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
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
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
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
Monday, October 18, 2010
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
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
Friday, October 15, 2010
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
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
Thursday, October 14, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
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
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
Monday, October 11, 2010
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)