Monday, January 31, 2011

What does you heart reveal?

As we jump into another Monday, let us examine our heart this morning.



Proverbs 27:19

19 As in water face reflects face,

So a man’s heart reveals the man.



I can only speak for myself but as I looked into the mirror this morning I noticed my face is reflecting that I am getting older!! I could have looked into some water this morning as this verse says and seen the same thing. But I want us all to look into our hearts this morning and see what it is reflecting. In Galatians 5:22-23 God's Word tells us that is we are in Christ and being led by the Holy Spirit we will reflect these characteristics....love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Now don't just read these fast. Go back and look at each one and see if your heart is reflecting these characteristics in your everyday life. So how are you doing? These can only be accomplished with the strength of Jesus Christ. No man or women can do it on their own!



So what is your heart revealing today???



Tom

Friday, January 28, 2011

Are you sharpening?

Great verse to end the week on.



Proverbs 27:17

17 As iron sharpens iron,

So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.



When one rubs iron together it can sharpen the edges. We are to be a sharpener of our friends. Are you a friend that others can come to and know you will be there and lift their spirits? Or are you one of those who will beat a man while he is down? If we are to be like Christ we need to help others and lift them up. Jesus did and He expects us to do the same. It makes you feel so good to be of help to another when they need a friend. But most of all it pleases God!



So how about it? Are you a sharpener or are you a duller?



Tom

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Will tomorrow come?

Are you prepared for the end?



Proverbs 27:1

1 Do not boast about tomorrow,

For you do not know what a day may bring forth.



Proverbs is such an awesome book. It is so practical. I am glad God gave us so much information to guide our lives with. Think about this verse for example. God tells us in a very straight forward manner to take care of the important things in life today. Why is that? Because we are not promised tomorrow here on earth. So what is the most important thing in life. Salvation. Are you right with God? You need to take care of that right now. There is only one way for us to be right with God and that is to have Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our life. God's Word says "Today is the day of Salvation". If today happens to be our last day on earth, it will be our first day of eternity in one of two places...heaven or hell.



My friends be prepared as we are not promised another breath, and you never know what today may bring!



Tom

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Mind your own business!

God is giving us some more of His great advice this morning.



Proverbs 26:17

17 He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own

Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.



God makes it very clear this morning to mind our own business. If we are passing by some folks who are arguing or in a deep discussion we are not to jump in and voice our opinions. It was not our conversation in the first place. I don't think it can get any more straight forward than that from God can it? God also goes on to tell us what the consequences can be. If you grab a dog by the ears you can expect to get bit! That may be the result when you jump in a conversation that is not your own!



So let us listen to the Lord this morning and mind our own business!



Tom

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Need some humble pie?

Great verse for us to think on today!



Proverbs 26:12

12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?

There is more hope for a fool than for him.



Ever met a person who thinks they are wise? I hope that is not you or me! God's Word is very clear that He wants us to be humble people. Those who think they have arrived in life or in their spiritual walk have much to learn. While we should strive to be the best we can be in everyday life and in our spiritual lives but we will never reach perfection until we get to heaven. God gives us a stern warning this morning. He tells us that for the one who thinks he is wise in his own eyes that a fool has more hope than he does...ouch.



So let us be sure not to think of ourselves as better or wiser than the next person! We just may need a piece of that good ole humble pie!



Tom

Monday, January 24, 2011

Don't be foolish!

This verse caught my attention this morning.



Proverbs 26:4

4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,

Lest you also be like him.



Have you ever been talking to someone who you knew was talking foolishly but before you knew it you were caught up in arguing with them over their foolishness? I know I have. When we do that we become just like them!!! God wants us to be wise when we talk. His Word warns us many times that we need to listen more than we talk. Then when we do talk we need to do it in a humble, loving, and wise way. When we get caught up in talking foolishness we are not being Christlike. So on this start of a new week, let us be watchful for the situations we get ourselves in so that we are not like the fool!



Have a great week!



Tom

Friday, January 21, 2011

Good news!

There is nothing like receiving good news!



Proverbs 25:25

25 As cold water to a weary soul,

So is good news from a far country.



On a good ole hot summer day, you have been working out in the oppressive sun. Then someone brings you a big glass of ice cold water! Ahhhhh how refreshing. It is the same when good news comes. A good report on a military loved one, or a good report from a family members doctor. We have all been there and it is such a relief to get the good news. But no matter how good those reports are, the good news of Jesus Christ tops all. When a lost soul accepts Jesus as Lord Savior of their life it is the greatest news of all. As they shall live for eternity in heaven! Praise the Lord! We need to get this news out in our country and also take it to a far country!



Have you received the good news? Have you told the good news of Jesus Christ? If you haven't why not today???



Tom

Thursday, January 20, 2011

A good test!

If one wants to really know if they are in Christ or not...this is a great test!



Proverbs 25:21-22

21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;

And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

22 For so you will heap coals of fire on his head,

And the LORD will reward you.



The reason I say that about the test is this, we will only be able to help an enemy if Christ is in us. Think about it. Being a Christian my self I know how hard it is to reach out to someone who is not my friend. Let alone an enemy. But with the push of the Holy Spirit we can do as Christ would do and reach out to our enemies. Those who have hurt us very badly but again we can't do it on our own strength it will be in the strength of the Lord. I find verse 22 very interesting but true. When you help an enemy, chances are they don't like you right? So when you do something nice for them they can't figure out why you are being nice to them, thus you are heaping coals of fire on their head. Sometimes it will make them mad but hopefully they are going to see Christ in you and it may just change your relationship with them. One thing is for sure God promises here that you will be rewarded!



So you want to test your walk with God....go do something nice for an enemy....you will be rewarded!



Tom

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Watch where you put your confidence!

Good verse to grab onto this morning.



Proverbs 25:19

19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble

Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.



We all have great friends who we can trust but their is only one friend that we can have 100% full confidence in and that friend is Jesus Christ. He will never let you down in times of trouble or when times are good. In this verse God tells us it can be very painful when we put our trust in a person who is unfaithful. We can take that two ways...either one who isn't a believer or one who we just can't count on. Either way we need to keep our focus on the one who can guide us in the right direction every time and that is Jesus!



So where is your confidence this morning? In man or Jesus???



Tom

Monday, January 17, 2011

Let God handle it.

Be very careful about how you react to what is happening to an enemy!



Proverbs 24:17-18

17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,

And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;

18 Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him,

And He turn away His wrath from him.



God makes it very clear hear that we need to be humble folks. Even when it comes to someone we do not care for. God handles all situations in His own time and we have to allow Him to do that and not get in the way. When we see hard times come on an enemy we are not to rejoice over it. God tells us here if we do it displeases him and He will turn His wrath away from him. My thought that comes to mind is we may then face some difficulty because of our attitudes! So what are we suppose to do about our enemies? Look at this Word from God:



Matthew 5:44

44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,



This is the attitude Jesus wants us to have toward our enemies.



Tom

Friday, January 14, 2011

Take a stand!

In our church this Sunday we celebrate sanctity of life. These verses apply very well to that very important issue.



Proverbs 24:11-12



11 Rescue those who are being taken away to death;

hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.

12 If you say, "Behold, we did not know this,"

does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?

Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it,

and will he not repay man according to his work?



Life is so very precious. God is the ONE who decides who shall have life and who shall not. Man has taken it upon himself to be God and this is wrong. God tells us in theses verses to rescue those who are being taken away to death. To hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. Wow can it be anymore clear than that when we apply this to abortion? These innocent babies need protection! So many women are stumbling to slaughter as our nation glorifies murder. God goes on to say that if we sit around and do nothing or act like we do not know what is going on we will answer for it in the end! Does it get any clearer than that? It is like God is saying "Can ya here me now?"



My friends life is precious. Stand for the things God wants to stand for and one of those is innocent lives.



Tom

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Drinking!

These verses are some of the best in the Bible to teach people how God warns against drunkenness.



Proverbs 23:29-35



29 Who has woe?

Who has sorrow?

Who has contentions?

Who has complaints?

Who has wounds without cause?

Who has redness of eyes?

30 Those who linger long at the wine,

Those who go in search of mixed wine.

31 Do not look on the wine when it is red,

When it sparkles in the cup,

When it swirls around smoothly;

32 At the last it bites like a serpent,

And stings like a viper.

33 Your eyes will see strange things,

And your heart will utter perverse things.

34 Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,

Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying:

"They have struck me, but I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?"



I am gonna let God's word pretty much speak for itself this morning. It describes drinking very well. Let me make one comment. Most folk that drink will argue the point that the Bible does not say not to drink which I must admit it doesn't. But the Bible does say not to get drunk. I don't know anyone who drinks and stops at one or before they get a buzz. As soon as it affects your mind it becomes sin. That is the problem with drinking!



Read this again and listen to God....then share these verses with others!



Tom

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Chase God not sinful man.

Wow what a powerful verse this morning.



Proverbs 23:17-18 (New King James Version)

17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day;

18 For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off.



Why is it we look at sinful man and are envious? Rock stars, movie stars, athletes, so many times we want to be like these folks and not what God wants us to be. If you look at the lives of many of the folks listed they fall into the devils traps so much easier because of riches and temptations placed before them. God in this verse tells us who we need to be chasing after.....The Lord. He is to be our Hero, our Idol, our Heartthrob, our King, our Superstar. So much that we have an awe or fear of Him all the day! Wow. Is Jesus like that for you? If we could help folks see that Jesus is so much more than our favorite sports team or Twilight characters or whatever draws us away from Jesus to something that won't last. Look at verse 18. We had better realize there is a hereafter and get our priorities right so that we won't be cut off from the only hope we have...Jesus Christ.



So who are you chasing today Jesus or some sinner? After all we are all sinners right? I choose to chase the only perfect man...Jesus Christ for He alone is worthy! How about you?



Tom

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Want to make God rejoice?

Proverbs 23:15-16

15 My son, if your heart is wise,

My heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself;

16 Yes, my inmost being will rejoice

When your lips speak right things. 



I pray this morning that it is our desire to serve God in a way that it makes Him rejoice. One way to do that is to make sure our hearts are wise. How do we do that? By growing in our relationship with Him. Prayer, Bible study, church, and Sunday school are ways to become wise. Also choosing godly folks to hang around and to learn from will make your heart wise. When we do these things and then apply them to our lives which includes speaking right things in a kind and loving way, we then make God rejoice at our faithfulness to Him! Knowing that makes me want to be faithful. Just like bringing a smile to your fathers face, how much more when we bring it to our heavenly Fathers face????



Be wise my friends!



Tom

Monday, January 10, 2011

Work for what lasts...not riches!

A great couple of verses to kick off our week!



Proverbs 23:4-5

4 Do not overwork to be rich;

Because of your own understanding, cease!

5 Will you set your eyes on that which is not?

For riches certainly make themselves wings;

They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.



This verse is pretty simple to understand. Riches are not to be our top priority. Now be sure to recognize that God did not say do not work, He is saying do not over work. What He means by that is when we are working to just gain more stuff we do not have a good understanding of what God wants our lives to be like. As He tells us in these verses our riches do not last for ever. So what does God desire us to do if it is not to gain riches? His Word tells us we are to win souls for an eternity in heaven which will last forever! That should be a top priority in our life! Next would be loving folks. Starting with your family and then others. Instead of working yourself to death spend some time with your spouse and kids, memories last for ever. They will remember times you spent with them way more than anything you ever bought them. In reality you can not buy love.



So on this Monday take a look at your life and see what you are working for....something that will last or something that will fade away!



Tom

Friday, January 7, 2011

Watch who you hang with!

Proverbs 22:24-25

24 Make no friendship with an angry man,

And with a furious man do not go,

25 Lest you learn his ways

And set a snare for your soul. 



I bet many of you have learned this lesson God is teaching us this morning the hard way. I know I have. It seems their are some in life who live in anger. I know life can be tough and we all go through hard times but God does not want us to have anger as our attitude. If we will just stop and look around God has blessed us all so much. That fact alone should remove the anger from our lives and give us an attitude of gratitude to God. God warns us in this verse to keep our distance from those who live in anger. If you hang around with folks who are bitter and angry all the time it will start to ware off on you. Just look at who your friends are right now. If you look closely you will see that you have picked up some of their characteristics over time and they have picked up some of yours too. God's word is clear. He wants us to be people of love. patience, and kindness. Anger has none of these qualities and God wants us to stay away from anger.



Take time to evaluate yourself this morning. Get anger out and love in!



Tom

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Men beware!

Men listen to this warning from God.



Proverbs 22:14

14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit;

He who is abhorred by the LORD will fall there.



If God is warning us of this then we can be certain it has been a problem for a long time. With that being said we live in a time now where immoral women are idolized by many. Stop and think of how many singers and actors pop into mind. When our young folks idolize these women they then want to be like them, oh how we must be in prayer and teaching our kids the Word of God. God warns us very clearly that these immoral women are a deep pit and we need to stay away from them! I am reminded of Joseph in the old testament. Potiphar's wife tried to lure Joseph into her bed and what did Joseph do? He ran!!! He got out of there. That is a good example for us. When tempted by an immoral woman run! Look at the second part of this verse as it is a Word for us men. If we fall in the trap we are abhorred by God...wow! Abhorred means to detest utterly. In other words God is extremely disgusted with those who fall in this pit!



So fellas let us pay close attention to the Word this morning and ladies you can also just turn this a little to apply to you for their are plenty of immoral men around too!



Tom

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Are you training your child?

Proverbs 22:6

6 Train up a child in the way he should go,

And when he is old he will not depart from it. 



These are some comforting Words from the Lord for me and I hope you too. God expects us as parents to train our children in the Lord. If we do not train our children the world will I can promise you that. In the old testament God gives us some great advice:



Deuteronomy 6:5-9



5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

6 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.



It doesn't get more plain that that does it. We should be training our children from the time they get up til the time they go to bed. The more we can teach them about God the better off they will be. Look at what the second part of the verse from proverbs says...when he is old he will not depart from it. What I catch there is the word "old". Growing up our children may make some mistakes and turn from God for a time but I am a firm believer if we trained them about God when they are young they will come back!



So ask yourself this morning...how are you doing training your children about Jesus? Don't leave it to others it is your responsibility!



Tom

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Make sure you hide!

Proverbs 22:3

3 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself,

But the simple pass on and are punished. 



Another word for prudent is wise. God is giving a clear warning this morning to stay away from evil. There are many forms of evil out there and we need to be on the lookout at all times. If we are reading our Bibles we should have no problem at all recognizing evil. But if we are not reading our Bibles evil can creep up on us and we may not even see it. As the Bible clearly teaches the ole devil is out and about trying to deceive us. This verse says not only should we see evil coming but we should foresee it and anticipate that it is coming and then get out of the way! We can only do that if we are on our toes! Look at the second part of the verse but the simple or unwise just keep right on going and don't get out of the way. Then what happens? They are punished or have to pay the consequences of their sin!



So let us be prudent and in the Word so we can catch that evil before it even gets close!



Tom