“A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.” (Proverbs 12:3)
We live in a day where men do whatever it takes to get ahead. The corporate scandals of recent years are simply an indicator of the depth of corruption eating away at the heart of our society. Men ascending the corporate ladder step on anyone in their way and use whatever means necessary to get what they want. When a man attempts to established himself by wickedness, he unknowingly builds his foundation on sand. Whatever he attempts to build may stand for a season, but the shifting sands and winds of time will soon bring destruction to his efforts. A righteous man, however, will build his work upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. Anything he builds upon this sure foundation will last for eternity. Most of our efforts in life are wasted, because we are chasing corruptible treasures. John Eldredge said: “There are two incorruptible treasures that we should lay up for ourselves- the Word of God and the souls of men.” “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Who Are You Trusting In?
“Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.” (Proverbs 11:4)
“Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches.” (Jeremiah 9:23) Jesus said to His disciples: “That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:23) Regarding the coming wrath of God, the prophet Ezekiel said: “They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall not be removed: Their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.” (Ezekiel 7:19) Hebrews 9:27, 28 says: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Once we die, it is too late to receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Are our names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life? Only faith in Jesus Christ will result in our salvation. Martin Luther said: “Every man must do two things alone; he must do his own believing and his own dying.” Jim Elliot, the martyred missionary, said: “When it comes time to die, make sure all you have to do is die.” No one is promised tomorrow. Behold, today is the day of salvation. Who or what are you trusting in to get you into heaven? If your answer is anything other than the blood of Jesus, place your trust in Him today.
“Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches.” (Jeremiah 9:23) Jesus said to His disciples: “That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:23) Regarding the coming wrath of God, the prophet Ezekiel said: “They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall not be removed: Their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.” (Ezekiel 7:19) Hebrews 9:27, 28 says: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Once we die, it is too late to receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Are our names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life? Only faith in Jesus Christ will result in our salvation. Martin Luther said: “Every man must do two things alone; he must do his own believing and his own dying.” Jim Elliot, the martyred missionary, said: “When it comes time to die, make sure all you have to do is die.” No one is promised tomorrow. Behold, today is the day of salvation. Who or what are you trusting in to get you into heaven? If your answer is anything other than the blood of Jesus, place your trust in Him today.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Hold Your Tongue
“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” (Proverbs 13:3)
Throughout the book of Proverbs, we are frequently admonished to guard our tongues and watch our mouths. David said: “I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.” (Psalms 39:1) David passed down this knowledge to his son, Solomon, who said: “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” (Proverbs 21:23) Our tongues have the potential to get us into a world of trouble. I have had more than my share of conflict as a result of a loose tongue. Continuing on the road to godly manhood requires gaining control of our tongue through the power of the Holy Spirit. If we insist upon taming the tongue ourselves, we will be in for a long, frustrating, unsuccessful battle. If we posses an unruly tongue, it is an indication of an unruly spirit. “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” (Matthew 12:34) Godly men, we must remain conscious of our mouths and the detrimental effects they can have upon those around us. We must not allow our mouths to cause our flesh to sin. (Ecclesiastes 5:6) We should walk, even as Jesus walked. (I John 2:6) “The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.” (Ecclesiastes 10:12) May we be wise and gracious before both God and men.
Throughout the book of Proverbs, we are frequently admonished to guard our tongues and watch our mouths. David said: “I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.” (Psalms 39:1) David passed down this knowledge to his son, Solomon, who said: “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” (Proverbs 21:23) Our tongues have the potential to get us into a world of trouble. I have had more than my share of conflict as a result of a loose tongue. Continuing on the road to godly manhood requires gaining control of our tongue through the power of the Holy Spirit. If we insist upon taming the tongue ourselves, we will be in for a long, frustrating, unsuccessful battle. If we posses an unruly tongue, it is an indication of an unruly spirit. “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” (Matthew 12:34) Godly men, we must remain conscious of our mouths and the detrimental effects they can have upon those around us. We must not allow our mouths to cause our flesh to sin. (Ecclesiastes 5:6) We should walk, even as Jesus walked. (I John 2:6) “The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.” (Ecclesiastes 10:12) May we be wise and gracious before both God and men.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
A Little Work Never Hurt Anyone
“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” (Proverbs 13:11)
When I was a child and needed something, my parents always made sure that I got it. If I merely wanted something- like a toy, then that was a different story. Sometimes, my parents would get the item I wanted, while at other times, I had to save my money and purchase it myself. When I had to mow the grass, rake leaves and wash cars to get the toy I wanted, I cherished and took care of it a lot more than I would have if it had simply been handed to me. The same principle applies with today’s proverb. Wealth- whether financial or spiritual- that comes easily is not usually spent wisely or invested. A large inheritance that has been bequeathed to you has greater potential to be spent frivolously than a similar amount you earned yourself. Similarly, when God gives us revelation and spiritual knowledge by dropping it in our laps, we do not usually cherish it or hold it dear to our hearts. However, when we have to “work” for the same revelation-by going through something difficult, by tenaciously digging our heels in and holding on to God or by diligently searching the Word of God for nuggets of truth- we will appreciate and value the spiritual insight a lot more than if no effort had been required. My dad used to tell me: “A little work never hurt anyone.” Likewise, a little spiritual “work’ will not harm a godly man either. Brothers, do not always expect spiritual manna from heaven. Get into the Word of God. Do a little prospecting for the gold and precious gems just waiting to be discovered. “He that gathereth by labour shall increase.”
When I was a child and needed something, my parents always made sure that I got it. If I merely wanted something- like a toy, then that was a different story. Sometimes, my parents would get the item I wanted, while at other times, I had to save my money and purchase it myself. When I had to mow the grass, rake leaves and wash cars to get the toy I wanted, I cherished and took care of it a lot more than I would have if it had simply been handed to me. The same principle applies with today’s proverb. Wealth- whether financial or spiritual- that comes easily is not usually spent wisely or invested. A large inheritance that has been bequeathed to you has greater potential to be spent frivolously than a similar amount you earned yourself. Similarly, when God gives us revelation and spiritual knowledge by dropping it in our laps, we do not usually cherish it or hold it dear to our hearts. However, when we have to “work” for the same revelation-by going through something difficult, by tenaciously digging our heels in and holding on to God or by diligently searching the Word of God for nuggets of truth- we will appreciate and value the spiritual insight a lot more than if no effort had been required. My dad used to tell me: “A little work never hurt anyone.” Likewise, a little spiritual “work’ will not harm a godly man either. Brothers, do not always expect spiritual manna from heaven. Get into the Word of God. Do a little prospecting for the gold and precious gems just waiting to be discovered. “He that gathereth by labour shall increase.”
Monday, December 20, 2010
So You Think You're Superman, What Is Your Kryptonite?
“Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.” (Proverbs 7: 25-27)
A few weeks back, I encouraged you to be aware of the “Delilahs” in your life (those areas of vulnerability that bring you to your knees). Even our childhood superheroes had them. As a boy, I loved Superman. I watched the cartoon, the movies, and I even had Superman Underoos. Nevertheless, as amazing as Superman was, he still had a weakness: kryptonite. Whenever he was exposed to this rock, he lost his strength; he was not able to operate in his super powers. What is your kryptonite, man of God? What is Lex Luther (Satan) using to drain you of your strength and power in God? We are engaged in a spiritual battle that is much fiercer than we ever imagined. The battle is for our very hearts. “Do you know why there’s been such an assault? The enemy fears you. You are dangerous big time. If you ever really got your heart back, lived from it with courage, you would be a huge problem to him. You would do a lot of damage… on the side of good.” (John Eldredge, Wild at Heart) The reason why Satan tries to lead you astray with various “Delilahs” is because he wants to keep you from your destiny. As long as your heart is torn between Delilah and God, Satan can hinder you from becoming the man of God you were created to be. Delilah is a stumbling block, a detour and a speed bump in your quest for godliness. Turn away from the kryptonite in your life. Stay away from Delilah, and surrender your heart to God.
A few weeks back, I encouraged you to be aware of the “Delilahs” in your life (those areas of vulnerability that bring you to your knees). Even our childhood superheroes had them. As a boy, I loved Superman. I watched the cartoon, the movies, and I even had Superman Underoos. Nevertheless, as amazing as Superman was, he still had a weakness: kryptonite. Whenever he was exposed to this rock, he lost his strength; he was not able to operate in his super powers. What is your kryptonite, man of God? What is Lex Luther (Satan) using to drain you of your strength and power in God? We are engaged in a spiritual battle that is much fiercer than we ever imagined. The battle is for our very hearts. “Do you know why there’s been such an assault? The enemy fears you. You are dangerous big time. If you ever really got your heart back, lived from it with courage, you would be a huge problem to him. You would do a lot of damage… on the side of good.” (John Eldredge, Wild at Heart) The reason why Satan tries to lead you astray with various “Delilahs” is because he wants to keep you from your destiny. As long as your heart is torn between Delilah and God, Satan can hinder you from becoming the man of God you were created to be. Delilah is a stumbling block, a detour and a speed bump in your quest for godliness. Turn away from the kryptonite in your life. Stay away from Delilah, and surrender your heart to God.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Who Are You Mentoring?
“The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.” (Proverbs 10:21)
“It is not important what is chiseled into a man’s tombstone- it is what he left chiseled into the hearts of those that follow later that is important”. (Rob Wood, USMC, Ret.) Men of God, whose lives are you investing in? Are you mentoring anyone in the faith? If you are not, I challenge you to share what knowledge, experience and skills God has given you with others. You may not feel like you have much to offer, but I promise that someone would greatly welcome it if you sowed seeds of wisdom, knowledge and faith into his life. What if John Mark had not had Barnabus, the encourager, in his life? He might have fallen by the wayside after Paul’s rebuke, and we would not have the gospel of Mark today. We need more Barnabus’ in the faith, who are willing to take young, inexperienced believers and invest in them until they become mature, strong men of God. Jesus told us to go make disciples- not converts. Discipling takes time, energy and patience: three characteristics that most men possess in short supply. This is the reason why mentoring is an investment: it is a sacrifice that will return dividends for eternity. Young believers are hungry for the Word of God. They are famished for godly wisdom, instruction and guidance from mature men of faith. The encouragement, praise and wisdom from your lips could feed the next Mark or Timothy. Young men are waiting for a mentor. Will you take the time to affect a young believer for eternity?
“It is not important what is chiseled into a man’s tombstone- it is what he left chiseled into the hearts of those that follow later that is important”. (Rob Wood, USMC, Ret.) Men of God, whose lives are you investing in? Are you mentoring anyone in the faith? If you are not, I challenge you to share what knowledge, experience and skills God has given you with others. You may not feel like you have much to offer, but I promise that someone would greatly welcome it if you sowed seeds of wisdom, knowledge and faith into his life. What if John Mark had not had Barnabus, the encourager, in his life? He might have fallen by the wayside after Paul’s rebuke, and we would not have the gospel of Mark today. We need more Barnabus’ in the faith, who are willing to take young, inexperienced believers and invest in them until they become mature, strong men of God. Jesus told us to go make disciples- not converts. Discipling takes time, energy and patience: three characteristics that most men possess in short supply. This is the reason why mentoring is an investment: it is a sacrifice that will return dividends for eternity. Young believers are hungry for the Word of God. They are famished for godly wisdom, instruction and guidance from mature men of faith. The encouragement, praise and wisdom from your lips could feed the next Mark or Timothy. Young men are waiting for a mentor. Will you take the time to affect a young believer for eternity?
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Are You Merciful or Cruel?
“The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.” (Proverbs 11:17)
Why are men so unmerciful? I believe it is because we are trained from our youth to be competitive and to never show weakness. When I was a twelve-year old in Little League, we were beating a team 20-3 and had started goofing off like eleven and twelve year olds do. Our coach called a time-out and rushed all players to the pitcher’s mound for a team conference. He cursed in anger and he commanded us to have no mercy for the opposing team; he wanted to utterly demolish them. As a boy on the cusp of adolescence, I was very impressionable and incorporated his admonition into my beliefs. Even to this day, one of my major character flaws is that I can be cruel and unmercifully competitive. I have very little patience for weakness. This proverb is the antithesis of everything society has taught me as a man. Proverbs 11:17 instructs me to be merciful in order to do good to my soul. If I am cruel, I will trouble my own flesh. Showing love, kindness and mercy is not weakness. Any coward can be unmerciful and cruel, but it takes a godly man to swallow his pride and act in obedience to God’s Word. Show mercy to others in need of it, and you will receive it yourself as well. After all, what Christian hasn’t experienced the mercy of a forgiving God. If God is willing to forgive us and show us mercy, then how much more ought we extend the same grace to others? Are we greater than God?
Why are men so unmerciful? I believe it is because we are trained from our youth to be competitive and to never show weakness. When I was a twelve-year old in Little League, we were beating a team 20-3 and had started goofing off like eleven and twelve year olds do. Our coach called a time-out and rushed all players to the pitcher’s mound for a team conference. He cursed in anger and he commanded us to have no mercy for the opposing team; he wanted to utterly demolish them. As a boy on the cusp of adolescence, I was very impressionable and incorporated his admonition into my beliefs. Even to this day, one of my major character flaws is that I can be cruel and unmercifully competitive. I have very little patience for weakness. This proverb is the antithesis of everything society has taught me as a man. Proverbs 11:17 instructs me to be merciful in order to do good to my soul. If I am cruel, I will trouble my own flesh. Showing love, kindness and mercy is not weakness. Any coward can be unmerciful and cruel, but it takes a godly man to swallow his pride and act in obedience to God’s Word. Show mercy to others in need of it, and you will receive it yourself as well. After all, what Christian hasn’t experienced the mercy of a forgiving God. If God is willing to forgive us and show us mercy, then how much more ought we extend the same grace to others? Are we greater than God?
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Do What Your Father Tells You
“The wise in heart will receive commandments. (Proverbs 10:8a)
A godly man follows God’s commandments and understands that His Word is a boundary of protection to keep him from harm. He has a desire to please Jesus and honor Him above all else. The question is: do we love Jesus in word only, or do we love Him enough to do what He says, even though it may be difficult? Jesus said: “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” (John 14:21) If we love God, we will follow His commandments and love them. “And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.” (Psalms 119:47) We love His commandments because we believe them (Psalms 119:66), and since we believe them, we long for them. (Psalms 119:131) Whether we admitted it or not, we longed for rules, discipline and consequences for disobedience when we were boys. Children, who have no discipline or little at all, will constantly test the limits of their parents in order to define where the boundaries are. God knows this reality and has given us His parameters for godly living. In my neighborhood, there was one boy that all the kids refused to play with. He was a nice enough kid, but when you played a game with him, he always changed the rules to suit his purposes. I am so grateful that God is not like that. He has given us His Word, and He will never change the rules on us in the middle of the game. He can be trusted, for He is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:6)
A godly man follows God’s commandments and understands that His Word is a boundary of protection to keep him from harm. He has a desire to please Jesus and honor Him above all else. The question is: do we love Jesus in word only, or do we love Him enough to do what He says, even though it may be difficult? Jesus said: “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” (John 14:21) If we love God, we will follow His commandments and love them. “And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.” (Psalms 119:47) We love His commandments because we believe them (Psalms 119:66), and since we believe them, we long for them. (Psalms 119:131) Whether we admitted it or not, we longed for rules, discipline and consequences for disobedience when we were boys. Children, who have no discipline or little at all, will constantly test the limits of their parents in order to define where the boundaries are. God knows this reality and has given us His parameters for godly living. In my neighborhood, there was one boy that all the kids refused to play with. He was a nice enough kid, but when you played a game with him, he always changed the rules to suit his purposes. I am so grateful that God is not like that. He has given us His Word, and He will never change the rules on us in the middle of the game. He can be trusted, for He is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:6)
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