For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. - (Hebrews 4:12)
The Bible holds supreme authority by virtue of its Author, who is the King of creation and thus Ruler over all the earth. The Bible’s authority is inherent in its every word. Scripture is God’s revelation in history. Just as there is no higher authority in an earthly kingdom than a king, there is no higher authority you and I can appeal to than the Word of God in God’s kingdom.
The Bible’s authority is timeless. For example, when we read in Exodus 20:3, “You shall have no other gods before Me,”this command has the very same force behind it today that it had when God first thundered these words to Moses more than three thousand years ago. Unfortunately one problem I see as a pastor today is that people disregard God’s Word because to them, it’s just ink on a page.
Our problem is that we weren’t there when God first spoke His Word—because if we had been there, we wouldn’t be so casual about it. To get an idea of the terror that gripped Moses and all of Israel when God gave His commandments, read Hebrews 12:18–21. Even Moses said, “I’m so scared that I can barely even stand” (loosely translated).
The Bible is not simply words about God, it is the Word of God. Many people learn about God from the Bible, which is good—but that is not where you are to stop. The Word of God is the voice of God in print. It is active and alive and sharper than a two-edged sword, able to reach and instruct the deepest recesses and core of who you are (Hebrews 4:12).
Reflection: Do you find yourself convicted by the thought that you, too, take the Word of God too casually? Read and meditate on Hebrews 4:12. Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the Bible—and spend some time reading it. Your Word, God, is powerful. Your authority is all-inclusive. Grant me grace as I study Your Word to understand and apply it in my life each day.
Watch Online Videos of Dr. Tony Evans and The Urban Alternative at LightSource.com and Listen to Dr. Tony Evans Online Broadcasts at OnePlace.com.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Monday, February 8, 2016
God’s Faithfulness
by Max Lucado
Life has many unanswered questions, but be settled about God’s faithfulness to you! Romans 8:32 declares, If God “did not spare his own Son but gave him for us all,” will he not also give you all you need for a Promised Land life? God’s Word is sure!
And 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is the reminder that Scripture is powerful and a useful weapon against any stronghold. “All Scripture is God-breathed…useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
I invite you to join me in a Scripture Memory Challenge. Let’s memorize together the verses in 2 Timothy 3:16-17! I’ll show you how easy it is at GloryDaysToday.com.
Life has many unanswered questions, but be settled about God’s faithfulness to you! Romans 8:32 declares, If God “did not spare his own Son but gave him for us all,” will he not also give you all you need for a Promised Land life? God’s Word is sure!
And 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is the reminder that Scripture is powerful and a useful weapon against any stronghold. “All Scripture is God-breathed…useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
I invite you to join me in a Scripture Memory Challenge. Let’s memorize together the verses in 2 Timothy 3:16-17! I’ll show you how easy it is at GloryDaysToday.com.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Happiness Habit: Get to Know God Better
By Rick Warren
“For my determined purpose is that I may ... progressively become more
deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing
and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more
clearly.” (Philippians 3:10 AMP)
Paul discovered that. He says in Philippians 3:10, “For my determined
purpose is that I may ... progressively become more deeply and
intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and
understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly”
(AMP).
There is a difference in knowing about someone and knowing
someone. I know more about Justin Bieber and Kim Kardashian than I want
to, but I don’t really know them. I know my wife and I know my kids
because I spend time with them. I have a relationship with them.
Paul became “deeply and intimately acquainted” with God because he had a
relationship with him and took the time to get to know him.
You don’t get to know God by accident. It’s a “determined purpose.” It’s something you have to do something about. You have to invest your time in it.
But, we get too busy, and busyness destroys relationships. It destroys
your relationship with your family, and it destroys your relationship
with God.
To get to know Jesus, you’ve got to spend time with him. If you want to
spend time with him, you’ve got to make time for him. Just set aside 10
or 15 minutes of focused time with God in the morning, and make sure
you and your mind are not busy. Just be still, and it will make all the
difference in the world.
Talk It Over
- What is something you do every day for at least 15 minutes? Is it more important than spending time with God?
- How do you need to adjust your schedule so that you can make time to spend with God?
- What are the distractions that keep you too busy to spend time with God?
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit rickwarren.org
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Our Only Boast
by Pastor C.R. Stam
“God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Gal.6:14).
St. Paul was once a proud Pharisee, smug in his self-righteousness. In Philippians 3:5,6, he lists some of the things in which he took great pride:
“Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel,of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.”
But everything was changed since that day when the Lord appeared to him on the road to Damascus. Suddenly he had seen himself a lost, condemned sinner in the sight of a holy God and had tasted the matchless grace that could reach down from heaven and save even him. He knew now that he could not stand before God in himself, or “on his own two feet,” as we say. His only safety before the bar of God was to take refuge in Christ,as he says in Verse 9:
“And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”
Now he knew, as we all should know, that he really had nothing to boast of as far as his own standing before God was concerned. For the rest of his life, however, he did constantly boast of one thing: the cross,where the Christ he had so bitterly persecuted had died for his sins that he (Paul) might be justified before God. All else of which Paul boasted was embraced in the cross of Christ. This too is really the only thing we have to boast of and the most godly saint will enthusiastically join Paul in saying:
“BUT GOD FORBID THAT I SHOULD GLORY, SAVE IN THE CROSS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, BY WHOM THE WORLD IS CRUCIFIED UNTO ME, AND UNTO THE WORLD.”
“God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Gal.6:14).
St. Paul was once a proud Pharisee, smug in his self-righteousness. In Philippians 3:5,6, he lists some of the things in which he took great pride:
“Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel,of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.”
But everything was changed since that day when the Lord appeared to him on the road to Damascus. Suddenly he had seen himself a lost, condemned sinner in the sight of a holy God and had tasted the matchless grace that could reach down from heaven and save even him. He knew now that he could not stand before God in himself, or “on his own two feet,” as we say. His only safety before the bar of God was to take refuge in Christ,as he says in Verse 9:
“And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”
Now he knew, as we all should know, that he really had nothing to boast of as far as his own standing before God was concerned. For the rest of his life, however, he did constantly boast of one thing: the cross,where the Christ he had so bitterly persecuted had died for his sins that he (Paul) might be justified before God. All else of which Paul boasted was embraced in the cross of Christ. This too is really the only thing we have to boast of and the most godly saint will enthusiastically join Paul in saying:
“BUT GOD FORBID THAT I SHOULD GLORY, SAVE IN THE CROSS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, BY WHOM THE WORLD IS CRUCIFIED UNTO ME, AND UNTO THE WORLD.”
Friday, February 5, 2016
Enough Love for Two
Author: Unknown
When Kerri was almost two, we found we were expecting another baby. We wanted to get Kerri used to having another child around, hoping she would learn to share and be good to other kids. So, our friend, Millie, brought their little boy over to play with Kerri and she loved Andy a whole lot. They played together and she didn't have trouble sharing her things with him, at all. Andy was about a year old, I guess, and was such a contented little boy.
The day, finally, arrived and we had another baby girl, named Sherri. She was called 'Peanut' all her life, and still is.
On the day we were to go home from the hospital, I had asked my mom to get Kerri dressed for the coming home ride, so that Kerri would feel like this was her baby, too ~ as we had said, all along, to her, "This is your baby, too."
It was mid November and there was a blizzard going on that day. So, Peanut had been wrapped in two big blankets, for the ride home.
As we got into the car, Kerri stood between me and her daddy. (That was back before the days of car seats and children seeing the babies before they came home.) During the ride, Kerri kept looking around the car and seemed sort of confused.
"What's the matter honey?" I asked. "What are you looking for?"
"Where's my baby?" she asked me. I opened the blankets to expose the little tiny face of her sister, to which she replied, "Oh," and looked very disappointed.
We tried to make conversation, with Kerri, on the ride home; fearful, already, that she didn't like her new sibling. Then I realized, to her, a baby was Andy and he was much bigger, and able to play. This little thing was not her idea of a baby.
During the early days of 'welcome home, baby' there were adjustments and I had the job of sorting through some of Kerri's clothes; some to keep, some to pass on, some to get rid of, and some to give back to the people that had loaned them.
One day, while setting to this task, again, Peanut began to fuss and I needed another hand, for sure. Picking up the baby, then I grabbed a diaper and a washcloth (before the days of Pampers and wipes) and settled on the couch to change her. I must have been grumbling about everything needing attention at the same time. I was so frazzled, trying to be a good mom and not to let Kerri feel left out. I had serious doubts that Kerri would ever like Peanut, her new baby.
I must have been near tears, myself, in my frustration, as Kerri approached us. She was very quiet and subdued. (Though, Kerri was never a noisy child and demanded very little of my time.) She had a tear in her eye. So, I asked "What's the matter, honey?"
Then came the answer to my prayers, "Mommy, can we keep her?"
I guess my sorting clothes had been quietly observed by this little girl, full of questions on who stays and who goes; just like with the clothes.
What a day of blessing that was! There have been many times since then that they have fought and wanted to give each other away. But, for today, there was enough love to keep them both.
"Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied." - Jude 1:2
When Kerri was almost two, we found we were expecting another baby. We wanted to get Kerri used to having another child around, hoping she would learn to share and be good to other kids. So, our friend, Millie, brought their little boy over to play with Kerri and she loved Andy a whole lot. They played together and she didn't have trouble sharing her things with him, at all. Andy was about a year old, I guess, and was such a contented little boy.
The day, finally, arrived and we had another baby girl, named Sherri. She was called 'Peanut' all her life, and still is.
On the day we were to go home from the hospital, I had asked my mom to get Kerri dressed for the coming home ride, so that Kerri would feel like this was her baby, too ~ as we had said, all along, to her, "This is your baby, too."
It was mid November and there was a blizzard going on that day. So, Peanut had been wrapped in two big blankets, for the ride home.
As we got into the car, Kerri stood between me and her daddy. (That was back before the days of car seats and children seeing the babies before they came home.) During the ride, Kerri kept looking around the car and seemed sort of confused.
"What's the matter honey?" I asked. "What are you looking for?"
"Where's my baby?" she asked me. I opened the blankets to expose the little tiny face of her sister, to which she replied, "Oh," and looked very disappointed.
We tried to make conversation, with Kerri, on the ride home; fearful, already, that she didn't like her new sibling. Then I realized, to her, a baby was Andy and he was much bigger, and able to play. This little thing was not her idea of a baby.
During the early days of 'welcome home, baby' there were adjustments and I had the job of sorting through some of Kerri's clothes; some to keep, some to pass on, some to get rid of, and some to give back to the people that had loaned them.
One day, while setting to this task, again, Peanut began to fuss and I needed another hand, for sure. Picking up the baby, then I grabbed a diaper and a washcloth (before the days of Pampers and wipes) and settled on the couch to change her. I must have been grumbling about everything needing attention at the same time. I was so frazzled, trying to be a good mom and not to let Kerri feel left out. I had serious doubts that Kerri would ever like Peanut, her new baby.
I must have been near tears, myself, in my frustration, as Kerri approached us. She was very quiet and subdued. (Though, Kerri was never a noisy child and demanded very little of my time.) She had a tear in her eye. So, I asked "What's the matter, honey?"
Then came the answer to my prayers, "Mommy, can we keep her?"
I guess my sorting clothes had been quietly observed by this little girl, full of questions on who stays and who goes; just like with the clothes.
What a day of blessing that was! There have been many times since then that they have fought and wanted to give each other away. But, for today, there was enough love to keep them both.
"Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied." - Jude 1:2
Thursday, February 4, 2016
You Ask Why I Follow This Jesus?
Author Unknown
You ask why I follow this Jesus?
Why I love Him the way I do?
When the world’s turned away from His teachings
And the people who serve Him are few.
It’s not the rewards I’m
after
Or gifts I hope to receive
It’s the Presence that calls for commitment
It’s the Spirit I trust and believe.
The Lord doesn’t shelter His faithful
Or spare them all suffering and pain,
Like everyone else I have burdens,
And walk through my share of rain.
Yet He gives me a plan and a purpose,
And that joy only Christians have known,
I never know what comes tomorrow,
But I do know I’m never alone.
It’s the love always there when you need it;
It’s the words that redeem and inspire,
It’s the longing to ever be with Him
That burns in my heart like a fire.
So you ask why I love my Lord Jesus?
Well, Friend, that’s so easy to see,
But the one thing that fills me with wonder is
Why Jesus loves someone like me.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” - John 10:27
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Choose Wisely
by shani4jc
"You can't shack up with the devil and expect God to pay your rent."
I'm not sure who originally came up with this saying, but there is a lot of truth in those 14 words. There may be a lot of truth in those words, but do we live our lives as if we believe that truth? Speaking for myself, as much as I hate to admit it, I have been known to have a housewarming party or two (who am I kidding...it's too many to count) with Satan and then expect God to pick up the tab. However, it simply doesn't work that way. We cannot live a life controlled by Satan and expect God to turn a blind eye to it. We cannot expect to do God a favor by going to church on Sunday and then live the rest of the week however we choose to and still have Him provide for us, protect us, and give us the best He has to offer us. Even in our deepest sin, God blesses us, but it is not going to be the way He intended to bless us. When we settle for a life of sin, we choose to settle for a life of just a trickle of His blessings when what He planned for us was a life of a tsunami of blessings. Nothing we have ever done and nothing we will ever do will cause God to stop loving us, but when we live a life driven by sin, we limit how much we will experience this love. It's so easy to live the way we want to and then say God doesn't love us when He doesn't do exactly what we want Him to do. It's so easy to blame Him for not coming through for us when, in reality, our sin is what has kept Him a bay. We can say that God isn't who He says He is and that He can't do what He says He can do, but the truth is, our sin keeps us from knowing Him as He really is and from experiencing what He really can do. The Bible is clear...we cannot serve two masters. We are either for God or we are not for God. There is no middle ground. There is no straddling the fence on this issue. Either God is your master or Satan is your master...the choice is yours. Choose wisely!
"You can't shack up with the devil and expect God to pay your rent."
I'm not sure who originally came up with this saying, but there is a lot of truth in those 14 words. There may be a lot of truth in those words, but do we live our lives as if we believe that truth? Speaking for myself, as much as I hate to admit it, I have been known to have a housewarming party or two (who am I kidding...it's too many to count) with Satan and then expect God to pick up the tab. However, it simply doesn't work that way. We cannot live a life controlled by Satan and expect God to turn a blind eye to it. We cannot expect to do God a favor by going to church on Sunday and then live the rest of the week however we choose to and still have Him provide for us, protect us, and give us the best He has to offer us. Even in our deepest sin, God blesses us, but it is not going to be the way He intended to bless us. When we settle for a life of sin, we choose to settle for a life of just a trickle of His blessings when what He planned for us was a life of a tsunami of blessings. Nothing we have ever done and nothing we will ever do will cause God to stop loving us, but when we live a life driven by sin, we limit how much we will experience this love. It's so easy to live the way we want to and then say God doesn't love us when He doesn't do exactly what we want Him to do. It's so easy to blame Him for not coming through for us when, in reality, our sin is what has kept Him a bay. We can say that God isn't who He says He is and that He can't do what He says He can do, but the truth is, our sin keeps us from knowing Him as He really is and from experiencing what He really can do. The Bible is clear...we cannot serve two masters. We are either for God or we are not for God. There is no middle ground. There is no straddling the fence on this issue. Either God is your master or Satan is your master...the choice is yours. Choose wisely!
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
No One Knows the Day or the Hour
Devotions taken from the messages of Adrian Rogers.
BIBLE MEDITATION:
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” Matthew 24:36
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Anybody who sets a date for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ may be crossing the line of blasphemy. The Bible teaches very clearly and plainly, and our Lord taught, that no one knows the time—no one.
Just before our Lord was taken up into glory the disciples asked Him, “Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power” (Acts 1:6-7). No one knows the day when Jesus Christ is coming again, but what a glorious day that will be!
ACTION POINT:
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. What encouragement do you need to share with someone today?
Monday, February 1, 2016
A Merciful Delay
BIBLE MEDITATION:
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Have you ever wondered why Jesus has not yet returned? I’ll tell you why. Because our Lord is waiting on people to be saved. He’s waiting on your family member, your neighbor, your co-worker, or maybe you, but one of these days soon, and very soon perhaps, Jesus will come.
You see, it is the mercy of God that holds back the Second Coming of Jesus, but the justice of God and the judgment of God require that one day He will come.
Even now, the raging waters of God’s wrath are furiously pounding against the dam of His mercy. And one of these days, the dam of God’s mercy will give way to God’s judgment, and the day of the Lord will come. Our Lord is coming!
ACTION POINT:
Does the Lord’s return make your heart beat faster because you anticipate His coming or dread His coming?
Devotions taken from the messages of Adrian Rogers.
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Have you ever wondered why Jesus has not yet returned? I’ll tell you why. Because our Lord is waiting on people to be saved. He’s waiting on your family member, your neighbor, your co-worker, or maybe you, but one of these days soon, and very soon perhaps, Jesus will come.
You see, it is the mercy of God that holds back the Second Coming of Jesus, but the justice of God and the judgment of God require that one day He will come.
Even now, the raging waters of God’s wrath are furiously pounding against the dam of His mercy. And one of these days, the dam of God’s mercy will give way to God’s judgment, and the day of the Lord will come. Our Lord is coming!
ACTION POINT:
Does the Lord’s return make your heart beat faster because you anticipate His coming or dread His coming?
Devotions taken from the messages of Adrian Rogers.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
God Is Not Politically Correct
by Dr. Larry Ollison
God
has not changed. The things He disapproved of during the time of Noah,
Abraham, Moses and Paul, He still disapproves of today. God is not an
evolving creature that changes His character depending upon His
environment. God's Word always has been and will always be true.
Growing up in the United States of America, I have become accustomed to democracy. We vote on everything. In America everyone from school leaders to community leaders to state leaders to national leaders, all are in their positions because they were the most popular. Growing up in this society tends to make one think that if something is popular, it’s right. When it comes to character, righteousness, and the spiritual things of God, nothing could be further from the truth. God's kingdom is not a democracy.
Everything God created was created by and for His Son, Jesus. We were created to fellowship with Him. It may come as a shock to some people, but in the Kingdom of God, God is the King. We don’t vote on the rules. We don’t debate the rules. We don’t argue the rules. Our duty is to willingly obey the rules of the King.
The good news is, God is a good God and He rewards those who believe in Him and receive His Son by faith with eternal life and a multitude of good gifts. God is the God of love. In fact, God is love. God is a good God and He is just. God is light and God is love. However, God is not politically correct nor will He ever be.
So
the point is this. When you come to the point of decision in your life
on any subject, never make your decision because of what is politically
correct. Make you decision based on what the Word of God says. Only then will you choose correctly.
Reference Scriptures
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth. (Philippians 2:9-10)
He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:8)
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. (John 1:5)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17)
God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day. (Psalm 7:11)
Reference Scriptures
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth. (Philippians 2:9-10)
He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:8)
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. (John 1:5)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17)
God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day. (Psalm 7:11)
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Stay Away from Strange Women
(Proverbs 5:2-14)
Her description
God describes the strange woman in verses 2-6. The word strange is equated with the word stranger. She does not behave as a proper Christian young lady should. The stranger was someone from another land and did not know the law of God, therefore, her dress was seductive, her actions were aggressive, and her words were sensual.
1. She has sweet lips.
She knows what to say to entice a man.
2. Her mouth is smoother than oil.
She knows exactly how to speak and what to talk about. Some things are not appropriate topics between men and women. When a person is married, they should be careful about complementing the opposite sex, “nice hair,” “nice clothes,” or “nice perfume.” Do not discuss your relationship problems with the opposite sex. Do not discuss bedroom furniture, your empty house, or things that excite you. These are the topics of the strange women.
3. Her ways are moveable according to verse 6.
You cannot know what she will do next. You cannot expect her to stay with you. You cannot build your life with her, because you do not know how long she will be around.
Her effect on your life
In verses 4-14, Solomon tells us a strange women will affect the life of a young man.
1. She will be bitter as wormwood.
The word wormwood means a bitter curse.
2. She will be as sharp as a two-edged sword.
The word two-edged means “mouth.” She will be sharp tongued. The tongue that is flattering now will tear you up later.
3. Her feet (her way) is to death - the death of the soul.
Your mind, your will, and your emotions will be affected terribly. Her ways will bring death to your family and marriage.
4. Her steps take hold on Hell according to verse 5.
Take hold means there is a continual attachment. Your life will be a living Hell if you get involved with this type of women.
Solomon goes on to say in verse 6, that because her ways are moveable, you will be unstable. You will give your honor away according to verse 9. You will live a life that is cruel. You will work hard and make other people wealthy. Strangers will take your hard earned money. In verse 11, he says you will mourn, because you will have sexually transmitted diseases. You will grieve, because you did not listen to wisdom. You will wonder aloud why everyone is happy and you are not, according to verse 14.
How should you respond to her?
God’s Word is clear. Remove far from her. Do not come near her door.
Her description
God describes the strange woman in verses 2-6. The word strange is equated with the word stranger. She does not behave as a proper Christian young lady should. The stranger was someone from another land and did not know the law of God, therefore, her dress was seductive, her actions were aggressive, and her words were sensual.
1. She has sweet lips.
She knows what to say to entice a man.
2. Her mouth is smoother than oil.
She knows exactly how to speak and what to talk about. Some things are not appropriate topics between men and women. When a person is married, they should be careful about complementing the opposite sex, “nice hair,” “nice clothes,” or “nice perfume.” Do not discuss your relationship problems with the opposite sex. Do not discuss bedroom furniture, your empty house, or things that excite you. These are the topics of the strange women.
3. Her ways are moveable according to verse 6.
You cannot know what she will do next. You cannot expect her to stay with you. You cannot build your life with her, because you do not know how long she will be around.
Her effect on your life
In verses 4-14, Solomon tells us a strange women will affect the life of a young man.
1. She will be bitter as wormwood.
The word wormwood means a bitter curse.
2. She will be as sharp as a two-edged sword.
The word two-edged means “mouth.” She will be sharp tongued. The tongue that is flattering now will tear you up later.
3. Her feet (her way) is to death - the death of the soul.
Your mind, your will, and your emotions will be affected terribly. Her ways will bring death to your family and marriage.
4. Her steps take hold on Hell according to verse 5.
Take hold means there is a continual attachment. Your life will be a living Hell if you get involved with this type of women.
Solomon goes on to say in verse 6, that because her ways are moveable, you will be unstable. You will give your honor away according to verse 9. You will live a life that is cruel. You will work hard and make other people wealthy. Strangers will take your hard earned money. In verse 11, he says you will mourn, because you will have sexually transmitted diseases. You will grieve, because you did not listen to wisdom. You will wonder aloud why everyone is happy and you are not, according to verse 14.
How should you respond to her?
God’s Word is clear. Remove far from her. Do not come near her door.
Your Friend,
David Teis
David Teis
Friday, January 29, 2016
Enjoy Your Married Life
Proverbs 5:15-19
Enjoy Your Married Life
In verses 2-14, God tells us to avoid sexual immorality. In verses 15-19, God tells us to enjoy sex in the marriage relationship. Dr. Wemp preached a message entitled Love, Courtship, Romance, and Sex. He used this particular passage to talk about marital intimacy. God is very clear. He wants us to enjoy the marriage relationship. If we do, it will keep us from sexual sin.
1. Drink waters out of thine own cistern or your own sink.
God wants you to enjoy your own wife. Ladies, do not get upset when your husband wants to enjoy you, look at you, be with you, and touch you.
2. Drink running waters out of thine own well.
See to it that your wife has all that she needs to satisfy you. Take care of her, and maintain the well.
3. Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.
That very simply means produce children from your loving relationship and have lots of kids.
4. Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.
God is definitely against wife swapping. God hates divorce. Read Malachi 2. The indication here is stay with one wife, and let no one else touch her.
5. Let thy fountain be blessed
Your children will be happy and well spoken of if you stay married to the woman you are married to.
6. Rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
Have fun with the wife you are married to while you are young, sexual fun and otherwise.
7. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe
Enjoy looking at her. Her beauty and her shape were made for you to enjoy.
8. Let her breasts satisfy thee at all times.
Think about her all the time, her and only her, as a young couple, and as an old couple. Think about her, and let your thoughts about her satisfy you.
9. Be thou ravished always with her love.
The word ravished means to be lead about. The idea is be passionate. Allow your passions to run wild with your wife.
God is very clear that the marriage relationship is holy. It is undefiled. It is wonderful. A man and woman should never think of their relationship with one another is dirty or unclean. It is right for a husband to have a passionate, loving desire for his wife. If he is not right with his wife, then it will lead to immorality, which we will discuss in the next lesson.
Enjoy Your Married Life
In verses 2-14, God tells us to avoid sexual immorality. In verses 15-19, God tells us to enjoy sex in the marriage relationship. Dr. Wemp preached a message entitled Love, Courtship, Romance, and Sex. He used this particular passage to talk about marital intimacy. God is very clear. He wants us to enjoy the marriage relationship. If we do, it will keep us from sexual sin.
1. Drink waters out of thine own cistern or your own sink.
God wants you to enjoy your own wife. Ladies, do not get upset when your husband wants to enjoy you, look at you, be with you, and touch you.
2. Drink running waters out of thine own well.
See to it that your wife has all that she needs to satisfy you. Take care of her, and maintain the well.
3. Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.
That very simply means produce children from your loving relationship and have lots of kids.
4. Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.
God is definitely against wife swapping. God hates divorce. Read Malachi 2. The indication here is stay with one wife, and let no one else touch her.
5. Let thy fountain be blessed
Your children will be happy and well spoken of if you stay married to the woman you are married to.
6. Rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
Have fun with the wife you are married to while you are young, sexual fun and otherwise.
7. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe
Enjoy looking at her. Her beauty and her shape were made for you to enjoy.
8. Let her breasts satisfy thee at all times.
Think about her all the time, her and only her, as a young couple, and as an old couple. Think about her, and let your thoughts about her satisfy you.
9. Be thou ravished always with her love.
The word ravished means to be lead about. The idea is be passionate. Allow your passions to run wild with your wife.
God is very clear that the marriage relationship is holy. It is undefiled. It is wonderful. A man and woman should never think of their relationship with one another is dirty or unclean. It is right for a husband to have a passionate, loving desire for his wife. If he is not right with his wife, then it will lead to immorality, which we will discuss in the next lesson.
Your Friend,
David Teis
David Teis
Thursday, January 28, 2016
The Consequences of Immorality - Proverbs 5:20-23
In our introduction to Proverbs 4, we listed some of the consequences of immorality in our nation [the USA].
- We have a fifty percent divorce rate
- We have unstable children
- There are sexually transmitted diseases
- We have a culture filled with unhappy, hurting, and discontented people
In verses 23-27 of Proverbs chapter 5, tells us the sad end of a man who chooses to live an immoral lifestyle.
Let me say that it is obvious that anyone who is involved in any type of sexual perversion will suffer severe consequences. By sexual perversion, I mean anything beyond what God has established, which is one man and one woman. Proverbs 5:20, asks why do you love another woman with passion and not your wife?
Our culture leads men to look and desire things that are contrary to the Word of God. God reminds us in verse 21, that the ways of man are before the Lord. He knows your desires and the right way to fulfill them. He says enjoy your wife. He sees what you are doing elsewhere. He knows everywhere that you are going. One way to avoid sin is by keeping that knowledge in your mind daily.
The self-will of the wicked will bind him. His sin will control him. God does not want us to be controlled by any outside source except Him. He goes on to say, he will die without instruction, which is without correction. His life will never be correct.
Beyond that, He says that the more he sins, the more his sin will bring him down the wrong path. Immorality is devastating to the individual, to the individual’s spouse, and to the individual’s family. Avoid it with everything that is in you.
Daily surrender yourself to the control of the Holy Spirit, and you can overcome this devastating sin.
- We have a fifty percent divorce rate
- We have unstable children
- There are sexually transmitted diseases
- We have a culture filled with unhappy, hurting, and discontented people
In verses 23-27 of Proverbs chapter 5, tells us the sad end of a man who chooses to live an immoral lifestyle.
Let me say that it is obvious that anyone who is involved in any type of sexual perversion will suffer severe consequences. By sexual perversion, I mean anything beyond what God has established, which is one man and one woman. Proverbs 5:20, asks why do you love another woman with passion and not your wife?
Our culture leads men to look and desire things that are contrary to the Word of God. God reminds us in verse 21, that the ways of man are before the Lord. He knows your desires and the right way to fulfill them. He says enjoy your wife. He sees what you are doing elsewhere. He knows everywhere that you are going. One way to avoid sin is by keeping that knowledge in your mind daily.
The self-will of the wicked will bind him. His sin will control him. God does not want us to be controlled by any outside source except Him. He goes on to say, he will die without instruction, which is without correction. His life will never be correct.
Beyond that, He says that the more he sins, the more his sin will bring him down the wrong path. Immorality is devastating to the individual, to the individual’s spouse, and to the individual’s family. Avoid it with everything that is in you.
Daily surrender yourself to the control of the Holy Spirit, and you can overcome this devastating sin.
Your Friend,
David Teis
David Teis
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Proverbs 6 - Do Not Ever Co-Sign a Note
In order to succeed in life,
there are certain do’s and don’ts that we must all follow. If we ignore
these admonitions, we will find ourselves less than successful. As we
study Proverbs 6 and 7, you will see that He warns us over and over
again about finances, immorality, and laziness. We will examine these
subjects each time they are brought up, so we can get God’s perspective.
Proverbs 6 has six big DO NOTS. Let us look at the first one today:
Do Not Ever Co-Sign a Note
In thirty-seven years of ministry here in Las Vegas, there have been many times people have asked me to co-sign on a loan. It was to help them out of a tight situation they found themselves in financially. Because of this passage of Scripture, we have made it a policy never to co-sign. If I cannot give someone the money they need, than I should never put my name on a note that will put me in worse financial shape than I am right now. If I cannot give it, I will not lend it.
Verse 1 - God says that you should not go with a friend to a stranger and promise that he will pay with your name as guarantee.
Verse 2 - Your words will trap you. Remember Proverbs 22:11, says, “the borrower is servant to the lender.”
You may be reading this and thinking - What if I have already done this? Solomon answers that question.
1. He says, “Get out of the situation as soon as you can.”
2. Humble yourself before your friend. Tell him you cannot afford this. Often times, our pride causes us to over commit in areas God does not want us to commit.
3. Make sure your friend - the words make sure means to strengthen or to help his pride. Let your friend know he can do it without you. Strengthen him. Let him see he is as good or better than you are and he does not need your help. If he cannot get the loan on his own then you certainly do not want to help him get in worse shape than he is in right now.
4. Solomon goes on to say, this is more important than sleep. He says in verse 4, “Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. Deliver thyself as a roe.” You are like a roebuck or a gazelle. You are being hunted. Run from co-signing like you would if you were a deer, and you saw a man with a gun aiming it at your head. RUN. RUN. RUN. Never co-sign a loan.
Proverbs 6 has six big DO NOTS. Let us look at the first one today:
Do Not Ever Co-Sign a Note
In thirty-seven years of ministry here in Las Vegas, there have been many times people have asked me to co-sign on a loan. It was to help them out of a tight situation they found themselves in financially. Because of this passage of Scripture, we have made it a policy never to co-sign. If I cannot give someone the money they need, than I should never put my name on a note that will put me in worse financial shape than I am right now. If I cannot give it, I will not lend it.
Verse 1 - God says that you should not go with a friend to a stranger and promise that he will pay with your name as guarantee.
Verse 2 - Your words will trap you. Remember Proverbs 22:11, says, “the borrower is servant to the lender.”
You may be reading this and thinking - What if I have already done this? Solomon answers that question.
1. He says, “Get out of the situation as soon as you can.”
2. Humble yourself before your friend. Tell him you cannot afford this. Often times, our pride causes us to over commit in areas God does not want us to commit.
3. Make sure your friend - the words make sure means to strengthen or to help his pride. Let your friend know he can do it without you. Strengthen him. Let him see he is as good or better than you are and he does not need your help. If he cannot get the loan on his own then you certainly do not want to help him get in worse shape than he is in right now.
4. Solomon goes on to say, this is more important than sleep. He says in verse 4, “Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. Deliver thyself as a roe.” You are like a roebuck or a gazelle. You are being hunted. Run from co-signing like you would if you were a deer, and you saw a man with a gun aiming it at your head. RUN. RUN. RUN. Never co-sign a loan.
Your Friend,
David Teis
David Teis
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Proverbs 6:6-11 - Do Not Be Lazy
The Christian should be no
stranger to hard work. In this passage of Scripture, we are instructed
to learn how to live by watching the ant. “Go to the ant thou sluggard.”
The wordsluggard means lazy person. He tells us to consider her ways
and see them from God’s perspective. She has no one telling her what to
do. She is wise enough to know her responsibilities. She does not get
involved in everybody else’s job. She is diligent enough to fulfill her
responsibilities. She provides herself food for the summer by gathering
her food at harvest time.
I hope you enjoy this poem.
If you want to eat tomorrow, you must not stop today
If you want to fill your table, you must learn to work not play
There is a time to rest, but very first and best
You must labor for your meat, or expect no food to eat
The ant learns to store food in the good time, to assure plenty in the bad time
They never hinder, but always help one another in their work. They unite to accomplish tasks that are too large for one. They store their goods in places that will be protected. They are wise investors. They know how to preserve their hard earned resources. Ants will bite off the end of the grains of corn that they may not grow when they get wet.
Solomon ends this conversation with a sluggard by saying do not waste your life sleeping. You should learn to be a quick riser. The sleeper winds up in poverty, like the person who travels, like a person fit for destruction.
I hope you enjoy this poem.
If you want to eat tomorrow, you must not stop today
If you want to fill your table, you must learn to work not play
There is a time to rest, but very first and best
You must labor for your meat, or expect no food to eat
The ant learns to store food in the good time, to assure plenty in the bad time
They never hinder, but always help one another in their work. They unite to accomplish tasks that are too large for one. They store their goods in places that will be protected. They are wise investors. They know how to preserve their hard earned resources. Ants will bite off the end of the grains of corn that they may not grow when they get wet.
Solomon ends this conversation with a sluggard by saying do not waste your life sleeping. You should learn to be a quick riser. The sleeper winds up in poverty, like the person who travels, like a person fit for destruction.
Your Friend,
David Teis
David Teis
Monday, January 25, 2016
Do Not Hang with the Wicked Man (Proverbs 6:12-15)
In this passage, Solomon describes the wicked man and warns his son Rehoboam to stay away from him.
1. He is naughty.
He is worthless and good for nothing. It literally means he is a man of Belial.
2. He is a troublemaker.
He is wicked. The word wicked means troublemaker, self-willed. He causes problems for others.
3. He walks with a forward mouth.
Forward is a King James word which means crooked or distorted. You cannot trust what is coming out of his mouth. He says one thing to one person and another thing to another person. He is comfortable with distorting the truth.
4. He will tell you much by his body language.
He is worthless and good for nothing. It literally means he is a man of Belial.
2. He is a troublemaker.
He is wicked. The word wicked means troublemaker, self-willed. He causes problems for others.
3. He walks with a forward mouth.
Forward is a King James word which means crooked or distorted. You cannot trust what is coming out of his mouth. He says one thing to one person and another thing to another person. He is comfortable with distorting the truth.
4. He will tell you much by his body language.
a. The Bible says, “He winketh with his eyes,”
Watch what he is looking at, and what he will not look at. Be careful about the man who will not look you square in the eye.
Watch what he is looking at, and what he will not look at. Be careful about the man who will not look you square in the eye.
b. “He speaketh with his feet,”
Where he is going, tells you a lot about who he is.
Where he is going, tells you a lot about who he is.
c. “he teacheth with his fingers;”
His fingers are grasping on to things that he should not be grabbing on to.
5. He has forwardness or perverseness in his heart. He devices mischief continually.
He uses his time to cause evil for others. This brings him peace. Be careful of the guy who wants revenge. He delights in causing division according to verse 14.
6. His end is described in verse 15. His calamity will come suddenly. His disaster will come without notice. He shall be broken with no one to recover.
Stay away from the wicked man.
His fingers are grasping on to things that he should not be grabbing on to.
5. He has forwardness or perverseness in his heart. He devices mischief continually.
He uses his time to cause evil for others. This brings him peace. Be careful of the guy who wants revenge. He delights in causing division according to verse 14.
6. His end is described in verse 15. His calamity will come suddenly. His disaster will come without notice. He shall be broken with no one to recover.
Stay away from the wicked man.
Your Friend,
David Teis
David Teis
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Do Not Be Part of What God Hates (Proverbs 6:17-19)
This passage of Scripture, describes six things God hates and seven that are an abomination to Him. Let us look at them:
1. A proud look
We should always be thankful and never be proud. Pride indicates that I had something to do with my success. The truth of the matter is all glory should go to God for anything that is accomplished in our lives. We have what we have because of God’s mercy and God’s grace.
2. A lying tongue
You need to always speak the truth. You do not always need to speak. There is no reason to be deceptive. That does not mean that we should be unkind to someone. Our lips should be seasoned with grace. Lying to cover up your sin or to make yourself look good is something that God hates.
3. Hands that shed innocent blood
It is sad the number of murders we have in our nation on a yearly basis. It is terrible that we refer to murder as abortion. Abortion is the worst type of murder there is, because it is shedding the life of an innocent child who cannot do anything to protect itself. God hates the shedding of innocent blood. There is a difference between capital punishment and abortion. The difference is innocent blood. God has given the government the power to take care of wicked people, and He has ordained capital punishment.
4. A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations
This describes the person that gets pleasure out of hurting others. Revenge has no place in the Christian’s heart.
5. Feet that be swift running to mischief - that is evil
God hates those that are looking to do wrong.
6. A false witness that speaketh lies
It is one thing to not tell the truth. God hates that, but here, He specifically says He hates those who tell lies about other people.
7. He that soweth discord among the brethren
God hates it when someone causes division between brothers and sisters in Christ.
Do not be part of something that God hates.
We should always be thankful and never be proud. Pride indicates that I had something to do with my success. The truth of the matter is all glory should go to God for anything that is accomplished in our lives. We have what we have because of God’s mercy and God’s grace.
2. A lying tongue
You need to always speak the truth. You do not always need to speak. There is no reason to be deceptive. That does not mean that we should be unkind to someone. Our lips should be seasoned with grace. Lying to cover up your sin or to make yourself look good is something that God hates.
3. Hands that shed innocent blood
It is sad the number of murders we have in our nation on a yearly basis. It is terrible that we refer to murder as abortion. Abortion is the worst type of murder there is, because it is shedding the life of an innocent child who cannot do anything to protect itself. God hates the shedding of innocent blood. There is a difference between capital punishment and abortion. The difference is innocent blood. God has given the government the power to take care of wicked people, and He has ordained capital punishment.
4. A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations
This describes the person that gets pleasure out of hurting others. Revenge has no place in the Christian’s heart.
5. Feet that be swift running to mischief - that is evil
God hates those that are looking to do wrong.
6. A false witness that speaketh lies
It is one thing to not tell the truth. God hates that, but here, He specifically says He hates those who tell lies about other people.
7. He that soweth discord among the brethren
God hates it when someone causes division between brothers and sisters in Christ.
Do not be part of something that God hates.
Your Friend,
David Teis
David Teis
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Do not forget the commandments of GOD
Today, many people talk about the fact that we are free from the law and that is true. The only way a person can get to Heaven is by putting their faith and trust in what Jesus Christ did for us. He suffered, died, and paid the penalty of our sin in our place. He rose from the dead and was seen by hundreds of people. The only way you can get to Heaven is by calling on Him and asking Him to be your Lord, Saviour, and God.
However, that does not discount the commandments of God. God has given us commandments and statues in order to benefit our lives. However, we are not saved by keeping the commandments; commandments give us God’s view point of life. If you want to know God’s opinion, study the law of God.
In this passage, we are told to keep the law of God close (verse 21). If we do, it will benefit us in several ways:
1. It will lead you as you travel.
2. It will guard you as you sleep.
3. It will talk to you when you are awake.
4. It will be a lamp to enlighten you along your path.
5. It will be a light to show you where to go and how to avoid tragedy.
6. It will show you how to really live.
Do not forget the commandments of God.
Your Friend,
David Teis
Friday, January 22, 2016
Proverbs 21:20
In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has. -Proverbs 21:20
Over 30 years ago, Ron England of Los Angeles, California, bet his brother he could save a million pennies. Twenty thousand rolls of pennies, 13 boxes, a full garage, and 30 years later, England won that bet.
As a result, he now has $10,000 in pennies, and that's the good news. The bad news is that England couldn't find anyone to take his 3.5 tons of accumulated copper without costing him a "pretty penny," so to speak. Now, England is stuck with a million pennies.
Saving your money is a good thing, although you might not want to use the approach mentioned above. The bottom line is that in our country, most people actually spend more each month than they earn. Some people can operate under these circumstances because of their wealth. But this is not true for most of us.
Proverbs 21:20 says that a wise man or woman saves, but a fool gets paid and spends everything he or she has. Or a wise person keeps his or her valuables safe in their home, but a fool puts everything out in the yard to sell.
Whether your income is large or small, it's wise to save a portion. That rainy day will probably come when you need it most for a car repair, doctor visit, or something else.
Be prepared for what may come so that you can have "stores of choice food and oil" in your house when the need arises.
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for taking care of you in your time of need. Dedicate to Him your tithes and offerings, and ask Him to bless the money you save for a "rainy day."
Over 30 years ago, Ron England of Los Angeles, California, bet his brother he could save a million pennies. Twenty thousand rolls of pennies, 13 boxes, a full garage, and 30 years later, England won that bet.
As a result, he now has $10,000 in pennies, and that's the good news. The bad news is that England couldn't find anyone to take his 3.5 tons of accumulated copper without costing him a "pretty penny," so to speak. Now, England is stuck with a million pennies.
Saving your money is a good thing, although you might not want to use the approach mentioned above. The bottom line is that in our country, most people actually spend more each month than they earn. Some people can operate under these circumstances because of their wealth. But this is not true for most of us.
Proverbs 21:20 says that a wise man or woman saves, but a fool gets paid and spends everything he or she has. Or a wise person keeps his or her valuables safe in their home, but a fool puts everything out in the yard to sell.
Whether your income is large or small, it's wise to save a portion. That rainy day will probably come when you need it most for a car repair, doctor visit, or something else.
Be prepared for what may come so that you can have "stores of choice food and oil" in your house when the need arises.
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for taking care of you in your time of need. Dedicate to Him your tithes and offerings, and ask Him to bless the money you save for a "rainy day."
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Proverb 16:9
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. --Proverb 16:9
You may not remember this, but disabled skiing was a demonstration sport at the 1988 Winter Olympics. A television program preceding the Olympics featured blind skiers being trained for slalom skiing, a discipline that involves skiing between poles spaced close together causing quicker and shorter turns.
It sounded impossible for them, but paired with seeing skiers, the blind skiers were taught on flats how to make right and left turns. When that was mastered, then they were taken to the slalom slope, where their seeing partners skied alongside them and shouted, "Left! Right!"
Because the blind skiers obeyed the commands of those who could see and therefore determine their next move, they were able to navigate the course and cross the finish line. Success or failure was dependent on how much trust the skiers had in their partners.
This is such a great picture of the Christian life, don't you think? We are blind as we navigate our way through this life. On our own, we don't know what lies ahead, which turns to take, or where the finish line is. But Jesus knows the way. He is the only One who can be trusted to see us through and guide our steps.
You may have taken some wrong turns in life. You may have experienced catastrophe when you chose to go your own way. But it's not too late to ask Him to lead you on the right path toward victory in Him! Trust His Word and the Holy Spirit to give you the direction you need to finish the course.
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Jesus, take my hand, walk beside me, and lead me on this journey through life. Thank You for being my "eyes" when I can't see what's in front of me or where to go! I praise You for determining each of my steps.
You may not remember this, but disabled skiing was a demonstration sport at the 1988 Winter Olympics. A television program preceding the Olympics featured blind skiers being trained for slalom skiing, a discipline that involves skiing between poles spaced close together causing quicker and shorter turns.
It sounded impossible for them, but paired with seeing skiers, the blind skiers were taught on flats how to make right and left turns. When that was mastered, then they were taken to the slalom slope, where their seeing partners skied alongside them and shouted, "Left! Right!"
Because the blind skiers obeyed the commands of those who could see and therefore determine their next move, they were able to navigate the course and cross the finish line. Success or failure was dependent on how much trust the skiers had in their partners.
This is such a great picture of the Christian life, don't you think? We are blind as we navigate our way through this life. On our own, we don't know what lies ahead, which turns to take, or where the finish line is. But Jesus knows the way. He is the only One who can be trusted to see us through and guide our steps.
You may have taken some wrong turns in life. You may have experienced catastrophe when you chose to go your own way. But it's not too late to ask Him to lead you on the right path toward victory in Him! Trust His Word and the Holy Spirit to give you the direction you need to finish the course.
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Jesus, take my hand, walk beside me, and lead me on this journey through life. Thank You for being my "eyes" when I can't see what's in front of me or where to go! I praise You for determining each of my steps.
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