“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6).
Today’s verses from Proverbs were one of the first passages from Scripture I memorized. My step-mom wrote them in the front of the Bible she gave me after my baptism and profession of faith. Every night, I read my Bible before I went to bed and did my best to live how the Word commanded me to live. I was eleven years old and loved the Lord, but it was difficult for me to learn to trust Him as a person. I had no idea how to depend on someone I could not see. After some difficult times in my life, I renewed my relationship with Jesus, and only then did I learn how to relate to Him on an intimate level. By trusting in myself and my own understanding, I had created a real mess of my life. Godly men, it is hard to learn how to lean on God after years of doing our own thing, but it is essential to our spiritual growth to learn to trust Him. Psalms 37: 4 and 5 says: “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” If we seek the Lord’s will for our lives, He will not leave us to our own devices. He is faithful to guide and direct our paths. He cannot be the Lord of our lives, if we refuse to trust and lean on Him. What in our lives keeps us from trusting Him like we should? What do we need to surrender to Him that we have been holding on to ourselves? Ask the Lord to teach you to trust Him more, today.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Avoiding Evil Men
“Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths.” (Proverbs 2: 14-15).
Not only do ungodly men commit evil, but they rejoice to do evil. They love to do wrong and do not care who knows it. God says that even when men know “the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” (Romans 1: 28-32). Ungodly men justify their sins and love to see others commit sin as well. “Misery loves company” applies easily to ungodly men who recruit others to engage in debauchery and lasciviousness. Today’s proverb says: they “delight in the frowardness (perverseness) of the wicked.” Godly men, on the other hand, know that “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12). They realize that “wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14). Whereas ungodly men actively seek evil, godly men do everything in their power to avoid it. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (Psalms 1:1-2) Men of God, may we “walk worthy of God, who hath called [us] into his kingdom and glory.” (I Thessalonians 2:12)
Not only do ungodly men commit evil, but they rejoice to do evil. They love to do wrong and do not care who knows it. God says that even when men know “the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” (Romans 1: 28-32). Ungodly men justify their sins and love to see others commit sin as well. “Misery loves company” applies easily to ungodly men who recruit others to engage in debauchery and lasciviousness. Today’s proverb says: they “delight in the frowardness (perverseness) of the wicked.” Godly men, on the other hand, know that “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12). They realize that “wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14). Whereas ungodly men actively seek evil, godly men do everything in their power to avoid it. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (Psalms 1:1-2) Men of God, may we “walk worthy of God, who hath called [us] into his kingdom and glory.” (I Thessalonians 2:12)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Being Content
“Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous.” (Proverbs 3: 31, 32).
Every godly man who has ever struggled-financially or otherwise- has wondered at one time or another why it seemed that the ungodly always prospers. If we are not careful, our struggles can cause us to harbor bitterness and resentment in our hearts. Our envy may not be financially motivated; perhaps we are jealous of power, general prosperity, the family or the prestigious position of the ungodly. Regardless, God says that we should not be concerned about these temporal blessings. We are told in Psalm 37: 1, 2 and 7 to: “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” God’s wrath and justice against the ungodly will be pacified- if not in this life, then in the life to come. God is God: He sees the big picture, and He can be trusted. Envy of others and their possessions hinders our relationship with the Lord because it causes us to question His goodness. We need to learn to be grateful and content with the blessings God has given us. If we keep our eyes on Jesus, we will not be distracted by what others have and what we lack. Men of God, live the life God has called you to live to the best of your ability. Trust Him to do right by you.
Every godly man who has ever struggled-financially or otherwise- has wondered at one time or another why it seemed that the ungodly always prospers. If we are not careful, our struggles can cause us to harbor bitterness and resentment in our hearts. Our envy may not be financially motivated; perhaps we are jealous of power, general prosperity, the family or the prestigious position of the ungodly. Regardless, God says that we should not be concerned about these temporal blessings. We are told in Psalm 37: 1, 2 and 7 to: “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” God’s wrath and justice against the ungodly will be pacified- if not in this life, then in the life to come. God is God: He sees the big picture, and He can be trusted. Envy of others and their possessions hinders our relationship with the Lord because it causes us to question His goodness. We need to learn to be grateful and content with the blessings God has given us. If we keep our eyes on Jesus, we will not be distracted by what others have and what we lack. Men of God, live the life God has called you to live to the best of your ability. Trust Him to do right by you.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Our Duty to Help Others
“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” (Proverbs 3:27).
We have a duty as godly men to use our resources wisely. God has not blessed us solely for ourselves but so we may help others who are in need. Certainly, our primary financial responsibility is to provide for our families. “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” (I Timothy 5:8). Once our family’s needs have been met, we have an obligation to our fellow believers. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10). The early Church had a great witness and testimony that we should emulate. “Neither was there any among them that lacked.” (Acts 4:34). No believer did without, if he had a need. If one Christian had the ability to meet a lack in the life of another believer, he did so. Take note that he didn’t send the destitute brother to the benevolence committee or the church food pantry. (These ministries are helpful, but have we created them to meet a need or so that we can “minister” without getting our hands dirty?) The responsibility for ministry in the Church is placed upon us as individuals. We are to meet the needs of our spiritual leaders (I Corinthians 9:9), to spread the gospel (Philippians 4:15-18), and to minister to the poor and needy in our community (Galatians 2:10). Men of God, do not shirk your spiritual obligations. Do not pass the buck to the church or ministry staff. Help those God sends your way, if you have the ability to do so.
We have a duty as godly men to use our resources wisely. God has not blessed us solely for ourselves but so we may help others who are in need. Certainly, our primary financial responsibility is to provide for our families. “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” (I Timothy 5:8). Once our family’s needs have been met, we have an obligation to our fellow believers. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10). The early Church had a great witness and testimony that we should emulate. “Neither was there any among them that lacked.” (Acts 4:34). No believer did without, if he had a need. If one Christian had the ability to meet a lack in the life of another believer, he did so. Take note that he didn’t send the destitute brother to the benevolence committee or the church food pantry. (These ministries are helpful, but have we created them to meet a need or so that we can “minister” without getting our hands dirty?) The responsibility for ministry in the Church is placed upon us as individuals. We are to meet the needs of our spiritual leaders (I Corinthians 9:9), to spread the gospel (Philippians 4:15-18), and to minister to the poor and needy in our community (Galatians 2:10). Men of God, do not shirk your spiritual obligations. Do not pass the buck to the church or ministry staff. Help those God sends your way, if you have the ability to do so.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Don't Forget What God Has Done
“Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 3:3- 4).
Many men are successful in the eyes of men and some are successful in the sight of God, but how many find favor with both God and men. We often deem these two possibilities as mutually exclusive, but they are not. It is feasible to have both-in a sense. Men usually make the mistake of tackling the world first, squeezing out all of its benefits, and then fitting God into whatever remains. In Proverbs 16:7, we discover the opposite principle at work: “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Our primary responsibility as Christians is to please the Lord. By committing ourselves to Him and following His commands, we bind mercy and truth about our necks and write them upon the table of our hearts. God gave the same promise to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. He knew that if they did not constantly remind themselves of His mercy and truth, they would soon forget His mighty miracle of deliverance out of pharaoh’s hand. If we fail to remind ourselves of God’s goodness and do not hide His Word in our hearts, we will also forget His truth. Thankfully, under the New Covenant, God writes His commands “Not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.” (II Corinthians 3:3). Lord, help us to lean on the Holy Spirit, who will remind us of all you have said and assist us in applying it to our lives.
Many men are successful in the eyes of men and some are successful in the sight of God, but how many find favor with both God and men. We often deem these two possibilities as mutually exclusive, but they are not. It is feasible to have both-in a sense. Men usually make the mistake of tackling the world first, squeezing out all of its benefits, and then fitting God into whatever remains. In Proverbs 16:7, we discover the opposite principle at work: “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Our primary responsibility as Christians is to please the Lord. By committing ourselves to Him and following His commands, we bind mercy and truth about our necks and write them upon the table of our hearts. God gave the same promise to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. He knew that if they did not constantly remind themselves of His mercy and truth, they would soon forget His mighty miracle of deliverance out of pharaoh’s hand. If we fail to remind ourselves of God’s goodness and do not hide His Word in our hearts, we will also forget His truth. Thankfully, under the New Covenant, God writes His commands “Not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.” (II Corinthians 3:3). Lord, help us to lean on the Holy Spirit, who will remind us of all you have said and assist us in applying it to our lives.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Obeying God
“Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded.” (Proverbs 1:24).
A godly man does not refuse to hear God’s voice when He calls, and he does not reject God’s hand when He offers His help. Men can sometimes be so prideful that they refuse assistance from anyone-even God. Still, God constantly reaches out to us and speaks to our hearts. He actively pursues us, yet we remain aloof. We hide, like Adam in the garden, afraid to face God because of our disobedience. “I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.” (Isaiah 66:4). “But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.” (Zechariah 7:11). A godly man heeds the voice of God, even if He rebukes him. He reaches up to take the hand of God when he is in the pit of tribulation and despair. He knows that only God is able to lift him out of the “horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set [his] feet upon a rock, and establish [his] goings.” (Psalm 40:2). A godly man seeks to obey God and to do those things that please Him. Men of God, we need to examine our lives daily to ensure that we live the faith we proclaim with our lips. Do our actions mirror our profession, or are we godly men in name only? Do we listen for the still small voice of God, or are we too busy doing the “work of the Lord” that we miss the Lord altogether?
A godly man does not refuse to hear God’s voice when He calls, and he does not reject God’s hand when He offers His help. Men can sometimes be so prideful that they refuse assistance from anyone-even God. Still, God constantly reaches out to us and speaks to our hearts. He actively pursues us, yet we remain aloof. We hide, like Adam in the garden, afraid to face God because of our disobedience. “I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.” (Isaiah 66:4). “But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.” (Zechariah 7:11). A godly man heeds the voice of God, even if He rebukes him. He reaches up to take the hand of God when he is in the pit of tribulation and despair. He knows that only God is able to lift him out of the “horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set [his] feet upon a rock, and establish [his] goings.” (Psalm 40:2). A godly man seeks to obey God and to do those things that please Him. Men of God, we need to examine our lives daily to ensure that we live the faith we proclaim with our lips. Do our actions mirror our profession, or are we godly men in name only? Do we listen for the still small voice of God, or are we too busy doing the “work of the Lord” that we miss the Lord altogether?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Receiving Wise Counsel
“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.” (Proverbs 1:5).
The godly man who desires to be a success in the eyes of the Lord will hear the Word and do what it says. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4). On the contrary, ungodly men will be “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of truth.” (II Timothy 3:7). A godly man will first receive counsel from the Lord before he seeks counsel from man. “The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” (Psalms 33:11). Only after he has sought the counsel of the Lord will he then proceed to procure counsel from godly men.
“Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.” (Proverbs 20:18). “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14). The biggest reason men have difficulty soliciting counsel from other men is pride. We are stubborn and intent upon going our own way. We lean on our own understanding and attempt to do things in our own power. Nevertheless, we must learn to lay aside our pride and submit to the instruction and discipline of God. We must also submit ourselves to elder men of the faith, (I Peter 5:5) and we give the body of believers’ permission to hold us accountable. (Romans 12:10; Ephesians 5:21). Our Christian walk is not a one-man show. If we are to be successful in the life of faith, we must lean on God and our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The godly man who desires to be a success in the eyes of the Lord will hear the Word and do what it says. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4). On the contrary, ungodly men will be “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of truth.” (II Timothy 3:7). A godly man will first receive counsel from the Lord before he seeks counsel from man. “The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” (Psalms 33:11). Only after he has sought the counsel of the Lord will he then proceed to procure counsel from godly men.
“Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.” (Proverbs 20:18). “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14). The biggest reason men have difficulty soliciting counsel from other men is pride. We are stubborn and intent upon going our own way. We lean on our own understanding and attempt to do things in our own power. Nevertheless, we must learn to lay aside our pride and submit to the instruction and discipline of God. We must also submit ourselves to elder men of the faith, (I Peter 5:5) and we give the body of believers’ permission to hold us accountable. (Romans 12:10; Ephesians 5:21). Our Christian walk is not a one-man show. If we are to be successful in the life of faith, we must lean on God and our brothers and sisters in Christ.
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