lord [for, being a fool, he blames the Lord instead of himself].” – Proverbs 19:3 Amplified Bible

            Mortal man doesn’t fully understand that which is fairly easy to understand. When an unfortunate event takes places either personally or on a grander scale, one of the first things man says comes in the form of a question: “Where was God? He could have kept this from happening.” Perhaps it’s a person’s cancer-riddled spouse or child. Perhaps it’s being scammed in some financial deal. Maybe it’s a car accident or getting let go from a job. It might be a devastating storm that takes lives and property. Never once does man consider it could be the consequences of some choice they had made. Even Christians, often feel the need to blame someone. Why not God? He has the power to keep anything bad from happening to us.  Check out the Gospel account of Christ’s crucifixion:  “In the same way, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, saying, ‘He saved others, but He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God. Let God deliver Him now if He wants Him. For He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”… (Matthew 27:21-23)

            God didn’t save his own Son from death on a cross.  That’s because there was a specific purpose for that event to take place when it did. And there is a specific purpose for that which happens in your life and mine also. If you have the idea that once you become a Christian nothing bad will ever happen to you, you are sadly mistaken. Trials are sent our way as a means of initiating spiritual growth. They are used by God to expand our faith, which enhances our trust in the Almighty. 

            If an ill spouse that you’ve been praying for passes away, don’t get resentful or angry with God. He answered your prayers for healing, just not the way you wanted them answered. They shall be in heaven where they will never be sick again. God’s will is perfect. He knows what’s best and is asking us to trust him in that regard. So don’t blame God for anything. Don’t blame anyone or anything. Everything happens for a reason and God controls all things. It’s simple really, but we by pass the simple and try to complicate it. It doesn’t have to be that way. Accept the fact that we are human and far from perfect. And know that God shall never fail any of us. The wheels in heaven are turning right now preparing the exact solution you need for your situation. Be patient and know that your answer will come exactly when you need it most. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources:www.biblegateway.com; The Life Application Study Bible.

Random Snippet

          "When we give a gift to someone their positive reaction feeds our ego and makes us feel good, but that's not the point in God’s economy. The important factor involved here is obedience to what your heart is telling you to do. Their reaction is irrelevant although it is obviously always nicer to receive a positive, appreciative response. Some folks may just say 'okay' and that’s it. Perhaps they’re embarrassed. Perhaps reserved. It makes no different. We are not of this world. The way God has us move about and do his will is foreign to this world. They may never understand, but that’s alright. The will of God has been done." RLKeller

Random Snippet

     How do we keep our behavior under God’s influence in the face of so many ungodly, unscrupulous, offensive people that cross our path each and every day. We must pray to see them thru God’s eyes. Our human prejudice gives us a battle as we strive to love all. Only with the help of God’s Holy Spirit can this be accomplished. RLKeller 

Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

Know the Facts

“Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.”  “Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.”– Proverbs 18:13, 15 The Living Translation

            We come across many people today who speak before they engage their brain. They speak without knowing any actual facts, only unverified rumor. This may be inadmissible in a court of law, but the public places credence in it anyway. Perhaps it’s because we want to believe the worst in others. People do way too much assuming which can end up being a tenuous road to travel. 

            There are 3 very basic principles you can use to make a sound decision before responding: 1) Make sure you get all the facts before you answer; 2) Be open minded to what is being said to you and 3) Make sure to hear both sides of the story without allowing preconceived notions or unsubstantiated information taint your thought process. These principles all center on seeking additional information. Until that info is acquired we must keep our opinions to ourselves.

            Those who seek the truth will hold their tongue until fully informed. Those who shoot first and ask questions later end up with egg on their face more times than not. Until you know the facts you don’t really know anything at all. As Christians we must set the example for proper behavior when dealing with the dissemination of information. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources:  The Life Application Study Bible; www.biblegateway.com; the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language. 

Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

The Refining Pot

“The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests hearts.” – Proverbs 17:3The Amplified Bible

            Dross is the waste or scum that forms on the surface of molten metal, such as silver and gold.  The Amplified Version refers to the container that holds the metal as a refining pot. This is because the materials are being refined to their purest form while the dross is skimmed off the top. Trials allowed by God are ourrefining pot. 

            Trials reveal the depth of our faith and trust in Almighty God to deliver and sustain us in our lives regardless of our circumstances. Believers tend to put on a happy face when things are difficult, but there is no shame or lack of faith to say you are struggling. Those who truly care for you will not judge you but rather lend support. This is not a perfect life and no matter how long we’ve been living for the Lord we still have something new and important to learn from him.

            Live your life as if you are walking step by step with Christ himself, because by virtue of the Holy Spirit within you he literally is. He and only he knows the true motivation of our hearts. We must welcome trials for all things happen for a reason and understanding the reason isn’t required. Trusting God to take you thru it is.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources:The Life Application Study Bible; www.biblegateway.com; the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.

Dross(meaning)- Waste or impure matter; the scum that forms on the surface of molten metal as a result of oxidation.

Random Snippet

          I received a coffee mug for Christmas that said “Blessed & Grateful”. It is very appropriate because that’s exactly how I feel. If we focus on the things we have rather than the things we do not have, we will realize we are truly blessed in this life. I have need of nothing to be perfectly honest. I have much more than I deserve ... I am blessed and I know it. It humbles a man to realize God has blessed his life and for all that I am extremely grateful. How about you? RL Keller

Word for the Day - MERRY CHRISTMAS!

"It is not in the getting, but rather in the giving that the greatest blessing is received."

RL Keller 

Author / Speaker

 Bread of Life Ministries

Devotional for the Eve of Christmas Day

During this very special time of year I like to post this devotional from L.B. Cowman,                 “If Christ had not come.”

           A few years ago a striking Christmas card was published, with the title, “If Christ had not come.” It was founded upon our Savior’s words, “If I had not come.”(John 15:21-13) The card represented a clergyman falling into a short sleep in his study on Christmas morning and dreaming of a world into which Jesus had never come.

In his dream he found himself looking through his home, but there were no little stockings in the chimney corner, no Christmas bells or wreaths of holly, and no Christ to comfort, gladden and save. He walked out on the public street, but there was no church with its spire pointing to Heaven. He came back and sat down in his library, but every book about the Savior had disappeared.

            A ring at the doorbell, and a messenger asked him to visit a poor dying mother. He hastened with, the weeping child and as he reached the home he sat down and said, “I have something here that will comfort you.” He opened his Bible to look for a familiar promise, but it ended at Malachi, and there was no gospel and no promise of hope and salvation, and he could only bow his head and weep with her in bitter despair.

            Two days afterward he stood beside her coffin and conducted the funeral service, but there was no message of consolation, no word of a glorious resurrection, no open Heaven, but only “dust to dust, ashes to ashes,” and one long eternal farewell. He realized at length that “He had not come,” and burst into tears and bitter weeping in his sorrowful dream.

            Suddenly he woke with a start, and a great shout of joy and praise burst from his lips as he heard his choir singing in his church close by:

“O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him, born the King of Angels,
O come let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.”

            Let us be glad and rejoice today, because “He has come.”And let us remember the annunciation of the angel, “Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people, for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)

    “Look! The virgin will conceive and bear a son, and they will call him Emmanuel,” which means “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)

     “For a child has been born to us, a son has been given to us. He shoulders responsibility and is called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

About the author:  Lettie Burd Cowman, also known as L.B. Cowman, was an American writer and author of the devotional books Streams in the Desertand Springs in the Valley. Cowman published her books under the author name Mrs. Charles E. Cowman. Cowman worked as a pioneer missionary with her husband in Japan and China from 1901 to 1917, during which time they helped found the Oriental Missionary Society. She passed away on Easter Sunday, 1960 at the age of 90.

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My Christian ex-mother-in-law once said "Truth is truth wherever you find it. So eat the meat and leave the bone."

That, my friends, is some good old fashioned North Carolina wisdom.

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Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

“People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.”– Proverbs 16:2New Living Translation

            If and when we examine ourselves what standard should we use to do a proper assessment? It is very easy to deceive ourselves regarding our own righteousness. Especially if we compare ourselves to another human being.  Our standard must be something that never changes. Everything known to man changes in one way or another.  James 1:17 tells us,“Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changesor casts a shifting shadow.” Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” This can be said of no one else either this side of heaven or heaven itself.  Therefore, to discount these scriptures as accurate and truthful is to leave yourself without any proper measuring stick. 

            Too many people believe the way they live their lives is just fine.  They seem to use a criteria based on 1) if it hurts anyone else, 2) if it’s pleasurableand 3) if it’s what they really want to dothen it must be all right. Why include God? They aren’t doing anything wrong based on the criterion that always seems to them to be fair and practical. 

            In reality, an individual should ask themselves the following 3 questions: 1)Is this plan in harmony with God’s truth?2) Are my motives pure?3) Is my attitude pleasing to God? Now a non-believer will not be inclined to do this. To do that which seems pure and right in ones own eyes only shines a light on their own rash ignorance. They are undiscerning with circumstances that require a high level of discernment. Understand that God examines every motive of our hearts. If you wish to live a life that is pleasing to him that should mean something to you. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Resources: NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible; Reformation Study Bible; The Life Application Study Bible; www.biblegateway.com.

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Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

“The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.” – Proverbs 15:28New Living Translation.

            It is never in the volume of words that wisdom lies, but rather in the quality of the words spoken that truly matters. For example, you can bless a grief stricken individual far more by saying nothing and simply holding their hand. It requires discernment. God knows what we all need, we do not. We need to rely on the Spirit’s leading so we say appropriate, even necessary words, not words solely for the sake of saying something. It is the heart that exudes the character traits of God that cares about the heart of another individual. 

           It is the wicked person that cares about no one but him or herself. They typically have no filters in place to monitor what they say. They blurt out anything their little, sin addled mind comes up with. Conversely, a righteous soul considers the weight of what they shall say prior to saying it.

           A believer’s sole mission in this life is to be an encourager and edifier to others. An encourager inspires another with hope, courage or confidence. It lends support when it is needed. An edifier specifically instructs another by encouraging intellectual, moral or spiritual improvement. It is our responsibility to do so because worldly minded, sin ravaged people are incapable of doing so. Ask the Lord to lead you in this endeavor and he will. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources: www.biblegateway.com, The Reformation Study Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, the American Heritage Dictionary of the English language.

Now from the deepest depths of my random mind comes …

Sporadic Snippets… I have a tee shirt that says,“Dogs are my favorite people.” The more I’m around humans, the more I find my shirt to be true. … People can sure be jerky at times. With God’s help, we must keep from being a jerk ourselves while we seek to overlook the jerkiness in others. … The mean-spirited, intolerant behavior of man seems to be more and more prevalent in certain regions of the U.S. As believers we mustn’t allow ourselves to fall into that trap. It is a downward spiral, a whirlwind that can be inescapable, taking you to a desperate, depressing, and dangerous place both emotionally and psychologically. … How do people live without the Lord? …  

Note:  During the course of my day things cross my mind that I jot down. I hope you will find some benefit from these snippets. They are nothing more than random fragments of thought that I put down on paper.

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Just so none of you think I stopped writing devotionals, I have been working the last 17 days straight at 10 hours per day. Com'on retirement.I have obviously been filling the gap with brief snippets and inspirational quotes. I trust that you find these encouraging. My peak season should end sometime between now and Christmas. It looks like we'll be working thru this coming weekend so on and on it goes. Ain't nothin' but a thing. Love you all.

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THOUGHTS FROM A RANDOM MIND

Focus– To concentrate all your attention or energy on something. It can be said you are “drawing a bead on” something or “zeroing in on” something. It is the “center” of your attention. 

            We tend to fix our focus on many different things throughout life and God isn’t always one of them. We largely focus on problematic circumstances. Even though we are instructed to worry about nothing we focus on and over think our problems and the fixing of them. Check out these verses re: worry … “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”– Philippians 4:6; “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”– Matthew 6:25; “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his lifespan?”– Matthew 6:27; “And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin.”– Matthew 6:28; “Therefore do not worry, …”.– Matthew 6:31

            Why do we lose sight of God when we need him the most. He hasn’t gone anywhere. We’re the ones who moved, from Faith Lane to Doubt Drive. Our focus becomes blurred. Our troubles look more like insurmountable mountains instead of what they truly are, mere obstacles to be overcome … with the help of God. 

What is your focus locked in on?

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Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

Death Awaits the Foolish Man

“There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” –Proverbs 14:12New American Standard Bible

            This is a verse of scripture that paints a bleak picture for those who make decisions by their gut or by what seems right to them. As I have stated repeatedly, man’s resources are grossly limited, especially when they are compared to God’s. This verse is repeated in Proverbs 16:25.  Proverbs 5:23 says, “He will die for lack of instruction and in the greatness of his folly he will go astray.” This familiar passage from the gospel of Matthew 7:13-14 states the following, “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.” 

            The death spoken of may be physical death, but it is most assuredly spiritual death, for it involves a life without God and therefore no hope of forgiveness for sin. It is a life void of his influence and that by your own choice.

            Why do so few find the narrow path that leads to life in Christ? I suppose you could say there are several reasons. Man wishes to think for himself and make his own decisions. In other words, he wishes to be autonomous, answerable to only himself.  Surrender to the autonomous man is a dirty word and yet it is exactly what is required to enter into God’s heaven.

            There is no way for the secular man to rightly determine the correct course to take. Even when they do things that are seen as right by the wayward society in which they live, these decisions have no eternal value. We must all march to the beat of a new drum, not our own drum. God blesses those who seek him. He uses those who desire to be used by the Holy Spirit to promote God in a bold, new way. To “do your own thing” only leads to disappointment in the end with a severe lack of satisfaction. There is nothing more rewarding than giving of yourself to others because you want to, never because you feel you have to. Seek wise counsel and never to what seems right to you without lifting it up to your Heavenly Father first. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources:www.biblegateway.com; Translation: New American Standard Translation of the Bible.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

          While we may not get turkey with all the obligatory side dishes every day, to the believer in Christ EVERY day is Thanksgiving! This is a special day set aside to remember that which is most important and forget that which is non-essential. It is a time for us to reflect on family and friends and all the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us thru the past year. 

          What is most important to you? What should be? How is your relationship with Christ? Is he your closest friend or your sometimes necessity? If Thanksgiving has become no more than turkey, trimmings, family and football then let me suggest that the top of the list should have God. He is the source of all the blessings in life. Focus, reflect and be introspective. Christ died so that you could live, not for yourself, but for him. Enjoy your family, your food and yes, even your football, but don't forget the One who hung the moon and the stars in their place. Never forget who you are and whose you are. I love you all. For those who speak Espanol, "Tenga feliz dia de accion de gracias". Have a good day of thanks! rlkeller

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Sometimes you are delayed where you are because God knows there's a storm where you are headed.

BE GRATEFUL!

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"To surrender is our heart 

admitting our weakness. 

To accept is our ego 

demanding the illusion 

of still being in charge."

Unknown

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Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

Criticism vs. Correction

“If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.”

Proverbs 13:18* New Living Translation 

            The first thing I noticed about this verse was the use of the words ‘criticism’ and ‘correction’. The negative reaction speaks of ‘criticism’. The positive response involves ‘correction’, a much more appealing word. 

            Now there is criticism for the sake of criticism and there is what is referred to as “constructive” criticism. It is offered from a humble heart that wishes to show a person something the may not yet be aware of. It is the prideful, ignorant heart that either ignores or totally rebuffs the constructive criticism being offered. It also depends on how it is offered. If it is offered with anything less than a humble spirit, it is offered incorrectly. 

            The recipient of said criticism / correction, needs to leave any baggage at the side of the road. They also need an open heart for without that they are like a darkened house with locked doors and pulled shades, closed minded and resistant to assistance. As mentioned, the way it is offered has a lot to do with the reception. The one who offers it should also sprinkle in a dose of encouragement and edification, for that is the icing on the cake. You can’t ever go wrong by doing that. It’s a Fruit of the Spirit.

            There is something rewarding about lifting up someone’s spirits when they are down, whether they are saved or not. It’s far more beneficial for all parties to speak positive words than negative ones. And we should do it for no other reason that God’s word proclaims it and it is simply the right thing to do. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

--------------------

Resources: www.biblegateway.com; The Life Application Study Bible. 

Additional verses on correction:

* Proverbs 15:5 – “Only a fool despises a father’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.”

   Proverbs 15:32 – “If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you     

   grow in understanding.

Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

The Debilitating Power of Worrying
“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.”–Proverbs 12:25 New Living Translation

            Worrying can become rather debilitating over time. It leads to depression, which acts like a sinkhole in our lives. It doesn’t have to be this way. The believer who allows negativism to warp their perception of things needs to reflect on scripture instead to pull themselves out of their funk. Consider Psalm 94:19, which says, “When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” Things are not always going to go your way, but if you focus on the Lord and not your situation you will be victorious.

            That’s really all worrying is … negative thought. Being concerned about things that may happen or will happen and what the consequences might be is a tremendous waste of energy. And I can say that because I’ve worried about plenty of things throughout my life. Nothing positive or helpful ever comes from it. It just upsets our stomach and creates stress. I call that ‘manufactured stress’. It’s not natural, but unnatural. Something we’ve conjured up in our own minds that will probably never come to pass. That’s nothing more than a lack of trust in God’s ability to remove us or see us through any given difficulty and that’s a sin. 

            Matthew 6:33-34 tells us how to overcome worrying. Jesus said in verse 33, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Now we’re probably all familiar with that portion of scripture, but did you know that the very next verse says? “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring it’s own worries.” As a matter of fact Matthew 6:25-34 deals with concern for our needs being met in association with worry. Take the time to look it up and read it. You’ll be glad you did.

            If you want to be a blessing to others cultivate, with the Holy Spirit’s help, a ministry of encouragement. The spoken word is an important part of caring for one another. What you say to them just might be exactly what they need to hear at that very moment. Encourage and edify the brethren first, but those outside God’s grace as well so they might see Christ in us through our words and behavior.

Resources: www.biblegateway.com; MacArthur Bible Study; NIV Bible Study Notes.

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Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

SPIRIT LED SELF CONTROL

“A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.” – Proverbs 12:16New Living Translation

            There are certain attributes that don’t come naturally to man. Self-Control can tend to be one of them. Staying calm in the face of ridicule or insults by someone who feels the need to do so can be a little hard to take, but unfortunately, it’s a part of life. People who don’t understand you or your lifestyle act out of frustration. Frankly, they may not know any better. Holding your tongue will be a positive example in the face of such provocation.  

            There are 2 other place in Proverbs that speak on this: Proverbs 10:12 & 29:11. Proverbs 10:12 says, “Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.” Hate is such an ugly word. No good comes from it. Love counters hate and that’s important to know because there is a lot of hate in the world today. Loving others on our own is not possible over the long haul. The Holy Spirit must fuel self-control if we are going to be able to sustain it. Nothing is accomplished if we exhibit self-control now, but fail to do so the next time. One’s testimony is at stake. That is important because we are Christ’s ambassadors on this earth. 

            Proverbs 29:11 says, “Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.” Holding back isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s the “control of one's emotions, desires, or actions by one's own will.” That is spirit led self-control which happens to be listed as one of the Fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.

            If you happen to be a quick-tempered individual, as a believer you need to give that over to God once and for all. If you are not a Christian you must take the critical first step by acknowledging you are a person who has racked up a multitude of sins with no way to pay for them. Christ is the answer. Believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sins of man … ask him to forgive you … turn away from your old life and allow God to live thru you. THEN pray for self-control. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources:www.biblegateway.com; NIV Study Bible Notes; MacArthur Study Notes on the Bible.

Talking a Walk Thru Proverbs

The Arrogant & the Wise

“The way of the [arrogant] fool [who rejects God’s wisdom] is right in his own eyes, but a wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel.”– Proverbs 12:15Amplified Bible

Let us define some words:

arrogant - displaying a sense of overbearing self-worth or self-importance; having a feeling or assumption of one's superiority toward others

wise / prudent-  Having the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; Exhibiting common sense. / exercising good judgment; wisdom in practical matters (such as “making a prudent investment”.)

            Arrogant, foolish men and women can at times stare right in the eyes of danger and not recognize it for what it is. That is the person scripture speaks of in the above verse and also in Proverbs 14:12 (“There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.”). The real danger is not what lies in front of you, but rather your inability to seek counsel to make wise decisions. No one except God himself knows everything that can be known. Those who feel they know all they need to know and trust their own instincts over the instincts of someone other than themselves are heading for a fall. 

            Those who exercise wisdom and prudence in their decision making are to be commended. They are not afraid to have an exchange of pertinent ideas and never concerned about discarding their ideas in favor of someone who may have been where you are going. Some folks, whether Christian or non-Christian, can be trusted and some cannot. We need to use spiritual discernment to determine whose advice we should listen to and whose we should not.

            Proverbs 19:20 - “Listen to counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction that you may be wise in the time to come.” Proverbs 15:22 - “Without consultation and wise advice, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they are established and succeed.” We can’t know everything, but if several trusted men or women of God pool their spiritual resources we have a greater chance of finding the mind of God regarding the matter. Matthew 7:7 - “Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.” God wants to honor your requests and fulfill your wishes, but first we must exhibit the propensity to seek his wisdom and choose rightly based not on what we think we know but what God has revealed to us in his Word. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! 

Resources:www.thehub.com; www.biblegateway.com; The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.

Bible Version Used: The Amplified Bible.

Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

HONESTY vs. WICKEDNESS

“The godly are directed by honesty; the wicked fall beneath their load of sin. When the wicked die, their hopes die with them, for they rely on their own feeble strength.” – Proverbs 11:5, 7 New Living Translation

            In these last few verses Solomon has stressed the importance of ‘honesty’. Just what exactly IS honesty? Being honest has to do with one’s integrity. An honest person is genuine. They are truthful. They are sincere and of good reputation. They are also humble. _{(The complete definition is in the footnote section below)}  These are all traits attributable to Almighty God. So a person who is honest in all situations and at all times is displaying a godly characteristic.

            The wicked are not those who do the most heinous deeds known to man. A wicked person is one who is immoral and highly offensive. He or she is malicious and sinful. These are the characteristics of the evil one, Satan. So you see there are very clear lines drawn between the righteous and the unrepentant.  The godly proceed thru life with the power of God at their disposal at any and all times. The wicked only have “their own feeble strength” to rely on, therefore any hopes they may have will die with them for those who see no need to have their sins forgiven have no hope. 

            God is patient and kind, slow to anger, abounding in love and mercy _{(Exodus 34:6-7; Psalm 85:15 and Psalm 103:8)}.  However, there is a time when calling on God will be a futile gesture to those on the outside looking in. One day the hands of time will stop forever and the plan for man’s salvation shall come to a close. Woe to those who don’t surrender their hearts and will over to the creator of all life. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources: www.biblegateway.comand the dictionary listed below.

HONESTY defined … 

1. Marked by or displaying integrity; upright: an honest lawyer.

2. Not deceptive or fraudulent; genuine: honest weight.

3. Equitable; fair: honest wages for an honest day's work.

4.a. Characterized by truth; not false: honest reporting.

b. Sincere; frank: an honest critique.

5.a. Of good repute; respectable.

b. Without affectation; plain: honest folk.

6. Virtuous; chaste.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016

Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU WHEN YOU GO

“Riches will not provide security in the day of wrath & judgment, but righteousness rescues from death.” – Proverbs 11:4 Amplified Bible

            There is no escape from death on the day of final accounting to God for those who don’t know God, regardless of how much money they’ve accumulated. Money has been classified by some as a necessary evil, but in truth it is nothing more than an element we use to provide for ourselves and our families housing, food, transportation, entertainment and so on. It is the love of money that is a sin. Accumulating without sharing is selfish and greedy. Being philanthropic for no other reason than you have the means and the willingness to do so is a wonderful blessing for the recipients. Doing it to get into God’s good graces is misinformed. Nothing besides surrendering our will to the Lord and living for him will gain us entrance into God’s heaven. We give up little to gain a lot. 

            Living an life that seeks assistance from no one is not only a lonely existence, but is foolhardy. We cannot make it in this life on our own. A person must check their pride at the door and be willing to step thru the portal of faith where God is waiting to comfort, guide and empower us to go boldly thru this life into the next without fear.

            The righteousness spoken of is what we are adorned with once we accept Christ’s death as payment for our multitude of sins. While not literally righteous, we are seen as positionally righteous by God because he then sees us thru a veil of Christ’s blood. Time is running out for the non-believer. It’s time for them to stop disbelieving and try seeing Christianity from a different perspective. It’s not do’s and don’ts, it’s living in the freedom that forgiveness provides. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! 

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; MacArthur Study Bible; www.biblegateway.com.

Word for the Day

Word for the Day

Word for the Day

Word for the Day

Word for the Day

"Christianity has never been a list of DO's & DON'Ts.                  It's letting God live thru you."

Pastor Ralph Freda

Associate Pastor 

Church of Grace & Peace

Toms River, NJ

The ENTIRE Serenity Prayer

Normally when we see the Serenity prayer we see the 1^stfour lines shown below. In reality, there is a full version of that prayer that people don’t always see. Drink in this iconic prayer that has been attributed to American Theologian Reinhold Neibuhr (1892-1971).  This full version was composed sometime in the 1940’s.

“God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world

As it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right

If I surrender to His Will;

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life

And supremely happy with Him

forever and ever in the next.

Amen.”

Word for the Day

The Six Mistakes of Mortal Man

1.  The illusion that personal gain is made up of crushing others. 

2.  The tendency to worry about things that cannot be changed or corrected.

3.  Insisting that a thing is impossible because we cannot accomplish it.

4.  Refusing to set aside trivial preferences.

5.  Neglecting development & refinement of the mind & not acquiring the habit of reading & study.

6.  Attempting to compel others to believe and live as we do.

– Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 B.C. - 43 B.C.)

[Roman statesman and man of letters, Cicero was Rome’s greatest orator and it’s most articulate philosopher. The last years of republican Rome are often referred to as the Age of Cicero.]