Your choice!

A good Word from the Lord as we head into the new year!



Proverbs 22:1

1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,

Loving favor rather than silver and gold. 



We make the choice! How we treat people. How we do business. How we do our job. How we live our life! We make our name either good or bad. As the old saying goes, it takes a lifetime to build a reputation and only a second to destroy it! God tells us here in this verse that a good name is much better than being rich. You can have all the money in the world but if you don't find loving favor from others what good is all that money? It is worthless. If we treat folks like Jesus treated folks our lives will be fulfilled to the utmost.



So my friends as you hear into 2011, you have a choice....a good name or not!



Have a great 2011 and may God bless you greatly!



Tom

No match for the Lord.


This verse explains life pretty well!



Proverbs 21:30

30 There is no wisdom or understanding

Or counsel against the LORD.



No matter how smart man thinks he is, we are no match for God. It amazes me how mankind tries to prove that they know more than God. It makes no sense at all. God created all and thus we are no where close in comparison with him. If all of mankind would just surrender their lives to God and worship Him for who He is....can you imagine what this world of ours would be like??? This verse is also another plug from the Bible about how important it is to be reading our Bibles because this is where we gain our wisdom, our understanding, and our counsel from the Lord!



God's way is the right way don't ever question that!



Tom

We are to work!

Proverbs 21:25 (New King James Version)

25 The desire of the lazy man kills him,

For his hands refuse to labor. 



This verse really hits home with me this morning when I look at what our society has become. Way back when Adam and Eve sinned God told us that from then on we will have to work! We have allowed ourselves as a nation to allow folks to live off handouts from the government and individuals. Now let me be clear I have no problem with helping those who are in need or have lost their jobs. What I do have a problem with is helping those who are capable of working but choose to be lazy and not work because they can get free handouts! I believe there are many verses in the Bible to back up my belief including this one today! The desire of a lazy many is just that...to be lazy and do nothing. The lazy one refuses to work. Folks I am a firm believer that the Bible has the answers for all of life and if we would follow God's Word we will be much better off than we are now!



Thank you God for giving us the guide book to life!



Tom

Follow our Example!

Proverbs 21:21

21 He who follows righteousness and mercy

Finds life, righteousness, and honor. 



When I read this verse, the first thought I had was Jesus Christ. All of theses descriptive words describe Jesus. Jesus calls us to follow Him. When we follow Him correctly we will have righteousness because of Him. We also will be merciful to others as He commands us to do. When we follow Christ we find true life, this is why so many are unhappy these days because they have not put there trust in Jesus. One day we will have honor as joint heirs with Jesus in heaven...oh what a day that will be!!!



Take time to think on this verse this morning. Then ask yourself...am I following the perfect example of Jesus!



Tom

Are your ears open?

Proverbs 21:13



13 Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor

will also cry out and not be answered. 



Wow what a verse for us to think about right after Christmas when we have spent so much money on ourselves and our kids who already have everything under the sun. In this verse God makes it very clear that we need to help the poor. During Christmas we see all kinds of stories about how folks are helping those in need which is awesome. The bad thing is it seems to stop right after Christmas. We should always be ready to help those who are in need out of the blessings God has given to us. The later part of this verse should really grab our attention. For if we are not open to helping others God informs us here that when the time comes that we are in need our cries will not be heard! That is God's way of telling us what goes around comes around!!!



So stop and think this morning...when is the last time you helped someone in need? We had better make it a daily habit!



Tom

I am right!

Proverbs 21:2

2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,

But the LORD weighs the hearts. 



Pride is a very dangerous thing before the Lord. God's Word warns us many times not to be prideful. We need to be humble. Part of being humble is being able to admit we are wrong sometimes. In today's world man has a very hard time admitting he is wrong or has done wrong. The main reason we need to admit our wrong ways to the Lord is answered in the second part of this verse. God knows and weighs our hearts. He knows when we do right and He knows when we do wrong and you know what? So do we!!! So why do we try to convince everyone we are always right??? God knows so be honest with Him and with man. It really is the best policy! It makes our heavenly Father very happy when we are able to humble ourselves because it shows we are becoming more like our example of humbleness...Jesus Christ.



So do you always think you are right even when you aren't? If you do you better get in God's Word and find out how to correct that for God is weighing our hearts!



Tom

Who tells you how to walk?

A great verse to think on this Tuesday!



Proverbs 20:24 (New King James Version)

24 A man’s steps are of the LORD;

How then can a man understand his own way? 



So who is directing your walk this morning? Really it comes down to two choices. Either you are or God is. As the second part of this verse implies we are lost if we are trying to direct or own walk. We are not wise enough on our own to direct our own walk....we must rely on God. When we have God leading our life will be in line with what He desires for each one of us who are serving Him. Of course on the other hand if we are directing our own steps we will not be where God wants us to be in our walk with Him...it is that plain and simple!



So how does God direct our path? We need to be spending time with Him to find out! Bible reading, prayer, Church, Sunday school, and talking and listening to those who are strong Christians!



So ask yourself this morning....who is directing my steps....God or me?



Tom

Just a reminder!

Proverbs 20:12


12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye,

The LORD has made them both.



This morning God is giving us a little reminder about a couple of things. First He is the Creator. Not only did he creat your eyes and ears but He created everything around us. I was thinking the other day that when we pray we pray to the Almighty God, the Creator of the universe...just stop and think about that for a moment. It is awesome isn't it? Second God gives us ears to use. Are you listening to Him? He wants us to have a relationship with Him and that includes listening to Him not just asking for things like we tend to do! He also wants us to use those ears to listen to others! We are to be servants and to be a good servant we must listen to others and then try to meet their needs. Thirdly God has given us eyes to see. Not only can we listen but many times we can see what we can't hear. I see many folks who are in need of the gospel. I see many folks who are hurting in various ways. I see my family and friends who I am to serve. What do you see? No matter what you see the next question is what are you doing to show them the love of Christ in your life? Remember we are here to be representatives of Jesus!!!



So this morning how are you using them eyes and ears? God gave you them for a purpose...are you fullfilling that purpose?



Have a great day and stay warm!



Tom

Never to young to start!

Great verse for our young folks this morning!



Proverbs 20:11

11 Even a child is known by his deeds,

Whether what he does is pure and right.



I am not sure where the mind set came along that we can live wild in sin for a certain amount of time and then when we get older we will settle down and start living for God. God makes it pretty clear here that our reputation starts when we are children thus we need to be living for God when we are children. I have tried to teach our youth this principle....it takes a lifetime to build a good reputation and only one mistake to ruin it. In other words make wise choices! As parents, grandparents, family and friends we need to be in constant prayer for our children. They face more temptations than ever before and we need to do all we can to protect them in the hedge of prayer.



Let us be doing our part parents by being goo examples of the faith!



Tom

Only with Jesus!

Take a moment to think on this verse:



Proverbs 20:9 (New King James Version)

9 Who can say, “I have made my heart clean,

I am pure from my sin”?



So many today want to point us to their good works to show us they are in good standing with God. This verse although it does not give us the answer points us to the answer.....Jesus Christ. We can do all the good works we want but if we have not accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior we are not clean before God. Only the shed blood of Jesus cleanses us from sin...nothing else. God tells us in His Word that our righteousness is like filthy rags before Him. Thank God He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sin and to makes us righteous before the almighty God. Nothing we have done but a free gift from the God who loves us so very much!



Thank you Jesus for giving me a clean heart and making me pure in the sight of God.



Tom

Set the example!

Mom and dad....take this verse to the heart and hold it close.



Proverbs 20:7

7 The righteous man walks in his integrity;

His children are blessed after him.



This verse for us today is very simple but yet very important to us parents. When we walk in integrity our children will be blessed. Let me define integrity for you. Integrity: adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. If we as parents represent these values as described here as integrity and can instill them in our children, our children will blessed! Why will our children be blessed? Because we will be examples to them in our walk with God and they will follow our example! I hope and pray it is all of our desire as parents that our children walk with the Lord very closely and thus have integrity as a part of their lives. Now parents let me say this. We must be an example to our children. They watch us very closely to see if our words match our deeds! But our children are individuals and they will have to make their own choices. The reason I say this is to warn you that sometimes you can be a person of integrity and follow after God very closely but your child may choose not to follow God. We can't beat ourselves up over that. Yes it hurts but if we are doing our part in bringing our children up in the Lord and be good examples ourselves, the rest is up to the individual child! If they wonder from God though don't ever give up on them....keep praying and keep after them for they may be like the prodigal son and come home one day!



So how are you doing as the example? If you are doing well Praise the Lord! If you need work there is no better time to start than today!



God bless and have a great week!



Tom

Stop before it starts!

Another wise teaching from the Lord this morning:



Proverbs 20:3

3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,

but every fool is quick to quarrel.



It is so easy to get a argument started isn't it? Why is it so hard for us to hold our tongue? Pride has quit a bit to do with it as we want to think that we are always right. Even if we are right God is giving us a clue here on how to keep honorable in his eyes. He tells us in this verse to avoid strife. It is pretty simple really. We have one of two choices when we see an argument starting. The first thing we can do is shut our mouth. It is pretty tough to argue when our mouth is closed! The second is walk away. If you are no longer around the person you are having an argument with it is also hard have an argument! Remember God says to avoid arguments is honorable! Look at the other side of this. The second part of the verse says a fool is quick to quarrel! In other words, we are a fool if we stand their and argue! I just had this thought come to mind....how many times in a heated argument do we change the other persons mind? Not very often.



So as God tells us this morning stop the argument before it starts! Have a great day in the Lord!



Tom

Strong drink!

A clear warning from God's Word:



Proverbs 20:1

1 Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler,

And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.



God's Word makes it very clear about the unwise choice of drinking. I want you to think about something for a moment with me this morning. How many folks that you know that drink alcoholic beverages drinks just one? I don't know any. The reason most folks drink is to get the buzz. And when it messes with your mind that is exactly where it becomes sin. I have been around my share of drinking and God describes it so well in this first verse. When some get to drinking too much wine guess what they want to do mock you or argue with you. Even over stuff they have no clue to what they are talking about. How many times have you been around someone who is drinking and the next thing you know they want to fight! They can whip everyone or so they think!



In the next verse God sums it up for us....if we are led astray by drinking we are not wise. I think we had better think about what the Word of God says and respond accordingly!



Tom

Treat mom and dad good!

God's Word speaks!



Proverbs 19:26

26 He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother,

Is a son who causes shame and brings reproach. 



I hope your Thanksgiving was awesome! I also hope that your family time was good and had nothing even close of what this verse is talking about! As I thought a little on this verse this morning I realized that any one that I know of who mistreats their father or mother are not very good folks. Have you ever heard anyone say" I am so proud of Johnny, He smacked his daddy and then kicked his mom out of the house!" Of course not. God in His Word is very clear we are to respect and honor our parents. God makes it clear in this verse it is shameful and brings reproach or disgrace upon the one who mistreats his parents!



It really get under my skin these days to hear kids as well as adults mistreat their parents or grandparents! God says it is wrong and we had better heed His Word!



Tom

Give Thanks to God

Psalm 118:1

1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever. 



Make sure this Thanksgiving you give thanks to the One who deserves it the most!



Happy Thanksgiving to all. Praying and thinking about our troops.



Tom

Not my plans but Gods!

I pray we all recognize the truth in this scripture and apply it!



Proverbs 19:21

21 There are many plans in a man’s heart,

Nevertheless the LORD’s counsel—that will stand.



This is an everyday struggle for all of us. We all have plans each day. Many times my plans are not Gods plans. I pray this morning that we all desire, as this verse reminds us, the Lord's counsel on our day for that is what will stand in the end. Our life needs to be consumed with God's will not our will. That is a clear teaching from the Word of God. We must every morning make a firm point of seeking God for the day. If we don't we will waste another day outside of the will of God! Any follower of Christ does not want to intentionally do that.



So this morning are you standing on the counsel of ________ insert your name there! Or are you relying on the counsel of God that will stand forever???



Tom

Getting wiser?

I hope we listen to this verse!



Proverbs 19:20

20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction,

That you may be wise in your latter days.



I have taken this verse to heart, have you? I realized some years back that we need to listen to our elders. Of course I was taught this at a young age but as most youth I did not listen too close until I got into my mid twenties. Reading my Bible also taught me a great deal because God mentions many times to listen to those who are older than us and who are godly. Why is it at a young age we think we are so smart and then as we get older we realize we are so dumb and should have listened more to those that are older than us including our parents! God makes it clear in the verse for today that we are to listen carefully and receive what we are told. Now don't miss this....many times we hear what is said but we don't receive it. We let it go in one ear and out the other. Grasp hold of the instruction of those around you. When we do this it will make us wise in our old age! My how I wish I would have grasped this at an early age. My hard headedness cost me in many areas of my life until I finally caught on! I still have much to learn but I have learned this verse and will listen and receive godly wisdom from others!



Now the question is.....will you?



Tom

Mom, Dad you are not your child's best friend....

I bet that statement will get some to thinking this morning and maybe even wanting to argue with me!!!! Now let me clear up what I am trying to say. When your children are at home, we are to be there parents not their best friend. There may come a time in life when when they are older and on their own that we become best friends but when they are growing up we are their parents. I have seen this become a big problem in families today. Parents treat their children like their best friend instead of their child thus discipline in not applied like it should be and it is obvious in the child's behavior and actions.



Here is today's verse:



Proverbs 19:18

18 Chasten your son while there is hope,

And do not set your heart on his destruction.



Here is the definition of chasten: to inflict suffering upon for purposes of moral improvement; chastise.



You see God makes it plain that we need to correct our children while they are teachable. That is while they are under our care at home. I think back to my childhood and the corrections I received...I thank God for them now! I didn't at the time but I do now and wish I had received a few more because I needed them! Why oh why is society running from clear teachings from the Bible about discipline and turn to some worldly doctor who will tell us the exact opposite of God??? Look what the rest of this proverb says....if we do not correct our children we set our heart on their destruction! That is exactly what is happening right now! We are destroying our children both morally and spiritually by having this mentality of being their best friend and not their parent and correcting them when needed!



Now I will be the first to tell you it hurts to spank or correct my child, but it is for their good. God tells me I must do this for my child and their well being and so I will. Some even say well you may go to jail for spanking your child today...I guess they will have to lock me up because I will obey God and I want my child too also as they grow up!



So think about this this morning....are you your child's best friend or their parent?



I will be in the woods tomorrow on my day off, so have a great weekend and worship the King!



Tom

God will bless

A great verse to think about:



Proverbs 19:17

17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD,

And He will pay back what he has given. 



As we near the Christmas season once again and are about to celebrate Thanksgiving, it seems this is the time of year when we think about others. Really it is pretty sad that for many of us we really don't think about the less fortunate other than this time of year! I find as I read the Bible that God makes it plain that we are not to hoard God's blessings, but we are to share what we have with others. When God blesses us he expects us to make sure others have what they need also. How are you doing with what God has entrusted you with? This verse in proverbs today says if we take care of the poor, God will return what we give....wow....think about that. God will bless us when we are faithful with what is really His in the first place. I am a firm believer that the Word teaches everything is God's and He expects His followers to share what he has given us. Somewhere along the line we have taught ourselves to hoard everything, but when I read the Word this is NOT God's design. We are to meet peoples need with the abundant blessings God has given us and we do have abundant blessings here in America!



So let us examine ourselves this morning, are we helping the poor?



Tom

Keep the Word!

Yet another warning from God to obey His Word!



Proverbs 19:16

16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul,

But he who is careless of his ways will die.



I just don't seem to get society as a whole today. As we see in this verse today God is very clear about obeying His Word. But society if they even know what the Bible says twist and turn it to tickle their own ears and to make it adapt to the life style they want to live. There are many commands in the Bible that we are to follow. Why do we choose some to try and follow and them completely ignore others? This is very dangerous. God makes it clear in His Word that faith in Jesus Christ alone saves the soul but He also makes it clear that our faith will be proved by our works. That includes keeping His commandments! If our walk doesn't match our talk then we are in danger of the last part of this verse spiritual death. So let me ask you this morning are you being careless in your walk with the Lord???? It could be very costly in the end!



Obey the Word...it is not a choice, it is a command!



Tom

Family problems.

We all have them don't we? God again in His great wisdom warns us of this foolishness that takes place in our families.



Proverbs 19:13

13 A foolish son is the ruin of his father,

And the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping.



The first part of this verse is talking about our sons. I believe we can also relate it to our daughters also. How many fathers have you known over the years who are devastated by the actions of their son? I know several. I am praying that one day I will not be among them as I have a twelve year old son myself. When sons do foolish things my how it brings a father down. What is a real tragedy is when the father is partly responsible for the actions of their son by teaching him sinful things through his own life. We as parents need to do all we can to teach our children the ways of the Lord and lean them in the right way and then pray hard that they will follow.



The second part of this verse deals with wives. Our Sunday School lesson was about marriage yesterday and the awesome responsibility that us husbands have in loving our wives as Christ loves the church. Basically we sacrifice everything for them and serve them for that is what Christ did for the church. If we treat our wives like that chances are this verse will never happen! But there are some wives who are naggers and thus are like a continue dripping and drive your nerves crazy! Let us as husbands do all in our power to love our wives like Christ loved the church and I think we will be pleasantly surprised at how our wives respond to this kind of love!



God bless....Tom

Veteran's Day

I was thinking this morning about our Veterans and what they have done for me and our country. We are so blessed to have the men and women over history and and in the present serve us and give us the freedom we enjoy everyday. As I was thinking about this a verse popped into my mind that these folks fulfill in their service to this country. Here it is:





Matthew 22:39 (New King James Version)

39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’



This is where Jesus told us the second greatest commandment. Our men and women of uniform perform this command everyday. The reason they serve is for the love of their country and their love of fellow man. Thus they are living this command of loving their neighbor as their selves. When we think about what our military folks are doing it should make us here at home serve one another out of love. It only makes sense doesn't it?



So this Veteran's Day, I just want to say thank you to our hero's. God bless you and thank for our freedom!



Tom

Not about money!

I am glad to be back. After my trip to Haiti I have been sick and now I am trying to get caught up at work! God is so good and I missed these devotions so let jump right in!



Proverbs 19:1

1 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity,

Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.



I seen this first hand in Haiti. The people there are just trying to survive from day to day. They are the definition of poor. We are so blessed here. Something simple like a clean drink of water that we take for granted many folks in Haiti can not find. With that being said we met many folks of integrity. Who are trying to do the right thing everyday. I seen folks who love God with all their heart. Before we went to work each day building concrete block huts, we would gather with out Haitian brothers and sisters and sing hymns and pray before we started the day. You could feel God in our midst. Sometimes I wonder if we miss God because we are blessed and things get in our way. When one is poor they have no where else to try and turn too. Something to think about.



The second part of this verse we also seen in Haiti. I had a man come up to me and ask me with hand signals if I wanted to have sex with this girl that was with him. I tried my best to explain I was married and a follower of God. A while later I seen this man and he was looking my way laughing with some other men, I have a good idea they were laughing at me but we must stand strong for our Lord. When our talk is perverse, our ways are perverse and we are fools and will have to answer to God one day. I prayed for this young man and girl and still am asking God to work in their life.



So lets make sure we are walking in integrity this morning and not walking in the way of the fool!



God bless....Tom

Best Friend!!!

This verse is very comforting to the Christian:



Proverbs 18:24

24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly,

But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.



The first part of this verse is just basic common sense. If one wants to have friends they must be friendly. No on wants to be friends with an old grump. So this morning if you find your self looking around and you don't seems to have many friends you may want to take a look in the mirror and see how friendly you are. Our attitudes will make a difference in the way folks view us.



The second part of this verse just warms my heat every time I hear it. Who is this friend who sticks closer than a brother? Jesus Christ of course. Jesus is ALWAYS there no matter what. He will never fail us. He loves us unconditionally. He died for our sins which shows us how much He cares for us. He is our best friend.



Wow when I think about that it brings a smile to my face. I told a young lady at school this morning who been depending on others to make her happy that people will always let you down but Jesus never will, so keep your eyes on Him!!! The one and only best friend.



Is Jesus you best friend? If you are counting on people you will be sadly disappointed!!!



Tom

A good thing!

Be careful whom you choose!



Proverbs 18:22

22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing,

And obtains favor from the LORD.



I always try to instruct my young folks at church to be very careful in dating. I am a firm believer that God has a certain someone for each of us and sometimes God may even intend for us to stay single as the apostle Paul tells us in the Bible. Sometimes God may bring that certain someone early in life and sometimes it may be later on. One thing is for sure when you find a good wife it is a good thing and you obtain favor from the Lord as this verse says! So what would make a woman a good wife? I think it is a pretty easy answer. A lady who is right with God. When you find a godly lady she will be a good thing. To be honest a godly lady is hard to find these days and so are godly men! When you do find that godly woman and she becomes you wife you will obtain favor from the Lord because she will help you in your walk with God. And when you are walking closer to God you obtain favor...praise the lord!



I am so thankful for the godly wife I have. I know I have a good thing and don't deserve what I have. I also can see where I have obtained favor from the Lord because of the things my wife has showed me. This an awesome verse. And if you are not married do not settle for anything less than a godly wife or husband!



Tom

Fruit of the mouth!

A good Word for us to start the week on:



Proverbs 18:20

20 A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;

From the produce of his lips he shall be filled. 



Again the Word of God is teaching us the importance for kind and useful words to flow from our mouths. As we start another Monday this morning we need to once again stop and examine what comes out of of our mouth. I see from this verse that we can interpret it in two ways. The first being kind words. Fruit is sweet to the taste in most instances. Are your words sweet or kind to others or are you harsh in most things you say? If we take majority of the words of Christ we see He was kind when He spoke to others. When we are harsh folks will not want to be around us and thus do not want to listen to us either. That brings us to the second way this verse can be viewed. The fruit and produce can also be viewed as the gospel. Sharing the good news of Christ is as satisfying as anything in life! And when we win others to Christ we are filled to the max with joy!! There is nothing better than winning a soul for Jesus...nothing!



So what about the fruit of your mouth this morning???? Are kind words flowing? Are you spreading the gospel with your lips? Use your mouth wisely....it does the soul good!~



Tom

I think......

I have seen a big problem in recent days. I have been in discussions about many topics from the Bible. Topics like tithing, going to church, pastors, baptism, and the list can go on and on. The problem I see is this....many folks make comments such as I feel, or I think. My friends this is very dangerous!!! God has given us the Bible for a reason. It is our guide book for life. He loves us so much He has given us everything we need to know in this book. Some things are not for us to know right now. Anyone who says I think, or I feel without scripture to back it up in walking a very thin line. A good example is this Hebrews 10:25:



Hebrews 10:25 (New King James Version)

25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.



How can one argue with this??? Plain and simple...when the church gathers we should be there. But some many folks will say but I feel or I think....well this is what God says! Case closed! God knew some would choose not too that is why He put in there "as is the manner of some".



You see many of us think we know more than God, so God addressed that too:



Proverbs 3:5 (New King James Version)

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;



God's Word is the authority not what I think or feel.



What about tithing....Jesus said:



Matthew 22:21 (New King James Version)

21 .” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” What is God's? Well everything to be honest but read this.



The Word tells us in Malachi:



Malachi 3:8-10 (New King James Version)

Do Not Rob God

8 “ Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say,‘ In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts“ If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing . That there will not be room enough to receive it.



I already can hear some saying this is the old testament....you are right and Jesus did override the sacrificial system but He also said He came to fulfill the the law not to destroy it. Giving a tithe to God has not changed!



These are just a couple of examples I could go on but I think you get the point. To close I want to share one more verse....



Revelation 22:18-19 (New King James Version)

18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.



I realize this is talking about the book of Revelation but it gives us a pretty clear picture of what God thinks about those who alter His Word.



So my friends...if you can't back up how you think or feel about your spiritual issues, you better think about your positions for in the end it could be costly. God's Word is clear and doesn't need us to add to or take away!



God bless...Tom

Try not to offend!

Good and true Words from the Lord:



Proverbs 18:19



19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city,

And contentions are like the bars of a castle.



As Christians we need to do our very best not to offend people. Let me be clear about this. We should NEVER waiver on our beliefs and stand strong in our walk with God. In saying this though there are many areas we can offend people that we need to watch very carefully. The first and most obvious is our mouth. Watch what we say to others. The Bible speaks volumes about our talk. We need to speak words of love. If we don't have anything nice to say then we don't need to say anything. Another way we can offend is our body language. Many times we don't have to say a word...just roll your eyes, or turn your back on someone. Jesus is our ultimate example, Even when He did not agree with people He still treated them with love and listened to them. What we need to keep in mind is what this verse is teaching. If we offend someone it becomes almost impossible to win them to the Lord. Our contentions become like bars on a window and keep folks out! But again remember if we offend with the scriptures we should not feel bad for that as God's Word will cut and the lost must come to the Lord to be healed!



So let's watch our talk and body language and love folks not offend folks!



Tom

How can one make it from day to day???

Wow the principle of this verse I have said from the day I got saved...check it out.



Proverbs 18:14

14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness,

But who can bear a broken spirit?



How can one make it from day to day??? I honestly don't know how people do make it from moment to moment without Jesus in their life. Problems arise everyday. Sickness, children, work, spouses, the world, politics, and the list goes on and on. With the Holy Spirit in your life you can handle these problems for He is a comforter and a guide, but if you don't have Him you will struggle and will not find peace. The Holy Spirit comes in one's life as soon as we ask Jesus into our hearts. God is so good to us. Look at this verse again....the Spirit will sustain us in sickness...both physical and spiritual. I am a witness to this...so many times. Over and over again the Holy Spirit has seen me through difficulties. Then the verse goes onto say but who can bear a broken spirit? When your spirit is not right with God or you have never received the spirit...it is bad news! No peace, no comfort, no guide. Who can bear that? No one. That is why this world is in the shape it is in, way too many folks have a broken spirit!



So how are you making it today. Is your spirit well or is it broken. You might need to do a spiritual check up, trust me you don't want to live with out the Holy Spirit!



Tom

You don't know everything!

Does this drive you crazy?



Proverbs 18:13

13 He who answers a matter before he hears it,

It is folly and shame to him. 



As I am sure you do too, I know folks who are known for answering questions before they even know what the question is!!! This drives me crazy! God in this verse tells us it is not a very wise thing to do this. Not only can you give a person some very bad advice because you did not listen to the the whole question but it brings folly and shame to the one who answers before it is time. What is folly? The dictionary defines it like this: the state or quality of being foolish; lack of understanding or sense. So God is telling us plain and simple if we speak when we don't know the question...we are foolish and don't have sense! God goes on to tell us when we give a wrong answer it will bring shame upon us. That makes sense. Have you ever misheard someone ask a question and gave an answer and they looked at you like you were stupid? You gave an answer that did not make sense, that is the same thing here when we answer before we know the whole question , it will bring shame to you!



So let us make sure we hear all of the question before we give advice and if we do not know the answer it is ok to say I don't know because we do not know everything....only God does!



Tom

Where is your heart?

When I read this it brought one thought to mind. What is your first thought?



Proverbs 18:12

12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty,

And before honor is humility.



The thought that came to my mind in eternity. When our lives come to an end there are only two places to go. Heaven or hell. It all comes to one decision. Have I accepted Christ or rejected Him. To make that decision, it is a matter of the heart. Am I proud (haughty)? Do I think I know more than God and have all the answers to life including eternal life? Or am I humble knowing I can do nothing to gain eternal life other than accepting Christ as my Savior? In the end I will either receive destruction because of my pride in hell or will receive honor as a joint heir with Jesus in heaven. Wow I am so unworthy of that but yet so thankful.



Take a moment and think on this this morning. The Word is very powerful. Be sure to answer this question....Where is your heart?



Tom

My Strong Tower!

Oh yeah...what an awesome verse to memorize!



Proverbs 18:10

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower;

The righteous run to it and are safe.



My friends all of us seem to be struggling with something in our lives. My struggle probably is not your struggle. What you struggle with may be much worse than what I struggle with. The main point is life is a struggle and we must take it one day at a time. Now we come to the verse for today. Where do I go with my struggles? To the strong tower...My Lord. I can honestly say I don't know how people get through life each day without Jesus. I feel safe in the arms of Jesus and God tells us in this verse that the righteous run to Jesus our tower and will be safe! Now let us remember there is only one way to be righteous and that is by having a relationship with Jesus. If His blood has not covered your sins then you are not righteous. Nothing that we can do covers sin, only what Jesus did on the cross can cover our sin and make us righteous in the eyes of God.



So what are you drawing strength and safety from this day? If it isn't Jesus you are in a weak tower, get in the strong tower Jesus!



Tom

Don't be lazy!!!!

God gives us a clear warning from His Word this morning!



Proverbs 18:9

9 He who is slothful in his work

Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer. 



How do you work? Are you a go getter or do you cut corners anytime you can? This is a verse that should help us make the decision everyday to give our very best. When I read this verse what catches my attention is the "brother to the great destroyer". Who is the great destroyer? Satan! He seeks to devour and destroy us each and everyday. So if we choose to be lazy in our work, God says we are a brother to Satan. Wow. Why is that? Well when we are lazy we are not giving our employer all that they have hired us to do. Basically we are robbing from them. Let's think of it from a spiritual stand point also. We are to be working for God by sharing our faith, if we are lazy then we are robbing people of the opportunity to come to Christ. The consequences of this are eternal!



So how about are you lazy or a go getter?



Tom

Ate any good gossip???

I love God's Word, it so alive! Read this:



Proverbs 18:8

8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,

And they go down into the inmost body. 



Why is gossip so enticing? When we hear someone say a name but don't catch the details it drives folks almost crazy until they find out what is going on. The flesh sure is powerful. Just like this verse says the gossip is tasty! We get a little and then as it goes down into the body we crave more and more. This is exactly why the tabloids do so well. People want gossip. Just look at folks like Paris Hilton, Lyndsey Lohan, and Justin Beiber. Myself I could careless what theses folks are doing, but the papers and news stay updated on everywhere and everything they are doing. I guess I shouldn't say I careless but would be much more interested if they were using their lives to bring people to God not push then away by wanting to be like them.



So ask yourself this morning are you looking for some good ole gossip to digest this morning? Remember God warns us to stay away from this kind of stuff....we are to build folks up not tear them down!



Tom

I will do what I want!

My, my, my, God is always right on target isn't He? Check this verse out.



Proverbs 18:2

2 A fool has no delight in understanding,

But in expressing his own heart. 



This so describes the world in its present state. It is all about me. This is in direct opposition to God's Word. God tells us to put others first. Why do we have such a hard time at doing this? I think God gives us a little insight to that question in this verse. A fool doesn't want to know the truth and does not want to understand what God wants. The fool only desires what is in his own heart. It is all about him! The fool has no problem with opening their mouth and making sure everyone knows exactly what he is thinking which is in opposition to God's word because God tells us speak carefully and only when needed.



So this morning let us examine ourselves. Am I concerned with myself only? Do I want to know God's ways or is it my way or the highway? Do you make sure everyone knows how you feel no matter what? If these describe you, there is a better way....God's way. So get in your Bible and learn the truth and the truth will set you free!



Have a great Monday!



Tom

Want to be alone?

God responds right on time with this verse.



Proverbs 18:1

1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;

He rages against all wise judgment.



Yesterday and many times here recently I have heard folks make the statement about how they don't need to go to church. They make statements like "I can worship God in the woods and feel closer to God there than anywhere else." Now let me say you can worship God in the woods but if you are forsaking the assembly of God's people (the church) then you are disobeying God. Most folks who choose not to go to to church are doing it for personal gain...like hunting, ect. If they were to be at church it would keep them from the woods...I think you get the point. God makes it clear to us in this verse when we isolate ourselves from others it is not a wise decision and other parts of scripture confirms this same thought.



I can already hear excuses when some will read this....my response is God's Word makes it clear to be in His house to worship him...if you want to argue, argue with God.....good luck!



Tom

Shhhhh!

I have found this to be true in my life...have you?



Proverbs 17:27

27 He who has knowledge spares his words,

And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.



Many of whom I consider to be great godly men and women in my life I have found this characteristic in their life. They know when to talk and they know when to be quiet. Obviously if God is telling us we have knowledge to do so then we also need to develope this characteristic in our own lives! How many folks do you know that you would not hesitate to say that they talk to much? When we have this characteristic people will get to where they will not listen to what we say because we talk all the time...even when we do not know what we are talking about!



To go right along with the first part of this verse the second part fits right in line. All the folks who choose to spare their words also have a calm spirit. It has something to do with thinking before they speak! When they consider if a topic is worth time of discussion they can also decide if it will stir up emotions and then make a wise decision. Wow God is so amazing in His counsel to us. Do you see how all this fits together? Just like a good puzzle!



So take these words to heart on this Monday! Talk only when needed and it will help you stay in a calm Spirit!



God bless my friends!



Tom

Do you have understanding?

Good verse to think about today.



Proverbs 17:24

24 Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding,

But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.



How do we gain understanding. It is simple really. Through the Word of God. This is the way God has designed for us to obtain wisdom and truth. Man trys to come up with other ways but they all fall short. God's has revealed everything we need to know in the Bible. This is why it is of utmost importance to study and learn the Bible. You see as this proverb goes onto explain fools focus on everything to try to fill the the understanding void with the things of this world. Searching to the ends of the earth. Why? God has given us the answers in the Bible!



So take a check of your understanding this morning. If you know much about God's Word you have much wisdom, if you do not well lets just say you are not as wise as you can be!



Tom

Still happening!

Evidently this was a problem thousands of years ago!



Proverbs 17:23 (New King James Version)

23 A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back,

To pervert the ways of justice. 



Guess what it is still a problem today! I know the majority of us reading this had our government pop into mind. Isn't that a sad state we have gotten into??? Not only our government but our judicial system is also corrupt in many areas. God is a God of justice. When it comes to right and wrong with God He does not wavier and nothing will bribe Him. He expects us to do the same. Greed has ruined this country. I want to bring this to a personal level. Ask yourself is there anything that I could be offered that would compromise my faith. It is easy to say "No way..nothing". Many of folks have said that but guess what they fell into Satin's trap! So what could do it? Money, car, fame, sex, big fancy home, and the list could go on and on! I pray all of us will recognize this morning that this is just a temporary stoping point for us, the next stop is eternity! Make wise decisions, decisions God would be happy with us for making!



Tom

You have a choice!

What choice have you made today?



Proverbs 17:22

22 A merry heart does good, like medicine,

But a broken spirit dries the bones. 



You know that no matter how your day is going you can be happy or you can be broken. If you choose to be merry or happy it is like medicine! It makes you feel good. If you choose to be broken down by stress or the things of this world it will make you brittle like dry bones. Even in a terrible day we can choose to be happy in the Lord! It will help to make that choice and it will make you feel better! Try it out for yourself!



So what choice have you made today?



Tom

Don't loan money!

This has always been an interesting verse to me!



Proverbs 17:18

18 A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge,

And becomes surety for his friend. 



It is pretty straight forward. Don't loan money or sign on a loan for a friend. The first thought that comes to my mind is if I am to love my neighbor shouldn't I loan them money if they need it? The answer here is clear....NO! God tells us here we are not very smart if we do. For one money is a very sticky situation for most. If the friend can not pay it back or just chooses not to what becomes of the friendship? It falls apart and troubles arise. If it is a loan you sign on you will be responsible to pay that loan back. So God is making it very plain to us...do not loan or lend money. If you want to give them money it is better to go into to it as a gift of love knowing you are giving it not loaning the money.



So be smart and listen to God's advice this morning!



Tom

Sound familiar?

What comes to mind when you read this verse?



Proverbs 17:15

15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just,

Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.



The first think that popped into my mind, I am sad to say, is our government. It seems that are getting very good along with many judges at justifing wickedness such as the practice of homosexuality and then condemning the just such as the right to life for the unborn. These are just a sample of things that God's Word teaches but our society, our government, and our judicial system think they know more than God are becoming as the rest of this verse says an abomination to the Lord. Our nation is losing favor with God as the people and the leaders continue to turn away fro what God's word teaches.



So this morning let us make sure we are not a part of the problem but a part of the solution by being faithful followers of God's Word! Don't justify wrongs, and condemn rights as you see God does not like that!



Have a great weekend!



Tom

Put the fire out!

Once again God gives us some practicle advice:







Proverbs 17:14



14 The beginning of strife is like releasing water;



Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.







Talk about hitting the nail on the head! The best way to handle an arguement is to stop it before it starts. Husbands, wives, moms, dads, children, bosses, employees, and the list can go on. Listen to what the Word of God is saying! All of us have been in situations where we could stop an arguement before it got out of hand. It then becomes our choice of if we want to throw gas to the fire or put water on it! So this morning listen to what God is saying and avoid the fight!







Simple but yet important!







Tom

Do good to others!

So many ways one could go with this verse!



Proverbs 17:13

13 Whoever rewards evil for good,

Evil will not depart from his house. 



Two ways come to mind to learn from this verse. Let's start out with our parents. I remember many times when mom or dad would try to teach me something for my own benefit and I would mumble and grumble about it and sometimes mess it up on purpose. I would return evil for good. When we do this I believe we pay the consequences from God. Does this ring any bells with you? I was so smart at 15, at least I thought I was. Now at age 40 I realize how dumb I really was. God's Word makes it clear we are to obey our parents, when we don't it is evil.



The second way I see this verse is this. How many times do we hear about someone trying to help someone else only to take advantage of them. Recently I had a friend who was helping a neighbor man out who had come on hard times. My friend was giving the man odd jobs to do around the house to make some money. My friend even let this man stay at their house while they went on vacation to take care of the dog and watch their place. This man stole some checks from them and some equipment out of the barn to sell to get some drugs! Talk about returning evil for good!!! This man now is in jail and has asked for forgiveness in a letter to the family. According to this verse this man has evil in house that will be there until one thing happens. He asks for forgiveness from Jesus Christ. Only then will this evil depart!



So my friends let us do good not evil not only to those who help us but to all!



Tom

Don't be foolish!

When I read this verse this morning it reminded me of something I seen at Cades Cove outside of Gatlinburg. We were making the loop and seen a group of folks gathered around so we of course got out to see what was going on. Well there was a momma bear and two cubs roaming around and everyone was taking pictures. As a lady was taking pictures she got in between the momma and the cubs and I told her very plainly not to do that because she puts herself in danger of momma attacking her in defense of her cubs. The lady just kind of looked at me and walked away! Now think about that as you read this verse.



Proverbs 17:12

12 Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs,

Rather than a fool in his folly.



God is giving us a clear warning to stay away from foolish man. It can be very dangerous for our spiritual lives to hang aroung those who are foolish in their walk with God. When we spend a great amount of time around folks like this they will influence us to make foolish mistakes in our spiritual lives!



So let us make sure on this Tuesday, we are wise not foolish in our walks with the Lord!



Tom

Are you wise?

Short and simple on this Friday!

Proverbs 17:10

10 Rebuke is more effective for a wise man ,

Than a hundred blows on a fool. 



Do you listen when you are being corrected? It is so much eaiser on you and the one who is correcting you if you take the information and apply it to your life and don't make the mistake again. On the other hand for some they have to be corrected over and over. For a stubborn fool even beatings don't seem to get through. This brings back a thought from my younger years. I wonder how many of us didn't take words from dad to heart the first time but when the whipping came on the second time we listened much more closely!!! For some of us we may even have been the fool and it took several whippins!



So this morning are you wise or do you play the fool? With God we had better be wise for He will also correct us!



Have a great Labor Day Weekend...be safe!



Tom

Gossip!

A friend who reads these devotions has requested a devotion on gossip and it's effects. So what I want to do is list several scriptures that deal with gossip and make a few comments. I am a believer that God's Word pretty well says it best so that is what we will concentrate on!



Let's start in the old testament:



Leviticus 19:16

16 You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people;

nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the LORD.



A talebearer is a gossiper. God makes it abundandtly clear to his people, not to be one of these type of people. One of the main reasons for this is it destroys unity among the people.



Proverbs 16:28

28 A perverse man sows strife,

And a whisperer separates the best of friends.



God even tells us here that a person who sows strife or gossips is perverse! Wow think about that! Then God tells us in the second part of the verse that speaking behind someone's back will break friendships even among best friends...that should really make us think before we open our lips!



Proverbs 20:19

19 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets;

Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.



Here is a straight forward warning from God to stay away from gossipers! I am a firm believer that in a church if one has a problem with spreading gossip it needs to be addressed with love. Because it will tear apart a church if allowed.



Proverbs 11:13

13 A talebearer reveals secrets,

But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.



God tells us here that if we are faithful we will conceal things not spread things....so maybe we better check our faith if we are not able to keep our mouths shut!



Now a couple from the New Testament:



1 Timothy 5:13

13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house,

and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies,

saying things which they ought not.



As usual Paul is straight to the point. Saying things we ought not to...gossiping. I want you also to catch the first part of the verse...they learn to be idle! If folks would stay busy serving the Lord, we wouldn't have time to talk about others!



Romans 1:28-32

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.



This should grab out attention! This verse ie referring to gentiles. You and I! Look at the sins listed here. Do you see backbiters and whisperers? Gossiping is a serious thing....sin! Read the whole verse again and catch the consequences and what God thinks about this sin!



2 Corinthians 12:20

20 For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults;



Paul is warning the Corinthian church here that he hopes he does not find these things when he visits...so will Christ find these things in our church when he returns???



I hope this speaks to you as it has me. Share it with your church...gossip is sin and will destroy if allowed to do so. It really comes down to what Christ commands us to do....love one another not talk about one another!



Tom

Don't do it again!

A great practicle verse for today.



Proverbs 17:9

9 He who covers a transgression seeks love,

But he who repeats a matter separates friends.



If you love somebody you are sorry for doing them wrong. So you go to that person and tell them you are sorry. Then we are hopeful that they will forgive us and we can move on in our relationship. Sounds so very simple but many times can be very hard. Depending on what the wrong was. For forgiveness to happen love must be showed on both sides. We need to see more love shown in this world of ours by both the offender and the one who was wronged.



Let us look carefully at the second part of this verse. You can tell someone you are sorry for doing them wrong but if you do it again you won't be friends for very long. To truly be sorry we must not do the offense again. So let us be true and faithful to our word and not do the same offense again! Also think about this with our heavenly Father. When we fall short and sin and then ask for forgivness...let us be true to our word and repeat that sin again. For when we do this it hurts our relationship with God! When we repent of our sins, we are saying we are turning from that sin and walking in the opposite direction! Let us not take advantage of God's mercy and grace!



God bless you all!



Tom

Everyone loves a present!

Proverbs 17:8

8 A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor;

Wherever he turns, he prospers. 



When I read this verse this morning immediately another verse came to mind:



Romans 6:23



For the wages of sin is death,

but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.



There is no doubt in my mind that we all like to get a gift or a present. But their is one gift that surpasses all, that is the gift of eternal life that God offers to all. To receive that gift all one must do is accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their life. As the verse out of proverbs says, this present is a precious stone in the eye of the beholder. Christ is my rock and nothing is better than my precious rock! When we have Christ in our lives we prosper. Everywhere we turn we are blessed. I can truly say that this morning that I have prospered way more than I deserve. And you have too if you look around. One day soon we will realize to an even greater extent when we step into eternity with Christ just how much we really have prospered by accepting this gift from God...Jesus Christ.



Thank you heavenly Father for your precious gift...your Son....Jesus Christ.



Tom

Grandchildren!

Wow I have read this verse before but it hit me today on what it is saying!



Proverbs 17:6

6 Children’s children are the crown of old men,

And the glory of children is their father. 



While I am not a grandparent yet, I sure did love my grandparents when they were alive! There is no doubt in my mind that My grandfathers and grandmothers loved their grandchildren. My how they loved to brag on us. I always remember the smiles on thier faces when we would pull into the driveway for a visit. God's word hits the nail on the head when it says grandchildren are the crown of old men!!!



I pray this morning that we can all say that our fathers are our glory as the second part of this verse says. I know for me I can say that but I also realize that for many their relationship with their fathers are not good. I believe no matter how bad that relationship is we must always remember that this man will always be our father and we would not be here if it was not for him. I want to challenge each of you whose father is not what he was suppose to be, to try to make amends. I know for some that will be very hard, but I also know that forgiveness it what God wants us to be about. If God can forgive us we need to forgive others. For those whose Father has been their glory take time to tell him today! It will make his day! Also remember our heavenly Father and give Him the glory He deserves!



Have a great Monday



Tom

Don't make fun!

This one of those lessons I try to teach our young folk at church but it is a lesson for all of us.



Proverbs 17:5

5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker;

he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.



Why anyone would look down on the poor is beyond me. Everyday we should count our bleesings of how good has blessed us. If you have food on your table, clothes on your back, and a roof over your head you are truly blessed and their are many both here in America and around the world who would love to trade places with you. Let's make sure we teach our children how blessed they are and to pray for the poor and to do all we can to help the poor. We do not want to make fun or look down on the poor as God warns us here it insults Him.



This verse also warns not to cause calamity (trouble). God tells us that those who do will be punished. There are many ways to cause trouble but what comes to my mind right away is those who stir trouble in God's house. God desires unity among His people. He wants us to love one another and be there for each other. Sadly there are many backbiters, and gossipers who stir the pot and destroy the unity God so much desires for the church. God is clear here, those who do such things will be punished.



Listen to the Word!



Have a great weekend!



Tom

Gray hair can be a good sign!

Ahhh at last a scripture for those of us who have or are starting to turn gray!



Proverbs 16:31

31 The silver-haired head is a crown of glory,

If it is found in the way of righteousness. 



This a very simple but yet profound statement from God. I can sit here this morning as I am sure you can also and think of may silver-haired saints I have had the honor of coming across in my lifetime so far. What a blessing it has been to be able to obtain godly wisdom from these folks. God tells us in this verse very clearly that silver-hair is a crown of glory. BUT there is a catch! The only way it can be a crown of glory is if that hair has been obtained by living in the way of righteousness. Now how can we be found in the way of righteousness? There is only one way! We must be in Jesus. Covered by his shed blood. Living our life as a follower of Christ. Pretty simple huh? But yet so hard for many. Again I can think of so many that have obtained this crown of glory but sadly I can also think of so many who have not. That is why it is so important we continue to try to reach all aged folks with the gospel of Christ.



So this morning I can look in the mirror and I see a little silver starting to show up. What about you? One day when I am fully silver if I am blessed to live that long, I thank God I will have that crown of glory because I will be found righteous because of my King Jesus!



I pray you can say the same!



Tom

Speak pleasant words!

Don't just let this simple verse go in one ear and out the other!



Proverbs 16:24



24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.



We live in a day it seems where in a days time you hear too much negativity. From the news to the work place and even in our homes. Why do we focus so much on what is negative and many times hurtful? God is giving us some sound advice here to make our days much better. Not only will they be better but I believe it is the way God wants us to treat each other...with love!



Honeycomb is sweet from what I understand. God tells us in the first part of this verse when we speak pleasant words it is sweet! Kind words make the sould feel good. It brings healing to others. Think about it! Have you ever been having a terrible day and out of the blue someone comes up to you and says something nice. It made you feel so good and it healed your day! We need more of this!



Of course the most pleasant words of all are telling someone about Jesus! What He has done for every single person on this earth. Placing His body on the cross for you and for me so we may have eternal life if we trust in Him. Now that will bring sweetness to the soul and healing to the bones...amen?



So make someones day today and speak some pleasant words...let's make it a habit everyday!



Tom

I am happy!

Great verse for us to think about to start the week off!



Proverbs 16:20



20 He who heeds the word wisely will find good,And whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he. 



I can honestly say I am a happy person this morning. Can you say the same? As you got out of bed for a Monday are you happy? God makes it really simple for us in this verse. First God tells us if we listen and do His Word we will find good. What a great promise from God. Don't you want to find some good this Monday? Well get into God's Word and do it! You will find good....one of the best ways to find good is by serving someone else! Jesus teaches to be sevants and it is a true blessing to serve others!



Secondly in this verse God tells us where true happiness comes from. While I enjoy hunting and fishing and other things. They bring temporary fullfillment. I always have to have more and more to stay happy! But with Jesus, since the day I tursted Him I have happiness and peace that no one can take away. Even in the hard days of life, all I have to do is think about my Jesus and what He has done for me and instantly I am happy! Can you say the same?



So this Monday are you happy? You can be...turn your life over to Jesus and find out for yourself!



God bless my friends!



Tom

Leaders...do the right thing!

Oh if we would only have a President, or our congress, or our local leaders, ect. listen to what God is telling us here in this verse:



Proverbs 16:12

12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness,For a throne is established by righteousness.



Even though we don't have a Monarchy here in the states which means we don't have a King. I still think we can apply this verse to our so called Democratic society. God wants our leaders to follow his leadership and stay away from wickedness or sin. Lets stop and think about that for a moment. Can you imagine what our nation would be like if we had a President stand up, with no hesitation and say I am a follower of Jesus Christ and I will make all my decisions based on the Word of God and do my very best to follow Jesus in my life?? I pray for leadership like this in our nation. Not only for President but for all our leaders. God gives us the answer in this same verse what would happen if this were to take place. When a leader is righteous, God will establish or put a firm grasp an their position. I take that as God will bless them! God will protect them. And I firmly believe He would bless the nation of a leader or leaders like this!



So my brothers and sisters let us pray for a great person of God to arise and lead in all areas of leadership in our nation. I know many of you already pray this but don't lose heart and continue!



Tom

Honesty is the best policy!

You remember when mom used to tell you..."Honesty is the best policy"??? I sure do. Read this verse:



Proverbs 16:11



11 Honest weights and scales are the LORD's;All the weights in the bag are His concern.



When this proverb was written business was done with weights and scales. You would trade so much of this for so much of that. God was making a point here for all of us. He wanted the scales and weights to be honest and fair. Some would make the weights and scales heavier or lighter so that they would get more than what they were suppose to in trade. Basically they were stealing from others. When God says all the weights in the bag are His concern, he is saying honesty is His concern.



So how do we apply this to modern day. Business is a dog eat dog world isn't it? Many have the attitude of what ever it takes to get to the top, do it. Now there is nothing wrong with working hard and having a great business. The key is to do it honestly. Treat people right and fair. When you do God will look favorably upon you!



So lets make sure to follow mom's advice and be honest!



Tom

You can be at peace!

Interesting verse this morning:



Proverbs 16:7



7 When a man's ways please the LORD,He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.



Have you ever seen this verse at work in your life? Take a moment and think about how this can happen. First you have to be right with God. That is the first question you must ask yourself. If our relationship with God is not where it is suppose to be then the chances of the rest of the verse working is slim to none. You see when we ar right with God we can put up with some things from others that we would not normally do. When we are right with God we have power and strength that comes from the holy Spirit. I have seen this very verse at work in people's life. They get right with God and come face to face with someone whom they do not get along with. But God provides a different attitude and a softer heart and a peaceful bond is formed. Now I am not saying they will be best friends but I am saying that a peace has been reached that only God could provide. If you are a follower of Christ I bet you have either done this yourself or seen it played out in someone else's life.



The whole key to this verse working in one's life we must remember is that they are right with God!



God bless...Tom

Are you departing from evil?

Good verse to kick the week off with:



Proverbs 16:6



6 In mercy and truthAtonement is provided for iniquity;And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil.



God sure has shown us some mercy hasn't he! We deserve hell because of our sin. But the truth came in Jesus Christ who provide atonement for our iniquity which is our sin. That is what the first part of this verse is telling us. I am praising the Lord this morning for that fact! God loves us so much. To send His Son to die for me is really hard to even comprehend. I am not worthy but God thinks I am and that is all that matters.



Now look at the second part of the verse. Two things I want you to catch. First we should fear the Lord. I believe it is a combination of out right fear because after all He is God. But also a reverance and an awe for being God. Kinda of like a good father. I always had a healthy fear of my dad beacuse he would whip me when I did wrong but I also respected him and do more each day as our relationship continues to grow. It is the same with God only to a much higher level. This verse then goes onto say when we fear God we depart from evil. What is evil? Sin! When we fear God we will depart from sin. If we are continuing in our sin we need to check two things. First do we fear God? Obviously not according to this verse and second are we truly saved. If we are continuing to practice a habitual sin it may be an indicator that our hearts have not been changed. Let me clear we all make mistakes and sin from time to time and that is our fleshly nature. That does nto mean you are not saved. But when a sin is a normal practice in our life we had better examine ourselves before God.



So this morning are you living with or departing from evil this morning? It is a serious question!



Tom

Who you working for?

You ever had a day where you were working along and nothing seemed to be going right. In the past I have had many of these personally. Check this verse out:



Proverbs 16:3

3 Commit your work to the LORD,and your plans will be established.



If you want to have a productive day everyday, give it to the Lord. Now remember this, if you give your work to God you will have a productive day in the Lord. That means God will use you to do His kingdom work but we must keep ours eyes open throughout the day for the opportunities laid out before us. When we do God's work such as loving others, sharing our resources, and spreading the gospel it will be a productive, great day! The second part of the verse talks about if we commit to God our plans will be established. That is exaclty right! If you plan to work for God the plans you have each day will be established. Established means: to bring about permanentely. Once we get in the habit of working for God our plan will be permanent....Serve God because we will never get enough of the blessings that go along with being faithful to the Lord!



I also believe that our jobs will be much more enjoyable and successful if we are being faithful in serving God in our secular job! So on this Friday the 13th who are you working for yourself, your secular boss, or God? Work for the Lord and see the difference it will make in your life!



Have a great weekend my friends!



Tom

I am right!

Mankind is good at believing he is right in most all situations even when he is wrong! Read this verse:



Proverbs 16:2

2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,But the LORD weighs the spirits.



My oh my, how many times have you had a discussion with someone who was clearly in the wrong but they just would not see it or admit it? It happens everyday in our political system!! It is strange how in our own eyes we want to believe we are always right. I believe this comes down to a pride issue. No one wants to be wrong. We are trained from a young age to stand up for yourself. I don't recall many ever teaching me to admit I was wrong...do you?



The key to the whole issue is the Lord. He is the balance. He shows us in His Word what is right and what is wrong. He weighs the spirit of the matter! So how do we find if where we stand on different issues is right or wrong? The Bible! It has all the answers. I have never come across an issue in my life that is not covered in the Bible. God also warns us about a haughty spirit in His Word. When we have an attitude that we are always right and we have all the answers, God is not happy with us. Because Pride has entered out hearts at this point and God loves the humble but hates the proud! That is what His Word says!



So my friends there is nothing wrong with being right but when we have an attitude that we are always right we better take a look at our heart!



God bless....Tom

Prepare yourself.

Think about this verse very carefully.

Proverbs 16:1

1 The preparations of the heart belong to man,But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

The first part of this verse is very clear. Preparing our hearts to serve God is our job. Now let me be clear our hearts will be stired by the Holy Spirit but then it is up to us to have our hearts in the right place to accept the job or refuse it. We are warned in scripture to not quench the Holy Spirit. To do so is very dangerous. For if we continue to do so we soon may not hear the Spirits calling! This morning are you prepared. Have you prayed? Have you read the Bible? Have you asked God to use you today? Are you willing to do what ever He asks. This is all a part of the preperation it takes.

Once you have prepared to serve God I have some good news as told in the second part of this verse. When God puts a soul in front of you to serve, He will provide the Words you need to talk to this person. Check out this verse:

Matthew 10:19

19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;

IF you are defending yourself in the faith or if you are just witnessing to someone look at what God says....God will give you what you should speak! Wow. That is exactly what I need in those moments. The Apostle Paul took advantage of those moments to speak on God's behalf no matter where he was....in prison or standing before royalty! He had his heart prepared for such occasions.

So how about this morning is your heart prepared??? If it is, hold on because God is going to use you in a mighty way, and your tongue will be used by God! Wow!

Pray for your willingness to surrender to God's leading!

Tom

Are you listening?

Good verse to learn from this morning:

Proverbs 15:31

31 The ear that hears the rebukes of life
Will abide among the wise.

So many times in our lives folks try to inform us of wrongs and we just let it go in one ear and out the other. From our parents, to our teachers, to our bosses, and even to the Heavenly Father. Why do we do this? Sometimes we don't take rebuke very well do we? When the rebukes come out of love and are to make us better people we need to listen. It seems in our society today when rebuke comes everyone takes offense to it. God's Word tells us different here. God says if we listen we will abide among the wise! I want to be wise don't you?

So this morning if rebuke comes your way, don't just throw it off to the side....ponder it....it may just make you a little bit wiser!

Have a great day!

Tom

Is God hearing your prayers???

This is a lesson I have taught over the years, read this verse.

Proverbs 15:29

29 The LORD is far from the wicked,
But He hears the prayer of the righteous.

I am a firm believer that God only hears one prayer from those who have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. That prayer that He will hear is asking Jesus to be Lord and Savior of their life. If this is true think about how many prayers are lifted up each day that are not heard! Look at what this verse says. The Lord is far from the wicked. Who are the wicked? Anyone who has not been cleansed by the blood of Jesus. Then in the second part of this verse God tells us who He does hear! The righteous! Again their is only one way to be righteous through Jesus Christ. John 14:6 says "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

So is God hearing your prayers??? If you have given your life to Christ, He does. IF you haven't the only thing God will listen to from you is "Jesus come into my heart!"

Chew on this verse for awhile...pretty deep!

Tom

Study before you speak???

This verse should make us stop and think for a moment about what comes out of our mouths!

Proverbs 15:28

28 The heart of the righteous studies how to answer,
But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.


Wow! God tells us here before we answer folks we should be studying on how we are to answer. This may make one ask...study what??? The Word of God of course! In life folks will ask you all kinds of questions. God's Word has the answer for every question one will ever be asked. This is again why we MUST be in God's Word. If I had to give one word to give on how to answer people it would be love. Jesus always spoke in love to others when they asked Him questions. We should do the same.

Look at the second part of the verse....evil pours out of the mouth who does not study the Word. I see this everyday on the news. This is how sin is promoted....because of our ignorance of what God says we are to do and not to do. From what I see in our nation today, much more evil is coming out of peoples mouth than righteousness...it can change but only by knowing what God's Word says!

So are ya studying? No better time to start than now!

Have a great weekend!

Tom

Is your house in trouble?

Read this verse:

Proverbs 15:27

27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house,
But he who hates bribes will live.

I had an interesting thought on this verse as I read it. How many homes are in trouble this morning for the simple reason of greed. When our grandparents were young they would save money until they had enough to buy something. The only thing they would borrow would be maybe for a portion of a home or maybe a portion of a car. Our generation wants everything it took a lifetime to get for our grandparents in three years! Today we borrow or put on a credit card because we are greedy and want everything right now! This mind set has put many homes in trouble. Look at how many foreclosures are taking place. Folks are trying to but things they cannot afford. If they don't have the money then put it on a credit card...which will likely put the nail in the coffin for your debt because of the outrageous interest rates they charge.

The second part of this verse tells us to stay away from bribes. When you really think about it a credit card it is a bribe in a way. They always make it sound so great and promise a low interest rate. BUT if you don't read the fine print you have just been bribed. For the fine print will tell you how the interest rate is only good for 1 year then it goes to so and so. Also if you miss a payment the rate sky rockets.

Folks take guidance from God...don't trouble your house. Save and buy when you have the money. Our nation would do good to learn this! Teach your children this and save them many troubles!

God bless....Tom

You think it is hot now!!!

Wow are we having a heat wave here in Tennessee. Yesterday it was 104 with a heat index of 112 or so. To be honest I do not like this time of year at all. The extreme heat bothers me. I am looking forward to Fall! Thinking abut the heat brought this verse to mind:

Revelation 20:15

15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

What we are facing now with this heat wave will like A/C compared to the heat one will face in hell. The pain and agony one will face for eternity is really indescribable. I bet all of us have burned ourselves before. It hurts and the pain is bad for sometime. Imagine that intense pain for eternity. Not only the pain of burning but add in the loneliness, the emotional pain turning your back on Jesus, and the thought of this will be forever....never ending.

With all that said I do have some good news. It is our choice! We can give our lives to Jesus and follow Him for the rest of our lives and spend eternity in Heaven! For some odd reason I tend to think the temperature will always be just right! No pain. No suffering. No emotional distress. Just the Heavenly Father and those who put their trust in Jesus. Celebrating our love for one another!

So come in out of the heat today....make sure your life is right in Christ!

Tom

What am I thinking?

Proverbs 15:26

26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD,
But the words of the pure are pleasant.

It is important for us to remember that God knows what we are thinking. Wicked people are consistently thinking wicked things that God's word makes it plainly clear He does not like. Some examples are found in this verse:

Galatians 5:19-21

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Why won't people who practice these things inherit heaven? Because God hates sin and we are suppose to turn from sin when we give our lives to Him. Those who are wicked keep their thoughts tuned to these things. How many times have you heard "I cant wait til Friday so I can get drunk!" or something of the sort. Did you see drunkenness on the list? Or what about "me and my girl...yeah Friday night ( who cares she has a husband, they are separated). Did the list contain adultery. Yes it sure did. I could go on and on with examples. Those who follow Christ know sin, we are to do what the second part of the verse says. We are to be pure with our words. To do that we must have pure minds staying focused on godly things.

Philippians 4:8

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

So this morning where is your mind? It takes work to stay focused on the things of God in this world of ours. Christ will give you the strength to do so if you are willing!

Pray for a pure mind for yourself and you brothers and sisters in Christ.

Tom

Lessons from Ecuador #5

One of the things I noticed in Ecuador was everyone was in a hurry. Where they were in a hurry to get to I don't know. I wish I could explain the driving to you but I can't put in words good enough to get the point to you good enough. Cars, buses, motorcycles all weaving in and out. Blowing the horns. It did not seem like there were any rules. But what I kept asking myself was why are they in such a hurry and where are they going?

All this racing around brought to mind this verse:

2 Timothy 4:7

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Even here in the States we seem to be racing around too. The day always ends with the thought I wish I would have gotten so and so done today...I just didn't have enough time. In reality God has given us just the right amount of time each day to accomplish His Will!! One day in all of our lives, we will come to the end. The rat race will be over. Will we be able to say what Paul says above? Basically Paul is saying I have fought and given my life for you God. My time is up. I have stayed faithful. Honestly take a moment this morning and ask yourself if you can say the same. I know it is Monday and you have a million things to do BUT if they are not what God has planned for you today, you have wasted this day! I wonder how many of the Ecuadorians had serving Christ on their mind as they were buzzing around like a hive of bees? I also wonder how many of us have Christ on our minds and who we can serve through Him each day? God opens many doors each day....will we walk in?

I pray for each of us today that when life is over we can say the same as Paul! "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Tom

Lessons from Ecuador #4

Look at those faces.

Now read these:

Mark 10:13-16

13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

Children are such a blessing from God. We have a great responsibility to raise them up in the Lord. Read these verses again and ask yourself "Does Jesus think children are important?" What I get from the words of Christ here is we need to do all that is within our power to bring children to Christ. AND when we come to Christ we need to be like children when receiving Christ into our own lives. Vulnerable and trusting in His great love. Then Jesus took the children and gave them big hugs and blessed them. Oh what a day that will be my friends when we are taken up in the arms of Christ. Just dwell on that thought for a moment.

When we were in Ecuador the children are what remains in my mind. The smiles, the hugs, the laughter, and the way they listened to God's Word. They were excited about the smallest things. I pray all of us remember Jesus is the most important not the worldly things that seem to grab our attention. God please help us to reach the children both at home and around the world for this brings you glory!

Tom

Lessons from Ecuador #3

As I have thought about this mission trip one of the biggest lessons that keeps coming to mind is my greed! The people of Ecuador seem so content with what they have. They seem to be happy for the most part. I think about the faces in the crowd in church on Sunday mornings here in the states....so many are unhappy. I think one of the main reasons is we always want more out of life...read this scripture:

Luke 12:16-21

16 Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17 And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ 18 So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’
21 “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

This is so simple from God this morning. Our life is to revolve around Him. Everything we have is His! Our time, our money, our things, and our lives. We are blind here in America to the blessings God has given us. Even what we consider poor here are rich compared to many of the people of Ecuador.

I asked my translator Paolia to be honest with me and tell me what Ecuadorians think of folks from the United States and she gave me a one word answer..."Rich". You know what compared to the folks there she is right.

So this morning if you are feeling bad about where you are materialistically....be content for you are blessed!

Are you rich toward God???

Tom