People like to take verse 13 alone. But, if you read the entire related passage, the depth of meaning is humbling and edifying.
Wednesday Wisdom
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Tag Archives: Godly wisdom
Friday Proverb – True Riches
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
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
20 The 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.”
21 The 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
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
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
11 And 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. 12 And 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. 13 And 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. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
sage
Friday Proverb – Hold Your Tongue!
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
18 He 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.
19 In 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 – In One Ear And Out The Other?
Any parent knows, that part of training a child is continual reminding. This is called “instruction.” Once the child “retains” the instruction, he will apply it to his actions and decision making.
The act of training is not the province of parents alone – for our Heavenly Father is forever about the business of instructing us – and we – like recalcitrant children – do not always “retain” the teachings.
Since even the very ground we walk on, instructs us and reveals to us His glory and majesty – it behooves us to take notice of the lessons being offered, and to “keep” them within our hearts that they may be applied to our daily walk. The things that we need to learn, are not always obvious!
Proverbs 10:17
He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
There is a famous song, dedicated to stopping and smelling the roses, and counting your many blessings along the way. Nice, but superficial. In the image of the great tree above, we can see that underground, the tree is even bigger than what is obvious. Could the tree survive without that massive root system? No. Nor can we flourish with out going deep, and holding onto the Word of God with tenacity, in the same way that the roots of the tree takes up water and nutrients from the soil. The Bible has so much to teach us, that if we put it aside for worldly pursuits and concerns – our plans will topple like a tree with no root system – and we will be nothing more than drift wood.
sage
Friday Proverb – Where Do You Put Your Trust?
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
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20 But 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?
21 So 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
7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.
8 For 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
Friday Proverb – You Will Always Find What You Are Looking For
I told my Bible teacher that I spend far too much time being astonished at what people do – rather than praying for them. Our LORD tells us that we are like dogs, and repeat the same offenses over and over again – eagerly swallowing sin as a dog does his own vomit. The underlying question is – why? Why do sheeple persist in making the same (and quite obvious) mistakes over and over again?
The answer to that question is contained within our hearts. If my own heart were truly righteous, I wouldn’t spend so much time in a state of incredulity, and instead, would be delving into the Word of God and praying for those who continually fall into sin (myself included.)
THE FACT IS – IF WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ROTTEN – WE WILL FIND IT
Proverbs 11:27
He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
Applying logic to this Proverb, it becomes quite obvious what we should be seeking after (that is, if we desire to reflect the righteousness of Christ to the world.) Seeking good, is the same as seeking God, because only God is good. Jesus and only Jesus should be the mantra of the righteous believers of God.
The Lord says that if we are seeking after mischief, we will find it. Haman sought mischief, when he machinated the hanging of Mordecai. Yet – it was Haman who was the receiver of all the mischief he had devised in his own heart. In the same vein of thought, does this mean that others are contemplating my behavior and sinfulness? Very likely. This is a deep thing of God for us to take in. While we are to earnestly contend for the faith and rebuke sin, we must be ever vigilant to avoid hypocrisy. If, I, myself, have a besetting sin which I continually fall back into, how can I righteously judge a fellow believer who does the same? Herein is the patience of the saints. We must strive daily to die to ourselves, and let the righteousness of Christ shine forth to a dark and dying world. It is a struggle we must all partake in, until the LORD calls us home.
sage
Friday Proverb – Sowing and Reaping in Righteousness
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
24 There 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.
25 The 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 . . .
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.
26 He 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
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;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For 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
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.”
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?
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
20 They 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
15 Were 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.
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. But they said, We will not walk therein.
17 Also 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!
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
17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
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:
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
18 The 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.
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.
19 As 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.
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
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
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!
34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counsellor?
35 Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto Him again?
36 For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to Whom be glory for ever. Amen.
sage
Friday Proverb – Seeking Godly Advice
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
Friday Proverb – Don’t be a Talebearer!
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!
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
Friday Proverb – Holding Your Peace
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
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!
34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counsellor?
35 Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
36 For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to Whom be glory for ever. Amen.
sage
Friday Proverb – Truth vs. the Hypocrite
Such a sad, sad reality for the Laodicean church age. The Body of Christ is teeming with hypocrisy. You would be very hard pressed – no – let’s go further and say it would be impossible to find a New Testament church that was free of gossip . . .
Proverbs 11:9
An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour:
This picture shows girls gabbing, but we all know that men are just as guilty of gossiping. What is most troubling about this activity, is the lack of church discipline for such a serious offense. Damage done by gossip is tangible and far-reaching.
Do you realize – ladies and gentlemen – that when you are disparaging your spouse to others in your church family, that you are guilty of this kind of hypocrisy? That when you confide everything that your teenager does to your neighbor, coworkers, “friends” at Bible study – you are gossiping? Yes – Christians gossip about their families. Parents say terrible things about their spouses to their own children! And if your family is not your neighbor – I don’t know who is! How utterly shameful.
WE ALL NEED TO BE VIGILANT ABOUT EVERY WORD
THAT COMES OUT OF OUR MOUTHS.
but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
Never fear beloveds. If you are being maligned by family members, church family, coworkers, neighbors . . .the truth will prevail if you are a child of God. His Truth is eternal, and completely just. As a child of God, you are covered by His righteousness, and are justified by your faith in His finished work on the cross. You will be delivered in truth, and justice.
1 Peter 4:16-19
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
sage
Friday Proverb – Riches Will Not Save Anyone
Proverbs 11:4
Riches profit not in the day of wrath:
A great many articles are written about the underground bunkers of the elites and super-rich. These fortresses amount to vast underground cities, with every comfort known to man. Even the not-so-rich, have succumbed to the notion, that they can “ride-out” Armageddon. Bible believers should know, that those who are truly born again – will not need to “hide out,” because they won’t be here. Not only that – but it would be impossible to do so. This is not to say that you should not be prepared for natural disasters, and not so natural ones like losing your job. What is being discussed here is the Day of Wrath.
Revelation 6:16-17
16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
17 For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
Zephaniah 1:18
Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord‘s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of His jealousy: for He shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.
but righteousness delivereth from death.
It is of utmost importance to understand, that you have no righteousness of your own. ZERO. When you are born again – you can possess His righteousness, and it is overflowing and enough! The good works and deeds you do after being saved, will gain you rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ. And that is a wonderful thing to work for.
Philippians 3:9
And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.
Revelation 16:7
7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Thy judgments.
James 5:1-8
5 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.
4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.
6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.
7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
sage
For the Lord’s Day – All People That On Earth Do Dwell
This magnificent old hymn is pure praise from start to finish, and is chock full of solid doctrine. Turn up your speakers and see His glory. The chord progressions are spectacular.
All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.
Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell;
Come ye before Him and rejoice.
The Lord, ye know, is God indeed;
Without our aid He did us make;
We are His folk, He doth us feed,
And for His sheep He doth us take.
O enter then His gates with praise;
Approach with joy His courts unto;
Praise, laud, and bless His Name always,
For it is seemly so to do.
For why? the Lord our God is good;
His mercy is for ever sure;
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure.
To Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
The God Whom Heaven and earth adore,
From men and from the angel host
Be praise and glory evermore.
Hymn Story
All People That on Earth Do Dwell
In the Reformation, there was a difference of opinion between Luther and Calvin concerning music for congregational singing. Luther advocated the use of hymns and carols, and even wrote a number of those. Calvin was concerned that hymns not clearly based on scripture might introduce false doctrine into the church, and so he advocated the singing of Psalms. He said that there were “no better songs nor more appropriate to the purpose (of congregational singing) than the Psalms of David which the Holy Spirit made and spoke through him.”
Calvin, of course, was based in Geneva, Switzerland. In 1551, a Psalter was published in Geneva that included a song based on Psalm 134 and set to a tune by Louis Bourgeois. In 1561, the Anglo-Genevan Psalter (an English-language Psalter) was published in Geneva that included “All People That on Earth Do Dwell” set to that earlier tune by Bourgeois.
The words to “All People That on Earth Do Dwell” were written by William Kethe, a Scottish clergyman who had fled the persecutions of Queen Mary. His exile took him first to Frankfurt, Germany and thence to Geneva. Kethe helped with the translation of the Geneva Bible in 1560 and contributed 25 psalms to the Anglo-Genevan Psalter.
Kethe left Geneva for England in 1561, and took a copy of the Anglo-Genevan Psalter with him –– thereby introducing this music to the English. A number of his psalms found their way into the English Psalter of 1562, which was published by Thomas Sternhold and John Hopkins. All of his psalms were included in the Scottish Psalter two years later.
“All People That on Earth Do Dwell” is based on Psalm 100. That Psalm is five verses in length, and the song is four verses. The first verse of the song is based on verses 1 and 2 of the psalm, and each of the subsequent verses of the song is based on one verse of the psalm. It is probably the oldest hymn in common use today.
The tune by Bourgeois is known today as “Old Hundredth,” and is one of the best-known tunes in modern hymnals –– in large measure because it is also sung to the Doxology, “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow.”
Copyright 2008, Richard Niell Donovan
Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.
5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.
sage
p.s. I post this as part of my continuous effort to point up the dangers of CCM, and hope and pray that God’s people will wake up to the serpent in the singing. Can you see what is being lost as the old hymns are cast aside for simple lyrics and rhythmic melodies? CCM is now firmly in IFB churches everywhere.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears
Friday Proverb – Pride is Followed by Shame
Proverbs 11:2
2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame:
It is a fact – the bigger they are – the harder they fall. The Pharisee in the illustration was full of himself, totally unaware that he was doomed. We also, as believers, can fall to this sort of pride.
One pastor of a large and beautiful church, was a very confident man. He had a beautiful family, and was well received by his congregation. He was a learned man, and gifted teacher. This continued on for some time, and his pride grew along with his successes. One day, his teenaged daughter ran away from home. They had no idea where she was. Then his church began to splinter as he attempted to accommodate both progressives and conservatives within his congregation. The “blended” church service ensued, which was followed by uprisings within the sheepfold. Half the congregation left to join a contemporary worship church, while another half left to join a traditional church. His church went bankrupt, whereupon he was fired by the board.
How about us? Are we foolish and prideful enough to think we can accommodate the world in our hearts? The pastor in the story, is the story of each and everyone of us. He allowed his daughter to closely associate with worldly teenagers. He allowed young and fleshly people to hold sway in his congregation. We all try in varying degrees to accommodate the world. Perhaps our teenaged daughter has not run away from home, but put in perspective – we all have our own kind of “runaways,” don’t we? Take your pick – job? marriage? favorite sin? addiction? Do you know where they are?
but with the lowly is wisdom.
Daily, minute by minute, moment by moment, we must strive to keep the world, the flesh, and the devil under complete subjection. Any compromise or accommodation will lead to our shame. If we think we can master the devil without copious prayer and Bible study – we give the evil one mastery over us because we are accommodating him. Don’t think for one second that you can outfox the fox on your own. Humble yourself, and rely only on God’s wisdom and knowledge. Never attempting to put your own thinking or understanding into what you think God thinks. The only wisdom in this world is in God’s Holy Word – the Bible.
sage
Friday Proverb – All Manner of Cheating
Proverbs 11:1
A false balance is abomination to the Lord:
but a just weight is His delight.
A brother in Christ from the Philippines, once related to me, how rice was sold in the poor village he was raised in. The rice merchant would first measure the rice into a large scoop – hold it up for the buyer to be reassured they were receiving full measure – and then, as he was lowering the scoop to pour the rice into their bag, he would subtly pour a small amount of the rice back into the large bin. This slight shaving resulted in more profit for him, since he did it to everyone.
SINCE MANKIND IS INHERENTLY EVIL< THIS STORY SHOULD NOT SURPRISE US. BUT< IT SHOULD SADDEN US.
We must admit, that we all “shave off,” here and there in our dealings with our fellow man, and with respect to honoring the Lord. Do we give “full measure?” Or, do we hold back somewhat? Just a little here and there? Does He have our whole heart? Or have we kept back a portion for the world? Do we cut corners in our worship and service?
DON’T SHVE OFF OR CUT CORNERS IN YOUR WORSHIP AND WITNESSING, FOR HE HAS GIVEN US THIS PROMISE –
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.
sage
Friday Proverb – Speak Softly and Carry a Big Bible!
Oh – those loud, attention seekers. They speak without thinking, and put their proverbial feet in their mouths at every opportunity. Well, as annoying as they may be – the jabber mouths will not go on forever. The ones who take delight in mocking and ridiculing the Lord and His people will not get the last laugh!
Proverbs 10:31-32
31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
Recalling that only those who are under the Blood of Christ are considered “just” by God – it does not bode well for those who have a froward tongue!
adjective: froward
- (of a person) difficult to deal with; contrary.
In point of fact – our blessed Redeemer made mention of this very thing, while He was here in the flesh:
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.
How do we know what is “acceptable?” By reading, studying, and memorizing the Word of God. Being a Christian does not automatically cause you to speak with wisdom! This kind of righteousness comes only with having the mind of Christ, and making His thoughts and Words a part of you. And to prove that our own words can not count as wisdom, we look to our Savior once again, and see how He responded to the Devil during the temptation.
Matthew 4:3-10
3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Notice that the Lord ONLY used Scripture to respond to the Devil. This is especially important for those Christians who somehow think the Old Testament no longer has meaning or importance to the Church! If the Living Christ thought it was important enough to quote – how are Christians confident in not doing so as well? Are we responding to temptation with our own logic and reason? Are we foolish enough to think that our own resources can outfox the Fox? The Devil? The Tempter? This one thing – failing to use the Word of God against temptation – is the greatest weakness of the Church.
Don’t get bogged down in debate with the evil one and his minions – you can’t possibly win against a supernatural intelligence like that using your own abilities. Use the Word of God as the sword of Truth! Memorize it, inhale it, study it, devour it. The wicked will flee. . .
sage
Friday Proverb – Our Life and Hope
The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
Proverbs 10:27
While the Word of God does not guarantee a long earthly life to truly born again believers, it does follow reason that those who fear Him, and forsake sinful lifestyles will have better health and greater joy in life. While we are in our flesh – we long to be with Him, and having the knowledge of His omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence will prevent us from taking a detour into the dark side.
Living the Holy Spirit filled life is a matter of surrendering our wills to His will. It is a matter of getting rid of our household gods and fleshly desires, and allowing the Holy Spirit to completely fill us. And while it seems that the wicked are holding sway at this moment in time – remember – that to God – there is no time! Time only exists here on earth – it is not a part of the heavenly realm.
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
Proverbs 10:28
Yes – we must fear our Creator – but we must also hope in Him. One need only see the hard, brittle, look in the eyes of the abrasive atheists when they are attacking the Bible and Bible believers. It is a cold, dead expression – void of hope. And if the eyes truly are the window to the soul – what does that tell us? There is death where there is no hope – spiritual death. And then in the not so far off future – eternal death in the Lake of Fire.
We can be truly glad of heart, and take joy in the fact that our futures are already secure, and written down in the Lamb’s Book of Life. There is no reason to fret over evil doers – because their future is already determined if they remain unrepentant. What a terrible thought.
The next time you hear news of murders, corruptions, and all the sundry evils that satan has in his arsenal, it would be wise to think where your hope is. It is not here! not in America, not in anything other than our blessed savior – Jesus Christ.
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
[Forgive me. I so wanted to post a video with the classic hymn – “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand,” but was unable to find one without a sensuous back-beat.]
sage
For the Lord’s Day – If You Will Only Let God Guide You
If you will only let God guide you,
And hope in Him through all your ways,
Whatever comes, He’ll stand beside you,
To bear you through the evil days;
Who trusts in God’s unchanging love
Builds on the Rock that cannot move.
Only be still, and wait His leisure
In cheerful hope, with heart content
To take whatever the Father’s pleasure
And all discerning love have sent;
Nor doubt our inmost wants are known
To Him Who chose us for His own.
Sing, pray, and swerve not from His ways,
But do your part in conscience true;
Trust His rich promises of grace,
So shall they be fulfilled in you;
God hears the call of those in need,
The souls that trust in Him indeed.
Winkworth’s original translation:
If thou but suffer God to guide thee
And hope in Him through all thy ways,
He’ll give thee strength, whate’er betide thee,
And bear thee through the evil days.
Who trust in God’s unchanging love
Builds on the rock that naught can move.
What can these anxious cares avail thee
These never ceasing moans and sighs?
What can it help if thou bewail thee
O’er each dark moment as it flies?
Our cross and trials do but press
The heavier for our bitterness.
Be patient and await His leisure
In cheerful hope, with heart content
To take whatever thy Father’s pleasure
And His discerning love hath sent,
Nor doubt our inmost want are known
To Him who chose us for His own.
God knows full well when time of gladness
Shall be the needful thing for thee.
When He has tried thy soul with sadness
And from all guile has found thee free,
He comes to thee all unaware
And makes thee own His loving care.
Nor think amid the fiery trial
That God hath cast thee off unheard,
That he whose hopes meet no denial
Must surely be of God preferred.
Time passes and much change doth bring
And set a bound to everything.
All are alike before the Highest:
’Tis easy for our God, We know,
To raise thee up, though low thou liest,
To make the rich man poor and low.
True wonders still by Him are wrought
Who setteth up and brings to naught.
Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving,
Perform thy duties faithfully,
And trust His Word: though undeserving,
Thou yet shalt find it true for thee.
God never yet forsook in need
The soul that trusted Him indeed.
Words:Georg Neumark, 1641 (Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten); first published in his Fortgepflantzer musikalisch-poetischer Lustwald (Jena, Germany: 1657). Catherine Winkworth translated the words from German to English in 1855, and published them in the Chorale Book for England, 1863.
Music: Neumark, Georg Neumark, 1641 (MIDI, score). The tune is said to have been used for 400 different hymns.
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/f/ifyouwil.htm
Things appeared desperate for Georg Neumark. Walking cross country in the early Autumn of 1641 to begin his studies at the University of Konigsberg, the young German scholar was robbed of virtually everything he owned. With no money left to pay for food or classes, George had to drop out of college and look for work. He was hungry, poorly clothed, forced to take whatever shelter he could find as the cold weather came on.
He went back to Magdeburg but could find no work there. However, he made friends easily, and they pointed him to different cities. But he had no more success in the next three cities he tried: Luneburg, Winsen or Hamburg. He passed on to Keil. The chief pastor of Keil, Nicolaus Becker took an interest in Georg. Like Georg, he was from Thuringia. However, he could find him no immediate work. It was now December. What was Georg to do?
At this darkest moment, a miracle happened. A tutor in a prominent family fell into disgrace and fled. Nicolaus Becker recommended Georg for the position and he was hired. Georg’s response was to burst into a hymn of praise, “on that very day.”
If thou but suffer God to guide thee
And hope in Him through all thy ways,
He’ll give thee strength, whate’er betide thee,
And bear thee through the evil days….
Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving,
Perform thy duties faithfully,
And trust His Word: though undeserving,
Thou yet shalt find it true for thee.
God never yet forsook in need
The soul that trusted Him indeed.
We remember George Neumark mainly because of that one hymn and the tune he composed for it. For two years he worked and saved his money, finally getting together enough to enter University. In 1646 he again lost everything he owned, this time to a fire.
However, he was able to complete his studies and return to his homeland. There Duke Wilhelm II of Sachse-Weimar recognized his merits and gave him a trusted position.
Georg went blind shortly before he died, but the court allowed him to keep his jobs with their badly-needed income right to the end. He died on this day, July 18, 1681, having turned 60 shortly before. He had performed his part faithfully and God did not forsake him, bearing him through the evil days.
Bibliography:
- Covert, William Chalmers and Laufer, Calvin Weiss, editors. Handbook to the Hymnal. (Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of Christian Education, 1936).
- “Georg Neumark.” http://www.cyberhymnal.org
- Haeussler, Armin. The Handbook to the Hymnal of the Evangelical and Reformed Church. St. Louis, Missouri: Eden Publishing, 1952.
- Various encyclopedia and internet articles.
John 4:23-24
23 But 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.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
sage
Friday Proverb – What Do You Trust In?
How many of us think, that if we only had enough money in the bank, or enough food in storage, or enough gold coins, or enough whatever – that we would be safe from impending doom?
Or conversely, how many of us rely on our poverty to sustain us? Believing that some entity or other will always be there to pick us up after we fall, or feed, clothe, shelter, and educate us merely because we exist? Assuming no harm can befall us because “they” will help?
Proverbs 10:15
The rich man’s wealth is his strong city:
This image applies to both aspects of the Proverb – because within a city or any metropolitan area like that – both the wealthy and the poor live within yards of each other. Artificial insulation deceives the dwellers into thinking that all is well. The wealthy thinks his high tower protects him, and the poor thinks the system will protect him. And it doesn’t only apply to cities – think of the wealthy plantations in the South before the Civil War. They were micro-complexes of supra-independence. But many of them were razed and burned to the ground – lock, stock, and barrel.
the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
Do people trust in poverty? Absolutely! It is the same assumption that the wealthy make – trusting in the world. Content to let others care for them – the poor will end in destruction says the Proverb.
Not everyone who is poor or wealthy must end this way. It is a matter of where we put our trust. Trusting in ourselves, in money, in “prepping,” in the government, in family, in religion, in education, in the media, in anyone or anything other than Jesus Christ – is folly and destruction for both the rich and the poor.
Psalm 118:8-9
8 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
9 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.
Please look at verse 8 above – putting confidence in man – includes yourself! V. 9 – putting confidence in princes is the same as putting confidence in politicians.
Psalm 9:9-10
9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.
sage
Friday Proverb – Measured Speech
There is an entire industry devoted to “prepping,” or the storing up of food and provisions in cases of extreme emergency. But there is something else we need to think about storing up. And it is something that is mentioned frequently in the Word of God – while “prepping” is not. Indeed – it would not be an exaggeration to state that “prepping” has become a religion to many people!
Another way to describe storing up – is laying up.
Proverbs 10:14
Wise men lay up knowledge:
It has been stressed repeatedly throughout these Friday Proverb studies – that the only thing truly worth knowing about – is God’s Word. It is the foundation and cornerstone of all knowledge and wisdom. There is nothing – NOTHING – more important to our earthly sojourn – than to “lay up” knowledge of His Book! If you don’t – you fall into the “but” category of this Proverb-
but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
The fact is – If we posted all the fools featured on television in just one day – from all the different sources such as news and talk shows – wordpress would probably crash!
Thinking before speaking is a sign of wisdom. Laying up knowledge before speaking is another sign of wisdom. Far too many open their mouths to opine on things they know nothing about. By prefacing their opinion with an “I think,” they believe they are qualified to hold forth, often having no more understanding of what they are talking about than a child would. Moreover – they resist any efforts by others to teach them what they do not understand! That is willfully ignorant! And my friends – Christians are guilty of this too. . .
Is ignorance an excuse? Not for believers! We are told again and again to feed on the Word. The more we take in the deep things of God – the more we will know when to speak and what to say, and when to hold our tongues. What should come out of our mouths, is not our thoughts – but His thoughts. And the only way to know His thoughts – is by laying up the Words in His Book!
James 1:19
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath
James 1:26
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
sage
The Vine Vigil 
