“For the lips of a strong woman drop as a honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house.”(Proverbs 51:3, 4, 8).
Every man has an area of weakness which if not placed before the cross will become his undoing. Even Reverend Billy Graham, the great evangelist, is extremely cautious when traveling, so that his reputation remains above reproach and impervious to slander. We can be guaranteed that the “strange woman” (or whatever our weakness is) will appear sweet and appetizing. She will be smooth and know exactly the right buttons to push in order to excite us. Nonetheless, if we fall victim to her charms, we will find that what we thought would be delightful and heavenly, is really bitter and malevolent. We are commanded to remove our way far from her and to come nowhere near her house. As godly men who desire to faithfully follow the Lord, we must learn to recognize our weaknesses. Once we know what they are, we can prepare a plan to avoid temptation in these areas. Whatever attraction or enticement threatens to bring us to our knees should be averted at all costs. Our weaknesses are the very imperfections that drive us to Jesus and compel us to depend on Him for our strength. “Out of weakness, [the judges and prophets] were made strong.” (Hebrews 11:34). Paul also attested to this truth: “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (II Corinthians 12:10).
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Secret Sin
“Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.” (Proverbs 9:16-18).
There is no such thing as secret sin: the very tern itself is an oxymoron. The tempter wants you to believe that your sin can be hidden, but be assured, your sin will find you out. (Numbers 32:23). “For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.” (Luke 12:2-3). Today’s proverb deals specifically with the temptation of a harlot, but a man’s temptress varies according to his weakness and lusts. We must be vigilant in allowing Jesus to meet our every need, because “When Christ ceases to fill the heart with satisfaction, our souls will go in silent search of other lovers.” (Maurice Roberts). The world offers many seductions, but its gratifications are only temporary. Ungodly men are on a quest for the next thrill, but godly men have no need to search for pleasure once they have given their lives to Jesus. When He is seated upon the throne of a man’s heart, the heart is content and has no desire to look elsewhere for happiness. The temptress of adultery, lust, fame or fortune may come calling, but will find the throne occupied and the heart content. It is only when Jesus is deposed from his rightful position, that we fall victim to the snares of the temptor.
There is no such thing as secret sin: the very tern itself is an oxymoron. The tempter wants you to believe that your sin can be hidden, but be assured, your sin will find you out. (Numbers 32:23). “For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.” (Luke 12:2-3). Today’s proverb deals specifically with the temptation of a harlot, but a man’s temptress varies according to his weakness and lusts. We must be vigilant in allowing Jesus to meet our every need, because “When Christ ceases to fill the heart with satisfaction, our souls will go in silent search of other lovers.” (Maurice Roberts). The world offers many seductions, but its gratifications are only temporary. Ungodly men are on a quest for the next thrill, but godly men have no need to search for pleasure once they have given their lives to Jesus. When He is seated upon the throne of a man’s heart, the heart is content and has no desire to look elsewhere for happiness. The temptress of adultery, lust, fame or fortune may come calling, but will find the throne occupied and the heart content. It is only when Jesus is deposed from his rightful position, that we fall victim to the snares of the temptor.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Watch Your Mouth
“A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.” (Proverbs 6:12).
Many men don’t see any harm in telling dirty jokes or making risqué comments. Some men even recount off-color stories with ethnic, religious and racist punch lines. Godly men, however, should refrain from having a perverted mouth, because this kind of conversation is found among wicked, naughty men. Is God a “Cosmic Killjoy” then, as Josh McDowell has said some unbelievers view Him? Of course not. God has a great sense of humor- just look in the mirror! God has given man humor and laughter as a release. Medical studies have shown that laughter is beneficial to our bodies: it releases endorphins, lowers blood pressure and stress levels and relaxes the muscular system. God is not anti-humor or laughter, but He is opposed to speech that disparages or humiliates other people. Children are known for honing in on the one quirk that is different in another child and using that trait to ridicule them relentlessly. As godly men, we should set aside our childish antics, worldly humor and blue conversation. We should be exhorters and edifiers, not assassins and terminators. We can use our speech as salve to heal the hurt in men, or we can use our words to cut men to the heart. May sweet water flow from our mouths, not bitter water. Paul exhorts Titus to: “Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” (Titus 2:8).
Many men don’t see any harm in telling dirty jokes or making risqué comments. Some men even recount off-color stories with ethnic, religious and racist punch lines. Godly men, however, should refrain from having a perverted mouth, because this kind of conversation is found among wicked, naughty men. Is God a “Cosmic Killjoy” then, as Josh McDowell has said some unbelievers view Him? Of course not. God has a great sense of humor- just look in the mirror! God has given man humor and laughter as a release. Medical studies have shown that laughter is beneficial to our bodies: it releases endorphins, lowers blood pressure and stress levels and relaxes the muscular system. God is not anti-humor or laughter, but He is opposed to speech that disparages or humiliates other people. Children are known for honing in on the one quirk that is different in another child and using that trait to ridicule them relentlessly. As godly men, we should set aside our childish antics, worldly humor and blue conversation. We should be exhorters and edifiers, not assassins and terminators. We can use our speech as salve to heal the hurt in men, or we can use our words to cut men to the heart. May sweet water flow from our mouths, not bitter water. Paul exhorts Titus to: “Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” (Titus 2:8).
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Avoid the Path of the Wicked
“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” (Proverbs 4: 14-15).
There are areas of every city that are notorious for drugs, gang activity, violence or sexual perversity. We go out of our way to avoid those dangerous areas when we travel, even if it means a major inconvenience. The trouble is worth it when it comes to protecting ourselves and keeping our family safe. Why then, do we take so little precautions when it comes to protecting our minds and spiritual health from the snares of evil? A man, who would never dream of cruising “the red-light district”, finds no problem surfing the internet for pornography. A man, who claims he would never cheat on his wife, sees nothing wrong with watching “adult” films in his hotel room while on business. The health of our souls and spirits, is it not just as important as the well-being of our bodies? We exercise, eat right, wear sunscreen and get regular check-ups, all to protect our bodies. Yet, how much time do we spend protecting our spiritual man? We need to set spiritual boundaries for ourselves as diligently as we establish physical parameters. Many pet owners invest in underground electric fences to confine their pets within the sanctuary of their yard. If humans will go to this extreme (and expense) to protect their dogs and cats, imagine how much more God desires to keep His children from harm. It is because of God’s love and his desire to protect us that He has set borders and limits for our lives. He also loves us enough to allow us to face the consequences of our actions. Men of God, avoid the path of the wicked and you will save yourself from heartache and needless trouble.
There are areas of every city that are notorious for drugs, gang activity, violence or sexual perversity. We go out of our way to avoid those dangerous areas when we travel, even if it means a major inconvenience. The trouble is worth it when it comes to protecting ourselves and keeping our family safe. Why then, do we take so little precautions when it comes to protecting our minds and spiritual health from the snares of evil? A man, who would never dream of cruising “the red-light district”, finds no problem surfing the internet for pornography. A man, who claims he would never cheat on his wife, sees nothing wrong with watching “adult” films in his hotel room while on business. The health of our souls and spirits, is it not just as important as the well-being of our bodies? We exercise, eat right, wear sunscreen and get regular check-ups, all to protect our bodies. Yet, how much time do we spend protecting our spiritual man? We need to set spiritual boundaries for ourselves as diligently as we establish physical parameters. Many pet owners invest in underground electric fences to confine their pets within the sanctuary of their yard. If humans will go to this extreme (and expense) to protect their dogs and cats, imagine how much more God desires to keep His children from harm. It is because of God’s love and his desire to protect us that He has set borders and limits for our lives. He also loves us enough to allow us to face the consequences of our actions. Men of God, avoid the path of the wicked and you will save yourself from heartache and needless trouble.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Spiritual Fatherhood
“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.” (Proverbs 4:1-2).
Boys and girls have a longing to be taught by their fathers. As young boys, we treasured the times our fathers spent teaching us how to catch, shoot a basketball, throw a perfect spiral or change the oil in a car. Unfortunately, many of our fathers were incapable of teaching us spiritual truths because they had never been taught themselves. The Israelites were instructed to teach God’s truth “diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” (Deuteronomy 6:7). Scripture never advises fathers to let pastors or Sunday school teachers instruct their children in the ways of the Lord. Thank God for these Christian leaders, but the primary responsibility for imparting God’s Word unto children belongs to the parents-specifically the father. Special times of instruction such as family devotionals and dinner table discussions are important, but fathers should use every opportunity- from the moment he arises until the moment he lays down- to train up his child in the way he should go. Recently, the concept of “teachable moments” has been emphasized; however, quality instruction is good, but it will never surpass fathers spending large quantities of time with their children. Kids need the instruction, wisdom and counsel of their fathers. Do not deprive them of that privilege or shirk your responsibility. Lord, help us to teach our children and to be godly examples, worthy of their emulation.
Boys and girls have a longing to be taught by their fathers. As young boys, we treasured the times our fathers spent teaching us how to catch, shoot a basketball, throw a perfect spiral or change the oil in a car. Unfortunately, many of our fathers were incapable of teaching us spiritual truths because they had never been taught themselves. The Israelites were instructed to teach God’s truth “diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” (Deuteronomy 6:7). Scripture never advises fathers to let pastors or Sunday school teachers instruct their children in the ways of the Lord. Thank God for these Christian leaders, but the primary responsibility for imparting God’s Word unto children belongs to the parents-specifically the father. Special times of instruction such as family devotionals and dinner table discussions are important, but fathers should use every opportunity- from the moment he arises until the moment he lays down- to train up his child in the way he should go. Recently, the concept of “teachable moments” has been emphasized; however, quality instruction is good, but it will never surpass fathers spending large quantities of time with their children. Kids need the instruction, wisdom and counsel of their fathers. Do not deprive them of that privilege or shirk your responsibility. Lord, help us to teach our children and to be godly examples, worthy of their emulation.
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Chastening of God
“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth He correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” (Proverbs 3:11-12).
When I was a child, I would get angry when my dad punished me. I was not able to comprehend that my dad disciplined me out of love and not with a desire to inflict pain. (In fact, I probably deserved more whippings than I actually received). As a child in the faith, I experienced similar struggles with the chastening of God. Was He disciplining me out of anger or vengeance? Did He enjoy inflicting pain? After reading today’s passage many times as a young Christian, I finally understood that God chastens us because He loves us and delights in us. Did you catch that? He delights in us. If we can grasp this concept, we can endure anything. When my dad whipped me, the punishment depended on the severity of the transgression. God does the same. He chastises us according to the severity of our sin, but He won’t give us one more lick than what is necessary to bring us to repentance. The purpose of God’s correction is to bring about godly sorrow that leads to true repentance. (II Corinthians 7: 9-10). Bud Robinson has a humorous saying about the Lord’s discipline: “If the Lord is your shepherd, then you are the Lord’s sheep, and He has a perfect right to shear you anytime He needs wool, and you have no right to bleat.” Remember Hebrews 12:11 when you face the discipline of the Lord: “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”
When I was a child, I would get angry when my dad punished me. I was not able to comprehend that my dad disciplined me out of love and not with a desire to inflict pain. (In fact, I probably deserved more whippings than I actually received). As a child in the faith, I experienced similar struggles with the chastening of God. Was He disciplining me out of anger or vengeance? Did He enjoy inflicting pain? After reading today’s passage many times as a young Christian, I finally understood that God chastens us because He loves us and delights in us. Did you catch that? He delights in us. If we can grasp this concept, we can endure anything. When my dad whipped me, the punishment depended on the severity of the transgression. God does the same. He chastises us according to the severity of our sin, but He won’t give us one more lick than what is necessary to bring us to repentance. The purpose of God’s correction is to bring about godly sorrow that leads to true repentance. (II Corinthians 7: 9-10). Bud Robinson has a humorous saying about the Lord’s discipline: “If the Lord is your shepherd, then you are the Lord’s sheep, and He has a perfect right to shear you anytime He needs wool, and you have no right to bleat.” Remember Hebrews 12:11 when you face the discipline of the Lord: “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”
Friday, March 19, 2010
Under the Shadow of His Wings
“He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.” (Proverbs 2:7-8).
Jesus is our Lord and Protector. He orders our steps and causes us to walk uprightly. He preserves our way and guides us out of the snares of the fowler. “He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.” (I Samuel 2:9). The Lord blesses above and beyond our wildest imaginations. We may not have much by society’s standards, but we are rich beyond measure. “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11). He protects us from our enemies, the Adversary and ourselves. He keeps our souls among the living and does not allow our feet to be moved. (Psalm 66:9). He covers us under the shadow of His wings. He leads us in righteousness, truth, wisdom and the way. He teaches us how to be godly men and how to treat others. Our heart’s desire should be to know Him and serve Him, for He has done so much for us. He saved us with His precious blood, so that we can spend eternity with Him. What an awesome God we serve. Men of God, when our lives are done, we will not be concerned if we were successful in the eyes of men. The only opinion that will matter is the Lord Jesus Christ’s.
Jesus is our Lord and Protector. He orders our steps and causes us to walk uprightly. He preserves our way and guides us out of the snares of the fowler. “He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.” (I Samuel 2:9). The Lord blesses above and beyond our wildest imaginations. We may not have much by society’s standards, but we are rich beyond measure. “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11). He protects us from our enemies, the Adversary and ourselves. He keeps our souls among the living and does not allow our feet to be moved. (Psalm 66:9). He covers us under the shadow of His wings. He leads us in righteousness, truth, wisdom and the way. He teaches us how to be godly men and how to treat others. Our heart’s desire should be to know Him and serve Him, for He has done so much for us. He saved us with His precious blood, so that we can spend eternity with Him. What an awesome God we serve. Men of God, when our lives are done, we will not be concerned if we were successful in the eyes of men. The only opinion that will matter is the Lord Jesus Christ’s.
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