Sunday, September 9, 2018
Friday, September 7, 2018
Think About It …
It was suggested in my OT Bible class Thursday night that the reason why we do not see more manifestations of spiritual power today is because we’ve become too comfortable in this world. Is that true? Have we allowed the world to have too much of an influence on our lives? If so, what have we allowed to take the place of God in our lives? That is not to say that God doesn’t have any influence on our lives. What it’s saying is that he’s not as big a part of our lives as he could be or perhaps should be. Maybe it’s time for a little personal reflection and self-examination. I know it is for me. rlkeller
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Word for the Day
"Rather than simply reading the Bible to accumulate knowledge,
we are expected to apply what we've learned to our lives."
RLKeller
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs
The Plight of the Nonbeliever
Proverbs 1:28-33 New Living Translation
“When they cry for help, I will not answer.
Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me.
For they hated knowledge
and chose not to fear the Lord.
They rejected my advice
and paid no attention when I corrected them.
Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way,
choking on their own schemes.
For simpletons turn away from me—to death.
Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.
But all who listen to me will live in peace,
untroubled by fear of harm.”
There are some folks in this world who refuse to believe that God will punish anyone, for he is a God of love. This is true, he is a loving God; however, his word spells out what is required of those who choose to accept his gift of forgiveness for sin. It isn’t a conditional gift and is definitely available to all. You cannot buy it or earn it thru good works. You must perk up and listen to what he has to say to you and learn to live life as Jesus did when he was on this earth.
This portion of Proverbs chapter 1 reveals what will happen to those who reject God and his wonderful plan of forgiveness. He will not answer those who cry out in desperation when their little schemes and plans go for naught.* Those who refuse to entertain the existence of God or their need for him if they believe he does exist, will one day have no such offer on the table. A person doesn’t have to believe in God or serve him, but with that decision, as with any decision, there are subsequent consequences that will follow.
The folks who listen to God and do as he says will be blessed with peace and be untroubled by their circumstances. What good news for those who truly believe and have spent their life living to please the Lord. Proverbs 14:10 gives us a foreboding message: “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” Choose your path wisely. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!
*are unsuccessful.
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs
Wisdom vs. Foolishness
Proverbs 1:23 New Living Translation
“Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise.”
The first chapter of Proverbs personifies God’s wisdom as a woman shouting to those in the streets and Public Square to avoid evil and learn from her. Wisdom is one thing, Godly wisdom is quite another. Those who chase after the wisdom of this world will be, as Solomon put it in Ecclesiastes, ‘chasing after the wind’. Those who seek God’s wisdom need not chase it down, but rather, ask to have it revealed to them.
The characteristics of a wise man are as follows: He is one who is a giver of encouragement, one that considers the steps they take, one that hungers for godly knowledge, one who responds favorably and profits from correction, one who controls their anger, one that stays on the righteous path, one that avoids evil and by virtue of all these character traits, causes their spirit man to grow exponentially stronger.
To shun godly wisdom is to lack common sense, be gullible, feed on foolishness, pursue illusive dreams, blame their failures on God, become prideful and arrogant, trust only in themselves, hate wise advice, fail to contain their anger, cause quarrels, follow the wrong paths, persist in foolishness and when caught in that foolishness overreact by lashing out.
It is sad how blind mortal men are. They refuse to allow themselves to even remotely entertain the thought of God and the fact that he has a wonderful plan for each man, woman and child in his creation. Faith can be a difficult concept to grasp, but not if you allow the Holy Spirit to move upon you and minister to your spirit. Release your mind to entertain things that seem improbable, yet not impossible. Focus on that which cannot be seen as if it can. God has his hand extended for believers and non-believers alike. Won’t you take hold of it now? Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!
NOTE:The “Wisdom and Foolishness” listing was found on page 1337 of the Life Application Study Bible.
Monday, September 3, 2018
Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs
AVOIDING A TRAP
Proverbs 1:17 New Living Translation
“If a bird sees a trap being set, it knows to stay away.”
This verse is specifically speaking about being trapped by greed (see verses 18 & 19); however, the verse intrigued me. It also speaks of avoiding temptations by recognizing a trap when it is being set. Anyone who sees a trap being set wouldn’t be foolish enough to then rush straight into it. This is why evil deeds are more times than not plotted and carried out under cloak of darkness. For the unwise, unregenerate individual, the trap appears to be a shiny bauble there for the taking. The discernment of a godly individual is the Holy Spirit within warning them to steer clear of the tempting trap. There is a saying in this world that says, “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is”. Nothing is free in this life except salvation. There is a price attached to everything we do. You can do what you know to be the right thing nowor do the wrong thing and reap the consequences of that decision either right away or somewhere down the road.
Seeing the trap is definitely possible for those who are in tune with the Lord. God needs to command our primary focus. Of course, we must focus on other things as well, like tending to our families needs, going to our jobs or school etc. and we shouldn’t ever neglect our spouses or children; however, allowing God into every part of your life means you are always conscious of his presence. We aren’t expected to cloister ourselves away in a prayer closet 24/7 to the neglect of all else. We are only asked to give our life over to the Lord and allow him to lead us to think, speak, act and react to all situations in a godly way.
So avoid traps by seeing life thru spiritual eyes. Steer clear of people with evil intent. If you are deficient in any area of your spiritual life ask God who gives liberally to the children who seek to grow in the things of God. You must have the ‘want to’. Never give up! Even though the outcome is etched in stone, we mustn’t coast. There is work to do for the kingdom and while God doesn’t need our help he has chosen to use us and that is an honor that we shouldn’t take lightly. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!
Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs
HOW TO GAIN TRUE KNOWLEDGE
Proverbs 1:7 New Living Translation
“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
The phrase ‘fear of the Lord’ is a curious one. Are we to be afraid of God, as we would be someone who might do us harm? No, in the case of ‘fear’ used in this way we are to look at it as follows: having a loving reverence that includes being submissive to his Lordship and the standards found in his word. It is to look upon the Lord with awe and respect for who he is according to scripture. The same man who wrote Proverbs concluded the Book of Ecclesiastes in the following way: “Here is my final conclusion: Fear God & obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty”(Ecclesiastes 12:13). So whenever you see the phrase ‘fear the Lord’ or ‘fear God’ know it is not fear as we generally mean fear, but awe and respect for who God is. If we desire of find true wisdom, self-discipline and guidance on how to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to the one who created us, then we have a healthy ‘fear’ of God.
A fool is a person who is ignorant; “One who is deficient in judgment, sense, or understanding.” Judgment and either reward or punishment is coming to all on the last day. Unbelievers will stand at the Great White Throne judgment of God (Rev. 20:11-15) and believers will stand before Christ at the Bema or Mercy Seat. (1 Cor. 3:10-15; 2 Cor. 5:10) Unbelievers stand alone, believers stand with an advocate, the one who paid our sin debt. The final day will be a day of retribution, as both punishment and reward will be distributed based on what you did with Christ in this life. That is why it is said that we all have a very important decision to make, to accept and serve God or not. To reject God’s gracious gift of forgiveness is to punch your ticket for a one way trip to eternal separation from God with no second chance to do it again. Is your life right with God?
Believers in Christ can tend to get “weary of well doing” (Gal. 6:9). Life seems short and compared to eternity it certainly is, but it is also long, with many opportunities to get things right in your life. Don’t tire out. Seek to be infused with a new shot of joy and peace. Step out of your comfort zone and exercise our gifts. If you don’t know what they are or are not sure, ask your Pastor for assistance in realizing what they are or simply ask the Lord to reveal them to you. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you (James 4:8). Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!
Resources: The Reformation Study Bible; www.biblegateway.com; MacArthur Study Bible; www.biblehub.comand The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.
Galatians 6:9 NLT– “So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.”
James 4:8 NLT– “Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
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