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Study of the Church – Part 5

This portion of The Study of the Church is devoted to the main purpose of the church. Not to be confused with the egocentric “Purpose Driven Life,” the purpose we examine here is so wonderful, it is difficult to describe the experience.

The Church – Its Worship

Matthew 28:17a

“When they saw Him, they worshiped Him. . .”

Is there anything else so sublimely wonderful? No. Nothing else in this earthly coil will come close to lifting us to heaven than worship of Him. People chase after this or that exhilarating experience – some even quite dangerous ones. They want to feel something outside the limits of their flesh. No mountain climbing, speed racing, plane jumping, gambling, joy-riding, pharmaceuticals, or any other thrilling experience will come close to the pure, selfless worship of God. It is unique to those who are saved, and those who are saved are the only ones who can understand what is being described here.

There are three essential components to the worship of God – and all three are interconnected one to the other.

1. Faith

Exodus 4:31

And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel, and that He had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

2. Spirit

John 4:23-24

²³But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.

²⁴God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Spiritual worship is directed by the indwelling Holy Spirit – which is why true believers must never join in ecumenical worship services!

Philippians 3:3

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

3. Truth

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.

Jesus Christ = truth, (grammatically, Way, Truth and Life are predicate nominatives – that means they equal the subject of the sentence, which would be I – Jesus Christ) therefore there can be no hypocrisy or false pretenses in the true worship of God. There is no better example of true and false worship, than that our Savior gave us in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican.

Luke 18:9-14

⁹And He spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

¹⁰Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

¹¹The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

¹²I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

¹³And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

¹⁴I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

To worship is to bow down in awe, to pay honor to a Holy God in humility and reverence. He is not your buddy, co-pilot, pal, or “the man upstairs.” He is so far above us that our question should not be – “why does God let this happen to me?” But, rather –

Psalm 8:4 What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?

sage

Friday Proverb – Getting Over Yourself

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Last week’s Proverb was a beautiful exhortation to obedience. This week, we take a peek at the underbelly – the ego of man – that forever stands in the way of true fellowship with God, and meaningful spiritual growth. Proverbs 3: 7-8, is one of the most well known and beloved of all the Proverbs.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

What a barrier man’s ego is! Think of all the nations of the world, the religions of the world, all people – everywhere – completely, 100%, full of themselves. How did the Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul, handle the ego problem? This is especially important, because Paul, by anyone’s standards, would have had something to preen about. Paul was educated by Gamaliel, a preeminent Rabbi, one of only seven in history, and the very first to be dignified with the title – “Rabban.”

The title “Rabban,” which, in the learned hierarchy until post-Hadrianic times, was borne only by presidents of the highest religious council, was. first prefixed to the name of Gamaliel.

[jewishencyclopedia]

1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2: 1-5

There are copious statistics demonstrating the benefits of strong Christian faith and its health benefits. Certainly, many followers of Christ have met an early death through religious persecution. But the facts are clear – those that follow the wisdom of God are healthier than those that follow the wisdom of the world. The statistics relating to sexually transmitted diseases, abortion, and substance and alcohol abuse are evidence enough.

Man second guesses God all the time. When presented with the Word – they respond – “Well, I don’t know about that.”

Or – “To me, God isn’t like that.”

How about – “Well, I believe this part of the Bible, but I don’t go for that other stuff. That’s not the God I believe in.”

There’s a sardonic saying out there – “I’m just not that into you.” Perhaps a more appropriate expression would be – “I’m really into myself.”

sage

Friday Proverb – Getting Over Yourself

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7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

The title “Rabban,” which, in the learned hierarchy until post-Hadrianic times, was borne only by presidents of the highest religious council, was. first prefixed to the name of Gamaliel.

[jewishencyclopedia]

1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2: 1-5

Man second guesses God all the time. When presented with the Word – they respond – “Well, I don’t know about that.”

Or – “To me, God isn’t like that.”

How about – “Well, I believe this part of the Bible, but I don’t go for that other stuff. That’s not the God I believe in.”

There’s a sardonic saying out there – “I’m just not that into you.” Perhaps a more appropriate expression would be – “I’m really into myself.”

sage

For the Lord’s Day – Spirit of the Living God

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Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me;
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.

Daniel Iverson

Daniel Iverson (b. Brunswick, GA, 1890; d. Asheville, NC, 1977) wrote the first stanza and tune of this hymn after hearing a sermon on the Holy Spirit during an evangelism crusade by the George Stephans Evangelistic Team in Orlando, Florida, 1926. The hymn was sung at the crusade and then printed in leaflets for use at other services. Published anonymously in Robert H. Coleman’s Revival Songs (1929) with alterations in the tune, this short hymn gained much popularity by the middle of the century. Since the 1960s it has again been properly credited to Iverson. Iverson studied at the University of Georgia, Moody Bible Institute, Columbia Theological Seminary, and the University of South Carolina. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church in 1914

http://www.hymnary.org/text/spirit_of_the_living_god_fall_fresh

*** note from sage – technically this is not a hymn, but a chorus

Galatians 5:16

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

sage

Hints for Home Schoolers – Eating the Bread of Idleness

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Proverbs 31:27

She looketh well to the ways of her household,

and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Groan . . . the Proverbs 31 woman. Did any woman ever achieve what Solomon so glowingly describes as the “virtuous woman?” It is important at the outset – to fully recognize that Proverbs 31 describes the entirety of all the phases of a woman’s life. The young children at home phase, is different than the older lady volunteer stage. Proverbs 31 covers all, and I mean ALL stages of a woman’s life, and should not intimidate you, nor prevent you from striving to become a Proverbs 31 woman. A little at a time!

The particular focus of this article, really affects me personally. Most people who don’t know me very well, would scoff at the notion that I could ever be idle. Here is my confession. I like to be idle. Far too frequently, as a matter of fact. When I sense that people are trying to pressure me into doing something (usually perform) that I don’t really want to do, my sinful sense of self preservation looms up, and tells me to withhold, and not do anything.

Here are all the lyrics to my theme song, written by the genius, Irving Berlin:

[1st verse:]
Every time
I see a puppy upon a summer’s day
A puppy dog at play
My heart is filled with envy
That’s because
My heart is yearning to pass the time away
Like that pup
‘Cause I’m all fed up
And tho’ it’s wrong to be
I long to be

[chorus:]
Lazy
I want to be lazy
I want to be out in the sun
With no work to be done
Under that awning
They call the sky
Stretching and yawning
And let the world go drifting by
I want to peep
Through the deep
Tangled wildwood
Counting sheep
‘Til I sleep
Like a child would
With a great big valise full
Of books to read where it’s peaceful
While I’m
Killing time
Being lazy

[2nd verse:]
Life is short
And getting shorter with each day that goes by
And how the time does fly
Before you know, it’s over
That’s why I’m
In such a hurry to pack my things and fly
To a spot
Where it’s nice and hot
And hear the birdies sing
While I’m being lazy.

Yes, that’s me. I would rather read all day, then engage with people. When my children were young, I used to lock them out, and take a long hot bath every night, and read.

Is there any hope for idlers like me? Like you? Yes, there is.

Get and use a planner. So what if it’s not the beginning of the year. Start one anyway. Having things written down, helps you keep track of where you are wasting time. Write everything in there. Bonus – planners for this year are still available – and are greatly reduced in price now!
Use a timer! Mine is on my phone, if your phone doesn’t have one, get a small digital one and keep it on you. Time how long you do your particular idling – like for me – limit daily reading to 1 1/2 hours. If yours is TV, do the same thing. When the timer beeps – turn it off, close the book, shut down your computer – whatever is stealing your time – obey the timer!
Every time you hear yourself say – I deserve this – make an attempt to check mate that thought process, and substitute – is this pleasing to the Lord? Trust me – you will get the answer to that question.

It came as a cold, hard, fact to me, that my idleness, was in reality – escapism. Escape from all kinds of things. Things that annoy, frustrate, irritate, and bring on feelings of impatience. ESCAPE!! That’s what TV, internet, books, or any activity we substitute for what we should be doing really is. Escapism. That’s not to suggest that you don’t need rest and relaxation. I’m sure there’s enough of you reading this post who understand what I’m talking about. Idleness is deliberately choosing to do other than what is needed.

Sometimes, a great many people need my help. And, often, I just don’t want to. No fancy analysis needed. I’m idle. I like to do, what I like to do, when I like to do it. This is not the service life – it is the selfish life.

There is hope for idlers, the same hope there is for everyone. The closer we walk to the Lord, the more we will become like Him, and we will feel less and less like escaping from everything. Truly, He can cure every ill, even our self created ones.

My very favorite Bible Verse:

Proverbs 3:5-6

⁵Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

⁶In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

sage

Friday Proverb – Taking the Right Stance

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Often, conservative Christians don’t discuss money situations, because it can be unseemly in the Body of Christ to dwell on such matters. Yet, the Lord does address money and all its entanglements. In today’s Proverb study, we examine what the Lord has to say about standing in for someone else – with money. And this is something that many believers will have to face in their lives, either within their own family, or in needing to advise someone else. And how good it is know that the answer to ALL of life’s questions can be found in our King James Bibles!

Proverbs 11:15

He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it:

SU’RETY, noun Certainty; indubitableness. – In law, one that is bound with and for another; one who enters into a bond or recognizance to answer for another’s appearance in court, or for his payment of a debt or for the performance of some act, and who, in case of the principal debtor’s failure, is compellable to pay the debt or damages; a bondsman; a bail. http://webstersdictionary1828.com/

Co-signing loans are just the beginning of this problem. Our government makes a regular habit of surety to strangers! Not just strangers – but downright hostile, rogue nations and terrorist states. And, any reasonable person knows that this will come back to bite us. If you want to help someone – make them a gift. Don’t sign away in the expectation of repayment. The Bible is clear on this. Surety should not be practiced by individuals – or sovereign nations.

and he that hateth suretiship is sure.

Believers should hate the very idea of being indebted. We should hate the very idea of our country being indebted. If you would not consider putting up bail, or co-signing a loan for a total stranger – then our elected officials should not consider bailing out failing banks, corporations, nations, or any other “stranger” entity. Churches that take on debt in the “if you build it they will come” strategy of “church growth” are also being surety for strangers. They are anticipating that new church buildings and extravagant venues will offer a return in increased church memberships – never thinking that those who come for the glossy trappings will not actually be adding to the body of Christ at all. In fact, they may detract from it. Many churches have gone bankrupt by being surety for strangers.

Only Jesus Christ is qualified and capable of providing surety for anyone. And He does it perfectly, because He is the provider of everything. He backs us up, He intercedes for us, and He is our guarantor.

Hebrews 7: 9-25

⁹For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

²⁰And inasmuch as not without an oath He was made priest:

²¹(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by Him that said unto Him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)

²²By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.

²³And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:

²⁴But this man, because He continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.

²⁵Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.

sage

Friday Proverb – Fear of the Wicked

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Last Friday’s Proverb stressed the tendency of mankind to put their trust in man’s wisdom rather than in the Lord’s wisdom. The inherent sinful pride of people causes them to think highly of their own intellect and logic, which only leads to misery. This week the focus is fear of the wicked, and the proper Christian response to it.

25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

It does not say if the desolation of the wicked comes. It says when it comes. Avoiding the truth will cause people to be blindsided by the tactics of the evil one. Choosing to rely on our own resources will allow fear to overcome us when the desolation of the wicked comes. But verse 25 is an imperative for believers. “Be not afraid.” It does not say if you are afraid. Fear should never enter into the hearts of the faithful. When our hearts are filled with the Holy Spirit – there is no room for fear.

26 For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

Proverbs 3: 25-26

Satan and the media he controls, love to instill fear in the hearts of Christians. He wants us to fear him. When we fear him and what he does, it gives him power over us. He will use this fear to cause us to stumble, the same as he uses every weakness he can find to spoil the Christian’s testimony and undermine the work of the Church in spreading the Gospel.

If the Lord is our confidence – we will not stumble. Period.

The New Testament opens our understanding even further . . .

13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

1 Peter 3: 13-14

And from the Psalms. . .

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.

3 Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

Psalm 91: 2-5

So as we watch the news, troll the internet, and read the paper, it would serve us well to remember who the media is in service to. They work steadfastly with one goal in their collective mind – to bring forth the kingdom of anti-Christ. We as believers should be just as single-minded, with Christ Jesus as our only Sustainer. Remember when Peter went out onto the sea, to meet the Lord as He walked upon the water. Peter too, could walk on the water as long as his vision was completely filled with Jesus Christ. It was only when he took his eyes off of the Lord, that he began to sink. . .

sage

Friday Proverb – Honoring the Lord

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The theme of last Friday’s Proverb, was man’s ego, and the idea that we should trust God before anything or anyone else – including ourselves. Today the theme is honoring God without reservation.

9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

Honoring the Lord with your substance means something deeper than throwing money in the basket every week. Your substance could be in reality – entirely different than actual money. We all need to realize that the Lord knows what is most important to each and everyone of us. If we have something, that we selfishly guard and hold to ourselves – that is not honoring to the Lord.

You may have a talent that you are very proud of. That is part of your substance. If it is easier for you to throw a couple dollars in the basket, than to give your talent – you are not honoring God.
You may make a great deal of money. If it is easy for you to write large checks to charity, or cover the church roof fund – that is not your substance. It may make you feel good, and even proud, but it is not honoring the Lord.

What are the “firstfruits”? It could be anything! It’s not just when you get a raise in pay- it is anything the Lord has added unto you.

10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Proverbs: 3:9-10

Your barn may be your kitchen cabinets and refrigerator. Notice that the Lord never promises gold. He promises what will sustain you. He promises what you really need – not what you think you need.

How about the presses full of “new wine?” This will disappoint some, but the wine here is not fermented. “Tirosh,” (in the Hebrew) or “unfermented wine,” is health- giving purple grape juice. So much, in fact – that it is bursting out of its container. This is very important symbolically. Flowing new wine is mentioned throughout prophecy as being part of Christ’s millennial reign.

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the Lord, and shall water the valley of Shittim.

Joel 3:18

Honor the Lord with what is most important to you.
Honor the Lord with anything He has added unto you.
Honor the Lord with your best.

If you do those things, the Word says that you will be blessed. Not with wealth! Remember that God told Abram that He, God Himself, was Abram’s reward. Anything else is fleshly and material. Even in the face of calamity and affliction, the Christian must keep in mind that God always sends what is needed. If chastening is needed – that too is a blessing. Your barns will be filled with plenty. But remember – your barn – is not the same as anyone else’s barn. It is unique to you.

sage

The Purpose of Proverbs

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This is a series which is installed every Friday, focusing on the Proverbs. Undertaken for another blog, I intend to re-post these – ultimately finishing what was begun. The beginning of Proverbs explains their purpose – starting with the greeting:

1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

The next five verses lay out the purpose:

2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

The essence of the Book of Proverbs is the teaching of moral and ethical principals. The peculiarity of this Book is that it is largely given over to teaching by contrasts. It has 31 chapters, 915 verses, 15,043 words.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverb 1:7

One can possess great intelligence – yet still be completely lacking in wisdom. IQ is an inherited ability, but wisdom comes from God. Without the fear of God – there can be no great wisdom – only man’s corruptible wisdom. Those that do what is right in their own eyes – are bereft of wisdom, because they do not fear God. God is not our buddy, nor our “co-pilot.” He is the Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Sovereign King, Holy and Righteous Judge, Beautiful Savior, and Creator of the Universe.

28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. Job 28:28

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endureth for ever. Psalm 111:10

sage

Friday Proverb – The Fruit Never Lies

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The short list of how the righteous labor towards life:

They stay married when the going gets tough.
They pray constantly for their children.
They turn the other cheek in petty arguments.
They forgive the unforgivable.
They love the unlovable.
They work hard at their jobs.
They appreciate what they have.
They give without hesitation.
They share the Gospel continually.
They know this world is not their home.

The short list of the fruit of the wicked is sin:

They indulge every desire of their flesh.
They want others to sin along with them.
They use every opportunity to gain materially.
They expect return on their giving.
They love their sin more than God.
They choose to ignore the Holy Spirit.
They mock the things of God.
They endorse evil.
They covet what others have.
They enjoy the failures of others.

Like I said – it’s the short list. Feel free to add on.

sage

Friday Proverb – True Riches

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It saddens us when we see prosperity preachers at work. Just like state run lotteries, and “legalized” gambling casinos – the participants in these schemes are most often those who can least afford it.

Our blessed Savior lived His earthly ministry in poverty. His life was to be an example to us. There is no place in Scripture, that equates material wealth with spiritual wealth. Money is not evil – the love of money is.

Proverbs 10:22

The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.

Our spiritual father – Abraham – lived a spiritually rich life, in such close fellowship with the LORD, that he was allowed to speak directly to the pre-incarnate Christ! When we think of the faith of Abraham, leaving his comfortable life and venturing to an unknown land, and then offering his beloved son on an altar to the LORD, we must be humbled. How can we have this kind of richness – with no sorrow added? We must walk as closely with the LORD as Abraham did. With no interference from the world and its trappings. Abraham’s life in the desert, was “separated” from the surrounding heathen nations.

That kind of rich life, may entail separating your “tribe” from the pagans that surround you. He lived among them (surrounded actually!) but he did not live with them. That is an important distinction everyone needs to make note of.

Beloveds – do you live with the pagans? Or among them? If you separate yourself from the world – you will be spiritually rich, with no sorrow. We’re talking about overflowing abundance, so glorious that you are praising Him from morning till night – in any and all circumstances. This rich life may require you get rid of your cable, if you can’t watch it in good faith [ you know what I’m talking about.] It may entail purging yourself of many possessions – if they are controlling you. How much mental space is devoted to your source of bondage? Bondage being anything from your hair, your children, even to your mortgage payment. Abraham was willing to place his son on the altar – what are you willing to place on the altar?

Decide now to live for him, and only him, and you will be richly blessed – with no added sorrow.

sage

Friday Proverb – Words Can Feed Souls

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Can we think too much about what we say? Not according to the Book of Proverbs. Almost from start to finish, the Proverbs contend that our words have great ability to do harm or good. I think of parents who speak unguardedly in their children’s presence, and then are shocked when later, the little ones repeat verbatim EVERYTHING their parents said!

Well, it’s not just children who record our words – our every thought and word is recorded in heaven. Thankfully – if we are saved under the Blood of Christ – we will not have to pay for our verbal refuse. But that does not give us license to say whatever pops into our heads.

I beseech you to have the mind of Christ – and filter everything you say and do through the Bible. And you can only do that by being immersed (baptized) in His Word to the point that His Word becomes a part of you. You are what you eat – after all!

Proverbs 10:20-21

²⁰The tongue of the just is as choice silver:the heart of the wicked is little worth.

Indeed – the Pharisee and the Publican are an exemplary picture of this Proverb. As Christ said – the Publican was “justified.” That means his humble words were – “as choice silver.” The Pharisee’s self aggrandizing was of very “little worth.”

²¹The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

Certainly, Paul is our master example of Christian speech and behavior. His written words, authored by the Holy Spirit, have “fed many.” Just with his Epistles, we can lead a sinner to a saving knowledge of Christ. Think how remarkable that is. In China – people are happy just to have one page out of the Book of Romans! They are known to sleep with it, love it, and memorize it so they can pass it on to another. Are the words of Mohammed, or Joseph Smith, revered in such a fashion? Hardly. Those who feed on the words of false shepherds will “die for lack of wisdom.” And that death will be ETERNAL DEATH IN THE LAKE OF FIRE!

Which brings to mind what the work of a believer is. To spread the Gospel of Christ to the whole world. It is not righteous or wise to keep it to yourself. If you are reading this, and you do not know what it means to be “saved,” please read the following:

(1). Admit you are a sinner (have disobeyed God).

Sin separates man from God. Imperfect man cannot come into the presence of a perfect God.

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” -1 John 1:8

(2). Repent (be sorry for and turn from your sins, to a new life in Christ).

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.”-Acts 3:19

(3). Salvation is available only through Jesus Christ.

“Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes unto the Father, but by me.” -John 14:6

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” -1 Timothy 2:5

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” -Acts 4:12

(4). Accept the free gift of eternal life through Christ.

You cannot earn salvation by your own efforts.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” -Romans 6:23

“For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” -Ephesians 2:8,9

“That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” -Romans 10: 9,10

(5). Do it now.

“…behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” -II Corinthians 6:2

(Jesus said) “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” -Revelation 3:20

Receive Christ as your Lord and Saviour Now

http://www.prayerfoundation.org/plan_of_salvation.htm

sage

Friday Proverb – Mischief Makers

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Proverbs 10:23

It is as sport to a fool to do mischief:

It would be presumptuous and proud to think that only the behavior in the illustration qualifies as mischief. Any act of mischief – vandalism, gossip, back-stabbing, pilfering, cheating, cruelty, bullying, flirtations, or the host of evil things that people do qualify as mischief; because the persons who do such things, never think that what they are doing is of any consequence. It is “sport” to them.

They are fools!

but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

Sitting at the feet of Jesus is where true wisdom and understanding is to be found. As we can not sit at His physical feet at this moment in time, we can sit at His spiritual feet by going to church and reading His Word. The more His Holy Spirit fills us – the less chance we have of playing the fool. If we put Him on the back-burner, there is every chance that we will commit some sort of mischief, that we do not think is very serious.

If we think in our minds that “It’s not that big of a deal. It’s not like I killed somebody,” then we are making sport of the mischief we are doing, and are counted a fool.

Fill your time and mind with His Word – and there will be no chance for mayhem and foolishness.

sage

Friday Proverb – The Wicked Will Always Counter Attack

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Did you ever feel that every time something good happens – something bad follows? There is a reason behind that – and his name is Satan. Since the beginning, he has mustered a response for every movement the Lord has made. A close examination of the church ages, shows Satan made a counter attack at each significant uprising of the church. The same thing happens in individual lives, and in the national and international arena.

Proverbs 11:11

By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted:

In every instance, even following the 1st and 2nd Great Awakenings – Satan has launched a counter attack almost immediately. What was the evil one’s response to the Age of Missions, Great Awakenings, and the Philadelphia Church Age? False philosophies, and cults. Higher “criticism,” Darwinism, progressive education, and Freudian psychology. On top of those four philosophies, which have infiltrated the education system – the major cults also rose during this time. Mormonism, 7th Day Adventism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Science, Unitarianism, and Armstrongism. Every single one – still active and growing in this time.

but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

We should not be disheartened or discouraged when the president vetoes the bill we want passed, or a judge overturns a pro-life, or pro-traditional marriage bill. A close study of the Bible and secular history reveals that the tide of evil will always thwart the upright, and will continue to do so until the Lord Jesus Christ returns to set things right. This is why beloveds – the evil one is working so hard, because he knows his time is short! Liberals and progressives may be riding high now – but I would not want to be in their shoes for anything in the world. Their victory is only temporary. Very temporary.

Revelation 20:11-15

¹¹And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. ¹²And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. ¹³And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. ¹⁴And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. ¹⁵And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

sage

Friday Proverb – Hold Your Tongue!

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Gossiping, backstabbing, and lying – are all traits that should never be named in the Body of Christ – but they are there all the same. Hidden jealousy, covetousness, and bitterness don’t really stay buried – they ooze out of our mouths with the greatest of ease – but leave a sticky coating that is hard to escape from. Words once spoken can never be taken back.

Proverbs 10:18-19

¹⁸He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

Wow! Hiding hatred with lying lips. . . how awful. But it’s all too true. We comfort ourselves by sugar coating what we are doing, thinking we are not hurting anyone, but it puts us in the category of fool no matter what the reason. Cutting up someone’s appearance, children, marriage – whatever – is nothing more than slander. If it’s not something you can say directly to the person – then do not say it! This includes tearing apart the pastor’s sermon in the car on the way home from church. Repeating something you’ve heard is a dangerous and shameful practice. So is embellishing and exaggerating something that may be true in order to make it more interesting to your listeners.

slander, lying, and gossiping are all acts of self centeredness. they are the hallmark of the baby christian. this sin is one of the greatest detriments to the furtherance of the gospel to a lost and dying world. it is a demonstration of the opposite of love – which is hate.

¹⁹In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin:

Did you realize that the more you talk, there is more chance of you saying something wrong? The odds are against you. Those who run-off at the mouth, are notorious for putting their foot in that same mouth. Even when you are not talking about yourself (which most talkers do) you are still feeding your ego, by holding your listener(s) hostage. Parents – this includes lecturing of your children or spouse. Less is more in this case, and in every case. The longer your spiel – the greater chance you will sin, and sin big, during the overflow.

²⁰but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

There is a reason why God gave us two ears, and only one mouth!

sage

Friday Proverb – Where Do You Put Your Trust?

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The most miserable sin of self justification, is a sin we all contend with. Continually attempting to explain why we do the things we do (even alone in our minds) does not “sit well” with our Sovereign Creator. Oh – to be free of this flesh and with the Lord for ever . . .

Proverbs 11:28

He that trusteth in his riches shall fall;

At right you see the Parable of the Rich Fool aptly portrayed.

Luke 12:19-21

¹⁹And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

²⁰But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

²¹So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

The Lord in no way states that material possessions and riches are wrong. The issue at hand, is where we put our trust. Many Christians have fallen into the general hype of “hoarding.” It is interesting to note, that some of the super-stars of television’s “Extreme Couponing,” are professing Christians, one even a youth pastor! There are dozens of conservative news sites which have their own brand of food storage systems, and right leaning financial advisers beat the drum of buying gold and silver – from them – of course.

There is NOTHING wrong with stockpiling. Nothing. Joseph wisely stored food against the prophetically revealed famine. But we must never, never trust in food stores or caches of precious metals to save us. Our faith is not ever to be in anything of this world. If we are walking closely to Jesus – all of these things will grow dimmer and dimmer as we mature in Christ. We will not fear anything that “might” happen in the future – simply because we already know our future…

Together with the LORD in eternity.

but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

Looks good! That is how we appear (metaphorically speaking) when we allow the righteousness of Christ to rule in our hearts. Every truly born-again believer possesses the righteousness of Christ – and is completely capable of bearing much fruit. The child of God may require a great deal of pruning in order to bear prolifically. This is chastening from a Father to a son. Praise Him for it. Take it and learn of Him. Is your trust in your IRA, or a basement full of freeze-dried food stores? Or is your trust in Him alone?

Jeremiah 17:7-8

⁷Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

⁸For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Keeping our hearts and minds on the Lord becomes easier the more we read the Word, fellowship with other believers, and turn from the world. In a sense, we need to repent of the world every moment of every day – because we are living in it while being housed in very weak flesh. To put it in perspective, we are not unlike sailors long at sea – being lured to their deaths by the call imaginary sirens among jagged rocks. Or a thirsty soul in the desert – seeing a mirage and swallowing mouthfuls of sand instead of water. What the world presents to us – is a trick of the devil. It has the appearance of something we are convinced that we need – but will in reality – only destroy us. It is of utmost importance to spread the Gospel. It is of very small importance to stockpile food and gold.

sage

For the Lord’s Day – What Wondrous Love is This – Vine Vigil Valentine

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What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul.

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing.
To God and to the Lamb Who is the great “I Am”;
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on.

“What Wondrous Love Is This” is a Christian folk hymn, sometimes described as a “white spiritual“, from the American South.^[1] Its text was first published in 1811, during the Second Great Awakening, and its melody derived that of from an English popular ballad. Today it is a widely known hymn included in hymnals of many Christian denominations.^[2]

The hymn’s lyrics were first published in Lynchburg, Virginia in the c. 1811 camp meeting songbook A General Selection of the Newest and Most Admired Hymns and Spiritual Songs Now in Use.^[3] The lyrics may also have been printed, in a slightly different form, in the 1811 book Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Original and Selected published in Lexington, Kentucky.^[4] (It was included in the third edition of this text published in 1818, but all copies of the first edition have been lost.^[4]) In most early printings, the hymn’s text was attributed to an anonymous author, though the 1848 hymnal The Hesperian Harp attributes the text to a Methodist pastor from Oxford, Georgia named Alexander Means.^[5]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_Wondrous_Love_Is_This

John 15:13

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

The Vine Vigil wishes all of our followers to know the greatest gift and love that can be had at any price. The free gift of eternal salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. No greater love hath man than this – and He did lay down His life for His friends.

Sage Brush

Friday Proverb – Sowing and Reaping in Righteousness

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Television is replete with “ministers of prosperity.” They generally preach that sowing money to their individual ministries, will result in prosperity for those who give. Some, even refer to such funds as “seed money.” With a casual reference to this passage of Scripture, as well as others, they manage to convince even those who have very little, to give what little they have. But if we look at this Scripture closely, we can see, that it is not directed at the poor.

Proverbs 11:24-26

²⁴There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

Though progressives speak long and loud on matters of “social justice,” and caring for “the less fortunate,” reality says that those same people are rather stingy with their personal assets.

The godless in our government have impoverished many families in this country, through their pseudo-compassionate practices. Their kind of “withholding” leads to poverty. One only needs to study the staggering wealth of the Roman Catholic church, and be amazed that there are any poor Catholics. Yet – the majority of Catholics in Central and South America, as well as in India and other parts of Asia, are desperately poor. Why is that? Because, oligarchical entities like these, do not actually sow, they withhold. And what they withhold even more than money – is the Truth. The truth about abortion, about sodomy, and more importantly, the truth about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

²⁵The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

Liberal in the above verse is not a political category, but rather a personality. It deals with those who give generously of themselves without expecting anything in return. I stress – giving of themselves – not to be confused with the notion of social justice and redistribution of wealth.

What this verse is describing is the abundant life that truly born-again Christians can experience. We know from His Holy Word, that whatever we sow, we will reap. How wonderful our Lord is, to add unto that with fountains of spiritual riches that no tongue can tell . . .

Luke 6:38

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

²⁶He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

One need only think of Joseph, and the God given wisdom he displayed. He sold the corn generously to the famine stricken populace. (he did not give it away) Now, try taking out the word corn, and replace it with – crude oil. Think how you feel when there is a contrived “gas shortage.” Now think how you feel when there is a nice drop in price at the pump! The life application is clear. What we sell, produce, perform, sow, should be done with a spirit of genuine generosity. It doesn’t matter if you are a home maker, or a garbage collector. What you have is what God has given to you. He allows you to determine how you will dispose of it. Do you “hold back?” Be honest. Is there somewhere you need to sow what you have, and you have been resisting? The Bible says, that kind of thinking and behavior will lead to poverty. And there is more than one kind of poverty. There is the material kind of poverty, which is very uncomfortable, but there is also spiritual poverty, which can be devastating.

No where in Scripture does it say we need to be someone’s doormat, or personal punching bag. What it does say is clear in the above Proverb. Everything we do as believers, must be done in the right spirit. Never for personal gain, yet even if we are doing it for a salary – it should be to His glory. Joseph did not sell the corn for personal gain – he did it in obedience to the Lord. Like Joseph, within His will and righteousness, we may be showered with such blessings that will only bring us closer to Him every day. What bliss!

sage

Friday Proverb – The Desire of the Righteous

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As believers, our natural inborn tendency leans towards works of self-indulgence, rather than works of righteousness. The struggle within us, mirrors the twins (Esau and Jacob) wrestling within their mother, Rebekah. It is a continuous battle between our flesh, and God’s Holy Spirit. The strength of one over the other, depends entirely on what we feed them. If we indulge our flesh with worldly fare, the Spirit will become weaker. These Proverb studies, and other such materials, are intended to feed the Spirit of true believers.

Proverbs 11:23

The desire of the righteous is only good:

As born-again Christians, we have the Righteousness of Christ within us. We Have no righteousness of our own. The holy righteousness living inside you, desires only good. If the Holy Spirit is your dominant “twin” you will desire only good. On the other-hand, if the flesh is the dominant twin, you will desire the opposite of what is good.

For example, when pondering the evil antics of worldly politicians and other leaders, do you sometimes fantasize that a lightening bolt, or some other act of God, would strike them down, and put them out of your misery? If someone has wronged you – do you long for them to “get what’s coming to them”?

Beloveds – that kind of attitude is your flesh talking. The best thing to do is rebuke it, and turn to the Lord in prayer. Rather than wishing for revenge, or “inexorable justice” on the workers of iniquity, why not pray for them? Pray for the most evil of them. Yes, it is true, that some individuals are beyond redemption, but that is not for us to determine. It is for us to pray, and pray, and pray.

but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

The lost have a truly bleak future in eternity. As the children of God, we should not desire that for anyone. Though your prayers for the wicked may seem like they go unanswered, it is a fact, that if your heart is right with the Lord, He hears all your prayers, even if you are praying for the worst miscreant in the world. We should desire their good, and the only good for them, is salvation in Jesus Christ. It is a terrible, awful, thing – when someone dies in their sins. And when you pray for that lost soul – make sure you mean it.

1 Timothy 2:1-3

2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

²For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

³For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour

Please reread verse 2 again – do you see what that says? It is conditional. If we don’t pray for those in authority over us – we will have persecution! Obviously, the Body of Christ has dropped the ball on this one.

sage

Friday Proverb – Causing Calamity to Your Children

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While it is one hundred percent certain, that each member of the human race is responsible to the Creator for their own sins, there are things sheeple do, which can adversely affect their offspring – or seed. The obvious things are consuming drugs and alcohol during pregnancy – but there are the more subtle – and equally devastating things mankind does which seeps down to their kids. Global leaders, politicians, business owners, school boards, churches leaders, voters, and every other sort of human interaction that you could imagine – regularly compromises in agreement with the Devil. It is tossed off as a “necessary evil,” “choosing the lesser evil,” or “better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know.” We sinners may make light of such agreements, but our Heavenly Father takes serious note.

Proverbs 11:21

Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished:

These compromises, treaties, contracts, and agreements may give us a temporary feeling of success, but in the long run, we and our children will suffer for it. Legal maneuvers are frequently mentioned in the media as “burdens placed on our grandchildren.”

President Trump’s daughter (Ivanka Trump) and Kamala Harris’ stepdaughter (Ella Emhoff).

President Donald Trump’s son, (Barron Trump) and Former President Barack Obama’s daughter (Sasha Obama).

Thankfully, if we are walking closely to the Lord, His Holy Spirit will guide us farther and farther away from the worldly things and into the deep things of God. But the perpetually infantile Christians who continue in the world without spiritual growth, in every way resemble the pagans they contract agreements with. And it doesn’t matter what kind of contract it is. From marriage to global treaties – any contract that omits God is a deal with the devil.

but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

Young people are like sponges and mirrors. Whatever they see and hear becomes an integral part of them. When they live with televised politicians who don’t know the difference between right and wrong, hypocritical and ignorant teachers, and parents who are lazy, liars, and compromisers – they will both reflect and absorb such ungodliness in their teenage and adult lives. Additionally, they develop a hardness of the heart against the things of God. Believers have the ability and opportunity to give their offspring a great example to follow. While this is not a guarantee that your children will be saved, in my observation, those parents that are steadfast in their devotion to the Lord (with minimal hypocrisy) are respected by their adult kids. And many, many times, even those children who have walked the Prodigal trail, return and repent. If you live prudently, gently and without avarice – you are doing a wonderful thing for your descendants. Salvation is an individual’s choice. At the same time – we are doing God’s will in helping our children along the path to Godliness. What a kindness you are doing for them, when they see you praying and reading your Bible! And as our children walk closely to the Lord – our families are a wonderful testimony to a lost and dying world.

Don’t ever stop praying for your children. . .

sage

Friday Proverb – Are You His Delight?

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We will begin by first looking at the definition of the theme words of this Proverb study.

FRO’WARD, adjective [Latin versus:turned or looking from.]

Perverse, that is, turning from, with aversion or reluctance; not willing to yield or comply with what is required; unyielding; ungovernable; refractory; disobedient; peevish; as a froward child.

ABOMINA’TION, noun

1. Extreme hatred; detestation.

2. The object of detestation, a common signification in scripture.

3. Hence, defilement, pollution, in a physical sense, or evil doctrines and practices, which are moral defilements, idols and idolatry, are called abominations. The Jews were an abomination to the Egyptians; and the sacred animals of the Egyptians were an abomination to the Jews. The Roman army is called the abomination of desolation. Matthew 24:15. In short, whatever is an object of extreme hatred, is called an abomination

Proverbs 11:20

²⁰They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord:

This image is of Nadab and Abihu, the priestly sons of the first High Priest – Aaron. Their story is well known. As priests of the Most High God – they offered “strange fire,” before the Lord. Whereupon the Lord sent out fire from heaven and consumed them.

The significance of this event should not be overlooked. What should the Christian take away from this? Quite simply, that our God is very, very Holy, and we can not offer “strange fire” to Him. Rock music, back beats, sensualized “praise teams,” speaking in gibberish, being “slain in the spirit,” – these and many other offerings and worship practices are strange fire. They do not conform to the Scriptural outlines for worshiping the Almighty Creator of the Universe.

The Charismatic movement is creeping into even the most conservative churches via the music. Make no mistake – this is “strange fire.” Country, CCM, and Southern Gospel music is inherently sensuous. And God will, in fact, rain down fire again on the apostate church, only this time, instead of the two sons of Aaron, it will be worldwide and they will “die before the Lord.” True worship music is reverent and respectful. It should not give you the sensation that you “really worshiped God!!!!” Rather, it should put you in a place of adoration and humility before your Savior, and convict your soul.

but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

Heads bowed, and sincere prayer are His delight. Before you “lift up holy hands,” be sure that your hands are indeed holy! I never feel that mine are. Not even for a second. I am too proud of what I can do with my hands. It is also important to realize, that at the beginning of this country, the Pilgrims allowed no musical instruments into the congregation. Why? Because of the natural tendency of musicians to “spice things up.” In the same fashion that a good cook will enliven what they make, a musician will do the same thing with music.

The pop preachers of today, speak loud and clearly that “you can’t grow a church with the old ways.” Well, that’s not what the Lord God of Heaven and earth has to say. We are no different than the Jews of the Old Testament. We, in our sinful flesh, desire and lust after the “leeks and onions” of Egypt. We desire to feed the flesh rather than the spirit.

Jeremiah 6:15-17

¹⁵Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord.

¹⁶Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

¹⁷Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

sage

Friday Proverb – Being Merciful is Healthy!

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Mature Christians rarely need to be reminded to show mercy. Young believers, on the other hand, can lapse into their flesh more easily. This Friday Proverb study is devoted to our young brothers and sisters in Christ, who are growing and learning in all the doctrines of God. As young Christians, you also need to know, that we were also young once, and can recall with vivid clarity how impulsive and unwise we could be in those early days of our earthly sojourn.

Proverbs 11:17-19

¹⁷The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

Animal shelters unite pets with owners.
Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

This study by secular scientists agrees with what the Word of God has said all along. Kindness is a boon to your health. Those who are saved under the Blood of Christ, do not need a scientific study to tell them anything. The King James Bible is all sufficient for every life question you will ever have. Mean spirited people, will reap such nastiness in their own flesh. Our Lord in the Beatitudes said:

Matthew 5:7

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

¹⁸The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

Psychologists like to tell us that everything we do is a reaction to things that other people did to us. While this may be true for the flesh, it is not so for those who have been made free in Christ Jesus. The flesh tells us to justify what we do – because so and so did that to us. The flesh tells us to hold grudges and get revenge. This Proverb tells us that those kinds of machinations are wicked and deceitful!

My wife gained a lot of weight during pregnancy. She’s tired all the time, and doesn’t take care of herself. That’s not what I wanted from marriage. I think it’s OK for me to look at porn, because I’m not hurting anyone, and I need some kind of outlet.

My husband doesn’t give me any attention. I feel like eating because it makes me feel better. I also like to buy things I don’t need, because it’s self medicating for me.

My employer doesn’t pay enough for this terrible job. I’m not going to kill myself working for nothing. The company has enough money. They should give me some.

Hosea 10:12

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till He come and rain righteousness upon you.

¹⁹As righteousness tendeth to life:

Make no mistake about it. Satan hates you. He will try everything in his substantial bag of tricks, to cause you to kill yourself before you can get saved, or, if you are saved, before you can lead any others to God’s salvation. Let’s look at the short list in Satan’s suicidal bag of evil. All of these will lead to death – eventually. Some sooner rather than later.

surfeiting (overeating, gluttony)
smoking (smoking anything!)
risky behavior (too numerous to list – including sodomy and drug use)
alcohol (Christians should not drink alcohol under any circumstances)

These behaviors are evil, and also appear evil to the unsaved world. They know in their hearts that it is wrong. All ungodly and fleshly desires are different forms of the sin of lust. We are to be separate and sanctified.

so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.

James 1:15

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Personal holiness is something believers should strive for every day while wandering in this wilderness of sin.

sage

Friday Proverb – Godly Honor and Riches

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It is very distressing to see the continual corruption of the Laodicean church of today. The Word of God speaks to us on every aspect of how we should live in this sinful, fallen world – while being in the world – but not of it. This is Biblical separation – it is sanctification. And by living and walking with the Lord – our lives give testimony to His majesty and power. Full surrender to Him is the only means to true prosperity.

Proverbs 11:16

A gracious woman retaineth honour:

GRA’CIOUS – Favorable; kind; benevolent; merciful; disposed to forgive offenses and impart unmerited blessings.

Thinking of truly gracious women from the Bible, we have to acknowledge Abigail. She was 1 Samuel 25:3 – “a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance.” This does not mean she was a cover girl model – but that her inner beauty expressed itself in her countenance and behavior. Despite the fact that she was married to a churlish man, she kept her honor in every situation. For this reason – she was blessed by God. She became the bride of King David – who is an Old Testament “type” of Jesus Christ.

This same Biblical principle applies not only to Christian women – but to the Bride of Christ as a whole. We are to appear to the world, as Abigail did. With good understanding, and a beautiful countenance. The unsaved will judge Our Holy God by how the church behaves, and how we appear. If we act with wisdom and the kind of serenity that Abigail exhibited, we will testify of our King. She was not passive, but her positive actions were done in such a way, that they earned the favor of the King.

and strong men retain riches.

Ahh – money, money, money. That is not the kind of riches the Bible is talking about. Laodicea says God wants you to be rich. This is true – but only half true. When Solomon’s kingdom began to crumble, it was because of his personal weakness. Your home and family are your kingdom. Resisting temptation is the kind of strength the Lord is talking about here. And the riches? Well, such riches that we can only get a glimpse now.

Romans 11:33-36

³³O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!

³⁴For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counsellor?

³⁵Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto Him again?

³⁶For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to Whom be glory for ever. Amen.

sage

Friday Proverb – Seeking Godly Advice

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Many great and powerful men, have been brought to ruin through trusting bad advice. Conservative media outlets often express incredulous wonder at the kind of counselors the United States president keeps around himself. Any studier of sinful human nature would not need to ponder why this is. Birds of a feather DO flock together. We like to keep company with those who think like we do. If we are in darkness, we will be drawn to yet deeper darkness. If we are in the Light of Christ, we will be drawn to yet more of His light.

Proverbs 11:14

Where no counsel is, the people fall:

The infamous incident, wherein the nation of Israel began to divide, is prime example of the first half of today’s Proverb. In 1 Kings 12, the son and heir of Solomon, Rehoboam, is met with representatives of the congregation. They ask him, quite politely, if he will reduce the heavy tax burden Solomon had levied. He tells them to come back in three days, at which time he will give them an answer. Rather than consulting his father’s old counselors, priests or prophets, he turns to his “friends,” who are as young and inexperienced as he is. Perhaps even more so. In following their advice, he states – “My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.” This was not received well! It is the spirit of rebellion at work.

1 Kings 12:15 states that the reason this happened was in the will of God – “the cause was from the Lord.” His purposes for Israel are not license to sin. Don’t make the mistake of justifying the use of ungodly advice via this Scripture. Born again believers are never to take the mistakes made by Old Testament persons as an excuse to sin. “David did it, Adam did it, Solomon did it. . .” There is no Biblical justification for following in the path of sinners. And, they were sinners all.

A godly counselor, will always lead you to Living Water. If you tire of their reading relevant Scriptures to you, then you are not really wanting godly counsel. You more than likely want affirmation, as Rehoboam did. The desire to be accepted, colors all of our decisions. If you really want godly advice, really – then seek the counsel of the aged men and women in your church family.

but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

sage

The Vine Vigil wishes you a merry Christmas!

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Please enjoy these treasured hymns as you read the following Scripture.

We here at The Vine Vigil wish you a lovely and very merry Christmas.

Luke 1:26-37

²⁶And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

²⁷To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.

²⁸And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

²⁹And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

³⁰And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

³¹And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

³²He 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:

³³And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

³⁴Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

³⁵And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

³⁶And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

³⁷For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Amen.

~ Cat Mahm

Friday Proverb – Don’t be a Talebearer!

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Satan, and the media he controls, is the master talebearer. It is he that inspires every bit of salacious gossip and slander in the world today. He camps out in churches too – leading sheeple to verbally destroy their brethren with “something they’ve heard.” It is sinful human nature to be attracted to darkness. Talebearing is a slippery slope that is often looked-on as harmless, yet the ones who do it are caught in Satan’s sticky web of darkness. The more they do it, the more they want to do it. It is exceedingly sinful.

Proverbs 11:13

A talebearer revealeth secrets:

but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Brothers and sisters – we have enough of our own sins to be concerned about. Your church family’s, spouse’s and children’s sins should not be shared with others. Not unless you want them talking about you to their friends! We will reap what we sow, no matter what it is. Lying, stealing, greed, and talebearing will all come back to us 10, 100, and even 1,000 fold. One of the reasons FOX News is so incredibly popular is because of its gossipy nature. On the website, it features un-newsworthy items such as “More Sex for Grilled Cheese,” or “Get the latest news on celebrity scandals!” Yes, garbage like that is prominently featured, while zero attention is given to the church’s works of righteousness. The reason News Corp does this, lies in the love of money. As stated before, sinful human nature is drawn to darkness. Darkness makes money. Oprah Winfrey’s wild success is proof positive of this. Not only should we not bear tales ourselves – but we shouldn’t listen to it either!

Do you really want to resemble the “father of lies” in any way? When you do his work, he will not reward you – he will be your accuser!

Revelation 12:10

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

Don’t give him any ammunition to accuse you with!

sage

For the Lord’s Day – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

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“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

1. O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.

2. O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.

3. O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai’s height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.

The Birth of Christ

As we continue our descent into the month of December, we remember the birth of Christ, and we will be posting a selection of some of our favorite Christmas hymns so that you can celebrate this momentous and beloved time with us. This hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” is one of my very favorite Christmas hymns.

As a child, my parents always made Christmas very special. I remember on Christmas morning, waking up to the smell of my mother’s homemade cinnamon rolls with her secret lemon, cream-cheese icing. Of which, I – reminiscent of the prophet Elisha (in my own mind) – did not hesitate to ask for and proudly acquire, my own double portioning. As I sat at the table, bedecked by a Christmas-cheery tablecloth, this would be one of the hymns my mother would play on her record player. Perhaps it is the somber humility with which the verses beckon the coming of Christ, or perhaps it is the overwhelming reverence with which the refrain exclaims, “Rejoice! Rejoice!” this hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” stirs our hearts into movement and attention in recollection of the birth of Christ.

Isaiah 9:6-7

⁶For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

⁷Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Cat Mahm

Friday Proverb – Holding Your Peace

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Proverbs 11:12

He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour:

There’s a lot of talk in the media lately about “low information.” This or that politician or pundit is excoriated for making overreaching statements about things they don’t know enough about. Well, the same thing happens in the Church family. How often do we gaze around at what our brothers and sisters are doing and make judgments about them? I sometimes bristle when people try to tell me about music, most often scolding me for not liking jazz. There is an assumption that those heavily involved in classical music are also jazz lovers. This assumption is based on low information.

In the same fashion, when we decide that someone is a “bad” Christian because they don’t make it to church every Sunday, or don’t “pony-up” for the offering – we are als0 demonstrating low information. It is a sad state of affairs, when the family of God turns on itself.

When a brother or sister is struggling with sin, we have compassion and care for them. When a brother or sister is embracing sin, then, and only then, do we judge righteously. to do otherwise – is to be void of wisdom. . .

but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

Wouldn’t you rather be a man or woman of understanding? There is no way, that we can know everything that is going on in the lives of our church family. Only God knows. Making petty statements about why this person is doing this or that, is gossip, and it is very harmful to the Church. If there is something serious going on, that is for the pastor and church elders to handle. If you notice someone struggling – then go over and talk to them! Don’t talk to someone else! Be Jesus’ representative in church as well as in the world. Your title – Christian – means “of Christ, or follower of Christ.” That is an important title to carry, with awesome responsibility.

Romans 11:33-36

³³O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!

³⁴For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counsellor?

³⁵Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

³⁶For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to Whom be glory for ever. Amen.

sage

For the Lord’s Day – The Old Fashioned Meeting

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This song, has a lot of “bounce,” but it is not syncopated. The tempo is even, at a quick march beat, known as a “quick-step.” A real “foot stomper!” The offering for today was inspired by Terry Dawson’s testimony, wherein he was saved at “an old fashioned tent meeting.” The words to this hymn are outstanding – especially verses 3 and 4!

The Complete 1922 Lyrics to the song: The Old Fashioned Meeting,
By Herbert Buffman

Verse 1:
Oh how well I remember in the old fashioned days,
When some old fashioned people had some old fashioned ways
In the old fashioned meetings, as they tarried there
In the old fashioned manner, how God answered their prayer.

Chorus:
‘Twas an old fashiomed meeting, In an old fashioned place
Where some old fashioned people, had some old fashion grace
As an old fashioned sinner, I began to pray,
And God heard me and answered in the old fashioned way

Verse 2:
There was singing, such singing, of those old fashioned airs!
There was power, such power, in those old fashioned prayers
An old fashioned conviction made the sinner pray
And the Lord heard and saved him in the old fashioned way.

Repeat Chorus:

Verse 3:
Well, They say it is better, ” Things have changed, don’t you know!”
And the people in general seem to think it is so
And they call me old fashioned when I dare to say
That I like it far better in the old fashioned way.

Repeat Chorus:

Verse 4:
If the Lord never changes, as the fashion of men,
If He’s always the same, why, He is old fashioned then!
As an old fashioned sinner saved through old time grace,
Oh, I’m sure He will take me to an old fashioned place.

Repeat Chorus:

Short Name: Herbert Buffum

Full Name: Buffum, Herbert, 1879-1939

Birth Year: 1879

Death Year: 1939

Born: November 13, 1879, Lafayette, Illinois.
Died: October 9, 1939, Los Angeles, California.
Buried: Valhalla Memorial Park, Los Angeles, California. His epitaph reads “I have fought a good fight.”

After moving with his family to California and being converted to Christ at age 18, Buffum felt a call to the ministry. He held ministerial credentials with the Church of the Nazarene, and was a Holiness/Pentecostal evangelist. He was also a prolific song writer, with many songs inspired by personal experience; He had 10,000 Songs to his credit, 1,000 actually published. Ripley’s “Believe It Or Not” claimed He once wrote 12 songs in an hour. Though a talented musician, Buffum received no musical training. He sold most of his songs for five dollars or less. When he died, the Los Angeles Times called him “the king of Gospel song writers. http://www.hymnary.org/text/o_how_well_i_remember

Jeremiah 6:16

Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.

The Church – Its Worship

“When they saw Him, they worshiped Him. . .”

1. Faith

Exodus 4:31

2. Spirit

John 4:23-24

Philippians 3:3

3. Truth

John 14:6

Luke 18:9-14

To worship is to bow down in awe, to pay honor to a Holy God in humility and reverence. He is not your buddy, co-pilot, pal, or “the man upstairs.” He is so far above us that our question should not be – “why does God let this happen to me?” But, rather –

Psalm 8:4 What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?

sage

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7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

1 Corinthians 2: 1-5

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7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

1 Corinthians 2: 1-5

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Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me;Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.

Galatians 5:16

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

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Proverbs 31:27

She looketh well to the ways of her household,

and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

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Proverbs 11:15

He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it:

and he that hateth suretiship is sure.

Hebrews 7: 9-25

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26 For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

Proverbs 3: 25-26

13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

1 Peter 3: 13-14

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.

3 Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

Psalm 91: 2-5

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9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Proverbs: 3:9-10

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The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverb 1:7

28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. Job 28:28

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endureth for ever. Psalm 111:10

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Proverbs 10:22

The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.

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Proverbs 10:20-21

20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver:the heart of the wicked is little worth.

21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” -1 John 1:8

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.”-Acts 3:19

“Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes unto the Father, but by me.” -John 14:6

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” -1 Timothy 2:5

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me;
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.

⁵Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

⁶In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

²⁰The tongue of the just is as choice silver:the heart of the wicked is little worth.

²¹The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

¹⁹And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

²⁰But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

²¹So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

⁷Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

⁸For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

²⁴There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

²⁵The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

²⁶He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.