A Spiritual Guide

God’s Purpose 07.31.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Thursday July 31, 2008 and today we are completing our studies on the book of Ecclesiastes. Please read Chapters 9-12 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiates%209-12&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the struggles of the righteous and the wicked; that wisdom is better than strength; the wise versus the foolish; and the remembering our creator. Today’s message focuses on the purpose God created us for.

“Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.” (Ecclesiastes 11:9). Solomon was famous for his wisdom, but he could be misunderstood if he implied that he was encouraging youth to let passion and pleasure go unchecked, but he reminds us that God will judge all that we do. 

Solomon spent his lifetime searching for pleasure from every worldly source, but he used the word vanity over 30 times in the Book of Ecclesiastes and concluded that ignoring the Word of God was the vanity of vanities. Before finishing his message, Solomon restated the basis for true wisdom, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (12:13-14).

Since all of us were created for the purposes of God, all else in life should be seen as opportunities to advance the Kingdom of God by fulfilling those purposes. Satisfaction in life results from giving one’s time, talents, and resources to fulfill the will of God. This is the only true source of happiness, peace of mind, and genuine enjoyment in life. Once we place God at the center of all that we do everything falls into place and we become prosperous in all that we do and even during trials we find enjoyment.

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the statement: God shall bring every work into judgment (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Jesus will judge all, “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:” (John 5:22).

Have a great and wonderful afternoon and day!
God bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday July 30, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ecclesiastes. Please read Chapters 5-8 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to yoyr browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiates%205-8&version=9

Today we will read and learn about cautions against hasty vows; the emptiness of riches; the encouragement of wisdom and goodness; and respect for rulers. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that hypocrisy is an insult to God, as well as spiritually self-destructive.

The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream in which Solomon asked for wisdom. (See II Chronicles 1:7-11). Yet, we have no record that Solomon ever copied the Law by his own hand, as God had instructed Israel’s kings to do, and he also broke all of the laws specifically given to kings (See Deuteronomy 17:14-20). As the years passed, he searched for satisfaction everywhere except from the Lord and His Word where it should have. Years later Solomon discovered that the rich and poor were equally obsessed with such fruitless endeavors and the only way to be fruitful is to have the Lord in their lives. 

Solomon’s thoughts then turned from the secular to the religious life, and he noted that many attended the House of God offering insincere prayers and making vows that were never kept. “Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2). “ 

The word hypocrisy means to falsely claim of having admirable principles, beliefs, or feelings toward God. It may seem as if God did not hear the groanings of the innocent or see the hypocrisy of the evildoers who intrude into the sanctuary of God. “All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt. And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity.” (8:9-10). However, He knew exactly what was going on and always has a meaning for allowing affliction to happen in our lives.

Often God does not immediately intervene or bring His judgment. Not only during life, but even in death itself, the wicked are often praised and buried with all the inappropriate recognition of their popularity. Yet, with all the flare, visibility, and demonstrations of these external appearances which are carried on even to the grave, they failed to deceive either God or a person who has spiritual and biblical knowledge. “When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:). Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea farther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.” (8:16-17).

The Psalmist reminds us, “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” (37:1-4).

While the course of life seems to run smoothly for those who live for the world instead of God the sinner begins to imagine that God is indifferent and not necessary. Even Christians, ignorant of God’s Word, are staggered by the delay of Divine justice to inflict penalty for the wicked sins of mankind, but the judgment which God’s Law attaches to sin is not an empty threat. “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” (Galatians 6:6-7).

The seemingly successful course of sin will have an end, for none have final success. “There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand. As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.” (5:13-15)

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the One who expects us to keep our vows made to Him. (Ecclesiastes 5:4). “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” (Matthew 5:37).

Enjoy the rest of your day!
God Bless,
Christina

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Filling The Void 07.29.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday July 29, 2008 and today we are beginning our studies on the book of Ecclesiastes. Please read Chapters 1-4 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiates%201-4&version=9

The book of Ecclesiastes is the twentifirst book of the Old Testament and contains 12 chapters. The book was written by King Solomon to Israel and all believers in general with a special emphasis towards the youth. The purpose of the book is to show all that a life apart from God is never satisfying and will always leave us searching for more to fill the void.

Today we will read and learn about the vanity (emptiness) of living for pleasure and material gain; that there is a reason for everything; and the varied proverbs of wisdom. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that no matter how many possesions we have or people we know all is vanity without God.

It would be easy to be impressed by the achievements of Solomon. He wrote of the many possessions that he had. “I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards: I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits: I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees: I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me: I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts. So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.” (Ecclesiastes 2:4-9). The key word here is me. Solomon did all of these things for himself. With each increasing excess, he found less and less pleasure in what he got and was always wanting more.

Solomon’s adventure in search of satisfaction apart from God ended in moral and spiritual disaster. Eventually he declared, ”Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.” (2:11-12). The word vanity means that all is superficial or empty, the word vexation means to face displeasure or an annoyance which means that Solomon declared that without God all his possessions were superficial and displeasing.

Sadly, many today are still trying to gain fulfillment with earthly pursuits while ignoring the will of God. If only they realize their want for more to possess is merely a need for God. The wisest man on earth tried to substitute man’s limited knowledge for the limitless wisdom of God in order to gain satisfaction and popularity. He only succeeded in avoiding God’s best for himself as well as for his kingdom. 

Solomon assumed that his vast material wealth was great not realizing that spiritually he was a beggar. Worldly greatness is deceptive in that men imagine that they will eventually reach satisfaction, but their empty souls always desire more.

Each of us needs to consider what God’s purpose is for our brief lives here on earth. Are we doing things to satisfy our own needs or are we following the path that God has chosen for us. We were not created to become satisfied with the things that were set before us, but to become the person He desires us to be and to accomplish His purpose for our lives. This is not merely a decision we make in a moment, but one that determines a lifetime and eternity. Remember, God blesses all who will put Him first. “(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:32-33).

In today’s message Jesus Christ is revealed through God, the true source of wisdom, and knowledge, and joy. (Ecclesiastes 2:26). “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.” (I Corinthians 2:16).

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
As we diligently labor for You it is not to bring attention to ourselves, but it is to bring glory to Your name and further the kingdom of God. Help us to find our place of Christian service where we can develop our gifts and expend our labors for building up the body of Christ. In Jesus’ name….Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day!
God bless,
Christina

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Develop A Lasting Relationship 07.28.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday July 28, 2008 and today we are completing our studies on the book of Proverbs. Please read Chapters 27-31 in your Bible ot Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2027-31&version=9

Today we will read and learn about advice given to the wise; Agur’s confession of his faith; the words of King Lemuel; and the praise of a good wife. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that our activities should not dishonor the Lord.

If we love someone, we want to be with them and to know what pleases them so that we can develop a lasting relationship. We also want to know what they dislike so that we can avoid words or actions that would displease them. Surely, this should also be an important consideration in our relationship with our Lord as well. “Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things. Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father. He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.” (Proverbs 28:5-8).

How can God be attentive to what we have to say if we are not interested in learning what God likes and dislikes about the things that we do. That is why it is so important to learn God’s Word, He even tells us how we are to pray so that we are not asking for something that will cause harm to ourselves or others. “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” (28:9).

We can not ask God for things that go against His teaching. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” (I John 3:18-22).

The Book ends by describing the virtuous woman, “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” (31:10-12). The admirable description of the virtuous woman (31:10-31) sets a standard that most Christian wives and mothers pray they can live up to, but there is an underlying behavior pattern here which outlines what God is looking for from all of us, to be godly.

Godly people are to have a heart of compassion and show it through deeds of mercy, even the clothes we wear have an impact on our relationship with God. “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” (James 3:17-18).

The conclusion is that all of us, men and women alike, will be greatly blessed because we fear (respect) the Lord. “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.” (Proverbs 8:13-14).

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the One who ascended to and descended from heaven (Proverbs 30:4). Jesus is the only one that ascended to and descended from heaven. “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.” (John 3:13).

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Today, we choose not to live according to our sinful nature that will lead to dishonoring You, we choose to live by Your Spirit that leads to a hope filled life here on earth and for all eternity. Help us in our daily struggles that tempt us to wander from You and keep our hearts in oneness with You. In Jesus’ name…..Amen.

Have a great day and week!

God Bless,
Christina

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Seeking Revenge 07.27.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Sunday July 27, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Proverbs. Please read Chapters 23-26 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2023-26&version=9

Today we will read and learn about moral, ethical, and spiritual teachings and the excellence of wisdom. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that revenge is not the answer. It is because God has mercy on us that we should be quick to be merciful to others and not seek revenge on those who wronged us.

It seems normal to stand up for our rights and to fight back against those who have wronged us or to get even by causing similar suffering upon them, but, it is a serious sin to be delighted when an enemy suffers or seems to reap what we think he deserves. It is even more serious to harbor a secret hatred and a desire to bring about his downfall. “Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked: For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.” (Proverbs 24:17-20).

Attitudes of bitterness, revenge, hatred, or ill will toward anyone are self destructive and are indications that we are not living nearly as close to Christ as we should. No matter how much we think that getting revenge will make us feel better the truth is unless we have a right relationship with God we will never be at peace. We are not to regard anyone as an enemy, since we were all created in the image of God and Christ died to save all of us without an exception. Instead we need to pray for the person and forgive them because it is by doing so that God himself will intervene and take care of them for you. “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.” (25:21-22).

In  time our enemies may become disciples of Christ and our brothers and sisters in Him. No one is justified in taking revenge and we are definitely not qualified to be judge, jury, or executioner of anyone’s life. We dare not assume the position of God, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:18-21).

All thoughts of hatred and revenge are temptations of Satan, but the indwelling Holy Spirit will enable the Christian to reject them and be merciful and forgiving rather than hateful toward all who wronged us. No one has been wronged like Jesus, imagine what He went through as He endured such a painful death for our own sins, but instead of seeking revenge He prayed for His enemies, “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34a). Jesus in the end saw victory as He rose from the dead and rest assure all who have been wronged will see victory as long as they put their faith and trust in Him.

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the One who rewards those who repay evil with good. (Proverbs 25: 21-22). Jesus said, ”But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” (Luke 6:27-28).

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Look upon us, and let all the darkness of our souls vanish before the beams of thy brightness. Help us to forgive those who have wronged us. Fill us with Your love and open to us the treasures of Your wisdom. Give us peace and comfort and help us to get over the past and move on to the great blessings that You have set before us. In Jesus’ name……Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day!
God Bless,
Christina

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Deceptions of Alcohol 07.26.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Saturday July 26, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Proverbs. Please read Chapters 20-22 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2020-22&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the deception of wine, the sovereignty of God over kings of the earth, and moral virtues rewarded. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that there is no such thing as the occasional drink. No matter how little a person drinks it can lead to destruction if we are not careful.

The occasional drink, in moderation, seems harmless and it even gives the appearance of making life more enjoyable, but alcohol is amazingly deceptive. Many social drinkers eventually discover that they are an alcoholic and have exchanged a meaningful life for a degrading existence. Brilliant people who were once successful and influential have been reduced to uselessness because of alcohol. And, strange as it may seem, in their own minds they are convinced that they can take it or leave it and stop drinking at any time. God warns us how deceptive it actually is. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1).

Alcohol takes control both chemically and emotionally, with both physical and psychological effects. Once a person is dependent upon it it robs him of good judgment and, eventually, may destroy his life as well as those of others. Alcohol can produce unavoidable, irreversible, and far-reaching physical and emotional wounds. The longer the victim of intoxication continues indulging in alcohol, the more insensible he becomes to the consequences of his behavior. Gradually, millions have allowed themselves to be in direct violation of the Word of God.

The only release from these tragic consequences is the mercy of God. When a person truly repents, turns to Christ, and allows Him to be Savior and Lord of his life, the Holy Spirit becomes his source of strength to overcome sin. “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” (Ephesians 5:17-18). 

When you drink you automatically come under the influence. Consequently it is impossible at the same time to be filled with the spirit of God if you are filled with other spirits. This is why God has said whosoever is deceived is not wise. ”Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” (Romans 13:13-14).

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the King who sits on the throne of judgment. (Proverbs 20:8). Jesus said: “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.” (John 5:22-23)

Humbleness 07.25.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Friday July 25, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Proverbs. Please read Chapters 16-19 in your Bible or Click here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2016-19&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the values of pleasing the Lord and wise choices. Today’s message focuses on the importance of learning to be humble.

To be humble means to feel less proud of one’s own importance, to be repsectful toward others no matter how bad they treat you, and to face humility with grace. God urges us to be humble, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” (Proverbs 16:18-19). However, no one is naturally humble. Our human nature is infused with pride passed down from Adam. It is only the indwelling Christ who can develop true humbleness in our lives. Humbleness will produce in us kindness toward the unkind, long suffering toward those who annoy us, and love toward our enemies.

Many of us would like to think that we are humble, at least more than others, but humbleness, or a lack of it, is apparent by our attitude when we are with someone who irritates us. “Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.” (18:1-2). Knowing the destructive power of pride, let us look beyond our hearts and choose to use the difficult people that God places before us as an opportunity to cleanse ourselves of that pride and to express the Christlike humbleness that God seeks from us.

How inconsistent it is to think we have humblely given ourselves to Christ when we snub or react harshly to anyone who wrongs or irrates us. It can be very hard to forgive someone who has hurt you, but without forgiveness comes a chain reaction of anger, bitterness, and hate toward all.

To be Christlike is to see others through the eyes of Jesus and to give equal consideration to all people, regardless of their race, position, abilities, or wealth, for God is no respecter of persons. Paul reminds us, “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:2-5).

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the One who punishes the proud. (Proverbs 16:5). Jesus said, “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 14:11).

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,

You have placed Your children in a world where people push and shove to be first. Because of their self-importance they will stop at nothing until they get what they want in life, even if it means hurting others in the process. Lord, You have called us to view life from a perspective that considers others as important as ourselves. We are to have a humble attitude that puts You first, others second, and ourselves last in everything we do. In our humanity this is impossible, but as we are being transformed into the likeness of Your Son, Jesus, we become more like Him. Help us to have the mind of Christ in all that we do and to humble ourselves as You would, Jesus. In Jesus; name…..Amen.

Have a great day and weekend!
God bless,

Christina

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Changing the Truth 07.24.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Thursday July 24, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Proverbs. Please read Chapters 12-15 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2012-15&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Moral virtues and the pitfalls of evil. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that we are often tempted to modify the truth to fit our situation, but when we try to change truth, no matter how convenient, it becomes a lie.

Besides being a revelation of God to man, the Bible is meant to provide practical instruction that covers every aspect of life. Contrasts are often used to illustrate the meanings of a proverb. “The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” (Proverb 12:19-22). In other words God is telling us that a lying tongue destroys trust through another person’s word. Just one conversation can do evil that will last a lifetime if we tell or are told one little lie.

It was Satan’s lying tongue that brought death and all our suffering into the world, and spoiled the paradise which God had prepared for Adam and Eve. The tongue of a liar strips a man of what makes life beautiful, takes away his good name, and breaks bonds of friendship. In contrast, wise and kind words help to heal the wounded spirit. “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” (15:1-4).

Truth is the great need today, truth in word and deed as well as our thoughts. Jesus came into the world to restore fellowship between God and mankind which was first broken by the slandering tongue of the devil. “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” (John 18:37b).

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the One who hates lying (Proverbs 12:22). “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:7-8).

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
How special it is to know that we will not appear as a stranger before You in heaven, but You will call us by name for You are thoroughly acquainted with us.  As a loving father cares for his child so You care for us, your children.  You place us in the palm of Your hand and no enemy can snatch us from Your protective and loving care.  What a tremendous and calm feeling this brings to our hearts this new day. In Jesus’ name…..Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day!
God Bless,
Christina

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The Wise or Foolish Path 07.23.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday July 23, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Proverbs. Please read Chapters 8-11 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%208-11&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the benefits of wisdom; and the contrast between the wise and foolish. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that we have two choices in life, to be wise or foolish.

Nothing in life is to be more treasured, more priceless, than knowing the Word of God. As Solomon spoke these proverbs to his son, God is also speaking to us as His own children. “All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.” (Proverbs 8:8-11).

Is it any surprise that Satan seeks so relentlessly to keep Christians from reading what God has written, the only sure way of knowing right from wrong? When we commit ourselves to be obedient to reading God’s Word, our first considerations become love, loyalty, and service to our Lord. “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (9:9-10). This wisdom and understanding covers every aspect of life: physical, moral, spiritual, financial, and our social well-being.

The basic difference between the wise man and the fool is in the use each makes of his time, talents, and material possessions. When we rely on God and His Word it will result in loving obedience to Him. “The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.” (10:1-3).

We all are on one of two roads in our journey through life. The road followed by the wise is narrower and more difficult, but it brings happiness, satisfaction, peace, and eternal life; however, the broad road of the fool inevitably leads to a life of self-interest, leaveing one never satisfied and always wanting something more ultimately resulting of eternal death.

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the Creator who prepared the heavens (Proverbs 8:27-31). “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:3).

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,

As we earnestly seek and follow You our minds are being renewed daily. Our ambitions, goals, and affections are being transformed into what You created us to be. It is in dying to the world that we become alive unto Christ and it is through Your mercy that we offer our lives today as living sacrifices. Bless us with the wisdom we need to follow the journey that You have prepared for us. In Jesus’ name……Amen.

Have a great and mighty day!
God Bless,
Christina

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Listen to Instruction 07.22.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday July 22, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Proverbs. Please read Chapters 4-7 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%204-7&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the power of wisdom to protect us from evil; the seven sins most hated by God; and the necessity of keeping God’s Commandments. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that the things that we see and hear, especially if they are evil, are stored in our minds and are often used by Satan to tempt us to sin. In order to overcome these sins we are to become wise to the instruction of God and evaluate ourselves to see if we are setting ourselves up.

Truly it is by listening to the instruction of a father that will spare a child heartache and misery as they grow. God uses Solomon to explain the importance of wisdom, “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.” (Proverbs 4:1-5).

He also instructs us how to live wisely, “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (4:18-23). To be diligent means to keep the heart persistent with following God. The more we spend time with God the wiser we get and the less we fall into wickedness.

This characteristic of Satan underlies the following seven sins that are an abomination unto God. “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” (6:16-19). The first of the seven deadly sins is a proud look. This type of pride is the attitude that shows others that we are superior or better than them. Of all sins, pride comes first, for it precedes all other sins. When we are too proud of ourselves it leaves us thinking that we are above and beyond needing help from other and especially God. It is good to feel good knowing that we are doing great things for God or others, but when we let our pride take over it reflects the rest of our attitude and behavior toward others which cause a manifestation of other sins.

An obligation rests upon every Christian to let his words be an overflow of the Spirit-filled life. We cannot offer a member of our body for His use on one occasion and then on the next, use it to deceive or destroy another. “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” (James 3:8-10). 

We do not realize it, but we reveal our hearts by what we say and hear. Ponder the kind of talk you enjoy hearing and speaking, in this way you can get to know yourself. For it is the kind of talk that you love to hear and speak about that indicates the type of person your are. The sort of person who pours into your ears all the latest information has sized you up as being the type of person who wants to hear that kind of garbage. You can evaluate yourself by taking time to note the things people come and talk to you about.

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the teacher of wisdom (Proverbs 4:7,11). Christ is our Teacher, “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:2-3).

Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord,
We ask You to not only open our eyes to that which is around us, but we ask You to open our hearts and reveal to us any evil that is in us. Lord, help us to learn from Your instruction and may we continue to hide Your Word in our hearts that we might not sin against You. How blessed we are to know that as You reign in our hearts, our spirits understand which is Scriptural and that which is heresy.  May we ever be vigilant in Scripture and fervent in prayer as we encounter the gods of this world. In Jesus’ name…..Amen.

Have a wonderful day!
God Bless,
Christina

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