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
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
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
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
Monday, September 27, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
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
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
Monday, September 20, 2010
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
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
Thursday, September 16, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
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
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
Monday, September 13, 2010
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
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
Friday, September 10, 2010
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
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
Thursday, September 9, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
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
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
Friday, September 3, 2010
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
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
Thursday, September 2, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)