In Psalm 19:14, David prayed that the meditation of his heart be acceptable in the Lord's sight. Notice back in verse 12, he asked who can understand their own errors. We can't understand our own errors without God's law spelled out in His word (Romans 7:7, Jeremiah 17:9). Like David, if we meditate on the statutes of God's word, then we'll find it to be "a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Psalm 119:48, Hebrews 4:12).
In the second part of Psalm 19:12, David asked of God: "Cleanse me from secret faults." Then in verse 13, David says: "Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression." Meditate on God's word, then you'll say like David:"How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word." Psalm 119:9. "Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:11. When you're feeling appalled or troubled by something, think this: "Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord." Psalm 4:4-5.
"My eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word." Psalm 119:148. "I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation." Psalm 119:99. "Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day." Psalm 119:97. "My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, Which I love, and I will meditate on Your statutes." Psalm 119:48
"I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word." Psalm 119:15-16. A blessing is promised to those who meditate and delight in God's law (Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:1-3). "Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble." Psalm 119:165. Those who heed God's commandments have peace like a river (Isaiah 48:18).
David also speaks of meditating on God's works. "Make me understand the way of Your precepts; So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works." Psalm 119:27. "I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works." Psalm 145:5. "I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds." Psalm 77:11-12
"When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice." Psalm 63:6-7. "I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; My soul longs for You like a thirsty land." Psalm 143:5-6
Friday, April 27, 2018
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Mental Health Secrets
A Good Diet
Unhealthful dietary practices impair the brain’s emotional circuitry—during development as well as in maturity.. Opt for a diet that emphasizes low-sodium, nutrient-dense whole plant foods (fruits, whole grains, vegetables, nuts, and seeds) and limits or eliminates animal products and added fat.
Avoid Addictive Substances
Alcohol and addictive drugs cause permanent brain imbalance favoring the lower emotional centers.
Avoid caffeine, it dehydrates you, triggers anxiety, and causes trouble sleeping. Your body needs to be hydrated with water and needs good sleep in order to be healthy, both physically and mentally.
To next "secrets" will show why an intemperate use of media is so dangerous: it keeps you from getting exercise and building healthy relationships.
Exercise
Exercise is linked to decreased stress levels and enhanced emotional health (including less depression and anxiety). It also increases the levels of a powerful emotional, health-enhancing hormone called oxytocin.
Also be sure to get fresh air and sunshine
Careful Music Selection
Depending on the type of music, either positive or negative emotions can be stimulated. Direct measurements of limbic structures reveal that music such as harmonious piano selections can evoke pleasant emotions, while dissonant music can trigger negative emotions.
Be Careful What You Watch
If we’re interested in optimal emotional health, we’ll exercise serious restraint in what we choose to watch.
Quality Time With Family and Friends
Strong family connections are powerful predictors of enhanced emotional health. Connections are weakened if the time is spent using media. Go places and do things that are fun, interesting, and fulfilling.
Have Trusting Relationships
This trust aids in the control of anxiety, increases oxytocin, which improves a host of interpersonal dimensions—all of which tend to bolster our emotional state. The next "secret" after "horizontal" trust in others is especially powerful: a "vertical" trust in God.
Trust in God
We develop trust in God by testing His promises in the Bible and experiencing His faithful leading in our lives. Take some time to read God's Word. You might be surprised to find a God who is far more trustworthy than many humans are—even those who claim to follow Him. Along with that discovery, you may realize your emotions are coming under better control.
Unhealthful dietary practices impair the brain’s emotional circuitry—during development as well as in maturity.. Opt for a diet that emphasizes low-sodium, nutrient-dense whole plant foods (fruits, whole grains, vegetables, nuts, and seeds) and limits or eliminates animal products and added fat.
Avoid Addictive Substances
Alcohol and addictive drugs cause permanent brain imbalance favoring the lower emotional centers.
Avoid caffeine, it dehydrates you, triggers anxiety, and causes trouble sleeping. Your body needs to be hydrated with water and needs good sleep in order to be healthy, both physically and mentally.
To next "secrets" will show why an intemperate use of media is so dangerous: it keeps you from getting exercise and building healthy relationships.
Exercise
Exercise is linked to decreased stress levels and enhanced emotional health (including less depression and anxiety). It also increases the levels of a powerful emotional, health-enhancing hormone called oxytocin.
Also be sure to get fresh air and sunshine
Careful Music Selection
Depending on the type of music, either positive or negative emotions can be stimulated. Direct measurements of limbic structures reveal that music such as harmonious piano selections can evoke pleasant emotions, while dissonant music can trigger negative emotions.
Be Careful What You Watch
If we’re interested in optimal emotional health, we’ll exercise serious restraint in what we choose to watch.
Quality Time With Family and Friends
Strong family connections are powerful predictors of enhanced emotional health. Connections are weakened if the time is spent using media. Go places and do things that are fun, interesting, and fulfilling.
Have Trusting Relationships
This trust aids in the control of anxiety, increases oxytocin, which improves a host of interpersonal dimensions—all of which tend to bolster our emotional state. The next "secret" after "horizontal" trust in others is especially powerful: a "vertical" trust in God.
Trust in God
We develop trust in God by testing His promises in the Bible and experiencing His faithful leading in our lives. Take some time to read God's Word. You might be surprised to find a God who is far more trustworthy than many humans are—even those who claim to follow Him. Along with that discovery, you may realize your emotions are coming under better control.
Friday, April 20, 2018
Escaping Escapism
The Dangers of Escapism
1. Escapism destroys relationships
Escapism robs you of quality time and communication with others
Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
"Now we are learning the more time you spend on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, the more likely you are to feel depressed.” Dr. Christine McGrath, psychologist
“Having more internet relationships is associated with higher levels of emotional loneliness than having face-to-face relationships.” http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/109493101300210303
2. Escapism destroys the power of connected, vigorous thinking
“Even fiction which contains no suggestion of impurity, and which may be intended to teach excellent principles, is harmful. It encourages the habit of hasty and superficial reading, merely for the story. Thus it tends to destroy the power of connected and vigorous thought; it unfits the soul to contemplate the great problems of duty and destiny. Counsels to Parents, Teachers and Students, p. 383
3. Escapism draws you away from spiritual things
“You are indulging an evil which threatens to destroy your spirituality. It will eclipse all the beauty and interest of the sacred pages. It is love for storybooks, tales, and other reading which does not have an influence for good upon the mind that is in any way dedicated to the service of God. It produces a false, unhealthy excitement, fevers the imagination, unfits the mind for usefulness, and disqualifies it for any spiritual exercise. It weans the soul from prayer and love of spiritual things.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, pp. 241, 242
Depression and Anxiety: “Escapism allows us to numb ourselves to a reality that we do not want to accept….It allows us to avoid feelings of shame or emotional pain. By imagining ourselves as someone who doesn’t have the constraints that we do, or who possesses something that we lack, we can ‘experience’ that life without having to do the work (and have the luck) necessary to achieve it.” http://feelhappiness.com/escapism-leave-fantasy-world-live-reality/
4. Escapism corrupts and destroys the soul
“A large share of the periodicals and books that, like the frogs of Egypt, are overspreading the land are not merely commonplace, idle, and enervating, but unclean and degrading. Their effect is not merely to intoxicate and ruin the mind, but to corrupt and destroy the soul.” The Adventist Home, p. 415
The more you escape, the more you paralyze your motivation to stop escaping. But in order to escape escapism, YOU MUST TAKE ACTION.
Keys to Escaping Escapism
1. Temperance
• Go to sleep early.
• Exercise.
• Avoid unhealthy food, drink, etc.
• Take time for recreation.
• Invest in quality relationships.
2. Reflection
Ask yourself questions like these.
• What am I fleeing from?
• In what situations do I typically engage in escapist behavior?
• Is there a specific feeling or mood that triggers the urge to escape?
• What is it that I enjoy about my fantasy?
• What do I feel as I “come down” after a fix?
3. Discipline
• Set a timer.
• Keep phone, computer, etc. away from bed.
• Set up accountability system.
• Set goals.
• Have devotions.
4. Prayer and communion with God
All of the previous ingredients are powerless without this one.
“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matt. 26:41
“God has given us the power of choice; it is ours to exercise. We cannot change our hearts, we cannot control our thoughts, our impulses, our affections. We cannot make ourselves pure, fit for God’s service. But we can choose to serve God, we can give Him our will; then He will work in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus our whole nature will be brought under the control of Christ.” The Ministry of Healing, p.176
“Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in the life. By yielding up the will to Christ, we ally ourselves with divine power. We receive strength from above to hold us steadfast. A pure and noble life, a life of victory over appetite and lust, is possible to everyone who will unite his weak, wavering human will to the omnipotent, unwavering will of God.” The Ministry of Healing, p. 176
5. Sharpen your Sword of the Spirit!
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” I Cor. 10:13, 14
“What we do not overcome, will overcome us and work out our destruction.” Steps to Christ, p. 32
The root cause of bad habits: Who Rules The Heart?
“The deepest issues of the human struggle are not issues of pain and suffering, but the issue of worship, because what rules our hearts will control the way we respond to both suffering and blessing.” Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, p. 71
“Whatever rules the heart will exercise inescapable influence over the person’s life and behavior.” Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, p. 68
“Sin is much more than doing the wrong thing. It begins with loving, worshiping, and serving the wrong thing.” Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, p. 67
Sin causes us to steal the story and rewrite it with ourselves as the lead, and with our lives at center stage.” Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, p. 35
“Sin is the ultimate disease, the grand psychosis…Rebellion is the inborn tendency to give in to the lies of autonomy, self-sufficiency, and self-focus.” Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, p. 14
Also see Humanetech
1. Escapism destroys relationships
Escapism robs you of quality time and communication with others
Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
"Now we are learning the more time you spend on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, the more likely you are to feel depressed.” Dr. Christine McGrath, psychologist
“Having more internet relationships is associated with higher levels of emotional loneliness than having face-to-face relationships.” http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/109493101300210303
2. Escapism destroys the power of connected, vigorous thinking
“Even fiction which contains no suggestion of impurity, and which may be intended to teach excellent principles, is harmful. It encourages the habit of hasty and superficial reading, merely for the story. Thus it tends to destroy the power of connected and vigorous thought; it unfits the soul to contemplate the great problems of duty and destiny. Counsels to Parents, Teachers and Students, p. 383
3. Escapism draws you away from spiritual things
“You are indulging an evil which threatens to destroy your spirituality. It will eclipse all the beauty and interest of the sacred pages. It is love for storybooks, tales, and other reading which does not have an influence for good upon the mind that is in any way dedicated to the service of God. It produces a false, unhealthy excitement, fevers the imagination, unfits the mind for usefulness, and disqualifies it for any spiritual exercise. It weans the soul from prayer and love of spiritual things.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, pp. 241, 242
Depression and Anxiety: “Escapism allows us to numb ourselves to a reality that we do not want to accept….It allows us to avoid feelings of shame or emotional pain. By imagining ourselves as someone who doesn’t have the constraints that we do, or who possesses something that we lack, we can ‘experience’ that life without having to do the work (and have the luck) necessary to achieve it.” http://feelhappiness.com/escapism-leave-fantasy-world-live-reality/
4. Escapism corrupts and destroys the soul
“A large share of the periodicals and books that, like the frogs of Egypt, are overspreading the land are not merely commonplace, idle, and enervating, but unclean and degrading. Their effect is not merely to intoxicate and ruin the mind, but to corrupt and destroy the soul.” The Adventist Home, p. 415
The more you escape, the more you paralyze your motivation to stop escaping. But in order to escape escapism, YOU MUST TAKE ACTION.
Keys to Escaping Escapism
1. Temperance
• Go to sleep early.
• Exercise.
• Avoid unhealthy food, drink, etc.
• Take time for recreation.
• Invest in quality relationships.
2. Reflection
Ask yourself questions like these.
• What am I fleeing from?
• In what situations do I typically engage in escapist behavior?
• Is there a specific feeling or mood that triggers the urge to escape?
• What is it that I enjoy about my fantasy?
• What do I feel as I “come down” after a fix?
3. Discipline
• Set a timer.
• Keep phone, computer, etc. away from bed.
• Set up accountability system.
• Set goals.
• Have devotions.
4. Prayer and communion with God
All of the previous ingredients are powerless without this one.
“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matt. 26:41
“God has given us the power of choice; it is ours to exercise. We cannot change our hearts, we cannot control our thoughts, our impulses, our affections. We cannot make ourselves pure, fit for God’s service. But we can choose to serve God, we can give Him our will; then He will work in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus our whole nature will be brought under the control of Christ.” The Ministry of Healing, p.176
“Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in the life. By yielding up the will to Christ, we ally ourselves with divine power. We receive strength from above to hold us steadfast. A pure and noble life, a life of victory over appetite and lust, is possible to everyone who will unite his weak, wavering human will to the omnipotent, unwavering will of God.” The Ministry of Healing, p. 176
5. Sharpen your Sword of the Spirit!
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” I Cor. 10:13, 14
“What we do not overcome, will overcome us and work out our destruction.” Steps to Christ, p. 32
The root cause of bad habits: Who Rules The Heart?
“The deepest issues of the human struggle are not issues of pain and suffering, but the issue of worship, because what rules our hearts will control the way we respond to both suffering and blessing.” Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, p. 71
“Whatever rules the heart will exercise inescapable influence over the person’s life and behavior.” Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, p. 68
“Sin is much more than doing the wrong thing. It begins with loving, worshiping, and serving the wrong thing.” Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, p. 67
Sin causes us to steal the story and rewrite it with ourselves as the lead, and with our lives at center stage.” Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, p. 35
“Sin is the ultimate disease, the grand psychosis…Rebellion is the inborn tendency to give in to the lies of autonomy, self-sufficiency, and self-focus.” Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, p. 14
Also see Humanetech
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Proverbs on Keeping Out of Trouble
Proverbs on keeping out of trouble (or the evil way)
Proverbs 2:10-12
When wisdom enters your heart,
And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
Discretion will preserve you;
Understanding will keep you,
To deliver you from the way of evil,
From the man who speaks perverse things
Proverbs 22:3
A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself,
But the simple pass on and are punished.
Proverbs 3:7
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
Proverbs 4:14-15
Do not enter the path of the wicked,
And do not walk in the way of evil.
Avoid it, do not travel on it;
Turn away from it and pass on.
Proverbs 3:21-24
My son, let them not depart from your eyes—
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
So they will be life to your soul
And grace to your neck.
Then you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble.
When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
Proverbs 8:13
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way
And the perverse mouth I hate.
Proverbs 10:9
He who walks with integrity walks securely,
But he who perverts his ways will become known.
Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 12:26
The righteous should choose his friends carefully,
For the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Proverbs 14:2
He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord,
But he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.
Proverbs 14:16
A wise man fears and departs from evil,
But a fool rages and is self-confident.
Proverbs 14:27
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
To turn one away from the snares of death.
Proverbs 15:16
Better is a little with the fear of the Lord,
Than great treasure with trouble.
Proverbs 16:6
In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity;
And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil.
Proverbs 16:17
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil;
He who keeps his way preserves his soul.
Proverbs 21:23
Whoever guards his mouth and tongue
Keeps his soul from troubles.
Proverbs on how people cause their own trouble:
Proverbs 5:22
His own iniquities entrap the wicked man,
and he is caught in the cords of his sin.
Proverbs 6:1-5
My son, if you become surety for your friend,
If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,
You are snared by the words of your mouth;
You are taken by the words of your mouth.
So do this, my son, and deliver yourself;
For you have come into the hand of your friend:
Go and humble yourself;
Plead with your friend.
Give no sleep to your eyes,
Nor slumber to your eyelids.
Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.
Proverbs 11:5-6
The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright,
but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright will deliver them,
but the unfaithful will be caught by their lust.
Proverbs 10:19
In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.
Proverbs 12:13
The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
but the righteous will come through trouble.
Proverbs 18:6-8
A fool’s lips enter into contention,
And his mouth calls for blows.
A fool’s mouth is his destruction,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.
The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body.
Proverbs 20:25
It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy,
And afterward to reconsider his vows.
Proverbs 22:5, 24-25
Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse;
he who guards his soul will be far from them.
Make no friendship with an angry man,
And with a furious man do not go,
Lest you learn his ways
And set a snare for your soul.
Proverbs 28:10
Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way,
He himself will fall into his own pit;
But the blameless will inherit good.
Proverbs 29:5-6
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
By transgression an evil man is snared,
but the righteous sings and rejoices.
Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man brings a snare,
But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.
Also see How to cleans one's way
Also see Fatherly Advice In Proverbs
Proverbs 2:10-12
When wisdom enters your heart,
And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
Discretion will preserve you;
Understanding will keep you,
To deliver you from the way of evil,
From the man who speaks perverse things
Proverbs 22:3
A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself,
But the simple pass on and are punished.
Proverbs 3:7
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
Proverbs 4:14-15
Do not enter the path of the wicked,
And do not walk in the way of evil.
Avoid it, do not travel on it;
Turn away from it and pass on.
Proverbs 3:21-24
My son, let them not depart from your eyes—
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
So they will be life to your soul
And grace to your neck.
Then you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble.
When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
Proverbs 8:13
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way
And the perverse mouth I hate.
Proverbs 10:9
He who walks with integrity walks securely,
But he who perverts his ways will become known.
Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 12:26
The righteous should choose his friends carefully,
For the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Proverbs 14:2
He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord,
But he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.
Proverbs 14:16
A wise man fears and departs from evil,
But a fool rages and is self-confident.
Proverbs 14:27
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
To turn one away from the snares of death.
Proverbs 15:16
Better is a little with the fear of the Lord,
Than great treasure with trouble.
Proverbs 16:6
In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity;
And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil.
Proverbs 16:17
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil;
He who keeps his way preserves his soul.
Proverbs 21:23
Whoever guards his mouth and tongue
Keeps his soul from troubles.
Proverbs on how people cause their own trouble:
Proverbs 5:22
His own iniquities entrap the wicked man,
and he is caught in the cords of his sin.
Proverbs 6:1-5
My son, if you become surety for your friend,
If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,
You are snared by the words of your mouth;
You are taken by the words of your mouth.
So do this, my son, and deliver yourself;
For you have come into the hand of your friend:
Go and humble yourself;
Plead with your friend.
Give no sleep to your eyes,
Nor slumber to your eyelids.
Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.
Proverbs 11:5-6
The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright,
but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright will deliver them,
but the unfaithful will be caught by their lust.
Proverbs 10:19
In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.
Proverbs 12:13
The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
but the righteous will come through trouble.
Proverbs 18:6-8
A fool’s lips enter into contention,
And his mouth calls for blows.
A fool’s mouth is his destruction,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.
The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body.
Proverbs 20:25
It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy,
And afterward to reconsider his vows.
Proverbs 22:5, 24-25
Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse;
he who guards his soul will be far from them.
Make no friendship with an angry man,
And with a furious man do not go,
Lest you learn his ways
And set a snare for your soul.
Proverbs 28:10
Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way,
He himself will fall into his own pit;
But the blameless will inherit good.
Proverbs 29:5-6
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
By transgression an evil man is snared,
but the righteous sings and rejoices.
Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man brings a snare,
But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.
Also see How to cleans one's way
Also see Fatherly Advice In Proverbs
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Proverbs on interactions with others
Proverbs 18:1
A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all wise judgment.
Proverbs 11:30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
And he who wins souls is wise.
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 18:24
A man who has friends [must himself be friendly]*
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother
*Some translations say, "A man with many friends may come to ruin."
Proverbs 12:26
The righteous should choose his friends carefully,
For the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 21:23
Whoever guards his mouth and tongue
Keeps his soul from troubles.
Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his mouth preserves his life,
But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.
Proverbs 27:2
Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth;
A stranger, and not your own lips.
Proverbs 6:1-5
My son, if you become surety for your friend,
If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,
You are snared by the words of your mouth;
You are taken by the words of your mouth.
So do this, my son, and deliver yourself;
For you have come into the hand of your friend:
Go and humble yourself;
Plead with your friend.
Give no sleep to your eyes,
Nor slumber to your eyelids.
Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.
Proverbs 10:18-19
A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all wise judgment.
Proverbs 11:30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
And he who wins souls is wise.
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 18:24
A man who has friends [must himself be friendly]*
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother
*Some translations say, "A man with many friends may come to ruin."
Proverbs 12:26
The righteous should choose his friends carefully,
For the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 21:23
Whoever guards his mouth and tongue
Keeps his soul from troubles.
Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his mouth preserves his life,
But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.
Proverbs 27:2
Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth;
A stranger, and not your own lips.
Proverbs 6:1-5
My son, if you become surety for your friend,
If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,
You are snared by the words of your mouth;
You are taken by the words of your mouth.
So do this, my son, and deliver yourself;
For you have come into the hand of your friend:
Go and humble yourself;
Plead with your friend.
Give no sleep to your eyes,
Nor slumber to your eyelids.
Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.
Proverbs 10:18-19
Whoever hides hatred has lying lips,
And whoever spreads slander is a fool.
In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.
Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous studies how to answer,
But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.
Proverbs 12:13
The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
but the righteous will come through trouble.
Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirs up strife,
but he who is slow to anger allays contention.
Proverbs 18:6-8
A fool’s lips enter into contention,
And his mouth calls for blows.
A fool’s mouth is his destruction,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.
The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body.
Proverbs 22:5, 24-25
Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse;
he who guards his soul will be far from them.
Make no friendship with an angry man,
And with a furious man do not go,
Lest you learn his ways
And set a snare for your soul.
Proverbs 28:10
Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way,
He himself will fall into his own pit;
But the blameless will inherit good.
Proverbs 24:15-18 Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not plunder his resting place; For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity. Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, And He turn away His wrath from him.
Proverbs 15:4
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,
But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 29:5-6
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
By transgression an evil man is snared,
but the righteous sings and rejoices.
Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man brings a snare,
But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.
Proverbs 3:30
Do not strive with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm.
Proverbs 17:14
The beginning of strife is like releasing water;
Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.
Proverbs 29:11
A fool vents all his feelings,
But a wise man holds them back.
Proverbs 11:12
He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor,
But a man of understanding holds his peace.
Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace;
When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger,
and his glory is to overlook a transgression.
Proverbs 17:9
He who covers a transgression seeks love,
But he who repeats a matter separates friends.
Proverbs 26:21
As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Proverbs 18:13
He who answers a matter before he hears it,
It is folly and shame to him.
Proverbs 29:20
Do you see a man hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 23:9
Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
For he will despise the wisdom of your words.
Proverbs 18:2
A fool has no delight in understanding,
But in expressing his own heart.
Proverbs 26:4
Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest you also be like him.
Related Scripture Songs:
Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous studies how to answer,
But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.
Proverbs 12:13
The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
but the righteous will come through trouble.
Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirs up strife,
but he who is slow to anger allays contention.
Proverbs 18:6-8
A fool’s lips enter into contention,
And his mouth calls for blows.
A fool’s mouth is his destruction,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.
The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body.
Proverbs 22:5, 24-25
Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse;
he who guards his soul will be far from them.
Make no friendship with an angry man,
And with a furious man do not go,
Lest you learn his ways
And set a snare for your soul.
Proverbs 28:10
Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way,
He himself will fall into his own pit;
But the blameless will inherit good.
Proverbs 24:15-18 Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not plunder his resting place; For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity. Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, And He turn away His wrath from him.
Proverbs 15:4
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,
But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 29:5-6
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
By transgression an evil man is snared,
but the righteous sings and rejoices.
Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man brings a snare,
But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.
Proverbs 3:30
Do not strive with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm.
Proverbs 17:14
The beginning of strife is like releasing water;
Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.
Proverbs 29:11
A fool vents all his feelings,
But a wise man holds them back.
Proverbs 11:12
He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor,
But a man of understanding holds his peace.
Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace;
When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger,
and his glory is to overlook a transgression.
Proverbs 17:9
He who covers a transgression seeks love,
But he who repeats a matter separates friends.
Proverbs 26:21
As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Proverbs 18:13
He who answers a matter before he hears it,
It is folly and shame to him.
Proverbs 29:20
Do you see a man hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 23:9
Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
For he will despise the wisdom of your words.
Proverbs 18:2
A fool has no delight in understanding,
But in expressing his own heart.
Proverbs 26:4
Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest you also be like him.
Related Scripture Songs:
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Fatherly Advice In Proverbs
Proverbs 1:8-9
My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.
Proverbs 1:10, 15 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent... My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path
Proverbs 2:1-5 My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 3:1-2 My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you.
Proverbs 3:11-12
My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
Proverbs 3:21-24 My son, let them not depart from your eyes— Keep sound wisdom and discretion; So they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck. Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
Proverbs 4:10-13 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life.
Proverbs 4:20-27 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.
Proverbs 5:1-6 My son, pay attention to my wisdom; Lend your ear to my understanding, That you may preserve discretion, And your lips may keep knowledge. For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, And her mouth is smoother than oil; But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death, Her steps lay hold of hell. Lest you ponder her path of life— Her ways are unstable; You do not know them.
Proverbs 6:1-5 My son, if you become surety for your friend, If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; For you have come into the hand of your friend: Go and humble yourself; Plead with your friend. Give no sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids. Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.
Proverbs 7:1-5 My son, keep my words, And treasure my commands within you. Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” And call understanding your nearest kin, That they may keep you from the immoral woman, From the seductress who flatters with her words.
Proverbs 19:27
Cease listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
Proverbs 23:15-16
My son, if your heart is wise, My heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself; Yes, my inmost being will rejoice When your lips speak right things.
Proverbs 23:19-21 Hear, my son, and be wise; And guide your heart in the way. Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.
Proverbs 24:13-14 My son, eat honey because it is good, And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste; So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; If you have found it, there is a prospect, And your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 24:21-22
My son, fear the Lord and the king; Do not associate with those given to change; For their calamity will rise suddenly, And who knows the ruin those two can bring?
Proverbs 27:11
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me.
My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.
Proverbs 1:10, 15 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent... My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path
Proverbs 2:1-5 My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 3:1-2 My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you.
Proverbs 3:11-12
My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
Proverbs 3:21-24 My son, let them not depart from your eyes— Keep sound wisdom and discretion; So they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck. Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
Proverbs 4:10-13 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life.
Proverbs 4:20-27 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.
Proverbs 5:1-6 My son, pay attention to my wisdom; Lend your ear to my understanding, That you may preserve discretion, And your lips may keep knowledge. For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, And her mouth is smoother than oil; But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death, Her steps lay hold of hell. Lest you ponder her path of life— Her ways are unstable; You do not know them.
Proverbs 6:1-5 My son, if you become surety for your friend, If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; For you have come into the hand of your friend: Go and humble yourself; Plead with your friend. Give no sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids. Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.
Proverbs 7:1-5 My son, keep my words, And treasure my commands within you. Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” And call understanding your nearest kin, That they may keep you from the immoral woman, From the seductress who flatters with her words.
Proverbs 19:27
Cease listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
Proverbs 23:15-16
My son, if your heart is wise, My heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself; Yes, my inmost being will rejoice When your lips speak right things.
Proverbs 23:19-21 Hear, my son, and be wise; And guide your heart in the way. Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.
Proverbs 24:13-14 My son, eat honey because it is good, And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste; So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; If you have found it, there is a prospect, And your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 24:21-22
My son, fear the Lord and the king; Do not associate with those given to change; For their calamity will rise suddenly, And who knows the ruin those two can bring?
Proverbs 27:11
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me.
Monday, April 9, 2018
Looking Unto Jesus
Are you feeling discouraged? Look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith, who endured the cross in order to save you. (Hebrews 12:1-4). The Lord says, "Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other." Isaiah 45:22
Don't lose hope, He hasn't finished working on you yet! For "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" Philippians 1:6. We are to seek those things which are above where Christ is (Colossians 3:1-2). Think on all of God's promises that you can claim to solve the problems that you find so discouraging. Remember, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" and God is more than willing to give "good things to those who ask Him!" (James 1:17, Matthew 7:11). God's sending us His Son shows us how willing He is to help us (Romans 8:32). "No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly" Psalm 84:11
Remember when ancient Israel began to murmur and doubt in God's care for them and then they were bitten by snakes? (Numbers 21:4-5). Then Moses was commanded to raise a bronze serpent on a pole so that whoever looked at it would live. (Numbers 21:6-9). Likewise, Jesus was lifted up on a cross so that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:14-15). Thank God through Jesus we find victory over sin's "sting of death" (1 Corinthians 15:56-57). To the discouraged soul who wonders if Jesus will cleanse them from the fatal leprosy of sin, He says “I am willing; be cleansed.” Mark 1:41. Do you want to be made well? “Rise!" and "walk!” (John 5:6-8). Forget the past and "press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14
Saving grace through faith is a gift, it's not something you can earn and then boast about (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are HIS workmanship "created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10. Remember, "it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:13.
Now, don't be surprised by fiery trials, they are as a refiner's fire (1 Peter 4:12-13, Malachi 3:2-3). God refines our characters through the discipline of trials because He loves us (Hebrews 12:5-6). "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9. When God forgives us, it doesn't mean he didn't love us before, He always loves us (Jeremiah 31:3).
Remember that God doesn't want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9). His wrath isn't against man, it's against the "ungodliness and unrighteousness of men" (Romans 1:18). God's love was demonstrated by Christ dying for us so that through Him we could be saved from wrath (Romans 5:8-10). Jesus tasted death for us so that we don't have to (Hebrews 2:9). Through Him we are justified and we find peace with God (Romans 5:1).
We can "glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5. We will love because He first loved us and if we love Him we will keep His commandments (1 John 4:19, John 14:15). Keeping His commandments won't be a burden because we abide in His love (1 John 5:3, John 15:9-10). Those who have been perfected in love are not motivated by fear (1 John 4:18).
If God's love isn't in our hearts, then whatever we do will be meaningless rules and traditions (Mark 7:5-6). Self-imposed rules have no value against the indulgence against the flesh (Colossians 2:20-23). What we need is God's Spirit to put to death the deeds of the body so we can live for Him (Romans 8:13, Romans 6:11). We still have a carnal nature to contend with, it is only through the power of Christ's Spirit in us that we can find deliverance (Romans 7:18-25, It is only by faith that we can say that we no longer live, but Christ lives in us (Galatians 2:20). It is only by faith we can say we are "not in the flesh but in the Spirit" Romans 8:9. We need to live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7). Romans 8:1-11). Those who live in according to how the flesh sees or feels are not living by faith and cannot please God (Romans 8:8, Hebrews 11:6).
It's those who become frustrated with legalism often go to the other extreme of using grace as an excuse to keep sinning (Romans 6:1-2). They haven't learned to appreciate the freedom found in Jesus who alone can save us from the slavery of sin (John 8:34, John 8:36). The correct response to this freedom is to serve God, presenting our bodies as instruments of righteousness. (1 Peter 2:15-16, Romans 6:13). If we really understood that we were bought with the price of Christ's blood, we would remember we are not our own, we are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Jesus is the truth that sets us free from sin (John 14:6, John 8:32). We must be careful not to suppress the truth, changing the glory of the eternal God into an image made like mortal man (Romans 1:22-25). We must be careful not to fall for another gospel that really isn't a gospel or "good news" at all (2 Corinthians 11:3-4, Galatians 1:6-8). The everlasting gospel has everything to do with fearing God, giving Him glory, worshiping Him who created all things (Revelation 14:6-7). Christ is worthy of our worship, for He created and redeemed us (Revelation 4:11, Revelation 5:9).
The true gospel teaches that Jesus frees us from both the penalty and power of sin. By God's grace we can hate sin and have Satan crushed under our feet (Genesis 3:14-15, Romans 16:20). Victory over sin is possible with God's help and He doesn't get frustrated with helping us. It's His exceeding joy to keep us from falling (Jude 24).
Now, though we are to hate sin, we are to love sinners because Jesus came to save sinners from their sin. (1 Timothy 1:15, Matthew 1:21). True hate for sin comes from the understanding of the harm it does to the sinner and how it defaces the image of God. (Genesis 1:27). We need to beware of fault-finding and gossip (Proverbs 11:12-13). We would be doing much harm, to both ourselves and other sinners like ourselves, by dwelling on own faults and the faults of others, and here's why: we become what we look at. Now if we have the Spirit of the Lord, we will dwell on His glory and be transformed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). We will see a great contrast between His character and our own, and thus we our convicted of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8-11).
"Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help." Psalm 146:3. It is a curse to depend on the on what man does or doesn't do (Jeremiah 17:5-6). Jesus said that without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). Blessing can only be found in placing our trust in in the Lord (Jeremiah 17:7-8). God knows our hearts are deceptive and yet He is so merciful toward us, great is His faithfulness! (Jeremiah 17:9-10, Lamentations 3:22-23). Let God have your heart and He will give you a new one (Ezekiel 36:26). He will give you His Spirit, then you will be able to say "I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart." Ezekiel 36:27, Psalm 40:8.
Don't lose hope, He hasn't finished working on you yet! For "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" Philippians 1:6. We are to seek those things which are above where Christ is (Colossians 3:1-2). Think on all of God's promises that you can claim to solve the problems that you find so discouraging. Remember, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" and God is more than willing to give "good things to those who ask Him!" (James 1:17, Matthew 7:11). God's sending us His Son shows us how willing He is to help us (Romans 8:32). "No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly" Psalm 84:11
Remember when ancient Israel began to murmur and doubt in God's care for them and then they were bitten by snakes? (Numbers 21:4-5). Then Moses was commanded to raise a bronze serpent on a pole so that whoever looked at it would live. (Numbers 21:6-9). Likewise, Jesus was lifted up on a cross so that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:14-15). Thank God through Jesus we find victory over sin's "sting of death" (1 Corinthians 15:56-57). To the discouraged soul who wonders if Jesus will cleanse them from the fatal leprosy of sin, He says “I am willing; be cleansed.” Mark 1:41. Do you want to be made well? “Rise!" and "walk!” (John 5:6-8). Forget the past and "press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14
Saving grace through faith is a gift, it's not something you can earn and then boast about (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are HIS workmanship "created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10. Remember, "it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:13.
Now, don't be surprised by fiery trials, they are as a refiner's fire (1 Peter 4:12-13, Malachi 3:2-3). God refines our characters through the discipline of trials because He loves us (Hebrews 12:5-6). "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9. When God forgives us, it doesn't mean he didn't love us before, He always loves us (Jeremiah 31:3).
Remember that God doesn't want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9). His wrath isn't against man, it's against the "ungodliness and unrighteousness of men" (Romans 1:18). God's love was demonstrated by Christ dying for us so that through Him we could be saved from wrath (Romans 5:8-10). Jesus tasted death for us so that we don't have to (Hebrews 2:9). Through Him we are justified and we find peace with God (Romans 5:1).
We can "glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5. We will love because He first loved us and if we love Him we will keep His commandments (1 John 4:19, John 14:15). Keeping His commandments won't be a burden because we abide in His love (1 John 5:3, John 15:9-10). Those who have been perfected in love are not motivated by fear (1 John 4:18).
If God's love isn't in our hearts, then whatever we do will be meaningless rules and traditions (Mark 7:5-6). Self-imposed rules have no value against the indulgence against the flesh (Colossians 2:20-23). What we need is God's Spirit to put to death the deeds of the body so we can live for Him (Romans 8:13, Romans 6:11). We still have a carnal nature to contend with, it is only through the power of Christ's Spirit in us that we can find deliverance (Romans 7:18-25, It is only by faith that we can say that we no longer live, but Christ lives in us (Galatians 2:20). It is only by faith we can say we are "not in the flesh but in the Spirit" Romans 8:9. We need to live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7). Romans 8:1-11). Those who live in according to how the flesh sees or feels are not living by faith and cannot please God (Romans 8:8, Hebrews 11:6).
It's those who become frustrated with legalism often go to the other extreme of using grace as an excuse to keep sinning (Romans 6:1-2). They haven't learned to appreciate the freedom found in Jesus who alone can save us from the slavery of sin (John 8:34, John 8:36). The correct response to this freedom is to serve God, presenting our bodies as instruments of righteousness. (1 Peter 2:15-16, Romans 6:13). If we really understood that we were bought with the price of Christ's blood, we would remember we are not our own, we are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Jesus is the truth that sets us free from sin (John 14:6, John 8:32). We must be careful not to suppress the truth, changing the glory of the eternal God into an image made like mortal man (Romans 1:22-25). We must be careful not to fall for another gospel that really isn't a gospel or "good news" at all (2 Corinthians 11:3-4, Galatians 1:6-8). The everlasting gospel has everything to do with fearing God, giving Him glory, worshiping Him who created all things (Revelation 14:6-7). Christ is worthy of our worship, for He created and redeemed us (Revelation 4:11, Revelation 5:9).
The true gospel teaches that Jesus frees us from both the penalty and power of sin. By God's grace we can hate sin and have Satan crushed under our feet (Genesis 3:14-15, Romans 16:20). Victory over sin is possible with God's help and He doesn't get frustrated with helping us. It's His exceeding joy to keep us from falling (Jude 24).
Now, though we are to hate sin, we are to love sinners because Jesus came to save sinners from their sin. (1 Timothy 1:15, Matthew 1:21). True hate for sin comes from the understanding of the harm it does to the sinner and how it defaces the image of God. (Genesis 1:27). We need to beware of fault-finding and gossip (Proverbs 11:12-13). We would be doing much harm, to both ourselves and other sinners like ourselves, by dwelling on own faults and the faults of others, and here's why: we become what we look at. Now if we have the Spirit of the Lord, we will dwell on His glory and be transformed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). We will see a great contrast between His character and our own, and thus we our convicted of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8-11).
"Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help." Psalm 146:3. It is a curse to depend on the on what man does or doesn't do (Jeremiah 17:5-6). Jesus said that without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). Blessing can only be found in placing our trust in in the Lord (Jeremiah 17:7-8). God knows our hearts are deceptive and yet He is so merciful toward us, great is His faithfulness! (Jeremiah 17:9-10, Lamentations 3:22-23). Let God have your heart and He will give you a new one (Ezekiel 36:26). He will give you His Spirit, then you will be able to say "I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart." Ezekiel 36:27, Psalm 40:8.
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