“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.” (Proverbs 11:1).
Worldly men will do anything to get ahead. They will cheat, steal, lie and step on anyone who gets in their way. Deception, misrepresentation and misallocation of funds have seemingly become a part of the corporate culture. Ungodly men have sold their character and integrity to the highest bidder: all in pursuit of the “almighty dollar.” The name itself is blasphemous, but it appropriately describes the idolatry that the pursuit of money has become in our society. Godly men, especially godly businessmen, seem to be in extremely short supply these days. God has called His sons to holiness in the midst of a corrupt culture. We are to deal with people honestly and respectfully. Our business practices should be fair and above reproach. We should have a reputation of integrity in the community and also with competing businesses. Stealing sales, padding business accounts, overcharging customers and similar practices should have no place in the Christian businessman’s repertoire. Salesmen must ethically represent their company and its products. Misleading customers, false claims and hyperboles are tools of ungodly companies. God will not prosper a Christian business that employs these tactics. Men of God, we are commanded to live holy in every aspect of our lives. There is no division between the secular and the sacred in the life of a godly man. We are to close every deal, sell every product and treat every customer exactly as Jesus would.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Whose Blood Is on Your Hands?
“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination to him… hands that shed innocent blood.” (Proverbs 6: 16,17c).
We are all familiar with the commandment “Thou shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13) and would readily agree that it is wrong to shed innocent blood. Why is it then that no one gives a second thought to slandering an innocent man’s reputation or assassinating his character? Isn’t the principle the same? Murder kills the man’s body but slander slays his spirit. How much blood do we have on our hands, brothers? “And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood” (Isaiah 1:15). I recently heard a pastor friend tell about a Christian radio program in which a listener called in to ask the host his opinion of a certain Christian author. The host said that he didn’t know the writer that well, but from what he knew, the man was a liar. The host stated that the author had claimed in his book that he once worked with the Associated Press; however, the host had done his own research on the author, and he had never worked for the A. P. The author, who had not heard the program, was given a tape by a friend and contacted the host to set the record straight. (Indeed, he had worked for the A.P.). The host would not return his phone calls. Next, the author wrote to the host and included check stubs from the A.P. with no response. The book publisher and a prominent pastor contacted the host, but no retraction was ever made. The host refused to offer an apology or correct his mistake, and his listeners were left to believe that the author was a liar. The host shed innocent blood by making a judgment that he should not have made. Whose blood do we have on our hands?
We are all familiar with the commandment “Thou shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13) and would readily agree that it is wrong to shed innocent blood. Why is it then that no one gives a second thought to slandering an innocent man’s reputation or assassinating his character? Isn’t the principle the same? Murder kills the man’s body but slander slays his spirit. How much blood do we have on our hands, brothers? “And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood” (Isaiah 1:15). I recently heard a pastor friend tell about a Christian radio program in which a listener called in to ask the host his opinion of a certain Christian author. The host said that he didn’t know the writer that well, but from what he knew, the man was a liar. The host stated that the author had claimed in his book that he once worked with the Associated Press; however, the host had done his own research on the author, and he had never worked for the A. P. The author, who had not heard the program, was given a tape by a friend and contacted the host to set the record straight. (Indeed, he had worked for the A.P.). The host would not return his phone calls. Next, the author wrote to the host and included check stubs from the A.P. with no response. The book publisher and a prominent pastor contacted the host, but no retraction was ever made. The host refused to offer an apology or correct his mistake, and his listeners were left to believe that the author was a liar. The host shed innocent blood by making a judgment that he should not have made. Whose blood do we have on our hands?
Monday, May 24, 2010
A Loving Friendship With God
“I love them that love me.” (Proverbs 8:17a).
How do we show our love to the people that are important to us? By spending time with them. The activities that we spend our time on are the things in life to which we are devoted. If I asked each man reading this blog if he loved God, every single one would say yes. My question then, is how do you express your love? Do you spend time with Him? Is your relationship with Him alive or stagnant? Building relationships takes time- with people and with God. Adam walked with God in the garden. (Genesis 3:8). Enoch walked so closely with God that he was taken from the earth without ever seeing death. (Genesis 5:24). Noah was a just man and walked with God. (Genesis 6:9). Moses talked with God face to face as a man speaketh to his friend. (Exodus 33:11). David was a man after God’s own heart. (Acts 13:22). Abraham was called the friend of God. (James 2:23). These men loved God. Are you aware that God will meet you where you are? In John 21:15-19, Jesus discusses with Simon Peter his love for Him. Jesus’ first question to Simon Peter was: Simon, do you love [agape-unconditional love] me? Peter replied: yes, Lord, you know that I love [phileo-friendship love] you. Jesus asked Peter again: Do you agape me? Peter said: yes Lord, I phileo you. Finally, Jesus asked: Simon, do you phileo me? To which Peter replied: yes, Lord, you know I phileo you. The Hebrew word for love in today’s proverb is ahab, which means to have affection as with a friend. (Strong’s). Isn’t it great to know that God is confident in His goodness? He knows that once we taste and see that He is good, we will desire to know Him intimately. We can progress from being a friend of God to His loving son.
How do we show our love to the people that are important to us? By spending time with them. The activities that we spend our time on are the things in life to which we are devoted. If I asked each man reading this blog if he loved God, every single one would say yes. My question then, is how do you express your love? Do you spend time with Him? Is your relationship with Him alive or stagnant? Building relationships takes time- with people and with God. Adam walked with God in the garden. (Genesis 3:8). Enoch walked so closely with God that he was taken from the earth without ever seeing death. (Genesis 5:24). Noah was a just man and walked with God. (Genesis 6:9). Moses talked with God face to face as a man speaketh to his friend. (Exodus 33:11). David was a man after God’s own heart. (Acts 13:22). Abraham was called the friend of God. (James 2:23). These men loved God. Are you aware that God will meet you where you are? In John 21:15-19, Jesus discusses with Simon Peter his love for Him. Jesus’ first question to Simon Peter was: Simon, do you love [agape-unconditional love] me? Peter replied: yes, Lord, you know that I love [phileo-friendship love] you. Jesus asked Peter again: Do you agape me? Peter said: yes Lord, I phileo you. Finally, Jesus asked: Simon, do you phileo me? To which Peter replied: yes, Lord, you know I phileo you. The Hebrew word for love in today’s proverb is ahab, which means to have affection as with a friend. (Strong’s). Isn’t it great to know that God is confident in His goodness? He knows that once we taste and see that He is good, we will desire to know Him intimately. We can progress from being a friend of God to His loving son.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Having an Understanding Heart
“O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.” (Proverbs 8:5).
Do you ever feel like that-simple and foolish? I do. I have heard it said: “Christianity is a journey, not a destination.” This is a true statement not only for our Christian walk but also in our quest to become godly men. The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know. This is why it is so important for us to trust God and not lean upon our own understanding. He sees the big picture, and He possesses all knowledge. He isn’t talking about our physical heart (The organ the pumps blood throughout our body and gives us life). He is referring to our spiritual heart, the seat of our soul (the mind, will and emotions). Our heart is the center of our being- the Holy of Holies, so to speak. To have an understanding heart means that we are to have a discerning and prudent heart. Just as we maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to protect our natural heart, we must also guard what enters our spiritual heart. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23). A discerning heart judges what is best for us and decides what to let into our spiritual man. It acts as a filter to remove the impurities that life sends our way. Some men believe they are strong enough Christians to handle anything, and they allow all manner of perversion and filth to permeate their hearts. These men are truly foolish and possess no wisdom or understanding. A godly man has an understanding heart and is careful of all he allows to enter it.
Do you ever feel like that-simple and foolish? I do. I have heard it said: “Christianity is a journey, not a destination.” This is a true statement not only for our Christian walk but also in our quest to become godly men. The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know. This is why it is so important for us to trust God and not lean upon our own understanding. He sees the big picture, and He possesses all knowledge. He isn’t talking about our physical heart (The organ the pumps blood throughout our body and gives us life). He is referring to our spiritual heart, the seat of our soul (the mind, will and emotions). Our heart is the center of our being- the Holy of Holies, so to speak. To have an understanding heart means that we are to have a discerning and prudent heart. Just as we maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to protect our natural heart, we must also guard what enters our spiritual heart. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23). A discerning heart judges what is best for us and decides what to let into our spiritual man. It acts as a filter to remove the impurities that life sends our way. Some men believe they are strong enough Christians to handle anything, and they allow all manner of perversion and filth to permeate their hearts. These men are truly foolish and possess no wisdom or understanding. A godly man has an understanding heart and is careful of all he allows to enter it.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Who is Guiding You?
“Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.” (Proverbs 4:26).
If we trust in our own understanding, we will fall into sin. Why is it so easy to do? Because “All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits” (Proverbs 16:2). The devil is a master of compromise and can get us to justify almost any sin. We must take our plans and dreams to the Lord and make sure that they line up with His. At times, it is necessary to toss our plans out the window and start drafting a new plan on a clean slate- only this time we need to step back and let God be the architect. Like David, we should ask God to: “Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day” (Psalms 25:5). “Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.” (Psalms 27:11). The path that is set before us is often treacherous. We cannot see around the bend, and we have no idea what awaits us. Jeremiah recognized that he was not able to direct his own paths. “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). While it is important to watch out for danger in the path ahead, I am thankful that we have a Savior who is the best wilderness guide in the universe. He delights in ordering our steps (Psalms 119:133), and He knows all of the danger of the trail ahead. “For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.” (Psalms 48:14). Isn’t that comforting? Thank God that He establishes our goings and comings. Are we trusting our Guide or are we putting our faith in our own maps, compasses and abilities? The godly man will trust the Lord our God.
If we trust in our own understanding, we will fall into sin. Why is it so easy to do? Because “All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits” (Proverbs 16:2). The devil is a master of compromise and can get us to justify almost any sin. We must take our plans and dreams to the Lord and make sure that they line up with His. At times, it is necessary to toss our plans out the window and start drafting a new plan on a clean slate- only this time we need to step back and let God be the architect. Like David, we should ask God to: “Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day” (Psalms 25:5). “Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.” (Psalms 27:11). The path that is set before us is often treacherous. We cannot see around the bend, and we have no idea what awaits us. Jeremiah recognized that he was not able to direct his own paths. “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). While it is important to watch out for danger in the path ahead, I am thankful that we have a Savior who is the best wilderness guide in the universe. He delights in ordering our steps (Psalms 119:133), and He knows all of the danger of the trail ahead. “For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.” (Psalms 48:14). Isn’t that comforting? Thank God that He establishes our goings and comings. Are we trusting our Guide or are we putting our faith in our own maps, compasses and abilities? The godly man will trust the Lord our God.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Which Treasure Are You After
“Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.” (Proverbs 8:10-11).
Success in God’s eyes is not the same as it is with men. We seek the treasures and pleasures of the earth. God wants us to receive instruction, wisdom and blessings from heaven. Many men desire earthly riches, but even if they are obtained, they will leave us empty and thirsty for more. God says that nothing compares to the blessings He desires to give us. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” (Ephesians 3:20). “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence.” (Ephesians 1:7-8). Let us remember that “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (I Corinthians 2:9). Do we pursue the treasures of heaven with the same intensity and perseverance in which we seek the treasures of earth? Do we spend even a fraction of the time we waste digging for gold and corruptible crowns in mining for the rubies and diamonds in God’s Word? David said: “Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.” (Psalms 119:127). Will we allow God to redefine our definition of success? Do we have the courage to change our goals, so that they line up with the will of God? Are we willing to die to ourselves, our dreams and desires and to allow God to replace them with His own? One jot of God’s wisdom and instruction is more valuable than all the treasures we could ever accumulate on earth.
Success in God’s eyes is not the same as it is with men. We seek the treasures and pleasures of the earth. God wants us to receive instruction, wisdom and blessings from heaven. Many men desire earthly riches, but even if they are obtained, they will leave us empty and thirsty for more. God says that nothing compares to the blessings He desires to give us. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” (Ephesians 3:20). “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence.” (Ephesians 1:7-8). Let us remember that “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (I Corinthians 2:9). Do we pursue the treasures of heaven with the same intensity and perseverance in which we seek the treasures of earth? Do we spend even a fraction of the time we waste digging for gold and corruptible crowns in mining for the rubies and diamonds in God’s Word? David said: “Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.” (Psalms 119:127). Will we allow God to redefine our definition of success? Do we have the courage to change our goals, so that they line up with the will of God? Are we willing to die to ourselves, our dreams and desires and to allow God to replace them with His own? One jot of God’s wisdom and instruction is more valuable than all the treasures we could ever accumulate on earth.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
A Holy Fear of God
“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:9-10).
A healthy fear of the Lord keeps us in line when the world, our flesh and demonic temptations seek to draw us away from holiness. If you had a loving earthly father, you probably have a good sense of what our Heavenly Father is like. (Men, this is one reason why it is so important for you to model godliness to your children. You are how they will perceive their Heavenly Father). My earthly father was not perfect, but he loved me, demanded respect, was fair and corrected me when I was wrong. I did not fear him, but I respected him and did not want to disappoint him. This is overly simplified, but it is a picture of how our Heavenly Father treats us. Perhaps your earthly father abandoned you, abused you or ignored you, and you have trouble trusting God as a result. Read Luke 15:11-32 for a picture of how God loves you. Our reverence and fear of the Lord will prompt us to seek His face, His wisdom and His holiness. A holy fear keeps our feet on a path of righteousness. It manifests within us a desire to please God and a longing to never disappoint Him. A healthy awe and respect for God creates a willingness to follow His commands and to be used by Him. When I realized that the Creator of the universe wanted to know me and desired for me to know Him in return, it stirred within me a hunger to serve Him. Fearing the Lord will help us remain focused on our goals of godly manhood. Lord, give us a healthy fear of You and the knowledge that comes with it.
A healthy fear of the Lord keeps us in line when the world, our flesh and demonic temptations seek to draw us away from holiness. If you had a loving earthly father, you probably have a good sense of what our Heavenly Father is like. (Men, this is one reason why it is so important for you to model godliness to your children. You are how they will perceive their Heavenly Father). My earthly father was not perfect, but he loved me, demanded respect, was fair and corrected me when I was wrong. I did not fear him, but I respected him and did not want to disappoint him. This is overly simplified, but it is a picture of how our Heavenly Father treats us. Perhaps your earthly father abandoned you, abused you or ignored you, and you have trouble trusting God as a result. Read Luke 15:11-32 for a picture of how God loves you. Our reverence and fear of the Lord will prompt us to seek His face, His wisdom and His holiness. A holy fear keeps our feet on a path of righteousness. It manifests within us a desire to please God and a longing to never disappoint Him. A healthy awe and respect for God creates a willingness to follow His commands and to be used by Him. When I realized that the Creator of the universe wanted to know me and desired for me to know Him in return, it stirred within me a hunger to serve Him. Fearing the Lord will help us remain focused on our goals of godly manhood. Lord, give us a healthy fear of You and the knowledge that comes with it.
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Rich Man
“The rich man’s wealth is his strong city.” (Proverbs 10:15a).
There are times when it appears that wicked men get all the breaks, receive all the blessings and rarely experience much trouble. Meanwhile, it seems righteous men struggle to provide the bare necessities for their families and are beset with problems from every direction. Unfortunately, the prosperity message that is being preached today only exacerbates the problem. Believers are making the same mistakes that the disciples made 2,000 years ago. They are equating financial prosperity with favor from God. They are not one in the same. Jesus told his disciples regarding the rich young ruler: “That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19: 23-26). The rich man can be saved, but it is difficult because he has made money his god. The rich man is able to satisfy his desires to his hearts content, but his wealth is not a sign of God’s favor. The disciples equated riches with holiness just as today’s prosperity preachers do. A man enters heaven by one way: through the blood of Jesus. Perhaps we should thank God for our troubles and financial struggles: they may have been the very difficulties that drew us to Him.
There are times when it appears that wicked men get all the breaks, receive all the blessings and rarely experience much trouble. Meanwhile, it seems righteous men struggle to provide the bare necessities for their families and are beset with problems from every direction. Unfortunately, the prosperity message that is being preached today only exacerbates the problem. Believers are making the same mistakes that the disciples made 2,000 years ago. They are equating financial prosperity with favor from God. They are not one in the same. Jesus told his disciples regarding the rich young ruler: “That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19: 23-26). The rich man can be saved, but it is difficult because he has made money his god. The rich man is able to satisfy his desires to his hearts content, but his wealth is not a sign of God’s favor. The disciples equated riches with holiness just as today’s prosperity preachers do. A man enters heaven by one way: through the blood of Jesus. Perhaps we should thank God for our troubles and financial struggles: they may have been the very difficulties that drew us to Him.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Truth
“These six things doth the Lord hate; yea, seven are an abomination unto him; A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood” (Proverbs 6:16-17).
The Lord hates a lying tongue because it is the very antithesis of who He is. “He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of Truth and without iniquity, just and right is he” (Deuteronomy 32:4, emphasis added). Jesus called Himself the truth (John 14:6), and the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of truth. Absolute truth is the very essence of the Godhead. When we are born again, the Spirit of truth indwells each believer. If we lie, we grieve the Holy Spirit and hinder His work in our lives. God, “Desirest truth in the inward parts” (Psalms 51:6) – in the very core of our being. Believers are to love the truth; walk in the truth and share the truth. We live in a society that no longer desires absolute truth. It is more important to be politically correct so that we do not offend people. Nevertheless, the very message of the gospel is offensive. Our Lord and Savior is a stumbling block to many. Jesus was very “exclusive and intolerant” in His message. He is the Way. No man can come to the father but by Him (John 14:6). Now, we have these options: tell men what they want to hear, or tell them the truth. Even though they may bristle at the truth, the truth-if they accept it- will set them free. (John 8:32). As men of integrity, it is our duty to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) to believers and unbelievers alike. May God give us the courage to be bearers of truth.
The Lord hates a lying tongue because it is the very antithesis of who He is. “He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of Truth and without iniquity, just and right is he” (Deuteronomy 32:4, emphasis added). Jesus called Himself the truth (John 14:6), and the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of truth. Absolute truth is the very essence of the Godhead. When we are born again, the Spirit of truth indwells each believer. If we lie, we grieve the Holy Spirit and hinder His work in our lives. God, “Desirest truth in the inward parts” (Psalms 51:6) – in the very core of our being. Believers are to love the truth; walk in the truth and share the truth. We live in a society that no longer desires absolute truth. It is more important to be politically correct so that we do not offend people. Nevertheless, the very message of the gospel is offensive. Our Lord and Savior is a stumbling block to many. Jesus was very “exclusive and intolerant” in His message. He is the Way. No man can come to the father but by Him (John 14:6). Now, we have these options: tell men what they want to hear, or tell them the truth. Even though they may bristle at the truth, the truth-if they accept it- will set them free. (John 8:32). As men of integrity, it is our duty to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) to believers and unbelievers alike. May God give us the courage to be bearers of truth.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Being a Good Provider
“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” (Proverbs 6: 6-8)
One of the primary roles of manhood and fatherhood is that of provider. My step-father exemplifies this godly characteristic better then anyone I know. Even when three children were grown and out of the house, he was still the primary provider for my mother, brother, sister, two cousins and my maternal grandparents. In order to provide for his family, he delivered papers, had a full time job and did odd jobs on the side. The amazing thing is that I have never once heard him complain. When I complement him on what a great provider he is for our family, he deflects my praise and says that any man would do the same. Upon reflection, I have to agree with him. A real man would do what he does. What saddens me is that when I look around, I see very few real men out there. Godly men, more than anyone else, should be setting the standard for providing for our families. We should be an example to the world, just as the church was. Of course, there are times of distress when a man loses his job or becomes disabled and is not able to provide for his family. These circumstances are opportunities for the church to show the love of Jesus. Christians must band together and help meet the needs of struggling families. Men may need help finding jobs or training for a new career (if their disabilities allow it). As godly men, we have a responsibility to provide for our family first and then for the household of faith. Let us follow the example of the ant and work diligently for our family.
One of the primary roles of manhood and fatherhood is that of provider. My step-father exemplifies this godly characteristic better then anyone I know. Even when three children were grown and out of the house, he was still the primary provider for my mother, brother, sister, two cousins and my maternal grandparents. In order to provide for his family, he delivered papers, had a full time job and did odd jobs on the side. The amazing thing is that I have never once heard him complain. When I complement him on what a great provider he is for our family, he deflects my praise and says that any man would do the same. Upon reflection, I have to agree with him. A real man would do what he does. What saddens me is that when I look around, I see very few real men out there. Godly men, more than anyone else, should be setting the standard for providing for our families. We should be an example to the world, just as the church was. Of course, there are times of distress when a man loses his job or becomes disabled and is not able to provide for his family. These circumstances are opportunities for the church to show the love of Jesus. Christians must band together and help meet the needs of struggling families. Men may need help finding jobs or training for a new career (if their disabilities allow it). As godly men, we have a responsibility to provide for our family first and then for the household of faith. Let us follow the example of the ant and work diligently for our family.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
The Word Protects
“My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.” (Proverbs 7:1-3). t
There have been times in my life when I rebelled against authority. Most men have fought the status quo at least once in their lives. My battle with authority was most intense as a teenager. My relationship with my father was especially volatile at this time, as I began to assert my independence. I just could not understand why I had so many restrictions and demands placed on me. Looking back, I can see that my father’s rules, discipline and boundaries were created and enforced out of his love for me and his desire to keep me from harm. Our Heavenly Father acts in the same manner. He has given us His commandments and Words to protect us and guide us. He is concerned about how we live and knew that we would live life to the fullest under his protective covering, as we stayed within the boundaries He provided. His law is meant to be the apple of our eye. This doesn’t mean that we exalt the Law above grace or the Lord Jesus. It simply means that we cherish God’s Word and His commandments, that we do not neglect His hedge of protection and that we show appreciation and thankfulness for the authority that God has over us.
There have been times in my life when I rebelled against authority. Most men have fought the status quo at least once in their lives. My battle with authority was most intense as a teenager. My relationship with my father was especially volatile at this time, as I began to assert my independence. I just could not understand why I had so many restrictions and demands placed on me. Looking back, I can see that my father’s rules, discipline and boundaries were created and enforced out of his love for me and his desire to keep me from harm. Our Heavenly Father acts in the same manner. He has given us His commandments and Words to protect us and guide us. He is concerned about how we live and knew that we would live life to the fullest under his protective covering, as we stayed within the boundaries He provided. His law is meant to be the apple of our eye. This doesn’t mean that we exalt the Law above grace or the Lord Jesus. It simply means that we cherish God’s Word and His commandments, that we do not neglect His hedge of protection and that we show appreciation and thankfulness for the authority that God has over us.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Stay Focused
“Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.” (Proverbs 4:25).
When a godly man walks out his Christian life, he must remain focused on what lies immediately ahead. It is easy to get distracted by peripheral problems, unimportant issues and even others believers. If we focus on others, we cannot help but begin to compare ourselves to them and measure ourselves accordingly. We are running a race, and we are after one prize. As Paul said; “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14). “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2). It is vital that we keep our eyes on Jesus. Just as racehorses wear blinders during a race to eliminate distractions and remain focused on their goal, so too must Christians block out the diversions of the world so that we may walk worthy of God, who hath called us unto His kingdom and glory. (I Thessalonians 2:12). Men of God, our eyes need to be fixed ever toward the Lord, for He is the only One who is able to order our steps and deliver us from the tempter (Psalms 25:15). Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and for ever (Hebrews 13:8) never changes. He is a beacon in the storm, shining His resplendent light to guide us safely home.
When a godly man walks out his Christian life, he must remain focused on what lies immediately ahead. It is easy to get distracted by peripheral problems, unimportant issues and even others believers. If we focus on others, we cannot help but begin to compare ourselves to them and measure ourselves accordingly. We are running a race, and we are after one prize. As Paul said; “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14). “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2). It is vital that we keep our eyes on Jesus. Just as racehorses wear blinders during a race to eliminate distractions and remain focused on their goal, so too must Christians block out the diversions of the world so that we may walk worthy of God, who hath called us unto His kingdom and glory. (I Thessalonians 2:12). Men of God, our eyes need to be fixed ever toward the Lord, for He is the only One who is able to order our steps and deliver us from the tempter (Psalms 25:15). Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and for ever (Hebrews 13:8) never changes. He is a beacon in the storm, shining His resplendent light to guide us safely home.
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