(Proverbs 15:31 KJV) The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
The call we receive is composed of a series of responses. It starts with this one, to “listen” (8085). From there you have a call to faith, a call to repentance, a call to obedience. As a result we will “abide” (dwell NASB) (3885a) among the “wise” (2450). I remind you and I remind myself, that is an eternal dwelling. This is not just a cool promise that we will sit with a bunch of awesome people. In Proverbs it talks about sitting at the gates and high places. That sounds impressive. I think it also it a reminder that we will be with the wise for eternity.
So? Keep your listening ears on. Turn up the microphone. God is giving directions and you probably have an intersection just ahead.
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Neighborly
(Proverbs 14:21 KJV) He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
Are you a cranky “neighbor” (7453)? Am I a cranky neighbor? You will never know. Where we live now the neighbors are far enough away that if they are cranky we will never know. This verse is a reminder that we should be the most pleasant house on the block. That doesn’t mean that you are taking cookies to everyone or mowing their lawn when they are not looking. It does mean that you don’t play loud music at night or clog up the street with wild parties. It might mean bringing in their empty trash cans when they are late getting home.
So? People should know we are nice to live by before they find out we go to church. If we are obnoxious it will not matter how good our pastor is our how friendly our congregation.
Are you a cranky “neighbor” (7453)? Am I a cranky neighbor? You will never know. Where we live now the neighbors are far enough away that if they are cranky we will never know. This verse is a reminder that we should be the most pleasant house on the block. That doesn’t mean that you are taking cookies to everyone or mowing their lawn when they are not looking. It does mean that you don’t play loud music at night or clog up the street with wild parties. It might mean bringing in their empty trash cans when they are late getting home.
So? People should know we are nice to live by before they find out we go to church. If we are obnoxious it will not matter how good our pastor is our how friendly our congregation.
Friday, July 13, 2018
Core Conceptions
(Proverbs 13:19 KJV) The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
Our culture is in direct conflict with the Christian faith. One of the areas of conflict regards the nature of the human being. What are we on the inside? Christians believe that we are contaminated with original sin and thus we tend to be selfish and inclined toward evil. The world believes that all people are morally neutral or inclined toward the good. The teachers in your public school have been indoctrinated by psychology and sociology to believe that the reason so many children are messed up and making bad choices is that their environment has blocked their natural goodness.
Environment has consequences. Most people will concede that. The difference is where you start. This verse reminds us that there are some people who feel very strongly that they need to continue down the path that rejects a holy God and His expectations of righteousness.
So? Don’t expect to fit in. It may go well at times. It may be under the surface. The standards of the world reject the standards of God. Decide which side you are on.
Our culture is in direct conflict with the Christian faith. One of the areas of conflict regards the nature of the human being. What are we on the inside? Christians believe that we are contaminated with original sin and thus we tend to be selfish and inclined toward evil. The world believes that all people are morally neutral or inclined toward the good. The teachers in your public school have been indoctrinated by psychology and sociology to believe that the reason so many children are messed up and making bad choices is that their environment has blocked their natural goodness.
Environment has consequences. Most people will concede that. The difference is where you start. This verse reminds us that there are some people who feel very strongly that they need to continue down the path that rejects a holy God and His expectations of righteousness.
So? Don’t expect to fit in. It may go well at times. It may be under the surface. The standards of the world reject the standards of God. Decide which side you are on.
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Simple Truth
(Proverbs 12:17 KJV) He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
The simple statement here is that the believer “speaks” (6315) “truth” (530). Many people try to fudge on this. They come up with many excuses and qualifications. If that is how you swing then it is questionable if you are a believer. True is the opposite of false. It makes a difference.
So? Speak truth. Is that simple enough for you?
The simple statement here is that the believer “speaks” (6315) “truth” (530). Many people try to fudge on this. They come up with many excuses and qualifications. If that is how you swing then it is questionable if you are a believer. True is the opposite of false. It makes a difference.
So? Speak truth. Is that simple enough for you?
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Coupons and Faith
(Proverbs 11:28 KJV) He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
Is the stock market going to crash? Will Social Security go bankrupt? Will we be forced into a cashless lifestyle? Stay tuned, it just gets more interesting. It is interesting to us because our confidence is not in the “riches” (6239) of the economy. We balance our check book, pay our rent and utilities, use coupons and lock our doors. We do not panic because the federal deficit is too big.
This is not just a cliche or platitude. This is a rock that we base our life on.
Is the stock market going to crash? Will Social Security go bankrupt? Will we be forced into a cashless lifestyle? Stay tuned, it just gets more interesting. It is interesting to us because our confidence is not in the “riches” (6239) of the economy. We balance our check book, pay our rent and utilities, use coupons and lock our doors. We do not panic because the federal deficit is too big.
This is not just a cliche or platitude. This is a rock that we base our life on.
My hope is built on nothing less,So? That is not just an old song that we used to sing. It does not just apply to eternity. It is a daily choice that we make.
Than Jesus blood and righteousness.
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Above the Law
(Proverbs 10:2 KJV) Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
I appreciate the attempts of modern translators to try to make thinking easy for me but I believe in the long run it makes my thinking weaker. It also can make my faith weaker by not expecting me to think. The NASB phrase “ill-gotten gains” is literally “treasures (214) of wickedness (7562)” as printed in the KJV. Once again by trying to help, the translators limit my choices.
“Ill-gotten gains” is one aspect of the phrase. It focuses on the actions of the wicked. “Treasures of wickedness” is better because not only includes the actions but the possessions, attitudes and priorities of those who live for themselves. It is possible to procure something through legal means and have an attitude which makes that object more important than a hungry man next door. The purchase was not ill-gotten but ignoring your brother in need was wicked.
So? As followers of Jesus we are called to a higher standard than just following the law. That is the glory of living under grace. It does not excuse law breaking, it takes us to levels of obedience fueled by love and guided by a desire to walk straight.
I appreciate the attempts of modern translators to try to make thinking easy for me but I believe in the long run it makes my thinking weaker. It also can make my faith weaker by not expecting me to think. The NASB phrase “ill-gotten gains” is literally “treasures (214) of wickedness (7562)” as printed in the KJV. Once again by trying to help, the translators limit my choices.
“Ill-gotten gains” is one aspect of the phrase. It focuses on the actions of the wicked. “Treasures of wickedness” is better because not only includes the actions but the possessions, attitudes and priorities of those who live for themselves. It is possible to procure something through legal means and have an attitude which makes that object more important than a hungry man next door. The purchase was not ill-gotten but ignoring your brother in need was wicked.
So? As followers of Jesus we are called to a higher standard than just following the law. That is the glory of living under grace. It does not excuse law breaking, it takes us to levels of obedience fueled by love and guided by a desire to walk straight.
Monday, July 9, 2018
Silent Partners
(Proverbs 9:15 KJV) To call passengers who go right on their ways:
One of the concerns discussed in the Bible is demon possession. I upset someone who was making an issue of it by saying that Satan does not push this in the west because he has found that the slow seduction of the faithful provides him with more recruits. When you throw demonic forces at people they tend to either capitulate or turn to God in desperation. When you dangle the possibility of winning the lottery you get many more takers.
Notice that the targets of this evil woman are people who are trying to walk “right” (straight NASB) (3474). Keep in mind that people who are not serving the Lord are serving Satan even though they don’t think of it that way. They are silent partners.
So? If you are being faithful then expect to be harasses by the Evil One. He already has the guy beside you and he will have you for eternity if you listen to him.
One of the concerns discussed in the Bible is demon possession. I upset someone who was making an issue of it by saying that Satan does not push this in the west because he has found that the slow seduction of the faithful provides him with more recruits. When you throw demonic forces at people they tend to either capitulate or turn to God in desperation. When you dangle the possibility of winning the lottery you get many more takers.
Notice that the targets of this evil woman are people who are trying to walk “right” (straight NASB) (3474). Keep in mind that people who are not serving the Lord are serving Satan even though they don’t think of it that way. They are silent partners.
So? If you are being faithful then expect to be harasses by the Evil One. He already has the guy beside you and he will have you for eternity if you listen to him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
