http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%204-9&version=NIV
Life is about choices. Everyday, we are faced with hundreds of them – what to wear, what to eat, what to do, what to say, how to live. Our place in life is for the most part a result of our choices. We make choices constantly about how to handle the circumstances of our lives. Our society might try to place the blame on the temptress in Proverbs 7. He couldn’t help himself, some might argue; the temptation was too great. But the fact of the matter is, the foolish youth in proverbs 7 made many bad choices that led to his fall.
Bad choice # 1 – He did not purposefully and intentionally resolve to stay away from sin. Instead, he allowed himself to walk right up to it. He got so close to sin that she could whisper in his ear. So close that he could smell her sweet scent. So close that she took hold of him and kissed him. He never should have allowed himself to be in that close proximity to sin under the cover of darkness. He was standing to close to the edge of the cliff that the slightest loss of balance would cause him to fall.
Bad choice # 2 – He allowed himself to be surrounded by fools. No one was with him to hold him accountable. No one was there to whisper a word of caution. No one was there to talk some sense into him. There was no safety net to catch him as he slipped off that cliff. Godly friends are so important in our daily walk. Everybody needs a support group of godly friends who are unafraid to call you out when necessary.
Bad choice # 3 – He didn’t stop to consider the consequences of his actions. All at once he followed her. He didn’t pause to think about how his choice could affect himself and his loved ones. He didn’t hesitate to consider how his actions could affect the woman or her family. He made the choice to follow her impulsively, without hesitation.
Bad choice # 4 – He ignored the obvious. There were plenty of red flags – she was dressed as a prostitute, she was brazen, she was loud and defiant, she was aggressive and scandalous and seductive. She may as well have been wearing a caution sign that said “Run from me”. But the youthful fool chose to ignore these red flags.
The lesson here is not just about bad choices that lead to sexual impurity. We all have different sins that we struggle with, but when we arm ourselves with good choices, the battle is much more easily won. Avoiding temptations, surrounding ourselves with godly friends, considering the consequences and paying attention to the caution signs are four of the many ways to battle temptation. Feel free to share safeguards that you have armed yourself with in your battles with temptation.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%201-3&version=NIV
I have to be honest - I'm posting this blog kind of late because I have nothing to say. I'm a little intimidated by Proverbs and the topic of wisdom. I realize I could write a book and still impart less wisdom than what is imparted in one simple verse in the book of Proverbs - or in any part of God's word.
But two things keep coming to my mind. The first is this - there is a HUGE difference between human wisdom and God's wisdom. It's summed up pretty well in 1 Corinthians 1:25-26 - "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength".
At the same time, there might be a chance that I could offer you some morsel, some tidbit of wisdom, because if you continue reading in 1 Corinthians, vs. 27 says, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." And I am certain that I qualify as both foolish and weak, and so it's very possible that God could choose and use me to speak wisdom to you.
What is important to know and remember is this - anything I have to say that is wise is not from me - it comes straight from God through the power of the Holy Spirit. I'm pretty certain he plants it straight into my heart and mind and then forces it out through my fingers as I type. Often I'm unaware that something I do or say will touch someone - I just know I'm compelled. It's a little frightening and very humbling to be allowed by God to speak to others. For that reason, I am SO grateful we have a LIVING GOD who freely gives wisdom to all who cry out for it. How amazing it is that our Lord "gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." - Proverbs 2:6
My prayer for each of us is this - I pray that we each would seek out Godly wisdom and Godly counsel for our lives. And I pray that we each would thirst every day for the wisdom that God promises us, that we would drink from his fountain. I pray that we each remember that every day we can pray Isaiah 11:2 over ourselves and walk in confidence that God sends the same Spirit that rested on Christ to rest on us.
"The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord - and he will delight in the fear of the Lord."
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
I have to be honest - I'm posting this blog kind of late because I have nothing to say. I'm a little intimidated by Proverbs and the topic of wisdom. I realize I could write a book and still impart less wisdom than what is imparted in one simple verse in the book of Proverbs - or in any part of God's word.
But two things keep coming to my mind. The first is this - there is a HUGE difference between human wisdom and God's wisdom. It's summed up pretty well in 1 Corinthians 1:25-26 - "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength".
At the same time, there might be a chance that I could offer you some morsel, some tidbit of wisdom, because if you continue reading in 1 Corinthians, vs. 27 says, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." And I am certain that I qualify as both foolish and weak, and so it's very possible that God could choose and use me to speak wisdom to you.
What is important to know and remember is this - anything I have to say that is wise is not from me - it comes straight from God through the power of the Holy Spirit. I'm pretty certain he plants it straight into my heart and mind and then forces it out through my fingers as I type. Often I'm unaware that something I do or say will touch someone - I just know I'm compelled. It's a little frightening and very humbling to be allowed by God to speak to others. For that reason, I am SO grateful we have a LIVING GOD who freely gives wisdom to all who cry out for it. How amazing it is that our Lord "gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." - Proverbs 2:6
My prayer for each of us is this - I pray that we each would seek out Godly wisdom and Godly counsel for our lives. And I pray that we each would thirst every day for the wisdom that God promises us, that we would drink from his fountain. I pray that we each remember that every day we can pray Isaiah 11:2 over ourselves and walk in confidence that God sends the same Spirit that rested on Christ to rest on us.
"The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord - and he will delight in the fear of the Lord."
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Let's Talk About Sex
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Song+of+Solomon+1&version=NIV
Song of Solomon is clearly a description of an amorous relationship. There's some debate about whether it's an allegory for the love relationship between God and Israel, between Christ and the church, or between Christ and the soul. Still others believe it is a celebration of wisdom and love as God designed love between husband and wife to be. I think tha perhaps it could be a combination of these because often the same scripture is applied by God to different hearts on different occaisions for different purposes.
There is, however, no question that this book is a beautiful, powerful, and even sensuous love poem. Speaking of the sensuality and rather suggestive imagergy from a single person's perspective can be interesting as we face everyday the struggle to remain pure and strive toward keeping with God's design for the sexual relationship. I found this article from Focus on the Family and wanted to share it with you. No matter young single or mature single, it holds truth and wisdom for all of us:
Solomon's Line on Premarital Sex
The first time I read the Song of Songs in the Bible I thought, No. Way. I immediately grabbed a friend's Bible to see if his featured the same book. "Dude, have you read this?! This is unbelievable!"
"What? What is it?"
"Clusters, man! They're talking about climbing palm trees and taking hold of clusters! IN THE BIBLE! It's right here!" I was a teen Christian with active hormones and my grandmother's prayers were finally being answered because I suddenly developed an intense hunger for the Word. Hallelujah!
Over time, of course, I realized that the relationship described in Solomon's Song, including those face-blushing palm tree and cluster verses, occurred within a specific context. In the midst of beautiful, poetic language about the stages of a relationship that start with a glance and eventually lead to the honeymoon, the author charges us three times, "Do not arouse or awaken love until it pleases," or, as paraphrased by Eugene Peterson in The Message, "Don't excite love, don't stir it up, until the time is ripe — and you're ready."
I often point to this book when people, usually young singles, ask me about relationships and pre-marital sex. They want to know, where, exactly, does the Bible talk about pre- or extra-marital sex, when neither partner is married. They know about the adultery prohibitions, and they agree — you shouldn't have sex with someone who is someone else's spouse. But where does it talk about not having sex if there is no spouse involved? You have two consenting adults, and neither has made any vow to any other person, so it's not technically adultery. What's wrong with that? Does the Bible speak to those situations?
I like to start with Solomon's Song, because it celebrates the whole package of the relationship — initial attraction, exciting emotions, longing, and sexual intimacy — and it connects all of this to the proper context or timing, when "it pleases," a timing that is marked by public approval of the relationship, highlighted by a wedding (chapter 3). The whole relationship, including the celebration of the sexual aspects, takes place within the context of community approval — no, more than approval — rejoicing.
I ask these young, unmarried singles, does the community — your friends, family, church — celebrate your private, sexual liaisons? When it appears that a pregnancy might result, is there rejoicing? No, of course not. Why not? The timing is wrong. The context is wrong. A private affair is being forced out into the public and is clouded by shame. You've "aroused love before its time." There will be pain, disappointment and sadness. Compare that to the tone of Solomon's Song. The couples' sexual life in the Song of Solomon takes place within the context of a lifelong commitment of marriage, and the community rejoices. It will produce grandbabies, nieces, nephews, more members of the little platoon of the family. The couples' sex life is ultimately a social benefit. That, I say to my young single friends, is a picture of sex in the proper context.
Keep in mind, I say, that in biblical times there just wasn't a whole lot of sex taking place before marriage, since people married at such young ages, and there just wasn't much time between reaching the age of sexual maturity and marriage. Most of the sex taking place was after marriage, either with your spouse, which was good, or not with your spouse, which was prohibited, and that's why there's more talk about adultery than pre-marital sex. We wrestle with this issue more now because the time span between reaching the age of sexual maturity and marriage has bumped up a decade or two since biblical times.
I also add that we probably wouldn't even be having this conversation were it not for birth control, especially the "pill," and if abortions were not so easy to obtain. Without birth control and abortion, sex would mean a greater likelihood of raising babies, and raising babies would mean commitment, and commitment would mean marriage. That's life in biblical times, so the question itself didn't get much discussion in a world where sex and babies went together much more than they do in our time.
Then I mention Hebrews 13:4, where the author distinguishes two types of sex that are prohibited. The first, moichos, refers to a married person having sex with someone other than his or her spouse and is generally translated adultery. The second, porneia, in this case refers to any other unmarried sex, usually translated fornication or sexual immorality.
Anything else? They say.
How about Ephesians 5:1-3, where we are instructed to have not even a hint of sexual immorality (porneia), or any kind of impurity in or lives. Do you think pre-marital sex might be at least a hint of sexual immorality? I ask.
Maybe, they say. What else do you have?
Well, I say, there is 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, which, among other things, tells us to flee sexual immorality (porneia) because the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are to honor God with our body.
What else? They say.
Well, I say, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 says to avoid sexual immorality (porneia) and learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable to the Lord, not in passionate lust, like the heathen, who do not know God.
Sure, but what else? They say.
What you really want, I say, is a Scripture that goes something like, if Jack and Jill are not married to anyone nor to each other, and not engaged to anyone nor to each other, and have sex with each other, that's wrong, and that they should either stop having sex or get married.
Um, they say, that's in the Bible?
Well, that's my paraphrase, I say. Then I point them to Exodus 22:16-17, a very interesting "case law" scripture in the Old Testament. By "case law," I mean one of those "If ... then ..." commands that provides some underlying principles applicable beyond the example used. For instance, when Scripture says in Exodus 23:4, "if you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, then take it back to him," the application extends beyond oxen and donkeys, to dogs, children, bicycles, credit cards, etc.
Exodus 22:16-17 gives instruction on what to do if an unmarried, unengaged man has consensual sex with an unmarried, unengaged woman: "If a man seduces (implies consent) a virgin (or a woman of marriageable age) who is not pledged to be married, and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price (or marriage present) and she shall be his wife." Most scholars believe the same prohibition is found in Deuteronomy 22:28-29, "If a man happens to meet a virgin who is not pledged to be married and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered ... he must marry the girl...." Most scholars believe that "rape" is not being addressed here, but consensual pre- marital sex (albeit the man's strong initiation), especially given the phrase "and they are discovered."
These might be the clearest disapproval of sex for singles in Scripture. The message couldn't be more obvious: Whether you're engaged or not, don't have sex outside of marriage. Period. If you're unmarried and having sex, legitimize it and get married to the person with whom you are having sex — get the piece of paper and go public.
It's your choice, I say. Public or private. Song of Solomon or hiding in the shadows. God's way or your way.
These singles often come to me hoping to find a loophole, and a few leave frustrated and disappointed. Some, though, leave with strengthened resolve, and for the first time have a vision of love and sex in the right context — a vision of poetry and celebration.
I pray for the disappointed ones, for them to embrace God's vision for their sex lives. I rejoice over the ones with new vision, because I know they will soon discover what really good sex is all about.
Copyright © 2006, John Thomas. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Song of Solomon is clearly a description of an amorous relationship. There's some debate about whether it's an allegory for the love relationship between God and Israel, between Christ and the church, or between Christ and the soul. Still others believe it is a celebration of wisdom and love as God designed love between husband and wife to be. I think tha perhaps it could be a combination of these because often the same scripture is applied by God to different hearts on different occaisions for different purposes.
There is, however, no question that this book is a beautiful, powerful, and even sensuous love poem. Speaking of the sensuality and rather suggestive imagergy from a single person's perspective can be interesting as we face everyday the struggle to remain pure and strive toward keeping with God's design for the sexual relationship. I found this article from Focus on the Family and wanted to share it with you. No matter young single or mature single, it holds truth and wisdom for all of us:
Solomon's Line on Premarital Sex
The first time I read the Song of Songs in the Bible I thought, No. Way. I immediately grabbed a friend's Bible to see if his featured the same book. "Dude, have you read this?! This is unbelievable!"
"What? What is it?"
"Clusters, man! They're talking about climbing palm trees and taking hold of clusters! IN THE BIBLE! It's right here!" I was a teen Christian with active hormones and my grandmother's prayers were finally being answered because I suddenly developed an intense hunger for the Word. Hallelujah!
Over time, of course, I realized that the relationship described in Solomon's Song, including those face-blushing palm tree and cluster verses, occurred within a specific context. In the midst of beautiful, poetic language about the stages of a relationship that start with a glance and eventually lead to the honeymoon, the author charges us three times, "Do not arouse or awaken love until it pleases," or, as paraphrased by Eugene Peterson in The Message, "Don't excite love, don't stir it up, until the time is ripe — and you're ready."
I often point to this book when people, usually young singles, ask me about relationships and pre-marital sex. They want to know, where, exactly, does the Bible talk about pre- or extra-marital sex, when neither partner is married. They know about the adultery prohibitions, and they agree — you shouldn't have sex with someone who is someone else's spouse. But where does it talk about not having sex if there is no spouse involved? You have two consenting adults, and neither has made any vow to any other person, so it's not technically adultery. What's wrong with that? Does the Bible speak to those situations?
I like to start with Solomon's Song, because it celebrates the whole package of the relationship — initial attraction, exciting emotions, longing, and sexual intimacy — and it connects all of this to the proper context or timing, when "it pleases," a timing that is marked by public approval of the relationship, highlighted by a wedding (chapter 3). The whole relationship, including the celebration of the sexual aspects, takes place within the context of community approval — no, more than approval — rejoicing.
I ask these young, unmarried singles, does the community — your friends, family, church — celebrate your private, sexual liaisons? When it appears that a pregnancy might result, is there rejoicing? No, of course not. Why not? The timing is wrong. The context is wrong. A private affair is being forced out into the public and is clouded by shame. You've "aroused love before its time." There will be pain, disappointment and sadness. Compare that to the tone of Solomon's Song. The couples' sexual life in the Song of Solomon takes place within the context of a lifelong commitment of marriage, and the community rejoices. It will produce grandbabies, nieces, nephews, more members of the little platoon of the family. The couples' sex life is ultimately a social benefit. That, I say to my young single friends, is a picture of sex in the proper context.
Keep in mind, I say, that in biblical times there just wasn't a whole lot of sex taking place before marriage, since people married at such young ages, and there just wasn't much time between reaching the age of sexual maturity and marriage. Most of the sex taking place was after marriage, either with your spouse, which was good, or not with your spouse, which was prohibited, and that's why there's more talk about adultery than pre-marital sex. We wrestle with this issue more now because the time span between reaching the age of sexual maturity and marriage has bumped up a decade or two since biblical times.
I also add that we probably wouldn't even be having this conversation were it not for birth control, especially the "pill," and if abortions were not so easy to obtain. Without birth control and abortion, sex would mean a greater likelihood of raising babies, and raising babies would mean commitment, and commitment would mean marriage. That's life in biblical times, so the question itself didn't get much discussion in a world where sex and babies went together much more than they do in our time.
Then I mention Hebrews 13:4, where the author distinguishes two types of sex that are prohibited. The first, moichos, refers to a married person having sex with someone other than his or her spouse and is generally translated adultery. The second, porneia, in this case refers to any other unmarried sex, usually translated fornication or sexual immorality.
Anything else? They say.
How about Ephesians 5:1-3, where we are instructed to have not even a hint of sexual immorality (porneia), or any kind of impurity in or lives. Do you think pre-marital sex might be at least a hint of sexual immorality? I ask.
Maybe, they say. What else do you have?
Well, I say, there is 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, which, among other things, tells us to flee sexual immorality (porneia) because the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are to honor God with our body.
What else? They say.
Well, I say, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 says to avoid sexual immorality (porneia) and learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable to the Lord, not in passionate lust, like the heathen, who do not know God.
Sure, but what else? They say.
What you really want, I say, is a Scripture that goes something like, if Jack and Jill are not married to anyone nor to each other, and not engaged to anyone nor to each other, and have sex with each other, that's wrong, and that they should either stop having sex or get married.
Um, they say, that's in the Bible?
Well, that's my paraphrase, I say. Then I point them to Exodus 22:16-17, a very interesting "case law" scripture in the Old Testament. By "case law," I mean one of those "If ... then ..." commands that provides some underlying principles applicable beyond the example used. For instance, when Scripture says in Exodus 23:4, "if you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, then take it back to him," the application extends beyond oxen and donkeys, to dogs, children, bicycles, credit cards, etc.
Exodus 22:16-17 gives instruction on what to do if an unmarried, unengaged man has consensual sex with an unmarried, unengaged woman: "If a man seduces (implies consent) a virgin (or a woman of marriageable age) who is not pledged to be married, and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price (or marriage present) and she shall be his wife." Most scholars believe the same prohibition is found in Deuteronomy 22:28-29, "If a man happens to meet a virgin who is not pledged to be married and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered ... he must marry the girl...." Most scholars believe that "rape" is not being addressed here, but consensual pre- marital sex (albeit the man's strong initiation), especially given the phrase "and they are discovered."
These might be the clearest disapproval of sex for singles in Scripture. The message couldn't be more obvious: Whether you're engaged or not, don't have sex outside of marriage. Period. If you're unmarried and having sex, legitimize it and get married to the person with whom you are having sex — get the piece of paper and go public.
It's your choice, I say. Public or private. Song of Solomon or hiding in the shadows. God's way or your way.
These singles often come to me hoping to find a loophole, and a few leave frustrated and disappointed. Some, though, leave with strengthened resolve, and for the first time have a vision of love and sex in the right context — a vision of poetry and celebration.
I pray for the disappointed ones, for them to embrace God's vision for their sex lives. I rejoice over the ones with new vision, because I know they will soon discover what really good sex is all about.
Copyright © 2006, John Thomas. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
2 Chronicles 1, Psalm 72
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%201,%20Psalm%2072&version=ESV
Psalm 72 is another of the Messianic psalms. It deals primarily with Israel's asking that the Davidic king be faithful to the Lord and to them.
Yet, we can see how the psalm looks forward to the Messiah when it states,
"May they fear you while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations! May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth! In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!" (Psalm 72:5-7)
Further evidence that this psalm is looking towards the Messiah comes in verse 8. See the verses below, one of the great prophecies that the Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled in His life.
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations;
his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth." (Zechariah 9:9-10)
Note that the last part of verse 10 from Zechariah is exactly the same as that of Psalm 72:8.
The rest of the Psalm continues to ask the Lord to provide a Godly king for Israel. However, the psalm ends with a praise to God.
I think this is a model for how we should pray. We should ask for things in His name, and that they re according to His will, but in the midst of our asking, we should always praise God for what He wills for us in this and in all situations.
"Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!"
(Psalm 72:18-19)
S0li Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Psalm 72 is another of the Messianic psalms. It deals primarily with Israel's asking that the Davidic king be faithful to the Lord and to them.
Yet, we can see how the psalm looks forward to the Messiah when it states,
"May they fear you while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations! May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth! In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!" (Psalm 72:5-7)
Further evidence that this psalm is looking towards the Messiah comes in verse 8. See the verses below, one of the great prophecies that the Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled in His life.
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations;
his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth." (Zechariah 9:9-10)
Note that the last part of verse 10 from Zechariah is exactly the same as that of Psalm 72:8.
The rest of the Psalm continues to ask the Lord to provide a Godly king for Israel. However, the psalm ends with a praise to God.
I think this is a model for how we should pray. We should ask for things in His name, and that they re according to His will, but in the midst of our asking, we should always praise God for what He wills for us in this and in all situations.
"Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!"
(Psalm 72:18-19)
S0li Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
1 Kings 3-4
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%203-4&version=ESV
1 Kings chapters 3 and 4 tells is of Solomon's wisdom. We read that after the death of his father, David, Solomon heard from the Lord in a dream at night.
In this dream, the Lord said, “Ask what I shall give you.” In that moment, Solomon could have asked for wealth, power, and prestige. But he did not. He asked for wisdom. And because he asked for wisdom, the Lord gave him the things that Solomon did not ask for.
"And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” (1 Kings 3:11-4)
So we see that God values wisdom. How much do we value wisdom? Do we invest time in God's Word on a daily basis? Do we ask for wisdom from the Lord in our prayers? James writes:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
(James 1:5-8)
Solomon later wrote: "Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding."
(Proverbs 23:23)
Are we spending our money on good Christian books? Books that discuss and apply Scripture to our lives, and seek to instill in us a Christian worldview. Or are we focusing on things that are trivial.
John Piper said, "Television is trivial. Radio is trivial. Conversation is trivial. Education is trivial. Christian books are trivial. Worship styles are trivial. ....the human heart, which was made to be staggered with the supremacy of Christ, ...instead is drowning in a sea of banal entertainment..."
We live in an age in which we have the most Bible translations, most access to Christian books, and with the advent of the Internet, a host of free online resources such as sermons, and Christian web sites. Yet, so often we can waste time by watching YouTube videos for hours and hours on end.
Christ came not so that we would be entertained by the trivialities of the world, rather, that we could and would glorify Him with our lives. (Isaiah 43:7)
Paul writes, "And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31)
So Christ is our wisdom. We should strive to know and love Him more each day and to grow in His wisdom.
There are many other things that I could have discussed about Solomon in today's chapters. For example, it is a shame that the wisest man in the world is already breaking the laws of God. (See Deuteronomy 17:6 and Deuteronomy 7:3-4) To me, Solomon started out strong but succumbed to the temptations of life. He did not finish strong.
As we read about Solomon, let us realize that wisdom is not what we should boast of, but we should only boast in God.
"Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
1 Kings chapters 3 and 4 tells is of Solomon's wisdom. We read that after the death of his father, David, Solomon heard from the Lord in a dream at night.
In this dream, the Lord said, “Ask what I shall give you.” In that moment, Solomon could have asked for wealth, power, and prestige. But he did not. He asked for wisdom. And because he asked for wisdom, the Lord gave him the things that Solomon did not ask for.
"And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” (1 Kings 3:11-4)
So we see that God values wisdom. How much do we value wisdom? Do we invest time in God's Word on a daily basis? Do we ask for wisdom from the Lord in our prayers? James writes:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
(James 1:5-8)
Solomon later wrote: "Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding."
(Proverbs 23:23)
Are we spending our money on good Christian books? Books that discuss and apply Scripture to our lives, and seek to instill in us a Christian worldview. Or are we focusing on things that are trivial.
John Piper said, "Television is trivial. Radio is trivial. Conversation is trivial. Education is trivial. Christian books are trivial. Worship styles are trivial. ....the human heart, which was made to be staggered with the supremacy of Christ, ...instead is drowning in a sea of banal entertainment..."
We live in an age in which we have the most Bible translations, most access to Christian books, and with the advent of the Internet, a host of free online resources such as sermons, and Christian web sites. Yet, so often we can waste time by watching YouTube videos for hours and hours on end.
Christ came not so that we would be entertained by the trivialities of the world, rather, that we could and would glorify Him with our lives. (Isaiah 43:7)
Paul writes, "And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31)
So Christ is our wisdom. We should strive to know and love Him more each day and to grow in His wisdom.
There are many other things that I could have discussed about Solomon in today's chapters. For example, it is a shame that the wisest man in the world is already breaking the laws of God. (See Deuteronomy 17:6 and Deuteronomy 7:3-4) To me, Solomon started out strong but succumbed to the temptations of life. He did not finish strong.
As we read about Solomon, let us realize that wisdom is not what we should boast of, but we should only boast in God.
"Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Psalm 119 - Sweeter than honey!
Today's passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%20119&version=NIV
What is your view the Bible? Some people think of it is a moral guidebook for living or a list of rules that are a hindrance to enjoying life. Others think it is out of date and irrelevant – a bunch of old stories and traditions. Some even think of it as a supernatural hoax. But it is my conviction that the Bible is God’s inerrant word. I fully believe 2 Tim 3:16 - that all scripture is God breathed. It truly is the Word of God. Nobody has proven it to me, I just believe it in faith and the more I read the Bible, the stronger my faith grows. As I’ve taken more and more time to study the Bible, I’ve seen that scripture doesn’t contradict itself and that much of it has been fulfilled. Man could never have created something so perfect and beautiful. The more I read, the more my hunger for the Word grows.
Psalm 119 is a wonderful celebration of the Word of God. The psalmist refers to God’s laws and precepts in the following ways:
What is so cool about these characteristics that describe God’s word is that many of these words are used to describe the character of God himself. John 1: 1 says “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Getting to know the Word of God is how we get to know God Himself. How cool is that? The Bible is not merely a list of rules, but a treasured blessing! It’s an opportunity to get to know the creator of the universe!
Digging deeper into the Word allows us to dig deeper into the character of our Lord. As you read a passage, ask questions like Who? Where? What? When? How? and Why? Look for key words & phrases that are repeated. Search for ways you can apply the lessons learned in God’s word to your own life. Try checking out some of the study tools that are readily available online. Crosswalk.com and blueletterbible.org are two great places to start. Both sites have timelines, maps, concordances, commentaries, parallel translations, dictionaries and other study tools. Build a relationship with the Word of God and you will develop an intimacy with God. It’s a journey that is truly sweeter than honey!
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
What is your view the Bible? Some people think of it is a moral guidebook for living or a list of rules that are a hindrance to enjoying life. Others think it is out of date and irrelevant – a bunch of old stories and traditions. Some even think of it as a supernatural hoax. But it is my conviction that the Bible is God’s inerrant word. I fully believe 2 Tim 3:16 - that all scripture is God breathed. It truly is the Word of God. Nobody has proven it to me, I just believe it in faith and the more I read the Bible, the stronger my faith grows. As I’ve taken more and more time to study the Bible, I’ve seen that scripture doesn’t contradict itself and that much of it has been fulfilled. Man could never have created something so perfect and beautiful. The more I read, the more my hunger for the Word grows.
Psalm 119 is a wonderful celebration of the Word of God. The psalmist refers to God’s laws and precepts in the following ways:
- A delight, sweeter than honey, good, wondrous
- True, righteous, enduring,
- Worthy of hope, trust, faith
- Wonderful, Counselor, comfort
- Better than thousands of gold and silver pieces,
- A lamp to my feet, and a light to my path
- He longs for it.
What is so cool about these characteristics that describe God’s word is that many of these words are used to describe the character of God himself. John 1: 1 says “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Getting to know the Word of God is how we get to know God Himself. How cool is that? The Bible is not merely a list of rules, but a treasured blessing! It’s an opportunity to get to know the creator of the universe!
Digging deeper into the Word allows us to dig deeper into the character of our Lord. As you read a passage, ask questions like Who? Where? What? When? How? and Why? Look for key words & phrases that are repeated. Search for ways you can apply the lessons learned in God’s word to your own life. Try checking out some of the study tools that are readily available online. Crosswalk.com and blueletterbible.org are two great places to start. Both sites have timelines, maps, concordances, commentaries, parallel translations, dictionaries and other study tools. Build a relationship with the Word of God and you will develop an intimacy with God. It’s a journey that is truly sweeter than honey!
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Today's passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%201-2;%20Psalms%2037,%2071,%2094&version=NIV
1 Kings, 2:1-4
1 When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. 2 "I am about to go the way of all the earth," he said. "So be strong, show yourself a man, 3 and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go, 4 and that the LORD may keep his promise to me: 'If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.'
Who would have thought that I, a never married at almost 40 female, would be attempting to blog about what it means to be a real man. Luckily, God has given us some clues in David’s life.
In verse two, David gave Solomon some advice - “So, be strong, show yourself a man” Who comes to mind when you hear these words? James Bond? Clint Eastwood? Maybe John Wayne? Is it the guy with the most toys or the most money? Or maybe it’s the guy with the most touchdowns or the highest batting average. Is it the most powerful guy at the office or the guy who never backs down from a fight, never cries, and never does “women’s work”? These are just some of the lies that society feeds upon about what it means to be a real man.
Although we can learn the most about what it means to be a real man by looking at the life of Jesus Christ, we gain some valuable insight from the way David lived his life and the advice he gave to his son Solomon.
Real men like David love the Lord. They love him so much and their faith is so strong, that the desire of their hearts is to live a life of obedient service. A real man like David inquires of the Lord and submits to His will. David first exhibited obedience as he patiently waited for his time on the throne. It was over 20 years between the time of his anointing and the time he fully took the throne. We also saw his faith and obedience as he courageously went up against the giant in the name of the Lord, knowing that God would fight his battle for him. He entered battle after battle courageously, knowing that God would hand over the enemy to him.
On the other hand, real men like David also know when to back down from a fight. He showed restraint when faced with the opportunity to kill Saul. And when Abigail intervened on behalf of Nabal, David backed off and allowed God to handle it. David also knew that it was God who established him, God who anointed him (1 Chron 14:2). In 1 Chronicles 17:16, David asked in humility, “Who am I that you have brought me this far”? He knew that everything he had and everything he was came from God and he was grateful.
David wasn’t perfect by any means. He made a lot of mistakes, but when he failed to walk in the way of the Lord, he did what any real man would do…he repented. Wholeheartedly. He cried out. He wept. His own sin broke his heart. And when he repented, he accepted his consequences and moved on to continue to serve God, always thankful for the forgiveness he received.
So the picture of a real man that we see in David is a little different than the norm of our culture:
today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
1 Kings, 2:1-4
1 When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. 2 "I am about to go the way of all the earth," he said. "So be strong, show yourself a man, 3 and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go, 4 and that the LORD may keep his promise to me: 'If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.'
Who would have thought that I, a never married at almost 40 female, would be attempting to blog about what it means to be a real man. Luckily, God has given us some clues in David’s life.
In verse two, David gave Solomon some advice - “So, be strong, show yourself a man” Who comes to mind when you hear these words? James Bond? Clint Eastwood? Maybe John Wayne? Is it the guy with the most toys or the most money? Or maybe it’s the guy with the most touchdowns or the highest batting average. Is it the most powerful guy at the office or the guy who never backs down from a fight, never cries, and never does “women’s work”? These are just some of the lies that society feeds upon about what it means to be a real man.
Although we can learn the most about what it means to be a real man by looking at the life of Jesus Christ, we gain some valuable insight from the way David lived his life and the advice he gave to his son Solomon.
Real men like David love the Lord. They love him so much and their faith is so strong, that the desire of their hearts is to live a life of obedient service. A real man like David inquires of the Lord and submits to His will. David first exhibited obedience as he patiently waited for his time on the throne. It was over 20 years between the time of his anointing and the time he fully took the throne. We also saw his faith and obedience as he courageously went up against the giant in the name of the Lord, knowing that God would fight his battle for him. He entered battle after battle courageously, knowing that God would hand over the enemy to him.
On the other hand, real men like David also know when to back down from a fight. He showed restraint when faced with the opportunity to kill Saul. And when Abigail intervened on behalf of Nabal, David backed off and allowed God to handle it. David also knew that it was God who established him, God who anointed him (1 Chron 14:2). In 1 Chronicles 17:16, David asked in humility, “Who am I that you have brought me this far”? He knew that everything he had and everything he was came from God and he was grateful.
David wasn’t perfect by any means. He made a lot of mistakes, but when he failed to walk in the way of the Lord, he did what any real man would do…he repented. Wholeheartedly. He cried out. He wept. His own sin broke his heart. And when he repented, he accepted his consequences and moved on to continue to serve God, always thankful for the forgiveness he received.
So the picture of a real man that we see in David is a little different than the norm of our culture:
- He weeps
- He admits his mistakes and asks for forgiveness
- He is a submissive, obedient, servant; he inquires of the Lord
- He knows when to back down from a fight.
- When he is required to go into battle, he enters courageously, knowing that his battle is already won by someone else’s hand.
- He is humble & patient
- He knows that his strength comes from the Lord
- He is courageous…a mighty warrior for God.
- Real men love the Lord.
today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
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