"But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." Luke 8:15 (NIV)
Here Luke, the physician, records the words of Jesus as He explains the parable of the sower and the seed to His disciples. The seed is The Word of God and the good soil or good ground is the person with a good heart who hears it, retains it, incorporates it into their life and it produces good results.
A lot could be said about this parable and this verse, but briefly focus on the "good heart". We know that only God can see the heart of a person. (Luke 5:22 and Hebrews 4:12) We also know that we do not have a good heart by nature. (Matthew 15:19 and Mark 7:21) Our heart and thoughts are only deemed by God to be good based upon what we do with The Word of God once we have heard it. (Matthew 7:17-19 and 12:33) If we are changed by it, and our life and efforts produce some good fruit, then we have a good heart. That does not make us perfect, we will still fall and sin. However, a true child of God will get up after each fall, ask to be forgiven, and will persevere in their walk with God. A true saint with a good heart will persevere until the end, and will produce good fruit in the process.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Be Thankful For Whatever
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV)
These are the words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Philippi. He was thanking them for their generous gift to him and telling them that he was not in need at that time, but if he was in need, he had learned how to be satisfied with whatever his situation was.
This is something which we all should learn. We need to appreciate what we have been blessed with and not concern ourselves with that which we lack. Whatever circumstance we find ourselves in, we should count it all as joy. (James 1:2) For whatever happens to us will work out for our benefit. (James 1:3-4) When life gives us lemons, we should be grateful and make lemonade. All things work together for good, for those who love The Lord and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) Be thankful for whatever, God is in control.
These are the words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Philippi. He was thanking them for their generous gift to him and telling them that he was not in need at that time, but if he was in need, he had learned how to be satisfied with whatever his situation was.
This is something which we all should learn. We need to appreciate what we have been blessed with and not concern ourselves with that which we lack. Whatever circumstance we find ourselves in, we should count it all as joy. (James 1:2) For whatever happens to us will work out for our benefit. (James 1:3-4) When life gives us lemons, we should be grateful and make lemonade. All things work together for good, for those who love The Lord and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) Be thankful for whatever, God is in control.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
The Length Of Our Days
"All our days pass away under Your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. The length of our days is seventy years, or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away." Psalms 90:10 (NIV)
The author of this psalm is Moses. This is a prayer that he prayed and recorded as he asked God to have mercy on all humans because they live in a sin-cursed world. He presents the frailty, weakness, and the relatively short lifespan of man, and then he pleads for God's mercy.
As we live, our birthdays quickly come and go. The days and years of our lives pass by like sand through an hourglass. Seventy years is not a very long time for us to live. By our reverence for God we can lengthen our time on earth and prolong our lives. (Proverbs 10:27) We can lengthen our days by following His Word. (1 Kings 3:14) By keeping His law and His commandments we can add to the length of our days. (Proverbs 3:1-2) With the understanding of the little knowledge that we have of God and by applying that wisdom to our lives, we can add length to the days of our lives. (Proverbs 3:1-2 and 3:13-18) We can also add days to our lives by honoring our father and mother. (Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:2-3) However, we can also shorten the days of our lives with our wicked behavior. (Proverbs 10:27) A long live is a conditional blessing from God which not all of us will receive, or enjoy. In order to be appreciated, a long life must be accompanied by health and happiness, which are also blessings from God. Obey The Lord and be blessed, or expect trouble and sorrow.
The author of this psalm is Moses. This is a prayer that he prayed and recorded as he asked God to have mercy on all humans because they live in a sin-cursed world. He presents the frailty, weakness, and the relatively short lifespan of man, and then he pleads for God's mercy.
As we live, our birthdays quickly come and go. The days and years of our lives pass by like sand through an hourglass. Seventy years is not a very long time for us to live. By our reverence for God we can lengthen our time on earth and prolong our lives. (Proverbs 10:27) We can lengthen our days by following His Word. (1 Kings 3:14) By keeping His law and His commandments we can add to the length of our days. (Proverbs 3:1-2) With the understanding of the little knowledge that we have of God and by applying that wisdom to our lives, we can add length to the days of our lives. (Proverbs 3:1-2 and 3:13-18) We can also add days to our lives by honoring our father and mother. (Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:2-3) However, we can also shorten the days of our lives with our wicked behavior. (Proverbs 10:27) A long live is a conditional blessing from God which not all of us will receive, or enjoy. In order to be appreciated, a long life must be accompanied by health and happiness, which are also blessings from God. Obey The Lord and be blessed, or expect trouble and sorrow.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Beware Of Smooth Talkers With Wicked Hearts
"His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords." Psalms 55:21 (NIV)
These are the words of King David as he lamented while praying to God after being betrayed by a close friend, probably Ahithophel the great orator, during the time when his son Absalom had turned on him. (Psalms 55:12-14) This traitor spoke kind words to David's face, but he had evil in his heart.
We should not believe all that we hear. Some people will smile in our face, and then stab us in the back. Not every kind word which is spoken to us is sincere. Some people only pretend to be our friend, while they harbor evil toward us in their heart. Some of the people who we think of as our friends, will lie to us with a straight face. They have the inscrutable countenance of a good poker player, we cannot read their mind or heart by the expression on their face. Some people can lie so convincingly that they can fool a lie detector. As believers we need to pray to God for discernment, for only He can give us the ability to see through people. (Proverbs 28:11) We should be friendly to our friends. (Proverbs 18:24) We should treat our friends like we want to be treated. (Matthew 7:12) However, we should trust in God and not in man. (Psalms 56:11, Psalms 118:8)
These are the words of King David as he lamented while praying to God after being betrayed by a close friend, probably Ahithophel the great orator, during the time when his son Absalom had turned on him. (Psalms 55:12-14) This traitor spoke kind words to David's face, but he had evil in his heart.
We should not believe all that we hear. Some people will smile in our face, and then stab us in the back. Not every kind word which is spoken to us is sincere. Some people only pretend to be our friend, while they harbor evil toward us in their heart. Some of the people who we think of as our friends, will lie to us with a straight face. They have the inscrutable countenance of a good poker player, we cannot read their mind or heart by the expression on their face. Some people can lie so convincingly that they can fool a lie detector. As believers we need to pray to God for discernment, for only He can give us the ability to see through people. (Proverbs 28:11) We should be friendly to our friends. (Proverbs 18:24) We should treat our friends like we want to be treated. (Matthew 7:12) However, we should trust in God and not in man. (Psalms 56:11, Psalms 118:8)
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
God's Help Deliverance And Forgiveness
"Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name's sake." Psalms 79:9 (NIV)
The author of this psalm wanted God's help, deliverance, and forgiveness. This psalm is a prayer. This is a request for God's help when evil and havoc is all around. It is also a request for God to purge away their sins. It is a plea for God's compassion and for His mercy.
It is not easy for us to live our lives in such a way that God is glorified in our actions and words. We could say, like the Apostle Paul said, when we would do that which is good, evil does so easily overtake us. (Romans 7:21) The evil that we try so hard to avoid, that is what we find ourselves doing. (Romans 7:19) That is why we need to pray, like the psalmist prayed, that God would help us, deliver us, and forgive us of our sins. For it is only with His help that we can change and become more Christ-like. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Even after we are saved, we must be on guard for we will still be under attack by the devil to see if he can cause us to fall into sin. (Ephesians 6:11) And, when we fall, we will not be forgotten, The Lord God will pick us up. (Psalms 37:24) He will do so because He said that He would, and to not do so would dishonor His name.
The author of this psalm wanted God's help, deliverance, and forgiveness. This psalm is a prayer. This is a request for God's help when evil and havoc is all around. It is also a request for God to purge away their sins. It is a plea for God's compassion and for His mercy.
It is not easy for us to live our lives in such a way that God is glorified in our actions and words. We could say, like the Apostle Paul said, when we would do that which is good, evil does so easily overtake us. (Romans 7:21) The evil that we try so hard to avoid, that is what we find ourselves doing. (Romans 7:19) That is why we need to pray, like the psalmist prayed, that God would help us, deliver us, and forgive us of our sins. For it is only with His help that we can change and become more Christ-like. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Even after we are saved, we must be on guard for we will still be under attack by the devil to see if he can cause us to fall into sin. (Ephesians 6:11) And, when we fall, we will not be forgotten, The Lord God will pick us up. (Psalms 37:24) He will do so because He said that He would, and to not do so would dishonor His name.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Don't Let Past Sins Stand In Your Way
"At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is The Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, 'Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?" Acts 9:21-22 (NIV)
When he received his sight, after being struck down and blinded on the road to Damascus, Saul, who would later be known as the Apostle Paul, changed from persecutor of Christians to preacher for Christ. He never denied his past actions, in fact he began one of his letters to the believers reminding them of his past sins. (Galatians 1:13) He even claimed to be the chief among the sinners. (1 Timothy 1:15) Then he told them that God changed him. (Galatians 1:15-16)
The Lord God turned life of the Apostle Paul completely around and took him from being a well known persecutor, to being a prolific preacher, writer of the biblical epistles, and founder of churches. He did not let his past sins stand in the way of being used by The Lord. Some people think that they are too bad for God to want them, or to use them. Jesus came into this world for the purpose of saving lost sinners. (Romans 5:8) We all have a past life of sin (Romans 3:23), but thanks be to God, believers have a future gift of eternal life. (Romans 6:23) Don't let your past sins stand in your way, or hold you back. God loves you. (John 3:16) God has plans for you. (Jeremiah 29:11-12) People will remind you of you past sins when they cannot handle you present situation, and when your future is brighter than theirs.
When he received his sight, after being struck down and blinded on the road to Damascus, Saul, who would later be known as the Apostle Paul, changed from persecutor of Christians to preacher for Christ. He never denied his past actions, in fact he began one of his letters to the believers reminding them of his past sins. (Galatians 1:13) He even claimed to be the chief among the sinners. (1 Timothy 1:15) Then he told them that God changed him. (Galatians 1:15-16)
The Lord God turned life of the Apostle Paul completely around and took him from being a well known persecutor, to being a prolific preacher, writer of the biblical epistles, and founder of churches. He did not let his past sins stand in the way of being used by The Lord. Some people think that they are too bad for God to want them, or to use them. Jesus came into this world for the purpose of saving lost sinners. (Romans 5:8) We all have a past life of sin (Romans 3:23), but thanks be to God, believers have a future gift of eternal life. (Romans 6:23) Don't let your past sins stand in your way, or hold you back. God loves you. (John 3:16) God has plans for you. (Jeremiah 29:11-12) People will remind you of you past sins when they cannot handle you present situation, and when your future is brighter than theirs.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Faith And Works
"As the body without The Spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." James 2:26 (NIV)
James, the half brother of Jesus, presented the people with an explanation and examples relating faith and works. He said that if they claims to have faith in God, but none of their actions support that statement, then the statement is worthless. Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action which supports it, is dead and useless. (James 2:14-26)
We know that faith is important, for without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) We have heard the phase, talk is cheap. We have also heard the phrase, action speaks louder than words. In this verse, James is saying something very similar. Our words must be backed up by our actions, deeds, and works. For example, if someone tells you that they love you, and even repeatedly tells you that they love you, you would question their statements if they never do anything to show you that they love you. The same applies to us, if we say that we love The Lord God, that we believe in Him, that we trust in Him, and that we have faith in Him, but we never do anything which demonstrates that love, belief, trust, or faith, then our statements are not believable and they are worthless. Our works cannot earn us salvation, our salvation is based upon our belief and it is a gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8-9) But when we confess our belief (Romans 10:9-10), The Holy Spirit of God indwells us and we become a new creature. (2 Corinthians 5:17) When this happens we are changed. (2 Corinthians 3:18) We will begin to exhibit the fruit of The Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and the world will know that we have change by the fruit which we produce, our works. (Matthew 7:16-17) We do not become perfect, or sinless, but our walk, our behavior, our actions will demonstrate our faith.
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Saturday, August 10, 2013
We Must Pray And Ask To Be Forgiven
"Hear the supplication of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and when You hear, forgive." 1 Kings 8:30 (NIV)
As part of his prayer of dedication for the temple which had just been completed, King Solomon asked The Lord God to hear His people when they prayed to Him, and to forgive them when they asked for forgiveness of their sins.
Christ died on the cross to pay the price for our sins. However, to be forgiven for our sins we must repent, confess, ask to be forgiven, and change our sinful behavior. Christ came into this world to die for our sins. (John 1:29) When Jesus preached, His message was that we should repent. (Matthew 4:17) Our salvation is based upon our confession and our belief. (Romans 10:9) The Lord God said that He would hear us and forgive us if we would humble ourselves, and pray, and seek Him, and turn from our sinful ways. ( 2 Chronicles 7:14) If we want to be forgiven, we have to pray to God and ask to be forgiven, but first we need to humble ourselves, confess, and change our behavior.
As part of his prayer of dedication for the temple which had just been completed, King Solomon asked The Lord God to hear His people when they prayed to Him, and to forgive them when they asked for forgiveness of their sins.
Christ died on the cross to pay the price for our sins. However, to be forgiven for our sins we must repent, confess, ask to be forgiven, and change our sinful behavior. Christ came into this world to die for our sins. (John 1:29) When Jesus preached, His message was that we should repent. (Matthew 4:17) Our salvation is based upon our confession and our belief. (Romans 10:9) The Lord God said that He would hear us and forgive us if we would humble ourselves, and pray, and seek Him, and turn from our sinful ways. ( 2 Chronicles 7:14) If we want to be forgiven, we have to pray to God and ask to be forgiven, but first we need to humble ourselves, confess, and change our behavior.
Friday, August 9, 2013
In All Your Ways Acknowledge God
"Trust in The LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
These are the words of the wisest man ever, King Solomon, the son of King David. His advice to the people was that they should trust in The Lord and follow His ways, and not try to figure things out for themselves. He told them to give The Lord credit for all that He had done in their lives, and He would guide and direct them.
Solomon's advice would be just as applicable to us today and it was to the people then. The Lord God knows all about everything. (1 John 3:20) We would be much better off trusting in Him who knows all, rather than relying on our own limited knowledge and poor understanding. He said that if we acknowledge The Lord and give Him credit for all that He has done for us, then He would direct our paths. He said in all our ways we should acknowledge Him. Most believers give thanks to The Lord for some things, but we should thank Him for everything, great and small. We should see the hand of God in everything in our lives, in our reasonable portion of health and strength, in the closed doors and open doors of opportunity (Revelation 3:8), and in the trials and tribulations which strengthen us. (Romans 5:3-4) In all of the things in our lives we should acknowledge The Lord, and He will direct our paths.
Help In The Midst Of A Storm
"And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now
full ... And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, 'Peace, be still.' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm ... And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, 'What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?' " Mark 4:37-41 (KJV)
These words of Jesus were recorded in the gospel according the John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas and travelling companion of the Apostle Peter. The situation was such that, because of the large crowd on the shore, Jesus sat in the ship on the lake and taught the crowd. (Mark 4:1) After He had taught them a number of parables, He said to His disciples, let us go across to the other side of the lake. (Mark 4:35) As they were crossing the lake a storm with strong winds arose causing waves that splashed water into the ship. (Mark 4:37) The disciples were fearful and woke Jesus, and He calmed the wind and the sea by saying, "Peace, be still."
The disciples, who were followers of Jesus, The Christ, and who were with Him at the time, did not really understand who He was or the power that He possessed. They were in awe that the wind and the sea obeyed Him. Many of the believers today who are followers of Christ do not understand the power which He has. Jesus does keep us from some things, but He allows us to get caught up in some storms to show us that He can bring us through the storms. (John 16:33) He can calm the storms in our lives, but He can also help us to overcome the storms. (Romans 8:37 and 1 John 4:4) Jesus is always in control of the circumstances in our lives, and we can access His awesome power to deal with them if we believe, pray, ask for it, and have faith that it will be done. (John 14:13) We need to trust Him to help us when storms hit our life.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Love The Lord With Your Heart Soul And Mind
"Jesus replied: 'Love The Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment." Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV)
While Jesus was in the temple courts teaching, the priests and the elders, the Pharisees and the Sadducees, came to Him and question His authority. (Matthew 21:23) He answered them and then spoke two parables. When they heard Him, they knew that He was talking about them and they wanted to discredit Him and arrest Him. (Matthew 22:45-46) These were the words which Jesus spoke in response to a question from one of the Pharisees, who along with the Sadducees, were trying to trap Him in His words. (Matthew 22:15 and 23) Jesus told them that they should love God with all of their heart, soul, and mind, basically with their entire being. They didn't, wouldn't, and couldn't do that.
We say that we love The Lord, but our actions do not always support our words. We try to show others that we love Him by getting busy and doing thing in the local church. The church groups that we are in, and the church activities that we participate in, do not equate to loving The Lord. If we do not read His Word and live by His Word, then all that we do on Sunday in and for the local church does not matter. The question that we ask ourselves should not be, "Am I doing enough for God?" The question that we should ask ourselves is, "Am I living as God wants me to live?" Some times we get so caught up in what we are doing, that we forget the purpose which we are doing it for. If we focus on growing closer to Him, and show Him that we love Him by living His Word, then He will lead us to opportunities to demonstrate that love by helping others, and not just in church on Sunday. All that we say and do everyday, should be done to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31) Jesus, The Christ, said, if you love Me, you will live by My Word. (John 14:15) He also said, how can you say that you love Me if you do not live by My Word. (1 John 2:4) He that does not live by My Words, does not love Me. (John 14:24) We need to love The Lord God with all of our heart, our soul, and our mind, and our behavior should reflect this. (Deuteronomy 6:5, Joshua 22:5, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, and Luke 10:27)
While Jesus was in the temple courts teaching, the priests and the elders, the Pharisees and the Sadducees, came to Him and question His authority. (Matthew 21:23) He answered them and then spoke two parables. When they heard Him, they knew that He was talking about them and they wanted to discredit Him and arrest Him. (Matthew 22:45-46) These were the words which Jesus spoke in response to a question from one of the Pharisees, who along with the Sadducees, were trying to trap Him in His words. (Matthew 22:15 and 23) Jesus told them that they should love God with all of their heart, soul, and mind, basically with their entire being. They didn't, wouldn't, and couldn't do that.
We say that we love The Lord, but our actions do not always support our words. We try to show others that we love Him by getting busy and doing thing in the local church. The church groups that we are in, and the church activities that we participate in, do not equate to loving The Lord. If we do not read His Word and live by His Word, then all that we do on Sunday in and for the local church does not matter. The question that we ask ourselves should not be, "Am I doing enough for God?" The question that we should ask ourselves is, "Am I living as God wants me to live?" Some times we get so caught up in what we are doing, that we forget the purpose which we are doing it for. If we focus on growing closer to Him, and show Him that we love Him by living His Word, then He will lead us to opportunities to demonstrate that love by helping others, and not just in church on Sunday. All that we say and do everyday, should be done to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31) Jesus, The Christ, said, if you love Me, you will live by My Word. (John 14:15) He also said, how can you say that you love Me if you do not live by My Word. (1 John 2:4) He that does not live by My Words, does not love Me. (John 14:24) We need to love The Lord God with all of our heart, our soul, and our mind, and our behavior should reflect this. (Deuteronomy 6:5, Joshua 22:5, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, and Luke 10:27)
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Read Hear And Joyfully Obey The Word Of God
"On the second day of the month, the heads of all the families, along with the priests and the Levites, gathered around Ezra, the scribe, to give attention to The Words of The Law. They found written in The Law, which The LORD had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to live in booths during the feast of the seventh month ... So the people went out and brought back branches and built themselves booths on their own roofs, in their courtyards ... And their joy was very great ... Day after day, from the first day to the last, Ezra read from The Book of The Law of God. They celebrated the feast for seven days ..." Nehemiah 8:13-18 (NIV)
These are the words of Nehemiah, the cup-bearer to the king and the governor of Jerusalem, written under the guidance and direction of The Holy Spirit of God. He recorded this celebration of the feast of the seventh month, which was lead by Ezra, the famous scribe and priest. Ezra read The Word of God, the people heard it, and they joyfully obeyed it, and then they celebrated the feast.
These people of God heard The Word of God and they obeyed it. They were not just hearers of The Word, but they were doers of The Word. (James 1:22) Also, after they heard The Word of God, they changed their behavior, they lived in booths instead of their homes. And, "their joy was very great", they joyfully changed their lifestyle and lived according to The Word of God. (James 1:2) They did not just do this once, but they did it "day after day" when The Word of God was read to them. We could learn a lot from this Old Testament scripture. When we read or hear The Word of God, if we are believers, it should change us and change our lives. We should behave and live differently after we are exposed to it. The more we read or hear it, the more we grow stronger in our faith, our belief, and in or walk. We were not meant to be a milk-fed spiritual baby in Christ all of our life. (1 Corinthians 3:2 and Hebrews 5:12) We must do something with The Word of God when we hear or read it, we must exercise our faith in order for it to grow. (Luke 17:5 and 2 Corinthians 10:15) Our Bibles should be opened and read every day, and we should joyfully apply what we read to our daily lives in order for us to grow and change to become more Christ-like.
These are the words of Nehemiah, the cup-bearer to the king and the governor of Jerusalem, written under the guidance and direction of The Holy Spirit of God. He recorded this celebration of the feast of the seventh month, which was lead by Ezra, the famous scribe and priest. Ezra read The Word of God, the people heard it, and they joyfully obeyed it, and then they celebrated the feast.
These people of God heard The Word of God and they obeyed it. They were not just hearers of The Word, but they were doers of The Word. (James 1:22) Also, after they heard The Word of God, they changed their behavior, they lived in booths instead of their homes. And, "their joy was very great", they joyfully changed their lifestyle and lived according to The Word of God. (James 1:2) They did not just do this once, but they did it "day after day" when The Word of God was read to them. We could learn a lot from this Old Testament scripture. When we read or hear The Word of God, if we are believers, it should change us and change our lives. We should behave and live differently after we are exposed to it. The more we read or hear it, the more we grow stronger in our faith, our belief, and in or walk. We were not meant to be a milk-fed spiritual baby in Christ all of our life. (1 Corinthians 3:2 and Hebrews 5:12) We must do something with The Word of God when we hear or read it, we must exercise our faith in order for it to grow. (Luke 17:5 and 2 Corinthians 10:15) Our Bibles should be opened and read every day, and we should joyfully apply what we read to our daily lives in order for us to grow and change to become more Christ-like.
Be Kind To People
"They replied, 'If you will be kind to these people and please them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants." 2 Chronicles 10:7 (NIV) The King James versions reads: "And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever."
This verse, penned by the Prophet Ezra under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God, reflects the advice which the old wise men, who had been with King Solomon during his good times, gave to the new King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. Their advice was for him to be kind to the people, speak good words to them, and give them a favorable reply. In his old age, Solomon had turned from God, his wisdom failed him, he wasted his vast treasures, and he burdened the people with taxes and servitude. After Solomon's death the people asked Rehoboam to ease their burdens. (2 Chronicles 10:4)
A kind word can turn away wrath. (Proverbs 15:1) A kind word can comfort and encourage. (Proverbs 12:25) As believers, we are taught to be kind to one another. (Ephesians 4:24) Kindness is part of the fruit of The Holy Spirit of God which should be displayed by all believers. (Galatians 5:22-23) It is good advice, and it is Godly advice, to be kind to others. It is not good to ignore wise counsel or The Word of God. Those who are not kind to, and who
mistreat the people of God, will incur the wrath of God. (Deuteronomy 32:35 and Romans 12:19) We should treat people the way that we would like for them to treat us. (Matthew 7:12)
This verse, penned by the Prophet Ezra under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God, reflects the advice which the old wise men, who had been with King Solomon during his good times, gave to the new King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. Their advice was for him to be kind to the people, speak good words to them, and give them a favorable reply. In his old age, Solomon had turned from God, his wisdom failed him, he wasted his vast treasures, and he burdened the people with taxes and servitude. After Solomon's death the people asked Rehoboam to ease their burdens. (2 Chronicles 10:4)
A kind word can turn away wrath. (Proverbs 15:1) A kind word can comfort and encourage. (Proverbs 12:25) As believers, we are taught to be kind to one another. (Ephesians 4:24) Kindness is part of the fruit of The Holy Spirit of God which should be displayed by all believers. (Galatians 5:22-23) It is good advice, and it is Godly advice, to be kind to others. It is not good to ignore wise counsel or The Word of God. Those who are not kind to, and who
mistreat the people of God, will incur the wrath of God. (Deuteronomy 32:35 and Romans 12:19) We should treat people the way that we would like for them to treat us. (Matthew 7:12)
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Show Others Love And Respect
"Show proper respect to everyone; Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." 1 Peter 2:17 (NIV)
The Apostle Peter told the believers that they were the chosen people of God, (1 Peter 2:10), and their behavior should reflect that. They were to live in a Christ-like manner, even though they lived among the pagans. (1 Peter 2:12 and 2:15) They were to submit to the proper authorities and obey the laws of the land. (1 Peter 2:13-14) He also told them to show the proper respect to everyone, to love their fellow man, and to obey God.
Jesus, The Christ, taught us that we are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. (Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, and Luke 10:27) Jesus also taught us that we should love our enemies. (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27, and Luke 6:35) Under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God, Peter said that we should respect everyone. This means that as believers, we are to love and respect everyone. This is only possible if we have The Holy Spirit of God within us and we exhibit the fruit of The Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) Unfortunately, most people do not behave like this, so we are to be living examples of Christ-like behavior. (Matthew 5:16) We are the only "Bible" that some people will ever "read", and our actions will speak louder than our words, especially if the two of them are not consistent and in agreement.
The Apostle Peter told the believers that they were the chosen people of God, (1 Peter 2:10), and their behavior should reflect that. They were to live in a Christ-like manner, even though they lived among the pagans. (1 Peter 2:12 and 2:15) They were to submit to the proper authorities and obey the laws of the land. (1 Peter 2:13-14) He also told them to show the proper respect to everyone, to love their fellow man, and to obey God.
Jesus, The Christ, taught us that we are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. (Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, and Luke 10:27) Jesus also taught us that we should love our enemies. (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27, and Luke 6:35) Under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God, Peter said that we should respect everyone. This means that as believers, we are to love and respect everyone. This is only possible if we have The Holy Spirit of God within us and we exhibit the fruit of The Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) Unfortunately, most people do not behave like this, so we are to be living examples of Christ-like behavior. (Matthew 5:16) We are the only "Bible" that some people will ever "read", and our actions will speak louder than our words, especially if the two of them are not consistent and in agreement.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
All For Our Good
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Under the divine guidance of The Holy Spirit of God, the Apostle Paul wrote these words of encouragement to the believers in the Church at Rome. Although they were being persecuted for their belief in Christ, Paul said that all of their suffering God would use for their benefit.
All that occurs to us is part of the permissive will of God. The devil and our enemies may do things to us to harm us which The Lord can use to our benefit. God can make something good out of what appears to be a bad situation. As Joseph told his brothers, you meant it for evil, but God meant for good. (Genesis 50:20) Today's storms, trials, and tribulations may just be preparation for better things yet to come. We cannot control the events which come our way, but we can control how we respond to them. We should face everything in life with a Christ-like attitude and joyfully consider the storms of life as preparation for blessings yet to be received. (James 1:2)
Under the divine guidance of The Holy Spirit of God, the Apostle Paul wrote these words of encouragement to the believers in the Church at Rome. Although they were being persecuted for their belief in Christ, Paul said that all of their suffering God would use for their benefit.
All that occurs to us is part of the permissive will of God. The devil and our enemies may do things to us to harm us which The Lord can use to our benefit. God can make something good out of what appears to be a bad situation. As Joseph told his brothers, you meant it for evil, but God meant for good. (Genesis 50:20) Today's storms, trials, and tribulations may just be preparation for better things yet to come. We cannot control the events which come our way, but we can control how we respond to them. We should face everything in life with a Christ-like attitude and joyfully consider the storms of life as preparation for blessings yet to be received. (James 1:2)
Friday, August 2, 2013
Wait On The Lord
"Wait for The LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for The LORD. Psalms 27:14 (NIV) The King James Version reads: "Wait on The LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on The LORD." Psalms 27:14 (KJV)
King David offered these words of encouragement to the people. He told them to be strong, to keep the faith, The Lord God would strengthen them if they would just wait patiently for Him. He knew that the goodness of The Lord would prevail. (Psalms 27:13)
As believers we know that The Lord God will supply all of our needs. (Philippians 4:19) However, we need to understand that He will bless us, and lift us up out of our negative situations, but He will do so in His time frame. (1 Peter 5:6) We need to develop patience. (Hebrews 10:36) After we pray and ask The Lord for what it is that we want, we need to wait patiently for Him to bless us with it. (Psalms 37:9 and Isaiah 40:31) We know that He hears our prayers. (Proverbs 15:9) We also know that the sincere prayer of the righteous will be answered. (James 5:16) But we, like Job and David, are impatient and we want to know "how long" must we wait for our blessings. There is no record in the Bible that God told them how long they would have to wait, but He did bless both of them. There is a time for all things. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) All things, including our blessings will happen in due time. (1 Peter 5:6) We have to suffer through our storms because our trials lead to patience and increase our faith. (Romans 5:3-4) Knowing this, we are to count all that we go through as joy. (James 1:2) For we also know that all thing work together for the good of those who love The Lord and are working for His purpose. (Romans 8:28) There can be not testimony without having a test.
King David offered these words of encouragement to the people. He told them to be strong, to keep the faith, The Lord God would strengthen them if they would just wait patiently for Him. He knew that the goodness of The Lord would prevail. (Psalms 27:13)
As believers we know that The Lord God will supply all of our needs. (Philippians 4:19) However, we need to understand that He will bless us, and lift us up out of our negative situations, but He will do so in His time frame. (1 Peter 5:6) We need to develop patience. (Hebrews 10:36) After we pray and ask The Lord for what it is that we want, we need to wait patiently for Him to bless us with it. (Psalms 37:9 and Isaiah 40:31) We know that He hears our prayers. (Proverbs 15:9) We also know that the sincere prayer of the righteous will be answered. (James 5:16) But we, like Job and David, are impatient and we want to know "how long" must we wait for our blessings. There is no record in the Bible that God told them how long they would have to wait, but He did bless both of them. There is a time for all things. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) All things, including our blessings will happen in due time. (1 Peter 5:6) We have to suffer through our storms because our trials lead to patience and increase our faith. (Romans 5:3-4) Knowing this, we are to count all that we go through as joy. (James 1:2) For we also know that all thing work together for the good of those who love The Lord and are working for His purpose. (Romans 8:28) There can be not testimony without having a test.
Bless Others And Be Blessed
"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
In his letter to the believers in The Church at Philippi, the Apostle Paul said that God will supply all of their needs through Christ Jesus. They had generously blessed Paul out of their meager possessions, and he said that God would bless them even more generously out of His unlimited riches for the kindness which they had shown to him.
Being a blessing to a man of God will result in receiving a generous special blessing. Anyone who even gives a man of God a drink of water, will be blessed and will receive a special reward. (Matthew 10:40-42) Those who help supply the needs of a man of God or the needs of a righteous believer, will have all of their own needs met through blessings from The Lord. As we give and share with others, especially with the needy and with the believers, so we will be blessed. (Luke 6:38) When we are generous, helpful, and a blessing to others, we will ourselves be blessed. (Proverbs 11:25) Be a blessing to others, and receive a blessing from God. Bless others and be blessed.
In his letter to the believers in The Church at Philippi, the Apostle Paul said that God will supply all of their needs through Christ Jesus. They had generously blessed Paul out of their meager possessions, and he said that God would bless them even more generously out of His unlimited riches for the kindness which they had shown to him.
Being a blessing to a man of God will result in receiving a generous special blessing. Anyone who even gives a man of God a drink of water, will be blessed and will receive a special reward. (Matthew 10:40-42) Those who help supply the needs of a man of God or the needs of a righteous believer, will have all of their own needs met through blessings from The Lord. As we give and share with others, especially with the needy and with the believers, so we will be blessed. (Luke 6:38) When we are generous, helpful, and a blessing to others, we will ourselves be blessed. (Proverbs 11:25) Be a blessing to others, and receive a blessing from God. Bless others and be blessed.
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