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
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
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
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
Friday, August 27, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
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
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
Monday, August 23, 2010
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
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
Thursday, August 19, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
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
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
Monday, August 16, 2010
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
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
Friday, August 13, 2010
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
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
Thursday, August 12, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
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
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
Monday, August 9, 2010
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
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
Friday, August 6, 2010
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
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
Thursday, August 5, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
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
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
Monday, August 2, 2010
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
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