Well.. this week we have started new endevours with homeschooling might I say..its not easy. But its so rewarding to see with my eyes my girls knowledge and learning and to see areas that they excel and need help in. To know that all of the short comings I was worried about are going to work out. In 3 short days, I have already determined areas that can be corrected that will aide their education for years to come. Being able to devote myself 100percent to their learning.. priceless.
((And they Love it!)))
Last week, my father in law, had back surgery. After 5 hours, it seemed to have went well. 1 big problem. Confusion, hallucinations. My father in law is the most 'with it' person I have EVER and probably will ever encounter. A true man of God. And he was not himself whatsoever. Between all the medications he has been given, his potassium and calcium bottomed out.. horrible!
I woke up Tuesday with a burden on my heart to go pray for him right away, a call to my brother in law and a full fledge prayer meeting and annointing..he went home last night. Not to mention, his lab work was perfect. Potassium normal. Calcium normal. Electrolites normal. Amazing the power of God and how we just, ask. He has made a 160 in his recovery process in 24 hours. I am exstatic how God works!!
After speaking with my brother in law this morning and talking about it, he said ya know after we prayed and annointed him, I knew it would work and to be frank I knew it couldnt be an immediate change or else I wouldve had a heart attack right there. So the Lord put a '24 hour hold on it' for us to be able to soke it in.
Its really made me think, we go to God for things of His will He gave us the ability and power to call out things against the enemy...how often are we really standing in the way..how often is He just waiting on us..even if nothing else.. not to frighten us.
Just so Thankful for The Big God that I SERVE...
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Being a faithful messenger..He chose YOU!
Being a faithful messanger
Proverbs 25:13 “ Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the soul of his masters”
Think about this verse:
Lets break it down.
• Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest….
-In the time of great heat when men desire some cool relief
-cold of snow – certain places of the world, especially in biblical times, snow was used as we use ice to cool a drink. How much more refreshing is a cold drink on a hot day than a ‘lukewarm drink’
• A faithful messanger…
-a messanger, one who delivers a message think back to biblical days no email, no phone, no cars to find an individual you could actually depend on to get a message to another was probably not so easily found. The work was hard requiring devotion as well as sacrifice.
Jesus is The great messenger.
He brings Gods message to us and bears our message back to God.
The messanger is faithful and will refresh the souls of those who trust there petitions into His hand. Jesus bore tidings of mercy to us, thought through the wrath and pain of bearing the cross. What a message.
During Jesus ministry on earth, he spent more time with 12 men that with everyone else put together.
In john 17 Jesus recounts his ministry before going to the cross, he doesn’t mention the multitudes he preached to or the miracles he performed as great as those events were they were not his primary focus.
Forty times Jesus speaks to and about the men in whom he had invested His life, they were His focus.
Everyone who Christ saves, he uses.
The fact that we are here and not in heaven is proof some work awaits.
Jesus told His disciples in Acts 1:8 He has chosen to this office those who trust in His salvation and are called by His name.
Read Acts 1:8-11
He doesn’t send angels to proclaim His name, He could. He could use anything of this world to proclaim, but He chose you. We should be encouraged and stimulated to know that The Lord who redeemed us has appointed us.
Upon each of our coming to faith in Jesus Christ, we have been empowered with the Holy Spirit.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit God has gifted each of us with certain gifts, all different in their own way.
Myself for example, Teaching. Why was I called to teach?
I was not called to teach to organize ministry for people but, to mobilize people for ministry, Gods ministry.
. God has written different stories for each of our lives, filled with varied circumstances and challenges
. He has soverignly led each of us to certain life stages and situations surrounded by different opprotunities.
Each of us has been called by God to serve the people that surround us in different ways – using our own gifting.
God has built into our everyday lives opprotunites and platforms to spread the gospel.
Now read acts 1:22
Jesus gave the disciples one command: Make Disciples. Do with others what I have done with you.
Matthew 28:19 “go therefore and make disciples of all the nations”
1 Peter 2:21 “for you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in His steps”
Read 1 Peter 5:2-3
-Now we are to take up the cross and follow him, we are to be messengers proclaiming the word of Jesus Christ.
What kind of messanger are you?
We cant be unfaithful messangers.
Jesus gave his life, life is at stake there is no time for softness slackness or scrutinizing – there is simply no time.
(( this is found in Matthew 10:38)
Lets put this in the perspective of a ballgame,
- you have made the team (being saved in Jesus Christ you are His team),
-you got your jersey on,(your clean soul).
Why do ball teams go to practice?*(to learn plays----thus we go to church to get encouragement, we study the word to learn ..)
So are you sitting on the bench, or are you in the game? What is your position on the team?
We are to make disciples, who will make disciples, who will make disciples, who will make disciples.
Its not optional. If you are on the team play! The team is so big, Jesus (our couch) has given us each a position to play, that is why we are all gifted differently, so he can fill every position on the team.
You may feel at times that you are the wrong person, not gifted enough, smart enough, talented enough, or qualified enough to engage in effective ministry, this is simply not true.
You have the word of God before you, The Spirit of God in you, and the command of God to you.
More often than not, God used ordinary lives of men and women to accomplish His will.
Few examples:
Mary mother of Jesus. Was just an average obiediant teenager
Ruth- the great grandmother of David was a hardworking daughter in law
Gideon – one of Isreals greatest judges was the least in his fathers house
Even several of the disciples were simple fisherman with humble beginnings.
All of these lives were insignificant and obscure but God used them in miraculous ways to do great things.
Matthew 10:19b do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say it”
Ask God to make your life count where you live for the spread of the gospel and declaration of his glory to the ends of the earth. You cannot allow Satan to deceive you with his lives of feeling you don’t or cant have significant impact right where you are.
Matthew 10:32 “everyone who confesses me before men I will also confess him before my father in heaven”
Jesus, our messanger, our go to guy to the Father will take our name to God for doing what he told us to do, empowered us to do.. How awesome. You are so important they are talking about you!
To think that we, each one of us can be refreshing to God…
How we can ‘disciple’
When you think of ‘go make disciples’ what exactly do you picture that as being?
Certain words?
Do you know that going out and making disciples can be to women who are saved?
Discipleing someone means helping them become everything God wants Them to be. Whether it is to get saved and lead them to the Lord or it could be that one who is saved who needs encouragement. Ever known someone who is backslidden? Maybe God is using you as a tool in her life to help get her back on track, hopefully better than before.
Who are you to disciple?
Who ever crosses your path, God have soverignly placed them there.
Now, I want to go a step further with this. The Bible tells us that we are the minority, there will be those who reject what we are trying to lead them to.
There are people who want more than you are able to provide, do what God leads you to do. You cannot fulfill every need of every person and God doesn’t not expect you to.
There are tons and tons of women readily available with teachable hearts.
If you invest your time with women who really don’t want your help you’ll feel like you are spinning your wheels, going nowhere.
You may become discouraged about the whole process and decide that this discipling is not going to work.
DON’T ALLOW IT TO HAPPEN.
I Am no saying you are not to sow a seed, but we don’t have to be in hot pursuit. We certainly don’t want anyone to become ‘stiffnecked as the scripture says”
Love is the basis of discipleship
Allow the Holy Spirit to show you who to disciple.
Use your godly wisdom
Glorify God with your words
Humble yourself, be open to Gods challenges.
Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
I cant save anyone, you cant save anyone Only Jesus can, We can simply ‘relay the message’ I want to be found a faithful servant, don’t you.
So, What are you afraid of?
-Fear of rejection
*Pray for boldness. Though this fear is natural its not right.
We are called to pattern our lives after The Way described in The Bible.
We are not called to fear what following the Way of Jesus may require of us, but that doesn’t mean fears will not crop up.
A life of Christ, requires relinquishing those fears when they come up. It means refusing to let your fears of what others think, your fears of rejection, keep you from pursuing the truth through the Holy Spirit and what God tells you to do.
Are you willing to pursue truth in your journey to know and be known by The Holy Spirit?
-What if God doesn’t come through?
God promises to give us the Holy Spirit if we ask.
* There is a difference between what God has promised and praying for things you would like to be true.
pray confidently for what God has promised.
Fear of God failing us leads us to ‘ cover for God’ This means we ask for less, expect less, and are satisfied with less because we are afraid to ask for or expect more. We even convince ourself that we don’t want more. That we have all of ‘God’ we need or want.
Read Luke 11:13
God is a good Father and wants to give us gifts.
-Do I even want this?
The flip side of fearing God wont show usp is fearing that He will.
If God shows up and says to do something that is uncomfortable are you going to tell Him no, or ignore Him?
The truth is The Spirit of God will ask you to go somewhere or do something you wouldn’t usually choose to do.
The Spirit will lead you to the way of the cross, just as He led Jesus to the cross, which is not a safe pretty place to be. The Holy Spirit of God will mold you into the person you were made to be. Its often a painful process. It strips us of selfishness, pride, and fear.
The Holy Spirit does not seek to harm us, but to make us Christ like.
As Jesus’ disciple – being in a relationship with Him must be our focus.
*Don’t hide your fears.
First, Admit them to yourself.
Secondly, Confess them to God.
Share with godly friends and allow the Spirit to continue freeing you.
The Lord challenges us to suffer persecutions and to confess Him.
He wants those who belong to Him to be brave and fearless. He himself shows how weakness of the flesh is overcome by courage of the Spirit. This is the testimony of the apostles and in particular of the representatives administering Spirit. A Christian is fearless.
-Tertullion
Proverbs 25:13 “ Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the soul of his masters”
Think about this verse:
Lets break it down.
• Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest….
-In the time of great heat when men desire some cool relief
-cold of snow – certain places of the world, especially in biblical times, snow was used as we use ice to cool a drink. How much more refreshing is a cold drink on a hot day than a ‘lukewarm drink’
• A faithful messanger…
-a messanger, one who delivers a message think back to biblical days no email, no phone, no cars to find an individual you could actually depend on to get a message to another was probably not so easily found. The work was hard requiring devotion as well as sacrifice.
Jesus is The great messenger.
He brings Gods message to us and bears our message back to God.
The messanger is faithful and will refresh the souls of those who trust there petitions into His hand. Jesus bore tidings of mercy to us, thought through the wrath and pain of bearing the cross. What a message.
During Jesus ministry on earth, he spent more time with 12 men that with everyone else put together.
In john 17 Jesus recounts his ministry before going to the cross, he doesn’t mention the multitudes he preached to or the miracles he performed as great as those events were they were not his primary focus.
Forty times Jesus speaks to and about the men in whom he had invested His life, they were His focus.
Everyone who Christ saves, he uses.
The fact that we are here and not in heaven is proof some work awaits.
Jesus told His disciples in Acts 1:8 He has chosen to this office those who trust in His salvation and are called by His name.
Read Acts 1:8-11
He doesn’t send angels to proclaim His name, He could. He could use anything of this world to proclaim, but He chose you. We should be encouraged and stimulated to know that The Lord who redeemed us has appointed us.
Upon each of our coming to faith in Jesus Christ, we have been empowered with the Holy Spirit.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit God has gifted each of us with certain gifts, all different in their own way.
Myself for example, Teaching. Why was I called to teach?
I was not called to teach to organize ministry for people but, to mobilize people for ministry, Gods ministry.
. God has written different stories for each of our lives, filled with varied circumstances and challenges
. He has soverignly led each of us to certain life stages and situations surrounded by different opprotunities.
Each of us has been called by God to serve the people that surround us in different ways – using our own gifting.
God has built into our everyday lives opprotunites and platforms to spread the gospel.
Now read acts 1:22
Jesus gave the disciples one command: Make Disciples. Do with others what I have done with you.
Matthew 28:19 “go therefore and make disciples of all the nations”
1 Peter 2:21 “for you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in His steps”
Read 1 Peter 5:2-3
-Now we are to take up the cross and follow him, we are to be messengers proclaiming the word of Jesus Christ.
What kind of messanger are you?
We cant be unfaithful messangers.
Jesus gave his life, life is at stake there is no time for softness slackness or scrutinizing – there is simply no time.
(( this is found in Matthew 10:38)
Lets put this in the perspective of a ballgame,
- you have made the team (being saved in Jesus Christ you are His team),
-you got your jersey on,(your clean soul).
Why do ball teams go to practice?*(to learn plays----thus we go to church to get encouragement, we study the word to learn ..)
So are you sitting on the bench, or are you in the game? What is your position on the team?
We are to make disciples, who will make disciples, who will make disciples, who will make disciples.
Its not optional. If you are on the team play! The team is so big, Jesus (our couch) has given us each a position to play, that is why we are all gifted differently, so he can fill every position on the team.
You may feel at times that you are the wrong person, not gifted enough, smart enough, talented enough, or qualified enough to engage in effective ministry, this is simply not true.
You have the word of God before you, The Spirit of God in you, and the command of God to you.
More often than not, God used ordinary lives of men and women to accomplish His will.
Few examples:
Mary mother of Jesus. Was just an average obiediant teenager
Ruth- the great grandmother of David was a hardworking daughter in law
Gideon – one of Isreals greatest judges was the least in his fathers house
Even several of the disciples were simple fisherman with humble beginnings.
All of these lives were insignificant and obscure but God used them in miraculous ways to do great things.
Matthew 10:19b do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say it”
Ask God to make your life count where you live for the spread of the gospel and declaration of his glory to the ends of the earth. You cannot allow Satan to deceive you with his lives of feeling you don’t or cant have significant impact right where you are.
Matthew 10:32 “everyone who confesses me before men I will also confess him before my father in heaven”
Jesus, our messanger, our go to guy to the Father will take our name to God for doing what he told us to do, empowered us to do.. How awesome. You are so important they are talking about you!
To think that we, each one of us can be refreshing to God…
How we can ‘disciple’
When you think of ‘go make disciples’ what exactly do you picture that as being?
Certain words?
Do you know that going out and making disciples can be to women who are saved?
Discipleing someone means helping them become everything God wants Them to be. Whether it is to get saved and lead them to the Lord or it could be that one who is saved who needs encouragement. Ever known someone who is backslidden? Maybe God is using you as a tool in her life to help get her back on track, hopefully better than before.
Who are you to disciple?
Who ever crosses your path, God have soverignly placed them there.
Now, I want to go a step further with this. The Bible tells us that we are the minority, there will be those who reject what we are trying to lead them to.
There are people who want more than you are able to provide, do what God leads you to do. You cannot fulfill every need of every person and God doesn’t not expect you to.
There are tons and tons of women readily available with teachable hearts.
If you invest your time with women who really don’t want your help you’ll feel like you are spinning your wheels, going nowhere.
You may become discouraged about the whole process and decide that this discipling is not going to work.
DON’T ALLOW IT TO HAPPEN.
I Am no saying you are not to sow a seed, but we don’t have to be in hot pursuit. We certainly don’t want anyone to become ‘stiffnecked as the scripture says”
Love is the basis of discipleship
Allow the Holy Spirit to show you who to disciple.
Use your godly wisdom
Glorify God with your words
Humble yourself, be open to Gods challenges.
Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
I cant save anyone, you cant save anyone Only Jesus can, We can simply ‘relay the message’ I want to be found a faithful servant, don’t you.
So, What are you afraid of?
-Fear of rejection
*Pray for boldness. Though this fear is natural its not right.
We are called to pattern our lives after The Way described in The Bible.
We are not called to fear what following the Way of Jesus may require of us, but that doesn’t mean fears will not crop up.
A life of Christ, requires relinquishing those fears when they come up. It means refusing to let your fears of what others think, your fears of rejection, keep you from pursuing the truth through the Holy Spirit and what God tells you to do.
Are you willing to pursue truth in your journey to know and be known by The Holy Spirit?
-What if God doesn’t come through?
God promises to give us the Holy Spirit if we ask.
* There is a difference between what God has promised and praying for things you would like to be true.
pray confidently for what God has promised.
Fear of God failing us leads us to ‘ cover for God’ This means we ask for less, expect less, and are satisfied with less because we are afraid to ask for or expect more. We even convince ourself that we don’t want more. That we have all of ‘God’ we need or want.
Read Luke 11:13
God is a good Father and wants to give us gifts.
-Do I even want this?
The flip side of fearing God wont show usp is fearing that He will.
If God shows up and says to do something that is uncomfortable are you going to tell Him no, or ignore Him?
The truth is The Spirit of God will ask you to go somewhere or do something you wouldn’t usually choose to do.
The Spirit will lead you to the way of the cross, just as He led Jesus to the cross, which is not a safe pretty place to be. The Holy Spirit of God will mold you into the person you were made to be. Its often a painful process. It strips us of selfishness, pride, and fear.
The Holy Spirit does not seek to harm us, but to make us Christ like.
As Jesus’ disciple – being in a relationship with Him must be our focus.
*Don’t hide your fears.
First, Admit them to yourself.
Secondly, Confess them to God.
Share with godly friends and allow the Spirit to continue freeing you.
The Lord challenges us to suffer persecutions and to confess Him.
He wants those who belong to Him to be brave and fearless. He himself shows how weakness of the flesh is overcome by courage of the Spirit. This is the testimony of the apostles and in particular of the representatives administering Spirit. A Christian is fearless.
-Tertullion
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Read a new book.. 'of the i zing'..here is what The Holy Spirit revealed to me...
As I flip on the tv, check facebook I realize that there are so many problems in day to day life. I am utterly appaled at some of the goings on. We all have our problems.
My hubby watches Fox News, well pretty much all the time therefore I get to watch also. They were advertising Laura Ingram's new book "of the I zing" It was a must have for me, it sounded so appealing. The first few chapters I flip through and find it comical. Then I get halfway through the book, the same week I am studying and preparing for the lesson on Controlling the Tongue. Boy, did I ever get convicted. The book is about America's cultural decline. In the book she discusses everything from muffin tops to body shots, piercings, tatatoos, technology, and the fact Todays world, kiddos dont know how to talk. She has basicaly compiled a book of everything gone wrong with our country. THen it hit me, a talebearer. We are all aware of culture around us and we all have our faults. But who I am to go around pointing out flaws of those around me. And she has written it in a book, which I have spent money to read...gee.. not good. How she can still have friends is beyond me. How many people has she hurt by writing this? Can you imagine being listed with a character flaw in a book for someone to profit off of?
Moral of the story, I must apply my christian values even in my book purchases. There is nothing about this book that is going to bring glory to God. And I am very sorry that I purchased it. As I have read it and found humor in it, I have made comedy out of peoples character flaws.
Scripture clearly tells us not to judge others, not to talebear. I have clear cut allowed this to be entered into my mind...more clutter.
God tells me to clear the clutter, sanctify myself to bring glory to him.
Just goes to show, we all make mistakes. We all fall short, we all have short comings. We need to filter more than just our tongue, but what we put in our minds.
My hubby watches Fox News, well pretty much all the time therefore I get to watch also. They were advertising Laura Ingram's new book "of the I zing" It was a must have for me, it sounded so appealing. The first few chapters I flip through and find it comical. Then I get halfway through the book, the same week I am studying and preparing for the lesson on Controlling the Tongue. Boy, did I ever get convicted. The book is about America's cultural decline. In the book she discusses everything from muffin tops to body shots, piercings, tatatoos, technology, and the fact Todays world, kiddos dont know how to talk. She has basicaly compiled a book of everything gone wrong with our country. THen it hit me, a talebearer. We are all aware of culture around us and we all have our faults. But who I am to go around pointing out flaws of those around me. And she has written it in a book, which I have spent money to read...gee.. not good. How she can still have friends is beyond me. How many people has she hurt by writing this? Can you imagine being listed with a character flaw in a book for someone to profit off of?
Moral of the story, I must apply my christian values even in my book purchases. There is nothing about this book that is going to bring glory to God. And I am very sorry that I purchased it. As I have read it and found humor in it, I have made comedy out of peoples character flaws.
Scripture clearly tells us not to judge others, not to talebear. I have clear cut allowed this to be entered into my mind...more clutter.
God tells me to clear the clutter, sanctify myself to bring glory to him.
Just goes to show, we all make mistakes. We all fall short, we all have short comings. We need to filter more than just our tongue, but what we put in our minds.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
what message are you sending? Controlling The Tongue Proverbs Lesson 3
As a christian, we are walking talking billboards for Jesus Christ. We always need to keep that in mind. What we say, wear, and do are all reflections on our Saviour, Jesus. What message are you sending?This past weeks Sunday School lesson, was a lesson about Controlling The Tongue as we continue in Proverbs.
This lesson was one I have to say that was very hard for me, that is an area in which I struggle. As i studied and dug so much was revealed to me. Especially, knowing I cannot control it. Not just me, all of us. The only way the tongue can be controlled is by God.
In class, we covered many scriptures just in Proverbs that tell us exactly what not to, and what to do I will share some of those covered here, with you.
First we need to understand that our speech is a gift from God.
THe ability to speak comes so naturally to us that we are apt to forget what a miracle it is. Language is not something cultural such as learning to tell time, count money , it is a distinct piece of our biological makeup.
In the beginning, God created Adam and then Eve..made in HIS image. He who is perfect flawless, all knowing, He who communicates, therefore human beings were given the gift of speech. GOd created Adam and Eve for God to commune with.
Proverbs 16:1 "the answer of the tongue is from the Lord"
Proverbs 10:20 "the tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, the heart of the wicked is worth little"
The images used indicate the value of this divine ability of speaking that we have. NOt only do we take it for granted but, all too often we waste and abuse.
We have all heard the old saying, "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me"
However decided to make that one up, well I dont know why they ever did. Thinking back just to my childhood how someone could say something to me, how badly it hurt and to this day, I can still remember it.
Proverbs 10:11 "the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence."
Proverbs 18:4 "the words of a mans mouth are deep waters, the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook"
This tells us that words of the wise are like refreshing water. When we listen to wise (godly) people its like taking a drink of refreshing water.
Proverbs 13:4 "the teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, to turn aside from the snares of death"
Its simply not enough for a wise person to speak, we have to listen.
Think about it this way, we get a new rose bush we go out to plant it, do we simply stick it on top of the ground? Would it grow? NO. It would wither and die. Even if its watered, its not going to do much good. Being said, the ground has to be 'prepared' for our plant to survive and then has to be feed. As do our hearts. Often we hear children say and mutter silly things, and take it lightly, well because they are kids. Which techinically means they are immature. THey have not been involved in life to reach a level of maturity to know what is right and wrong to say yet. Adults we often fail to control our tongue. At any physical age, its a sign of immaturity. Our tongue can get us into trouble.
so we should choose our words wisely.
Proverbs 21:23 "he who guards his mouth and his tongue guards his soul from troubles"
So have ya ever ran into or know someone that are always thinking of what to say next instead of prehaps listening? Proverbs 10:19 "when there are many words transgression is unavoidable but he who restrains his lips is wise"
--sometimes we just need to listen. say nothing, just listen.
We hurt others by gossiping, lying, and by flattery. Proverbs 11:13 ' a talebearer reveals secrets but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter" Proverbs 20:19 ' he who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips"(NKJV)
talebearer, or gossiper.. enjoys his secrets as most enjoy food. THe words of a gossip are like choice morsels - they go down to a mans inmost parts" Proverbs 18:18....yep it hurts.
we have to be aware of gossip. Its so easy to get caught up in conversation and we cant hurt others so badly by doing so. Prov 20:19 'he who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips"
Flatter: the english words comes from a french word which means 'to stroke or caress with the flat of the hand' Flattery verses complimenting is different. Flattery is complimenting profusely, appealing to your ego- yet is far from sincere.
Proverbs gives distinct warning in Proverbs 29:5 ' a man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet"
Ponder that verse for a second, we all secretly enjoy flattery and dislike rebuke yet rebuke... does us more good. We have to be aware of insincerity its typically selfish motives. In 14:20; 19:4-6 it tells us that people flatter the rich in hopes of obtaining something from them. In Proverbs 5:3 7:5 the prostitute seduces her prey by using flattery.
Lying; well.. we all know this one it is a 10 commandment Proverbs reinforces it in Proverbs 26:28 ' a lying tongue hates those who are crused by it and a flattering mouth works ruin.
we also hurt people by speaking in anger.
Did your mom ever say, 'if you dont have anything nice to say - dont say anything at all?" mine did. and with good reason.
Many people carry anger within their hearts while covering their anger pretending to be at peace with their family friends, lives, careers and it comes out in ways that are fervent and hypocritical. THe scripture tells us to cover our sins with sincere love. 'hatred stirs up strife but love covers all sins" Prov 10:12
God doesnt want us to hide orur sins from Him, Proverbs 28:13 tells us, love doesnt tell the sin to others. If we are angry with someone and he sins we are tempted to spread the news as a way of getting even. Which comes out.. all wroing.
Our earthly wisdom tells us to 'fight for our right', 'every disagreement should be win lose'
Our Heavenly wisdom seeks for win win situations. JAMES 3:17 "FIRST PURE PEACEABLE WILLING TO YIELD, FULL OF MERCY, GOOD FRUIT WITHOUT PARTIALITY".
God is THE ONLY one who is able to control sustain our tongue so that it may glorify Him.
Psalm 59:12 'for the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride and for cursing and lying which they speak"
-we dont want on ourselves the condemnation David ask for his enemies in this Psalm
Here is an overview:
Speech is an awesome gift from God. Respect it.
Listen more, talk less.
Choose your words wisely, think before you speak.
We hurt others by:
Lying
Gossiping
Flattery
Speaking in anger
Swearing/cursing
We should:
speak softly, have a gentle spirit, and our speech should always bring glory to God.
Remember, we are walking talking billboards for Jesus- What message are you sending?
Closing: Father, Thank you for allowing me to understand and know how you expect me to use my tongue. I know that my tongue is not always what you want and desire for me to say. Father I ask for you to sustain my tongue in ways to glorify and honor you. In Jesus name...Amen.
This lesson was one I have to say that was very hard for me, that is an area in which I struggle. As i studied and dug so much was revealed to me. Especially, knowing I cannot control it. Not just me, all of us. The only way the tongue can be controlled is by God.
In class, we covered many scriptures just in Proverbs that tell us exactly what not to, and what to do I will share some of those covered here, with you.
First we need to understand that our speech is a gift from God.
THe ability to speak comes so naturally to us that we are apt to forget what a miracle it is. Language is not something cultural such as learning to tell time, count money , it is a distinct piece of our biological makeup.
In the beginning, God created Adam and then Eve..made in HIS image. He who is perfect flawless, all knowing, He who communicates, therefore human beings were given the gift of speech. GOd created Adam and Eve for God to commune with.
Proverbs 16:1 "the answer of the tongue is from the Lord"
Proverbs 10:20 "the tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, the heart of the wicked is worth little"
The images used indicate the value of this divine ability of speaking that we have. NOt only do we take it for granted but, all too often we waste and abuse.
We have all heard the old saying, "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me"
However decided to make that one up, well I dont know why they ever did. Thinking back just to my childhood how someone could say something to me, how badly it hurt and to this day, I can still remember it.
Proverbs 10:11 "the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence."
Proverbs 18:4 "the words of a mans mouth are deep waters, the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook"
This tells us that words of the wise are like refreshing water. When we listen to wise (godly) people its like taking a drink of refreshing water.
Proverbs 13:4 "the teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, to turn aside from the snares of death"
Its simply not enough for a wise person to speak, we have to listen.
Think about it this way, we get a new rose bush we go out to plant it, do we simply stick it on top of the ground? Would it grow? NO. It would wither and die. Even if its watered, its not going to do much good. Being said, the ground has to be 'prepared' for our plant to survive and then has to be feed. As do our hearts. Often we hear children say and mutter silly things, and take it lightly, well because they are kids. Which techinically means they are immature. THey have not been involved in life to reach a level of maturity to know what is right and wrong to say yet. Adults we often fail to control our tongue. At any physical age, its a sign of immaturity. Our tongue can get us into trouble.
so we should choose our words wisely.
Proverbs 21:23 "he who guards his mouth and his tongue guards his soul from troubles"
So have ya ever ran into or know someone that are always thinking of what to say next instead of prehaps listening? Proverbs 10:19 "when there are many words transgression is unavoidable but he who restrains his lips is wise"
--sometimes we just need to listen. say nothing, just listen.
We hurt others by gossiping, lying, and by flattery. Proverbs 11:13 ' a talebearer reveals secrets but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter" Proverbs 20:19 ' he who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips"(NKJV)
talebearer, or gossiper.. enjoys his secrets as most enjoy food. THe words of a gossip are like choice morsels - they go down to a mans inmost parts" Proverbs 18:18....yep it hurts.
we have to be aware of gossip. Its so easy to get caught up in conversation and we cant hurt others so badly by doing so. Prov 20:19 'he who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips"
Flatter: the english words comes from a french word which means 'to stroke or caress with the flat of the hand' Flattery verses complimenting is different. Flattery is complimenting profusely, appealing to your ego- yet is far from sincere.
Proverbs gives distinct warning in Proverbs 29:5 ' a man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet"
Ponder that verse for a second, we all secretly enjoy flattery and dislike rebuke yet rebuke... does us more good. We have to be aware of insincerity its typically selfish motives. In 14:20; 19:4-6 it tells us that people flatter the rich in hopes of obtaining something from them. In Proverbs 5:3 7:5 the prostitute seduces her prey by using flattery.
Lying; well.. we all know this one it is a 10 commandment Proverbs reinforces it in Proverbs 26:28 ' a lying tongue hates those who are crused by it and a flattering mouth works ruin.
we also hurt people by speaking in anger.
Did your mom ever say, 'if you dont have anything nice to say - dont say anything at all?" mine did. and with good reason.
Many people carry anger within their hearts while covering their anger pretending to be at peace with their family friends, lives, careers and it comes out in ways that are fervent and hypocritical. THe scripture tells us to cover our sins with sincere love. 'hatred stirs up strife but love covers all sins" Prov 10:12
God doesnt want us to hide orur sins from Him, Proverbs 28:13 tells us, love doesnt tell the sin to others. If we are angry with someone and he sins we are tempted to spread the news as a way of getting even. Which comes out.. all wroing.
Our earthly wisdom tells us to 'fight for our right', 'every disagreement should be win lose'
Our Heavenly wisdom seeks for win win situations. JAMES 3:17 "FIRST PURE PEACEABLE WILLING TO YIELD, FULL OF MERCY, GOOD FRUIT WITHOUT PARTIALITY".
God is THE ONLY one who is able to control sustain our tongue so that it may glorify Him.
Psalm 59:12 'for the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride and for cursing and lying which they speak"
-we dont want on ourselves the condemnation David ask for his enemies in this Psalm
Here is an overview:
Speech is an awesome gift from God. Respect it.
Listen more, talk less.
Choose your words wisely, think before you speak.
We hurt others by:
Lying
Gossiping
Flattery
Speaking in anger
Swearing/cursing
We should:
speak softly, have a gentle spirit, and our speech should always bring glory to God.
Remember, we are walking talking billboards for Jesus- What message are you sending?
Closing: Father, Thank you for allowing me to understand and know how you expect me to use my tongue. I know that my tongue is not always what you want and desire for me to say. Father I ask for you to sustain my tongue in ways to glorify and honor you. In Jesus name...Amen.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Choosing the Path of Wisdom (lesson 2) 6-26-11
Choosing the Path of Wisdom - Life
The metaphor we have heard ‘life is a journey” is probably very familiar to each of us.
The bible frequently tells us to choose the right path, but the world we are in today leads us
To thinking that there are many ways to God, and that any path you follow will eventually get
You there.
Jesus made it very clear that in this life we can only go one of two ways, each of them lead to
A different destination.
Everyone must choose which path they will be on.
There is that open road, easy street, do whatever whenever however YOU want to do it
There is that narrow road which leads to life, you are a passenger allowing God to direct your path
There is no middle of the Road.
That narrow path, is salvation. Letting God control our life. Upon receiving Christ, we made our first step
In achieving wisdom. So first… you have to be saved to receive wisdom.
In the book of proverbs the words PATH and Way are found nearly 100 times.
Throughout the book of Proverbs we are going to look at Gods ways of showing us how to be wise, to
Have wisdom. Today we are going to look at what we need to do for wisdom.
Starting in Proverbs 2 we are going to look through the chapter and see what it tells us about receiving wisdom:
Read Proverbs 2: verse 1a “my son if you receive my words”
RECEIVE – (accept) Gods word
Proverbs 2:verse 1b “and treasure my commands within you”
Hide them, store them up in our minds and hearts
chp 2: verse2a “so that you incline your ear to hear wisdom”
Incline your ear, or develop and ‘ear’ for wisdom
Chp 2 verse 2B ‘and apply your heart to understanding’
Set your heart to get understanding
Chp 2 verse 3 ‘yes, if you cry out for discernment and lift up your voice for understanding
Ask for it! Cry out for knowledge and understanding
Chp 2 verse 4 ‘ if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures..”
seek wisdom or search after it if it were a treasure
that last one…like a minor searches for gold…. Spiritual wisdom isn’t a once a week job
it requires discipline, commitment and longing for and its forever.
In the world we are in with habits of things that are time consuming, our spiritual
Appetite is poor which makes our knowledge unpleasant.
Studying the word of God, is food for our soul.
If we don’t we fall prey to enemy’s that lurk on the paths of our life. We have to do our
Part to keep our soul healthy. If we do our part God will keep His promise and protect us from
The enemy.
So why are we so eager and willing to work hard in getting our education and in our workplace but lack
Applying ourselves to Gods word? We have so much more to gain with spiritual riches than any class at
School or place of employment or even the money we make can ever give us.
So I would like each of you to ask yourself, is there something that you are devoting time to other than
God that is holding you away from receiving wisdom?
The next part of Proverbs 2, teaches us that there are rewards and promises for seeking wisdom
Look at verse 5a, “then you will understand the fear of The Lord”
understand the fear of the lord
Look at verse 5b, “and find the knowledge of God”
now this is not saying that you will know what God knows, because if that were the case then you
would be God. Its saying that you will gain better understanding of Gods plan. Remember,
the definition of knowledge is knowing the right thing to do or information of sound character
3. Look at verse 6, “for the Lord gives wisdom, from his mouth come knowledge and understanding”
-if we have more understanding of Gods plan that will make our decisions in life a lot more simple
We will be able to see things more clearly
Someone read verse 7
4 victory is in store for the upright
5 God will be a shield to anyone whose walk is blameless
Someone read verse 8
God guards and protects the faithful ones
Someone read verse 9 - you will understand what is right and just
Now verse 10 - wisdom will enter into your heart and knowledge pleasant to your soul
These words stress the internalization of wisdom. It doesn’t merely mean to provide knowledge it
Means to provide insight to be learned intimately and practiced. And it saying pleasant means you
Will have a fullness to your soul
Proverbs 3:
God tells us that when we are obiediant to his precepts wisdom will direct our paths
God keeps His promise when we are obeidiant because our obiediance prepares us to receive and enjoy what he has
Planned for us.
Our responsibilities are:
First To receive Gods guidance we have to keep Gods truth Read 3:1
Vs 1 tells us not to forget Gods law. Do you know what Gods law is? We learn Gods truth through His word
The will of God is revealed in the Word of God” Colossians 1:9-10
secondly Read Vs2-4 -not only are we to read Gods word we are to obey His word. By receiving the word within ourhearts we experience
Growth in godly character so that mercy truth love and faithfulness become part of who we are then we bear fruit (the reference
Tie them around our neck, if we wear something around our neck, who can see it? That shows other people we are of God without
them asking. Vs 3-4 tell us that if we do days will be added to our lives and we will have peace.
Read vs 5-8
Vs 5
Third we can trust-In verse 5 the word ‘trust’ translated means to lie helpless facedown.
The danger we face today is that we lean on our own understanding and miss Gods will
The warning mentioned in these verses isn’t telling us to turn off ourselves and ignore our
Common sense and intellegance its cautions us not to depend on our own wisdom and experience
It is also stressing the importance of obeidance.
Vs 6 – God is making us a promise of directing our paths if we obey Him, yes that promise
Is predicated on our obideance
*** this means to us we are to be totally committed to Him*** (See romans 12:1-2)))))))))))
It says by doing so we will have health and strength
Read vs 9-10
Fourthly- we are to honor the lord with tithes and offering just as has been done since the
First Hebrews giving the first crop
BY honoring God with our tithes and offering we will have the promise of plenty
Read vs 11-12
Fifth-be submissive to Gods chastening
Chastening is part of Gods plan to help His sons and daughters mature in godly character as it says in(hebrews 12:1-11))))))
God chastens us not as a judge punishing a criminal but as a parent disciping a child. HE acts in love and his purpose is that
We might become ‘partakers of his holiness’ ((Hebrews 12:10)))
Sometimes we are chastened because we have rebelled and need to repent, other times he does it to keep us from sinning
And preparing us for his special blessings. NO matter how much it hurts, it wil never harm us because God always chastens in love
As it tells us in Deuteronomy 8:2-5)
The metaphor we have heard ‘life is a journey” is probably very familiar to each of us.
The bible frequently tells us to choose the right path, but the world we are in today leads us
To thinking that there are many ways to God, and that any path you follow will eventually get
You there.
Jesus made it very clear that in this life we can only go one of two ways, each of them lead to
A different destination.
Everyone must choose which path they will be on.
There is that open road, easy street, do whatever whenever however YOU want to do it
There is that narrow road which leads to life, you are a passenger allowing God to direct your path
There is no middle of the Road.
That narrow path, is salvation. Letting God control our life. Upon receiving Christ, we made our first step
In achieving wisdom. So first… you have to be saved to receive wisdom.
In the book of proverbs the words PATH and Way are found nearly 100 times.
Throughout the book of Proverbs we are going to look at Gods ways of showing us how to be wise, to
Have wisdom. Today we are going to look at what we need to do for wisdom.
Starting in Proverbs 2 we are going to look through the chapter and see what it tells us about receiving wisdom:
Read Proverbs 2: verse 1a “my son if you receive my words”
RECEIVE – (accept) Gods word
Proverbs 2:verse 1b “and treasure my commands within you”
Hide them, store them up in our minds and hearts
chp 2: verse2a “so that you incline your ear to hear wisdom”
Incline your ear, or develop and ‘ear’ for wisdom
Chp 2 verse 2B ‘and apply your heart to understanding’
Set your heart to get understanding
Chp 2 verse 3 ‘yes, if you cry out for discernment and lift up your voice for understanding
Ask for it! Cry out for knowledge and understanding
Chp 2 verse 4 ‘ if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures..”
seek wisdom or search after it if it were a treasure
that last one…like a minor searches for gold…. Spiritual wisdom isn’t a once a week job
it requires discipline, commitment and longing for and its forever.
In the world we are in with habits of things that are time consuming, our spiritual
Appetite is poor which makes our knowledge unpleasant.
Studying the word of God, is food for our soul.
If we don’t we fall prey to enemy’s that lurk on the paths of our life. We have to do our
Part to keep our soul healthy. If we do our part God will keep His promise and protect us from
The enemy.
So why are we so eager and willing to work hard in getting our education and in our workplace but lack
Applying ourselves to Gods word? We have so much more to gain with spiritual riches than any class at
School or place of employment or even the money we make can ever give us.
So I would like each of you to ask yourself, is there something that you are devoting time to other than
God that is holding you away from receiving wisdom?
The next part of Proverbs 2, teaches us that there are rewards and promises for seeking wisdom
Look at verse 5a, “then you will understand the fear of The Lord”
understand the fear of the lord
Look at verse 5b, “and find the knowledge of God”
now this is not saying that you will know what God knows, because if that were the case then you
would be God. Its saying that you will gain better understanding of Gods plan. Remember,
the definition of knowledge is knowing the right thing to do or information of sound character
3. Look at verse 6, “for the Lord gives wisdom, from his mouth come knowledge and understanding”
-if we have more understanding of Gods plan that will make our decisions in life a lot more simple
We will be able to see things more clearly
Someone read verse 7
4 victory is in store for the upright
5 God will be a shield to anyone whose walk is blameless
Someone read verse 8
God guards and protects the faithful ones
Someone read verse 9 - you will understand what is right and just
Now verse 10 - wisdom will enter into your heart and knowledge pleasant to your soul
These words stress the internalization of wisdom. It doesn’t merely mean to provide knowledge it
Means to provide insight to be learned intimately and practiced. And it saying pleasant means you
Will have a fullness to your soul
Proverbs 3:
God tells us that when we are obiediant to his precepts wisdom will direct our paths
God keeps His promise when we are obeidiant because our obiediance prepares us to receive and enjoy what he has
Planned for us.
Our responsibilities are:
First To receive Gods guidance we have to keep Gods truth Read 3:1
Vs 1 tells us not to forget Gods law. Do you know what Gods law is? We learn Gods truth through His word
The will of God is revealed in the Word of God” Colossians 1:9-10
secondly Read Vs2-4 -not only are we to read Gods word we are to obey His word. By receiving the word within ourhearts we experience
Growth in godly character so that mercy truth love and faithfulness become part of who we are then we bear fruit (the reference
Tie them around our neck, if we wear something around our neck, who can see it? That shows other people we are of God without
them asking. Vs 3-4 tell us that if we do days will be added to our lives and we will have peace.
Read vs 5-8
Vs 5
Third we can trust-In verse 5 the word ‘trust’ translated means to lie helpless facedown.
The danger we face today is that we lean on our own understanding and miss Gods will
The warning mentioned in these verses isn’t telling us to turn off ourselves and ignore our
Common sense and intellegance its cautions us not to depend on our own wisdom and experience
It is also stressing the importance of obeidance.
Vs 6 – God is making us a promise of directing our paths if we obey Him, yes that promise
Is predicated on our obideance
*** this means to us we are to be totally committed to Him*** (See romans 12:1-2)))))))))))
It says by doing so we will have health and strength
Read vs 9-10
Fourthly- we are to honor the lord with tithes and offering just as has been done since the
First Hebrews giving the first crop
BY honoring God with our tithes and offering we will have the promise of plenty
Read vs 11-12
Fifth-be submissive to Gods chastening
Chastening is part of Gods plan to help His sons and daughters mature in godly character as it says in(hebrews 12:1-11))))))
God chastens us not as a judge punishing a criminal but as a parent disciping a child. HE acts in love and his purpose is that
We might become ‘partakers of his holiness’ ((Hebrews 12:10)))
Sometimes we are chastened because we have rebelled and need to repent, other times he does it to keep us from sinning
And preparing us for his special blessings. NO matter how much it hurts, it wil never harm us because God always chastens in love
As it tells us in Deuteronomy 8:2-5)
Intro to Proverbs - Sunday school lesson
Our Sunday School class, Women of Praise, we have started studying the book of Proverbs. I have typed up the lesson to share with all of you that are interested, but especially for the ladies that have had to miss. Reading a lesson on a blog page you do miss alot. But the Holy Spirit is still able to move. We serve one BIG GOD! Proverbs has been an eye opener for me. And to see the Holy Spirit working is humbling, to say the least.
Proverbs
Overview of where Proverbs came from:
King Soloman was the wisest man who ever lived. HE asked God for a discerning heart, and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong and Gd granted his request. (1 Kings 3:9,12) Not only that but the Lord was so pleaszed with Solomans request that he also gave him riches and honor. So much that during his lifetime he had no equal.
One would think that the king who had everything, all the riches and fame one could possibly imagine would be on top of the world, all of the time. Yet, it is told in Ecclesiastes 2:11 that he was actually in much despair. King Solomans annual income was equivalent to $328 million in our day. And in addition to all of the he had the respect and admiration of the entire world. So how would he fall into an oppitamy of despair? The answer probably, he didn’t obey the Lord and he knew Gods word, but didn’t apply it.’’
Formula to wisdom:wisdom=knowledge + obiediance
Knowledge is knowing the right thing to do
Wisdom is actually doing it.
True wisdom is equal amounts of knowledge and obiediance.
Wisdom and Knowledge:
-we live in an information age, many people are wizards at computers first of all computers store data and obey signals.
They cannot give us the ability to use the knowledge in them wisely. Today we need wisdom. Proverbs is about godly wisdom, how to get it and how to use it. Its priorities and principles, not get rich quick schemes and success formulas.
Throughout the book of Proverbs, we will see the idea that not just obtaining more knowledge but CHOOSING to apply that knowledge in way to honor and please the Lord. True wisdom is seen through an obiedient life.
Soloman knew what he needed to to to polease the Lord because God have given him a wise and discerning heart. (1 Kings 3:12)
But he chose not to obey. That’s the difference between a follish person and a wise person. Fools blow off what they know they should do but a wise person turns knowledge into action.
Solomans sins:
He didn’t trust in the protection of the Lord
God forbide the kings of Isreal from accumulating horses and chariots because those could lead a king away from trusting solely in the Lord as his protector. (told in Deut 17:16) / Soloman hadx 4000 stalls for chariot horses + 12000 horses (1 Kings 4:26)
So instead of Soloman trusting in the Lord to protect him and his kingdom, he put his trust in himself and his army
He didn’t trust the promise of the Lord
-Soloman fortified a number of important cities he was building up a defensive perimeter around his kingdom to protect Jerusalem and all of his stuff. Soloman didn’t have any enemies, because God made a promise to his father David that during the reign of his son there would be peace (1 Chron 22:9)
* Solomon didn’t trust the promise of the Lord
3)He didn’t trust the provision of the Lord
-The Lord forbide the kings of Isreal to marry foreign women and amassing a large amount of wealth (deut 17:17), but Soloman over looked those as well he had 700 royal wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3) he was very wealthy (ecclesiastes 2:8)
* again soloman did opposite of what the Lord instructed him to do
Solomon didn’t ‘practice what he preached’ these were not actions of a wise man applying his knowledge to a life of obiedence he foolishly trusted in himself. He suffered the consequences. We can learn from Solomon’s example and practice what he preached in the proverb and learn from his mistakes.
As born again believers we can be wise if we choose to obey The Word of God instead of ignoring it like King Soloman.
1.What is the major theme of Proverbs? WISDOM
*the words wise and wisdom are used at least 125 times in the book
*the book is to help us aquire and apply Gods wisdom to the decisions and activities of each day of our lives
*the Lord expects us to apply ourselves intellectually and do some serious thinking as we study His word. Matthew 22:37 “we should love the Lord with our minds as well as with our hearts and souls”
*God wants His children today to “walk carefully not as fools but as wise” Ephesians 5:15
*we need wisdom which is the ability to use knowledge. We have the competence to grasp the meaning of a situation and understand what to do and how to do it in the right way and time
*to the ancient jew, wisdom was much more than good advice or successful planning. Oncbibe it was put as ‘wisdom means being skillful and successful in ones relationship and responsibilities..observing and following the creators principles of order in the moral universe”
*biblical wisdom begins with a right relationship with the Lord and understanding that He has put within His creation divine order that if obeyed leads to success
*biblical wisdom has nothing to do with IQ or education – it has to do with character and values – looking at the world through the grid of Gods truth
*wisdom is isn’t something theoretical its practical and affects every area of life. It gives order and purpose to life, a discernment in decision making, and provides a sense of fulfillment in life to the glory of God.
*people with wisdom have the skill to face life honestly and courageously and to manage it successfully so that Gods purposes can be fulfilled in our lives
2.Who wrote this book?
In 1:1;10:1:25:1 we are told that King Soloman is the author of these proverbs, God had given him great wisdom and people came from the ends of the earth to listen to him. In his time he spoke 3000 proverbs, most of which are not included in this book. The holy spirit selected the proverbs that Gods people should learn and obey.
Other servants guided by Gods spirit were involved in the production of this book. 25:1 the men of Hezekiah, Agur the son of Jakeh, and King Lameul
3.What is the key verse that helps us unlock the message of the book? PROVERBS 1:7
“the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction’
(what does it mean to fear the lord? We acknowledge in our hearts that He is our creator, we are the creatures, he is the Father, we are His children, He is the master – we are the servants, it means respect God for who HE is listen carefully to what he says, and obey his word, know that our disobiediance is displeaszing to him, just like the respectful fear of a child before the parent.”
4.What does the book say about Jesus?
In Jesus Christ, ‘ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge’ Colossians 2:3.
And ‘HE is our wisdom’ 1 corinthians 1:24,30
Solomon was the wisest ruler who ever lived, yet Jesus Christ is greater than Soloman in both His wisdom and His wealth (Matt 12:42)
All of the qualities of wisdom described in Proverbs are seen in Jesus Christ, and His earthly walk is a pattern for Gods people to follow”(1 John 2:6)
5.What is the reason we have the book of Proverbs?
The divine reason for Proverbs is found in the last 7 verses of Ecclesiastes
-God will save all who take heed to what is recorded
There are 2 ways we can learn the emptiness of the world and the true character of sin
1st which is the most common way bny treading the thorny path each by out ownself
2nd the right way learn it all in His prescense accept His word and regard it {{regard means feeling of respect and affection}}
The Hebrew word for Proverb is mashal, which means a comparison.
We have to recognize that there are different literary forms of Proverbs
Cautionary advice or warning then its often followed by a motivational cause
Conveys consequences of action
Other times it may seem like a question with an answer response.
Either way it is meant to stimulate response and obedience.
When mentioning the study of proverbs I have heard it said that Proverbs is a manual for parents to teach their children.- yes this is correct, but let me ask you what is our relationship to our Heavenly Father? We are His children right? So that tells me that this is a manual for our actions. Proverbs tells us how to be wise, how not to be a fool, how to handle our money, raise our family, pretty much the handbook for life. I have often called it a parenting manual, it even tells how to pick your friends
Lets look on at Proverbs beginning Proverbs 1:1-4 ((( read)))))
There are 10 words repeated through scripture that we see in the KJV of this they all should be weighed heavily and looked at with precision.
Wisdom – mentioned in vs 2 is (ability to use knowledge) or exhibiting gods character in affairs of our lives
Instruction – in the same verse as well as in vs 3 ‘to teach by discipline’
Intelligence in vs 2 – ‘rendered understanding or discernment”
Understanding in vs 3d is conveys the the ability to grasp the truth
Righteousness in vs 3 refers to conduct or ‘right behavior’
Justice- ‘decisions or ability to try things that differ’
Equity refers to priciples rather than conduct ‘uprightness or moral integrity
Prudence – the kind of intelligence that sees the reason behind things
Knowledge is information of sound character
Discretion is thoughtfulness or the ability to devise wise plans after understanding a matter
In these 10 words we have the description of a well rounded character. The study and practice of Gods truth alone can produce it.
Lets look at vs 5-6
Readiness to learn is a characteristic of the truly wise
Vs 7
This is the key verse in proverbs it tells why its written to give us knowledge wisdom instruction understanding discretion learning ans counsel
Proverbs
Overview of where Proverbs came from:
King Soloman was the wisest man who ever lived. HE asked God for a discerning heart, and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong and Gd granted his request. (1 Kings 3:9,12) Not only that but the Lord was so pleaszed with Solomans request that he also gave him riches and honor. So much that during his lifetime he had no equal.
One would think that the king who had everything, all the riches and fame one could possibly imagine would be on top of the world, all of the time. Yet, it is told in Ecclesiastes 2:11 that he was actually in much despair. King Solomans annual income was equivalent to $328 million in our day. And in addition to all of the he had the respect and admiration of the entire world. So how would he fall into an oppitamy of despair? The answer probably, he didn’t obey the Lord and he knew Gods word, but didn’t apply it.’’
Formula to wisdom:wisdom=knowledge + obiediance
Knowledge is knowing the right thing to do
Wisdom is actually doing it.
True wisdom is equal amounts of knowledge and obiediance.
Wisdom and Knowledge:
-we live in an information age, many people are wizards at computers first of all computers store data and obey signals.
They cannot give us the ability to use the knowledge in them wisely. Today we need wisdom. Proverbs is about godly wisdom, how to get it and how to use it. Its priorities and principles, not get rich quick schemes and success formulas.
Throughout the book of Proverbs, we will see the idea that not just obtaining more knowledge but CHOOSING to apply that knowledge in way to honor and please the Lord. True wisdom is seen through an obiedient life.
Soloman knew what he needed to to to polease the Lord because God have given him a wise and discerning heart. (1 Kings 3:12)
But he chose not to obey. That’s the difference between a follish person and a wise person. Fools blow off what they know they should do but a wise person turns knowledge into action.
Solomans sins:
He didn’t trust in the protection of the Lord
God forbide the kings of Isreal from accumulating horses and chariots because those could lead a king away from trusting solely in the Lord as his protector. (told in Deut 17:16) / Soloman hadx 4000 stalls for chariot horses + 12000 horses (1 Kings 4:26)
So instead of Soloman trusting in the Lord to protect him and his kingdom, he put his trust in himself and his army
He didn’t trust the promise of the Lord
-Soloman fortified a number of important cities he was building up a defensive perimeter around his kingdom to protect Jerusalem and all of his stuff. Soloman didn’t have any enemies, because God made a promise to his father David that during the reign of his son there would be peace (1 Chron 22:9)
* Solomon didn’t trust the promise of the Lord
3)He didn’t trust the provision of the Lord
-The Lord forbide the kings of Isreal to marry foreign women and amassing a large amount of wealth (deut 17:17), but Soloman over looked those as well he had 700 royal wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3) he was very wealthy (ecclesiastes 2:8)
* again soloman did opposite of what the Lord instructed him to do
Solomon didn’t ‘practice what he preached’ these were not actions of a wise man applying his knowledge to a life of obiedence he foolishly trusted in himself. He suffered the consequences. We can learn from Solomon’s example and practice what he preached in the proverb and learn from his mistakes.
As born again believers we can be wise if we choose to obey The Word of God instead of ignoring it like King Soloman.
1.What is the major theme of Proverbs? WISDOM
*the words wise and wisdom are used at least 125 times in the book
*the book is to help us aquire and apply Gods wisdom to the decisions and activities of each day of our lives
*the Lord expects us to apply ourselves intellectually and do some serious thinking as we study His word. Matthew 22:37 “we should love the Lord with our minds as well as with our hearts and souls”
*God wants His children today to “walk carefully not as fools but as wise” Ephesians 5:15
*we need wisdom which is the ability to use knowledge. We have the competence to grasp the meaning of a situation and understand what to do and how to do it in the right way and time
*to the ancient jew, wisdom was much more than good advice or successful planning. Oncbibe it was put as ‘wisdom means being skillful and successful in ones relationship and responsibilities..observing and following the creators principles of order in the moral universe”
*biblical wisdom begins with a right relationship with the Lord and understanding that He has put within His creation divine order that if obeyed leads to success
*biblical wisdom has nothing to do with IQ or education – it has to do with character and values – looking at the world through the grid of Gods truth
*wisdom is isn’t something theoretical its practical and affects every area of life. It gives order and purpose to life, a discernment in decision making, and provides a sense of fulfillment in life to the glory of God.
*people with wisdom have the skill to face life honestly and courageously and to manage it successfully so that Gods purposes can be fulfilled in our lives
2.Who wrote this book?
In 1:1;10:1:25:1 we are told that King Soloman is the author of these proverbs, God had given him great wisdom and people came from the ends of the earth to listen to him. In his time he spoke 3000 proverbs, most of which are not included in this book. The holy spirit selected the proverbs that Gods people should learn and obey.
Other servants guided by Gods spirit were involved in the production of this book. 25:1 the men of Hezekiah, Agur the son of Jakeh, and King Lameul
3.What is the key verse that helps us unlock the message of the book? PROVERBS 1:7
“the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction’
(what does it mean to fear the lord? We acknowledge in our hearts that He is our creator, we are the creatures, he is the Father, we are His children, He is the master – we are the servants, it means respect God for who HE is listen carefully to what he says, and obey his word, know that our disobiediance is displeaszing to him, just like the respectful fear of a child before the parent.”
4.What does the book say about Jesus?
In Jesus Christ, ‘ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge’ Colossians 2:3.
And ‘HE is our wisdom’ 1 corinthians 1:24,30
Solomon was the wisest ruler who ever lived, yet Jesus Christ is greater than Soloman in both His wisdom and His wealth (Matt 12:42)
All of the qualities of wisdom described in Proverbs are seen in Jesus Christ, and His earthly walk is a pattern for Gods people to follow”(1 John 2:6)
5.What is the reason we have the book of Proverbs?
The divine reason for Proverbs is found in the last 7 verses of Ecclesiastes
-God will save all who take heed to what is recorded
There are 2 ways we can learn the emptiness of the world and the true character of sin
1st which is the most common way bny treading the thorny path each by out ownself
2nd the right way learn it all in His prescense accept His word and regard it {{regard means feeling of respect and affection}}
The Hebrew word for Proverb is mashal, which means a comparison.
We have to recognize that there are different literary forms of Proverbs
Cautionary advice or warning then its often followed by a motivational cause
Conveys consequences of action
Other times it may seem like a question with an answer response.
Either way it is meant to stimulate response and obedience.
When mentioning the study of proverbs I have heard it said that Proverbs is a manual for parents to teach their children.- yes this is correct, but let me ask you what is our relationship to our Heavenly Father? We are His children right? So that tells me that this is a manual for our actions. Proverbs tells us how to be wise, how not to be a fool, how to handle our money, raise our family, pretty much the handbook for life. I have often called it a parenting manual, it even tells how to pick your friends
Lets look on at Proverbs beginning Proverbs 1:1-4 ((( read)))))
There are 10 words repeated through scripture that we see in the KJV of this they all should be weighed heavily and looked at with precision.
Wisdom – mentioned in vs 2 is (ability to use knowledge) or exhibiting gods character in affairs of our lives
Instruction – in the same verse as well as in vs 3 ‘to teach by discipline’
Intelligence in vs 2 – ‘rendered understanding or discernment”
Understanding in vs 3d is conveys the the ability to grasp the truth
Righteousness in vs 3 refers to conduct or ‘right behavior’
Justice- ‘decisions or ability to try things that differ’
Equity refers to priciples rather than conduct ‘uprightness or moral integrity
Prudence – the kind of intelligence that sees the reason behind things
Knowledge is information of sound character
Discretion is thoughtfulness or the ability to devise wise plans after understanding a matter
In these 10 words we have the description of a well rounded character. The study and practice of Gods truth alone can produce it.
Lets look at vs 5-6
Readiness to learn is a characteristic of the truly wise
Vs 7
This is the key verse in proverbs it tells why its written to give us knowledge wisdom instruction understanding discretion learning ans counsel
Monday, June 20, 2011
New Challenge for me as mom, schooling....whats a mom to do
Each day as a Mom, I enter new adventures, joys, and journies in life. The kids get bigger and I develop a new outlook on life. Which brings me to my new journey, which I am very eager to conquer.
My oldest, Sydney will be going into fourth grade and Jules first grade. I find myself asking how in the world could I have had two kids who look so much alike yet are t-totally different? Sydney, well she is just Sydney. She goes for comfort, more high strung, on the wild side, and is a follower. Jules on the other hand, is more of a fru-fru girlie girl, laid back but senstive, and is a leader.
Jules does very well in school, she loves to read and reads on a second grade level. Sydney on the other hand, has to work hard to stay caught up in reading yet in math, she whizzes through. Reading has been a struggle for her since Kindergarten, so knowing how she struggled I vowed that Jules would read before she started school, and she was. As we have went through these years throughout school working diligently year, after year it never got easier. THen I start reviewing cirriculam's that are used in school. The cirriculam that they use in school is considered spiral based learning. You are taught a new concept and then throughout the year they add to that concept. Well, if you dont get a grasp on the first concept how can you add to it? For most kiddos, they are able to simply learn and go on which has not been tha case for mine. We seen week by week that peers in school, just arent what they were like back in the day. Kids today are around much different in the aspect they are expected to 'grow up' act grown up, get there now, work harder, do it faster, do it better. Their little lives are very stressful.That doesnt even touch the surface of what children are exposed to in this big ugly world. And what do we have to look forward to ?? MIddle School! Ick! I have dreaded it for my children, almost since I was there!!! I hated it! What is a mother to do???
After prayer, for an extended amount of time.. here was my answer
Isaiah 54:13-14 "all your children should be taught by The Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. In righteousness you shall be established youshall be far from oppresion for you shall not fear"
Ok Lord, I understand, and I understand that my children dont recieve anytype of biblical education in school because of the seperation of church and state. I am worried, that I cannot provide them quality education and christian education is expensive and would require like 3 hours driving per day.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 "and these words I command you today shall be in your heart; you shall team them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up"
Then.. Lord I kinda get what you are getting at but, I would be minority, society doesnt view homeschooling well, wouldnt they be behind socially, what about ball games prom...blah blah blah
and then.. Romans 12:2 "do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God"
and then... Yes, Lord. I will.
I have been called to homeschool my girls. Not everyone is called to do this. And its not for everyone. But, I have. I am nervous, anxious, excited, scared, and still joyful for the opprotunity its alot of mixed emotion.
Its so hard in todays world, to find the balance. I am humbled that Gods sees my capability and desires me to be the one to provide for these precious girls he has leant me. And I will do my very best to provide what God wants, until HE sees fit for something different.
Its offical, not only am I a stay at home mommy but Beginning August 2011, a homeschooling mom,
My oldest, Sydney will be going into fourth grade and Jules first grade. I find myself asking how in the world could I have had two kids who look so much alike yet are t-totally different? Sydney, well she is just Sydney. She goes for comfort, more high strung, on the wild side, and is a follower. Jules on the other hand, is more of a fru-fru girlie girl, laid back but senstive, and is a leader.
Jules does very well in school, she loves to read and reads on a second grade level. Sydney on the other hand, has to work hard to stay caught up in reading yet in math, she whizzes through. Reading has been a struggle for her since Kindergarten, so knowing how she struggled I vowed that Jules would read before she started school, and she was. As we have went through these years throughout school working diligently year, after year it never got easier. THen I start reviewing cirriculam's that are used in school. The cirriculam that they use in school is considered spiral based learning. You are taught a new concept and then throughout the year they add to that concept. Well, if you dont get a grasp on the first concept how can you add to it? For most kiddos, they are able to simply learn and go on which has not been tha case for mine. We seen week by week that peers in school, just arent what they were like back in the day. Kids today are around much different in the aspect they are expected to 'grow up' act grown up, get there now, work harder, do it faster, do it better. Their little lives are very stressful.That doesnt even touch the surface of what children are exposed to in this big ugly world. And what do we have to look forward to ?? MIddle School! Ick! I have dreaded it for my children, almost since I was there!!! I hated it! What is a mother to do???
After prayer, for an extended amount of time.. here was my answer
Isaiah 54:13-14 "all your children should be taught by The Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. In righteousness you shall be established youshall be far from oppresion for you shall not fear"
Ok Lord, I understand, and I understand that my children dont recieve anytype of biblical education in school because of the seperation of church and state. I am worried, that I cannot provide them quality education and christian education is expensive and would require like 3 hours driving per day.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 "and these words I command you today shall be in your heart; you shall team them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up"
Then.. Lord I kinda get what you are getting at but, I would be minority, society doesnt view homeschooling well, wouldnt they be behind socially, what about ball games prom...blah blah blah
and then.. Romans 12:2 "do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God"
and then... Yes, Lord. I will.
I have been called to homeschool my girls. Not everyone is called to do this. And its not for everyone. But, I have. I am nervous, anxious, excited, scared, and still joyful for the opprotunity its alot of mixed emotion.
Its so hard in todays world, to find the balance. I am humbled that Gods sees my capability and desires me to be the one to provide for these precious girls he has leant me. And I will do my very best to provide what God wants, until HE sees fit for something different.
Its offical, not only am I a stay at home mommy but Beginning August 2011, a homeschooling mom,
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