A Bear's Den

I Have a Question

2011-08-28T12:48:00.001-07:00

I need some help in understanding something I have seen in a group of people that meet in Shreveport/Bossier City in a church capacity.

Here is the post on Facebook from a friend of mine:
It was a check-in..."A little Van Halen to start out the services...@______ Church.
a friend asks, "Really?"
reply: "um...yeah...week before last it was Kenny Rogers - Gambler, last week it was Journey and this week- Van Halen!! There's a reason and purpose behind every song! Yall should come visit sometime! You'd love love love love it!!!!"

Is it ever acceptable in a Church to glorify such? I am about as level headed as it comes when you talk about tolerating certain things but isn't this a little much?

I have spoken to the pastor of this group many times and he is very nice and he warned me that every service begins with a secular song. He said it would probably be the one complaint I would here but it was for the purpose of making those attending feel more comfortable.

Are there other ways to make people feel more comfortable that are less worldly? Is there another option or is this a direct affront to the cause of Christ and what he designed for his Churches?

Just curious about your opinions...I for one think it crosses a line.

Tightening the Strings

2011-05-15T06:08:00.000-07:00

May 15, 2011 MW Tightening the Strings #1

Stockwell Road MBC

THE NECESSITY OF SELF DISCIPLINE

I Timothy 4:1-9

INTRODUCTION:

A. There are certain musicians that can make a guitar make sounds that are just unbelievable. They can almost make the guitar talk. Violinists are able to make beautiful music by simply pulling the bow across the strings. One thing that is important for them both is for the strings to be tight. If the strings are loose then both violin and guitar will make noise but not the desired noise. If your life were represented by a guitar or violin, what sound would it make? The desired sound or something…different?

B. It would all depend on how tight your strings were. In the book, “Men Who Met God”, A.W. Tozer wrote, “We must face the fact that many today are notoriously careless in their living. This attitude finds its way into the church. We have liberty, we have money, we live in comparative luxury. As a result, discipline practically has disappeared. What would a violin solo sound like if the strings on the musician's instrument were all hanging loose, not stretched tight, not "disciplined"?

C. God has called us to make a difference in the lives of people. To show others how Jesus can make a difference in their life just like He made a difference in your life. William Penn once said, “No man is fit to command another who cannot command himself.” That is an old way of saying if you can’t clean your yard don’t tell me how to clean mine. If we are to do what God has called us too we must live disciplined lives…we must tighten the strings. There are certain Christian Disciplines that we must spend some time identifying and then implementing in our lives so that we can live that disciplined life that God expects.

D. In the text which we have read, the Apostle Paul tells young Timothy of dangerous and deceitful days that were soon approaching. Paul’s recommended solution for such dangerous days was for Timothy to preach and encourage discipline among the disciples of Jesus.

BODY:

I. THE DAY APPROACHING vs. 1-4

Note: Prophecy is history written in advance and the Bible tells us very plainly that this day was coming and now is here!

A. A Day of Leaving

1. what they depart from—TRUTH

2. what they join too—ERROR

B. A Day of Lying—hypocritical

C. A Day of Lawlessness—seared consciousness

D. A Day of Legalism

--do certain things not commanded in God’s Word in order to be holy!

II. THE DISCIPLES ADVANTAGES vs. 5-6

Note: I believe that day is upon us but we are not to fret or throw up our hands and quit! We have quite an arsenal at our disposal. Paul arms young Timothy with all of the necessary tools as that day approached. Fortunately we still have the same tools!

A. The Word of God

B. The Witness of the Spirit

C. The Wisdom of Elders

III. THE DISCIPLINES ACHIEVEMENT vs. 7-8

Note: We are told to exercise ourselves to godliness! This means to be disciplined! When you and I activate these disciplines it will tighten the strings of our life and achieve great things for the Kingdom of God!

A. The Disciplines Identified

--Prayer, Bible Study, Giving, Worship, Witnessing, Fasting, Silence just to name a few

B. The Disciplines Implemented

1. A Rewarding Life

2. A rewarded Life

CONCLUSION:

This morning we start a journey toward a disciplined life! Consider your life this morning and ask yourself if your strings are tight or loose?

It is time to tighten those strings…God demands it, you need it and sinners depend on it!

How a Christian Should View Bin Laden's Death

2011-05-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

So many seem to be conflicted while others seem judgmental about what emotion is right and what is wrong concerning Bin Laden's death.

I say it is what it is...his life, religion and personal testimony stated he rejected Jesus as Savior. He made his choice, it cannot be changed and therefore as soon as he took his final breath immediately he awoke in Hell. The choice he made for eternity in this life cannot be undone in the next...it is FINAL.

We do not celebrate death and eternal Hell but we as Americans can certainly celebrate justice see Genesis 9:5-6, to see proof of Capital Punishment and that is exactly what happened in this matter. He was the mastermind and mass murderer of thousands of Americans on 9/11 and even thousands of Muslims throughout his life. He shed innocent blood...therefore his blood was shed by man...this is clearly what is taught in the Word of God!

I celebrate that the families who lost loved ones on that fateful September Day can perhaps find some sort of closure now that the killer of their beloved is now dead.

I celebrate that our military men were exemplary in their deportment and excellent in their dedication as they carried out their mission without a single injury to an American soldier.

I celebrate that perhaps one of America's greatest enemies has been weakened and perhaps may be completely defeated (however I am VERY cautious as I think maybe we have "kicked the hornet nest").

HOWEVER

We are to pray for our enemies...pray for the Salvation of their souls...and NEVER rejoice that a lost soul is in Hell.

This is just my two cents which is worth exactly 2 cents...I just wanted to put my thoughts out there.

Saddest Day of the Year

2011-01-18T20:37:00.000-08:00

I heard someone say today that yesterday was the saddest day of the year. The reasons given were that by now most New Year's resolutions have been broken or forgotten and by now the Christmas bills have arrived in the mail.

I can see how that might cause great sadness of heart. No one wants to be perceived as a failure and no one really wants to be in debt but consider this...

IT IS WHAT IT IS!

Now that you realize what has happened it can be fixed. If you fell off the wagon of dieting, weight loss or physical fitness get back on the wagon...if you have fallen off of the wagon of Bible study, prayer or Church attendance get back on...if you have fallen off the wagon of appreciating your wife more, being a better parent or being a better spiritual leader for your family get back on!

I have learned that failure only takes place when we stop trying! Your situation may stink...it may be horrible and it may not be your ideal...but IT IS WHAT IT IS! Fix it and stop fretting over it! God will bless your effort...as long as you keep giving the effort!

I need to stir something...

2010-08-20T21:01:00.000-07:00

I am glad to live in America where we have many rights or freedoms...freedom of speech, right to bear arms, freedom of religion and the list goes on and on. My question has to deal with our freedom of religion.

They wrote that in the United States of America we would have the freedom of religion not religionS. What did the founding fathers consider a religion? According to Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary which contains the closest rendering of definitions to the time in question the word religion means, "1. Religion, in its most comprehensive sense, includes a belief in the being and perfections of God, in the revelation of his will to man, in man's obligation to obey his commands, in a state of reward and punishment, and in man's accountableness to God; and also true godliness or piety of life, with the practice of all moral duties. It therefore comprehends theology, as a system of doctrines or principles, as well as practical piety; for the practice of moral duties without a belief in a divine lawgiver, and without reference to his will or commands, is not religion."

In it's "MOST COMPREHENSIVE SENSE" religion dealt with the Christian religion. I think they only had the Christian religion in mind when they made that statement. To further this point when they mentioned separation of Church and State it was a direct condemnation of Roman Catholicism and the Church of England both of which were oppressive and mandated "faiths" also known as "state Churches" which God plainly condemns.

Here is where I need to stir something up...in New York City, very near the site of the terrorism perpetrated by muslim jihadists in their war against Americans (infidels) on the World Trade Centers, where thousands of innocent Americans lost their lives, our President is in favor of allowing a mosque, a muslim place of worship and religious exercises to be built.

Does anyone else see a problem with this? Would George Washington have a problem with this? Would Thomas Jefferson or Ben Franklin have a problem with this? I think they would!

Here is the deal...could we build a Baptist Church on Muslim soil? Of course not! The muslims wouldn't allow it! How is it then that we can allow it in our own backyard spitting in the faces of the families who lost loved ones on 9/11?

Here is the argument...we are America and we are better than that...besides as americans we are guaranteed the freedom of religion. I just don't see that...just like burning an american flag is not protected as freedom of speech! Someone told me that the Founding Fathers always meant for government to evolve...by my logic...we would still have slavery, women could not vote etc etc. Our country saw those things as wrong and VOTED to change them but sound principle is sound principle! Why do you think the muslims will not allow true Churches to be built and the true Gospel to be taught? They know the danger it would cost to the control they have over their society! Our Founding Fathers had spent years in Europe fighting muslim radicals and knew the danger they could pose to American society if allowed to propagate their hate false teachings.

Bottom line...have more respect for the families who lost loved ones on 9/11! Don't allow a place to be built that would represent one like the one whose Imam taught those terrorist that flying a plane into the World Trade Centers was a good thing. Let them build it somewhere else because ANYWHERE is too close to the site of the awful tragedy of 9/11!

A Little Nugget...

2010-07-28T21:26:00.002-07:00

Hello Blogosphere...Big J is back in the blogging world again...sorry for my absence I hope you can truly forgive my laziness. I have just not put up any sermons as of late...it is a little more labor intensive since I also prepare my own powerpoints to accompany the message.

That, coupled with Netflix and watching all of the last five seasons of Lost and catching the final season on HULU I have been preoccupied.

I wanted to drop off this little nugget that blessed my heart today...In Luke 15 we have the account of three parables the Lord, the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Lost Son...WRONG!
Notice v. 3 states that he told this PARABLE (not plural, parableS) unto them. One parable with three illustrations about things that have gotten lost!

The Lost Sheep...a man lost in sin sought by the Shepherd...do you see Jesus seeking and saving the Lost?

The Lost Coin...a saved man, probably in Church (the house) but living a useless life to his Master...do you see the Holy Spirit illuminating that heart and getting after him with the broom?

The Lost Son (Prodigal)...a saved man that is backslidden and not in Church...do you see God, the Father, waiting for his return and receiving him with open arms after he repented?

AMEN!!!! All three Father, Son and Holy Spirit working to see the LOST GET FOUND!

brethren...that'll preach!

Questions That Will Change Your Life #3

2010-05-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

May 16, 2010 MW Stockwell Road MBC
“QUESTIONS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE” series #3/6

THE QUESTION OF CONSOLATION
Luke 24:33-40

INTRODUCTION:
A. Giant canyons are formed over many years. They begin with a thin stream trickling through a crevice. As it widens more water continues to cut into the earth eventually a channel is opened and water begins to gush cutting out the giant canyons that we see today. So it is with anxiety and worry. Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained. What we are left with is an empty faith, a mind consumed with fear and a spiritual life on life support. Somebody once said, “Anxiety is the end of true faith but true faith will be the end of anxiety.”

B. The disciples should have been filled with joy and excitement but instead they were filled with fear and sorrow. Their whole world as they knew it and understood it had just come crashing to a halt. Jesus called them from their lives to fish for men and, to them, their lives were on the line just like His. They were having mental conversations and were struggling with what was going on and I think they were trying to hold it all together to the best of their ability, but it was getting tough. When Jesus entered the room, he immediately addresses the problem. He asks them two important questions, “Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?”

C. How you choose to deal with anxiety, or worry, is very important. If you don’t deal with it, it will deal with you. Many in society will try to drink their problems away while others try to ignore them by sweeping them under the rug. Neither of these will solve anything. What you think you are handling is actually handling you. We have a wonderful counselor named Jesus that can fix anything. Here we are clawing and scratching trying to “handle” things and cope the best that we can and Jesus comes to us and asks us, “Why”. We need to come to that point as well and ask ourselves, “Why AM I trying to handle this on my own?” When you get there you are in the place that Jesus wants you to be so you can get some relief.

D. This morning we will see the answer to ALL of our problems and the way of consolation, or hope for tomorrow that we need to have in this uncertain world. How will you answer THE QUESTION OF CONSOLATION?

BODY:
I. THE PATH OF ANXIETY(Luke 24:11-12, 37, John 20:9, 19)
Note: The question of why is one that is often left unanswered. Many times we don’t know why it just is what it is. In this scenario though we see a recipe for anxiety. All of the pieces of the puzzle fit together and we can see that the troubles and thoughts are symptoms of some greater problems. If we allow these same things to mix together we can rest assured that we will be filled with anxiety!
A. A Dependence on Self to Figure it Out Luke 24:11-12
--“wondering in himself” compare our knowledge and minds with the knowledge and mind of the Lord

B. A Disregard for Revealed Truth John 20:9
--“knew not the scripture”—most of our struggles come because we disregard the truth God has already revealed to us

C. A Deceptive Spirit of Fear John 20:19
--They were afraid for their lives. They felt like they were next.

II. THE PATH TO HOPE (vs. 39-40)
Note: Jesus bursts into the upper room where the disciples were gathered and sees a group of men struggling to keep it all together. Anxiety and fear had gripped them and his first word to them was PEACE! After Jesus asked the questions he commences to reveal the obvious answer for the way to cure the blight the way were in…
A. The Master’s Presence
--Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty! Are you in a position spiritually where the Master is near?

B. The Master’s Proof
--handle me…I am no ghost! I am alive! Later He even ate fish and honey with them!

C. The Master’s Provision
--He shows them his hands and his feet. He showed them the marks in his hands and in his feet! They were marks of suffering and marks of salvation!

CONCLUSION:
Where is the hope today? It is in the marks in hands and feet of Jesus! He won the victory! He defeated our enemy! The next time you find yourself being handled by the stresses of life and anxiety starts to build…remember the question of Jesus and recognize His answer!

Questions That Will Change Your Life #2

2010-05-16T20:38:00.000-07:00

May 2, 2010 MW Stockwell Road MBC
“QUESTIONS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE” series #2/6

THE QUESTION OF SUBMISSION
Mark 10:35-45

INTRODUCTION:
A. Can you remember calling, “Shotgun!” Your sister or brother and you would race to be the first to call it when the car was within eyesight. Then the battle would begin…“You called it last time…it’s my turn!” “Too late…I called it first!” Then your parent yells, “Both of you get in the back seat!” I think James and John had a shotgun calling moment in our text.

B. According to Matthew’s account it was their mom who asked this question but Jesus knew that it was the boys who really wanted to know the answer. They wanted a fast track to the top…they wanted an upgrade from coach to first class. Jesus had just told them that they would be seated on 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel. They wanted to be seated in the positions of honor in Jesus’ Kingdom, one on the right and one on the left. Jesus’ response to their question was with another question, “Ye know not what ye ask: can you drink of the cup that I drink of; and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” Their answer is that yes they can but notice the Jesus’ reply…indeed you will! I am not sure if I catch sarcasm in this or if it is almost a cryptic sort of prophecy. He tells them that those positions of honor are not his to give but then he begins to share with them how to get that promotion…if you want to sit in the front seat…be willing to sit in the backseat for a while. He shares with them a great dynamic of the Christian faith…if you want to be first…be last. In other words, be a servant: be submissive. This is the heart of Jesus’ question to the disciples, “Can ye drink of the cup I drink of?”

C. This discussion with the disciples is just as applicable to us today as it was then. We live in a power hungry society. People strive for greatness, sadly, many times at the expense of integrity. Stepping on whomever necessary to get one rung higher on the ladder of success. We must remember the words of Jesus and the example of Jesus. Be a servant as I am a servant. This question of submissiveness is one that we must all be reminded of from time to time. Noah Webster defined submission as “resignation; a yielding of one's will to the will or appointment of a superior without murmuring.” He further states, “Entire and cheerful submission to the will of God is a Christian duty of prime excellence.”

D. How will you answer THE QUESTION OF SUBMISSION?

BODY:
I. THE AMBITIOUS REQUEST (vs. 35-38a, 41, James 4:23)
Note: I don’t want you to think that I am against success…quite the contrary…I believe in striving for excellence in everything that we do but not at the expense of character. Jesus didn’t rebuke their request…He just answered it. They were ambitious men but there is a danger with ambition. It can be perverted. Consider the Satan or the Rich Fool! Their ambition was misdirected and cost them in the end.
A. A Monumental Request v. 37
--bold request…we must come to the Throne BOLDLY

B. A Misguided Request v. 38a
--ye know not what ye ask…we ask amiss or we don’t ask at all

II. THE ABSOLUTE REALITY (vs. 38b-39)
Note: Jesus asks them two questions that are questions of submission. He mentions the cup and a baptism. Both of these have reference to submission no matter the cost…at ALL cost! The cup and baptism are both references to the sufferings for the Gospel sake. The cup is a reference to the same cup He references later in Gethsemane which he asked the Father to let pass from Him. The baptism is not water baptism but rather being immersed in the wrath of God in payment for sin. The boys say that they can drink and be baptized and Jesus tells them you have no idea but you will indeed drink and be baptized in like manner.
A. The Path
--our path is one of fulfilling the Will of God no matter what. It is a directed path and a delightful path!

B. The Problems
--suffering…slothfulness…sin…irrelevant…we must serve because it is our duty…why is the teenager mowing the yard? His job!

C. The Pleasure
--I cannot promise anything to you for today but I can remind you of your tomorrow! Look what awaits us!

III. THE AWESOME RESPONSIBILITY (vs. 40-45)
Note: Jesus tells us the way to real success and it is found in a servant’s heart and an attitude of humbleness and submission.
A. The Exhortation vs. 40-44

B. The Example vs. 45

CONCLUSION:
This question of submission requires more than words to prove…it takes action! Will you accept this awesome responsibility this morning?

Questions That Will Change Your Life #1

2010-05-16T20:35:00.000-07:00

April 25, 2010 MW Stockwell Road MBC
“QUESTIONS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE” series #1/6

QUESTION OF IDENTIFICATION
Matthew 16:13-17

INTRODUCTION:
A. I was always told that there is no such thing as a dumb question, the only dumb questions are the ones that go unasked. We learn by asking questions. Unfortunately some questions are not answerable. The Boston Globe ran the top ten unanswerable questions and here was one of them, “I am nine years of age and have a cat that eats regularly and needs to go on a diet. He also eats mice when he is out. How many calories in a mouse?" Unfortunately, many questions that are asked are answered incorrectly. From time to time Jesus posed questions to His disciples, not because he didn’t already know the answer but because He wanted them to know the answer! The questions in this series, if answered incorrectly, will have great spiritual consequences.

B. Jesus and the disciples are around 120 miles north of Jerusalem in Caesarea Philippi which was a center of pagan religion. This was a beautiful area that was steeped in pagan religion. In ancient time, the city had been called “Balinas”, because it had been a center of Baal worship. Baal was the Phoenician god of fertility and nature. Later, the name was changed to “Panias”, because the Greeks believed that their god Pan was born in a cave in the hills above the city, at the foot of Mount Hermon. Pan was a half-goat, half-man god who was believed to be the guardian of flocks and nature. In fact, the modern name of this ancient city is “Banias”, which is a form of “Panias”. This region had so many different gods and deities it served as a perfect backdrop for Jesus’ question of identification, “but whom say ye that I am?”

C. Jesus used this tragic backdrop of paganism and false worship to cause his men to think about the most vital issue of life. That issue is, “Who is Jesus to you?” This question of identification is one that every man, saved and lost alike, must answer. If you don’t know the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior then the answer to the question determines Heaven or Hell for all of eternity. If you are saved then this question is important in determining who is Lord in your life, you or Jesus. This morning we all need to ponder the matter of lordship: who is running your life? Who makes all of your decisions? If you are the one running the show I want to ask you, “How is that working out for ya?” I know me and left to myself to make my decisions I would put me in a mess. However, when we allow Jesus to be Lord in EVERY area we will find the blessed life, Jesus has for us!

D. How will you answer THE ? OF IDENTIFICATION ?

BODY:
I. A RECURRING QUESTION (vs. 13-14)
Note: Jesus begins by asking the disciples of what the popular opinions were concerning His identity. The crowds have had opinions for centuries and this question continues to recur every day. People have always had opinions concerning Jesus! They offered 4 theories concerning who Jesus was…
A. John the Baptist—Because of His Preaching
B. Elijah—Because of His Prayers
C. Jeremiah—Because of His Passion
D. One of the Prophets—Because of His Prophecies

II. A RELEVANT QUESTION (vs. 15-16, Phil. 2:10-11)
Note: Jesus now narrows the question and makes it a more relevant issue. It doesn’t matter what anybody else says YOU must answer this question and you will answer this question. You can delay and dodge but there will come a day of answer. When you boil everything down you can only come to a few logical answers. Which one do you think is correct.
A. He Was a Legend
--completely made up and he never existed. The Bible is full of fairy tails! Impossible to hold this position!

B. He Was a Liar
--a deceiver who made people believe he was something he wasn’t! He lived a lie a pathological liar…not good!

C. He Was a Lunatic
--He was out of his mind to make such claims! Look what the people said…words of wisdom not insanity!

D. He is Lord Phil. 2:10-11
--This will be PROCLAIMED one day!

III. A REVEALED QUESTION (vs. 17, Romans 10:17, John 15:26)
Note: How does one come to this logical personal decision about the identity of Jesus Christ? Notice Jesus’ response to Peter’s declaration! Not by flesh and blood or man’s words and philosophies! This is unveiled to us in two ways!
A. The Revelation of the Word of God

B. The Revelation of the Work of the Spirit

CONCLUSION:
In the end, it does not matter what the public opinion is of Jesus, it your personal answer that really matters.

post thoughts, rants or general nonsense

2010-04-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

Generally my blog consists of my sermoins from the previous sunday...I don't know if anyone ever reads them, the lone exception is some chinese person that has attempted to spam attack my comments and has caused me to begin comment moderation.

However, recently, a friend of mine asked me to occasionally post thoughts, rants or general nonsense so I will attempt to a little bit this evening.

I am a lurker! I lurk around on the blogs listed at the right of this post and check out what "the other guys" say and what is said about the other guys thoughts.

Recently discussions have centered around revival and randomness, AWANA and Arminianism even perplexing questions and peculiar quandries. All of which have led to quite a unique take on things. Here is my take on a few of these issues:

Revival is needed and it only comes from the people of God availing themselves to the Will of God so they will be faithful and committed to the work of God!

AWANA...if a Church would like to use AWANA, Discovery, Revolution or any other "program" it is that Churches business. The Lord will not remove the candle out of its place for such. Bottom line, God blesses His Word when it is delivered! NOW, if the program does not present the plan of Salvation correctly a Church would be wise to cease using it.

Arminianism is bad and a majority of Methodists practice it without even knowing it. Arminianism is the opposite of Calvanism. Calvinism is bondage of the Will while Arminianism is freedom of the Will. The main difference is that God is IN everyone but the Arminianist believes that they must choose to work it out while the Calvinist believes God is in a select few "chosen" and they have no choice...it will be worked out!

As far as random questions and quandries...I wonder how far we should take the scriptures admonition to avoid foolish fables and endless geneoligies? I know that I am not as wise as Jesus and niether is ANYONE who reads our blogs so who has it all figured out? I know that many questions will never be answered THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN and many of our answers are best guesses at best.

I will say this...the paths that the old cows took to the barn is a good path for a reason. Our forefathers were not uneducated hicks with no clue about biblical truth. The same Spirit that leads us into truth is the same one that lead them. If you are the 1st person to come up with a new truth or never heard from idea before, a red flag goes up for me and it should for you as well.

Anyway...that is my thoughts, rants and general nonesense (to satisfy Bro. Adrian).

Wait a minute...this just in...need a general nonsense thingie in here...Friday night April 30th...I am getting my Master's Degree from the Seminary! How's that for nonsense?

Life is Tough but God is Faithful

2010-04-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

April 18, 2010 MW
Stockwell Road MBC
LIFE IS TOUGH but GOD IS FAITHFUL
II Corinthians 1:3-11
INTRODUCTION:
A. A Tahoma, Washington newspaper carried the story of Tattoo the basset hound some time ago. Tattoo didn’t intend to go for an evening run, but when his owner shut the dog’s leash in the car door and took off for a drive – with Tattoo still outside the vehicle, he had no choice. Motorcycle officer Terry Filbert noticed a passing vehicle with something dragging behind it. He commented that the poor basset hound was, “picking them up and putting them down as fast as he could.” He chased the car to a stop, and Tattoo was rescued. But not before the dog had reached a top speed of 25 miles per hour, falling down and rolling over several times.

B. Have you ever felt like Tattoo? Picking them up and putting them down as fast as we can – rolling around and feeling dragged through life. Life is tough. Life is full of stress and despair. How many times have you heard someone say, “I don’t watch the news anymore. It is so depressing.” Many times we can relate to the words of Job, “Man that is born of woman is of few days, and full of trouble.”(Job 14:1). A father recently sent an e-mail to a preacher that read, “Pray for my two daughters they are going through a very rough time. Dad can only do so much…We need God.” What a mouthful! What we need is the help of God! Listen to the words of the Psalmist in Psalms 46:1, 121:1-2! God offers us the deliverance that we need…not only as a nation but also as individuals.

C. In our text, the Apostle Paul offers some of the sweetest words of comfort and encouragement found in the entire Bible. Paul tells the Corinthian believers of a real bad day he had in vs. 8-9, but notice the words of the 3 types of deliverance mentioned in v. 10…past present and future. He saved us, meaning that we have been delivered from the penalty of our sin (guilt included). He will deliver us which is a reference to being delivered from the presence of sin! But notice the words in the middle…and doth deliver! He delivers us now from the problems that sin creates in our lives! You see, life is tough but GOD IS FAITHFUL! Paul said in I Corinthians 10:13, “…God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

D. Notice the deliverance of our faithful God!

BODY:
I. THE PERSON OF OUR COMFORTING (vs. 3-4a)
Note: The word “blessed” in v. 3 is a reference to praising and adoring God and then he gives certain reasons for this. Paul reminds us that we praise God because it was his love that sent Jesus to the world to die on the cross for sin and that God is the father of mercies. Mercy is God not granting to us what we do deserve! Then he is identified as the father of all comfort and in v. 4 that he comforts us in ALL of our tribulations. The question at hand is HOW does God do this?
A. He Reminds Us of His Presence

B. He Recalls to Our Minds His Promises

C. He Rallies His People

II. THE PURPOSE OF OUR SUFFERING (vs. 4b-7)
Note: “Why”, is one of the most often asked questions to God! I am glad that the Lord is not like my geometry teacher in High School…I asked her daily, “Why do I have to learn this?” She tended to get frustrated with me! God doesn’t! We get frustrated though when we do not receive the answers we were expecting. The fact is that we may never know why things happen specifically but we can know some reasons for the trials we do endure. Many times God doesn’t make sense to us but when God doesn’t make sense know that God has a RIGHT a REASON and a REWARD! Here are some possible reasons for our trials…
A. To Gain Experience so We can Help Others v. 4b-5 Rom. 5:3-5

B. To Be an Example of How to Endure v. 6

C. To Further Spread the Gospel v. 6

D. To Be Identified with Jesus Christ v. 7

III. THE PRAYERS OF ENCOURAGEMENT vs. 11
Note: Paul concludes his thoughts with a note of thanksgiving. He had endured much but one thing that “helped” was the prayers of God’s people! Sometimes we make things worse by trying to counsel and by speaking. Just pray is the best thing we can do…to intercede on behalf of another.
A. Prayer Engages Us in Spiritual Warfare

B. Prayer Encourages Us to be Spiritual Aware

C. Prayer Acknowledges our Need of God

CONCLUSION:
This life is tough but God is faithful! Will you look to Him for your deliverance?

On the Mountain Top with Jesus #6/6

2010-04-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

April 11, 2010
“On the Mountain Top with Jesus” series #6/6
THE MOUNTAIN OF TESTIMONY
Acts 1:6-12
INTRODUCTION:
A. The first mountains that I ever saw as a child were the Great Smoky Mountains. The Great Smokey Mountains got their name from the The Great Smokey Mountains are named for the blue mist that always seems to hover around the peaks and valleys. The Cherokee called them shaconage, (shah-con-ah-jey) or "place of the blue smoke". When you drive through them you can tell why they are called such. These mountains are a testimony unto themselves.

B. The Mount of Olives was also a testimony unto itself. As Jesus climbed this mountain 40 days after Calvary, the disciples anticipation grew. With each step they became almost giddy. They remembered the prophecy from Zechariah 14:4 and had to think that this was the moment that they had been looking for. However, Jesus and the angelic messengers offered a testimony that involved much more than an event they were looking for. They received a testimony that would shape the rest of their lives. The Book of Acts gives great insight into the progress of the early Church, the passion of the early Church, the persecution of the early Church and the purpose of the early Church. However, it was this experience and the testimony they received high atop the Mt. of Olives that set all of this in motion.

C. Sometimes we get complacent in our faith. Many times, we forget what is really important as a child of God. We fail to remember our calling and what God expects of us. It is in these times that we need to head back to the top of the Mt. of Olives of Jesus and receive this testimony. We will be reminded of what our mission is and what our motivation is to complete it.

D. This morning let us climb the Mount called Olivet one last time with Jesus and see what He has to testify to us about today!

BODY:
I. A PLACE OF CONFUSION vs. 6-7
Note: As noted earlier, the disciples were giddy with excitement as Jesus climbed the Mt. of Olives. They were continually asking the same question, “Will you now restore the kingdom?” Over and over like children wanting to know “Are we there yet?” However, Jesus’ answer caused some confusion in their hearts.
A. The Cause of Confusion
1. when God doesn’t do what we think He SHOULD do
2. when we allow Satan’s whispers to get louder

B. The Cure for Confusion
1. be still and listen for God’s voice
2. trust in the Lord and follow Him

II. A PLACE OF COMMISSION vs. 8-11a
Note: AS Jesus was about to leave He gave unto His Church the marching orders. He gave them His desire for their lives. God has always had a plan for His people. Our duty is to tell the world about Jesus! He made a few promises in this commission that we need to be aware of…
A. The Promise of Power

B. The Promise of Purpose

C. The Promise of People

III. A PLACE OF CROWNING vs. 9, Isaiah 53:12, Hebrews 7:25-28
Note: This is commonly referred to as the exaltation of Christ. Where King Jesus ascends before the disciples to be seated at the right hand of the Father. Notice the beautiful significance of this!
A. The Majesty of this Moment
--right hand—prominence and power

B. The Ministry of this Moment
--intercession for us

IV. A PLACE OF COMING AGAIN vs. 10-12, Zech. 14:4
Note: They will cry out for their redeemer from Zion! He will come and no longer be rejected by Israel, He will be embraced and accepted! What a day!

On the Mountaintop With Jesus #5/6

2010-04-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

April 4, Easter 2010
“On the Mountain Top with Jesus”
series #5/6
Stockwell Road MBC
THE MOUNTAIN OF TORTURE AND TRIUMPH
Luke 23:33
INTRODUCTION:
A. There were a lot of important places to the Lord during His life. There was Bethlehem, the place of His birth, Nazareth, the place of His childhood, the Sea of Gallilee, Capernaum and the great city of Jerusalem. All of these played important parts in our Lord’s life but each of them was just a stopping place on His way to the place mentioned in our text, Calvary. We have looked at many mountains in this series but all of them pale in comparison to what took place here on top of Mt. Calvary. Jesus declared to Pontius Pilate, on the morning of His death, “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world…” (John 18:37).

B. I fully realize that Easter is a day set aside to remember the glorious resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the grave but we cannot forget what happened 3 nights and 3 days prior. He willingly went to the Cross to pay a price He himself did not owe and that we could not pay ourselves. He tasted, on Calvary, death for every man! On Calvary, He experienced separation from His Father for the 1st time ever. On Calvary, Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, became the satisfying sacrifice that the Father demanded for sin. Because of Calvary, on Resurrection Day we experience a hope that surpasses all other types of hope. Peter defined this hope as a “lively hope” in I Peter 1:3. Somebody once said, “Christianity rises and falls with the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

C. Your faith and my faith also rises and falls with the resurrection. We serve a risen Savior and look for a coming King! Without the “lively hope” of the resurrection we would have nothing! With all of that being said, without the atoning death of Calvary, there would be no resurrection. This Easter morning, we need to visit Mt. Calvary and see the price that was paid to purchase our redemption. Let’s climb the Mountain of Torture and Triumph!

BODY:

I. CALVARY WAS A PLACE OF VICIOUS WOUNDS
vs. 33, Philippians 2:5-8, Isaiah 53
Note: Verse 33, sums up over 18 hours of intense suffering. Going all the way back to the Garden of Gethsemane, with the betrayal of Judas, our Lord suffered immensely! Notice the many vicious wounds that the Lord received during His crucifixion.
A. The Atrocities
1. betrayal, arrest, mock trials (6), false witnesses
2. abused by Temple Guards, scourged, beaten with a reed, spit upon, beard plucked out, crowned with thorns, mocked
3. sentenced to die, carried his cross

B. The Agony
1. nails pounded in his hands (through the median nerve)
2. hung to die for 6 hours, ridiculed, mocked, racked with pain, smothering to death

C. The Antagonists—“they”
1. they v. 18, 21, 23, 25-26, 35—look what they did? Who were they? The ones he was dying for!

II. CALVARY WAS A PLACE OF A VICARIOUS WORK
II Corinthians 5:21, Romans 3:23, Hebrews 2:10
Note: You ask yourself, why? Why was Jesus enduring such torment and suffering? He was tasting death for every one of us! He was enduring this agony for us! Vicarious means that was doing this in place of another! That means he was dying in our place!
A. Our Problem of Sin

B. Our Promise of Salvation

III. CALVARY WAS A PLACE OF VICTORIOUS WORDS
John 19:30
Note: Jesus spoke 7 times from the Cross but one of those says more than the others to me! They were words of victory! Tetelestai—means it is finished but was used many ways!
--servant—work is completed (job’s done), priest—sacrifice accepted (done and accepted), farmer—harvest completed, artist—masterpiece is completed, merchant—paid in full, soldier—VICTORY!

On the Mountain Top with Jesus #4

2010-03-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

March 21, 2010 MW “On the Mountain Top with Jesus”
series #4/6
Stockwell Road MBC
THE MOUNTAIN OF TRIAL AND TRANQUILITY
Matthew 26:36-46
INTRODUCTION:
A. There is a difference in the words enjoy and endure. I don’t endure a ball game with my boys…I enjoy it. I don’t endure a bowl of ice cream…I enjoy it. I don’t endure church…I enjoy it! I do endure Lifetime movies with Cindy instead of enjoy them.

B. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 12:1, “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.” If you think for one moment that Jesus looked forward to the painful, agonizing death of crucifixion you are misinterpreting Scripture. The joy set before him was being seated at the father’s right hand but he had to ENDURE the cross first. This is where our text finds us. Jesus has crossed the Kidron valley and climbed up the Mt. of Olives and entered his place of refuge, the Garden of Gethsemane. Gethsemane means “olive press” and it was a small grove of olive trees. Here the Lord Jesus experienced the greatest trial of His life but also experienced great tranquility. Jesus endured great emotional suffering. This may surprise you because He is the Son of God, perfect in every way and how could he experience emotional struggle. Notice v. 38…the word soul is the word psyche and refers to the mind or the emotions. In this scripture…in the Garden on top of the Mt. of olives we glimpse the humanity of Jesus Christ. Last week we viewed his deity and glory in the Transfiguration but today we see Him as a suffering man and in his trial we find the path to tranquility. How did Jesus deal with His emotional distress?

C. Have you ever been there before? Have you ever gotten overwhelmed with a certain situation? (dealing with a serious family matter, loss of income, dealing with the death of a close loved one, critical illness of a child) These all are experiences that God allows to try us and make us into stronger Christians. Satan is the cause of all temptations that we face but God allows these trials. The trials that we endure are for our benefit and are more precious than gold that has been purified according to I Peter 1:7. As we endure these trials we must follow the Lord’s example and see how he experienced the victory.
BODY:
I. THE PRESSURE vs. 36-38
Note: We can never forget the humanity of Jesus Christ. Pressures mount in our lives and the also mounted in Jesus’ life…the difference is in how we deal with it. Many times we allow it to overcome us or swell inside until we pop. What caused this pressure to mount? He was hours away from Calvary and as he looked across the kidron valley towards the Temple and he beheld the smoke from the evening offering still ascending.
A. The Blood He Would Shed—sacrifice was bled out 1st

B. The Death He Would Suffer—the fire consumed it all

II. THE PRAYER vs. 39-44
Note: In this text Jesus teaches us what to do and how to deal with circumstances. Our circumstances and situations can cause to feel many different emotions but Jesus teaches us what to do!
A. Prayer Support—He brought his inner three with Him and he told them to watch with him and pray…you cannot count on others alone

B. Prayer Substance
1. honesty—the Father already knows your fear and struggle…be honest with the Lord
2. humility—if no other way…I submit to you!

III. THE PEACE vs. 45-46
Note: After His prayer Jesus experienced a peace and we can tell this by his reaction to finding the Disciples asleep AGAIN and knowing that Judas was there to betray Him. This, too me, is an unexplainable peace or one that comes directly from the Father. It is available to us by knowing He is in control of my life.
A. Peace In Spite of
1. no change to circumstances
2. circumstances getting worse

B. Peace Because of
1. His compassion
2. His control

CONCLUSION:
Today you may of come here with great turmoil but you can leave with great tranquility! Will you pray and put it in His hands?

On the Mountaintop With Jesus #3

2010-03-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

March 14, 2010 MW
“On the Mountain Top with Jesus” series #3/6
Stockwell Road MBC
THE MOUNTAIN OF TRANSFIGURATION
Luke 9:28-36
INTRODUCTION:
A. A supernova is the brightest spectacle in the universe. It is a glorious, powerful occurrence. A star which goes supernova outshines its entire galaxy for eons of time. One writer said that it is the closest thing he could wrap his head around to imagine Jesus in all of his glorious, infinite brightness. This idea of brightness is conveyed of Jesus in Hebrews 1:3, “Who being THE brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”

B. This was how Peter, James and John saw Jesus on this occasion. High atop Mt. Hermon, just outside of Capernaum in the northern most part of Israel, Jesus led these disciples. As he climbed to this snow capped summit, which today is the only place in Israel where people can snow ski, he began to pray. The disciples huddled together and after a difficult climb fell asleep. As Jesus prayed his countenance was changed and began to glisten and he became white that was brighter then human ability. He even made the snow seem dull compared to brightness. Then Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus about his death. During this conversation Peter, James and John woke up. They were dumb founded! Notice the words of v. 33, Peter spoke without even realizing what he was saying. He was just awestruck at the sight! I don’t think Peter fully understood what was happening but he knew it was good! He found himself in the midst of a great experience! This experience had an effect on Peter, James and John…II Peter 1:16-18!

C. When we climb to the mountain top with Jesus we will experience things that exceed our wildest expectations. We will stand in awestruck wonder at the goodness of God, the glory of God and the grace of God. When I realized that serving God was the greatest adventure man could ever go on it transformed my Christian life. It will change yours too. Ephesians 3:20, reminds us of this simple truth! Serving the Lord is being in a good place…are you in a “good” place? God wants to take you places you have never been and do, through you, things that you have never done. Ask yourself, as you climb with Jesus, “Am I in a ‘good’ place?”

BODY: You know you are in a “good” place when…

I. YOU CAN SEE HIS GLORY vs. 28-29
Note: We need to stop and see the glory of God more often…when we do…we know that we are in a good place! These disciples caught a glimpse of His glory and it caused them to realize that they were in a good place!
A. A Special People See His Glory
--the inner circle—today God is no respecter of persons
B. A Special Place of His Glory—Peter called it a holy Mount!
C. A Special Presentation of His Glory—He was transformed—momentarily his glory was revealed—George Strait, “I Saw God Today”

II. YOU CAN WORSHIP HIS GREATNESS vs. 30-35
Note: When Isaiah saw the glory of God in Isaiah 6…he humbled himself and worshipped the Lord! We see Jesus’ preeminence on display! We know Jesus is our friend and our Savior but He is much more than this! This story exalts the greatness of Jesus!
A. The Heavenly Visitors
1. the men—Moses and Elijah
2. the message—his exodus from this life
3. the meaning
B. The Heavenly Voice II Peter 1:16-18
--the supremacy of Jesus’ Words
--the supply of Jesus’ Words

III. YOU CAN ENJOY HIS GRACE vs. 36
Note: What a sight! What a scene! These men beheld something no other has ever seen and look at the wording? When they looked up…they saw Jesus alone! We need to see Jesus and nobody else! When we do we will know we are in a good place and enjoy the all sufficient grace of Jesus!
A. Enjoying the Grace of His Peace

B. Enjoying the Grace of His Presence

CONCLUSION:
Are you in a “good” place this morning? Are you where you can see the glory of God, worship the greatness of God and enjoy the grace of God? If not…climb the mountain with Jesus today!

On The Mountain Top with Jesus series #2

2010-03-13T16:05:00.000-08:00

March 7, 2010 MW “On the Mountain Top with Jesus” series #2/6
Stockwell Road MBC
THE MOUNTAINS OF TEACHING
Matthew 5:1-2, 24:3
INTRODUCTION:
A. Learning the things of God’s Word is like a man flying a kite. The kite does the flying, but it needs the man’s help to take advantage of the wind. Kites don’t fly on their own—unless they are out of control, in which case they are completely at the mercy of shifts of wind and the downward pull of gravity. Jesus ascends these mountains to teach us about His Word and about ourselves. We need Him to teach us and allow the Holy Spirit to work out these words in our hearts and minds remember Paul’s words in I Corinthians 2:14, “For the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

B. The Lord climbed many mountains in His ministry but I want us to look at two that he climbed specifically for the purpose of teaching His disciples. The first mountain we climb is located in the northern parts of Israel around Capernaum. We do not know the name of this mountain but one Old Testament commentator refers to this mountain as the “Sinai of the New Testament” because of the important message that Jesus taught here. From here Jesus taught His disciples about the heart of true Christianity and what it really meant to be a Child of God. The second mountain is probably more familiar to us, the Mount of Olives. Jesus ascended this mountain on many occasions for prayer and we will look at this greater detail later but this morning Jesus delivered what is called the Olivet Discourse and taught concerning end time events.

C. The significance of these two sermons is very important to every child of God. We need to be taught this morning about what it means to mature in Christ and how to be motivated to serve Him greater. If you never learned how to mature you would become malnourished and would never live up to your potential as a child of God. If you never learned of end time events you would not see the urgency of the Gospel call or the importance of Biblical missions. We need to climb these mountains with Jesus and sit at the Master’s feet. We need to allow Jesus to teach us this morning.

D. As Jesus teaches we learn…
BODY:
I. JESUS TEACHES US ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS Matthew 5:1-16
Note: I firmly believe that the most important word in English language is relationships. We were created by God with the capacity and need for relationships. We need a relationship with God and a relationship with man. If your relationships with people are not healthy it will have an effect on your relationship with God and conversely a poor relationship with God will cause you to have poor relationships with people. Jesus teaches us in the Sermon on the Mount how to have a healthy and proper relationships.
A. Being Blessed in Your Relationships vs. 1-12
1. blessed in your vertical relationship vs. 3-6
2. blessed in your horizontal relationships v. 7-12

B. Being a Blessing in Your Relationships v. 13-19
1. making a difference v. 13—salt
2. marking a distinction v. 14-16—light

II. JESUS TEACHES US ABOUT RIGHTEOUSNESS Matthew 5:20-7:29, Isaiah 64:6
Note: The purpose of the rest of the Sermon on the Mount can be summed up in this one verse. Religious hypocrisy was at a fevered pitch during the ministry of Jesus. He says that the heart of true Christianity exceeds the righteousness of the Pharisees. The Bible speaks of personal, positional and practical righteousness!
A. Personal Righteousness—Pharisees—filthy rags
B. Positional Righteousness—imputed—being saved
C. Practical Righteousness—lived out daily

III. JESUS TEACHES US ABOUT RESPONSIBILITY Matthew 24:1-3
Note: The Olivet discourse is Jesus’ response to the Disciples’ three questions in Matthew 24:3. The answers to these questions reveal to us the urgency and awesomeness of our responsibility.
A. The Suddenness of His Coming—when…
B. The Signs of His Coming—signs of thy coming
C. The Supremacy of His Coming—end of the world

CONCLUSION:
Daily we need to climb the mountain and be taught by the Lord. His words are truth and they are life! Will you commit to being taught by the Lord?

On The Mountaintop with Jesus series #1

2010-02-28T14:04:00.000-08:00

February 28, 2010 MW “On the Mountain Top with Jesus” series #1/6
Stockwell Road MBC
THE MOUNTAIN OF TEMPTATION
Matthew 4:1-11
INTRODUCTION:
A. Two years ago, we took a trip with family to visit Cindy’s family in Asheville, NC. Cindy has a cousin that works at The Cove which is the Billy Graham retreat center. It is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains amid gorgeous scenery. Eric took my brothers in law and myself up the mountain trail. We drove up the mountain for as long as we could and then we had to walk the rest of the way. I was exhausted but when we reached the viewing deck it was well worth it. Sprawling ahead of me was one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. The journey to the mountaintop was very tiring and exhausting but it was well worth it.

B. When you are on the mountain top you gain a greater perspective on things. Many times you can see above the dark clouds that may be swirling below and see how small and insignificant they truly are. You can often look down on man-made marvels that up close seem so large but from this view seem so small. You can clear your head and let things go. You can be reminded of what the prophet Isaiah said about us mounting up with wings like eagles! Over the next few weeks we are going to climb some mountaintops and have some experiences with Jesus. It is my prayer that with each experience we have with Jesus we will gain a greater perspective and greater peace for our lives.

C. The first mountaintop we will climb with Jesus is one that many of us have climbed alone all too often…the Mountain of Temptation. As Jesus climbed this mountain, we see how we are to climb it. Jesus is our great example in all things even in how to overcome temptation. Some think that Jesus, since he was God in the flesh, was wearing some type of spiritual superman suit that made him invincible. We must remember that while He was all God He was also fully human. Hebrews 4:15 states, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin”. If you have ever been tempted and felt like you could not overcome…look to Jesus! He has climbed this mountaintop before and gotten the victory! If we climb it with Him we will also gain the victory!

BODY:
I. THE PERSON OF OUR TEMPTATIONS vs. 1-3a
Note: Each person bears the responsibility for yielding to temptations…the old adage “the devil made me do it” will not work! The Devil is the person behind our temptations! He is the one behind all of the chaos in this world and the one behind all of the chaos in your life.
A. His Names
1. Devil—diabolos—slanderer, false accuser
2. Tempter—to solicit to sin
3. Satan—adversary, one who opposes
4. Lucifer—light bearer
5. liar, murderer, prince of power of the air
B. His Nature
1. created by God
2. cast down by God
3. conquered by God

II. THE PROFILE OF HIS TEMPTATIONS vs. 3b-9, I John 2:15-6
Note: Satan is not all-knowing like God but he is very smart! He knows what buttons to push to set us off. The problem is that his profile for temptations has never changed. It has been the same ever since the Garden of Eden. The way he tempted Adam and Eve is the same way he tempted Jesus and it is the same way he tempts us!
A. An Attack on Our Flesh v. 3
B. An Attack on Our Eyes v. 4-6
C. An Attack on Our Pride v. 8-9

III. THE POWER TO OVERCOME TEMPTATIONS
Note: This message is all about seeing how Jesus overcame the temptations! Remember all of these temptations happen to each of us! How did Jesus do it?
A. His Preparedness v. 1
B. His Prayer Life v. 2
C. His Power v. 4, 7, 10
D. His Peace v. 11

CONCLUSION:
By following Jesus to the mountaintop of temptations we find victory! If you need victory over sin in your life…climb the mountain with Jesus!

The Pluto Sermon

2010-02-21T18:40:00.000-08:00

February 21, 2010 MW Stockwell Road MBC
THE PLUTO SERMON
Proverbs 22:17-21

INTRODUCTION:
A. In 2007, the American Dialect Society chose “plutoed” as the 2006 word of the year. It means to demote or devalue something or someone as what happened to the planet Pluto when the General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union decided that it was no longer a planet. I was taught my entire life that Earth’s Solar System contained 9 planets. That isn’t the case anymore…today my boys are being taught that there are only 8. According to a ruling in 2006, Pluto has been reclassified as a “dwarf” planet and it no longer counts.

B. I think there are a lot of things that have been “plutoed” in many religious circles and in the lives of many of God’s people. Many things that were once fundamental and seen as necessary have been devalued. Fundamental truths that were once black and white have become shaded in grey. Things that were once so clear have become fuzzy. However, just because many of things have been plutoed in the eyes of many does not mean they have been plutoed to God. In God’s eyes these things are still black and white and they are still crystal clear. God’s heart should be our heart and His ways should be our ways. If He still values these things then we must still value them ourselves.

C. In the words of Solomon, he makes mention of making known, “the certainty of the words of truth”. While there are many things by the religious world that have been plutoed, we can look to the Word of God and see that while many things change…some things will never change! In fact, according to the Word of God some things will NEVER be plutoed and this is great comfort to all of us this morning. The Bible shares with us these wonderful truths but from the world’s view these are nothing more than archaic and foolish wives tales. The Bible is a book of certainties and it will never change. Many people look at us and say, “ Do you really believe that?” and our answer has to be yes! If it is any other answer we have “plutoed” God’s Truth!

D. Notice some things that will never be “PLUTOED”!

BODY:
I. THE AUTHORITY OF GOD’S WORD
Note: Satan has always attacked the Word of God because it is the foundation for all of our beliefs. If the Bible is found to be not true EVERYTHING that we hold dear becomes worthless. There are some things that we need to remember about our Bible!
A. The Bible is Inspired II Tim. 3:16, II Peter 1:21
B. The Bible is Preserved Matthew 5:18
C. The Bible is Absolute Psalm 119:89
D. The Bible is Practical II Tim. 3:16-17
E. The Bible is Personal John 17:14

II. THE PLAN OF SALVATION
Note: Tiger Woods claimed on Friday that he has strayed away from his Buddhist faith that his mother had taught him. This was his reasoning for his sinful life and his way of rehabilitation. What Tiger needs is salvation not a statue a relationship with Jesus not a religion! God’s plan of Salvation has never changed!
A. The Facts—accept that you are a sinner, believe in your heart what the Bible says of Jesus, confess your sin to God
B. The Faith—trust in God’s provision for salvation—Jesus!

III. THE FOOLISHNESS OF SIN
Note: We are living during a day where morals and values have definitely been plutoed! Instead of confessing and turning from sin many are rationalizing and returning to sin! This is a foolish mentality that we need to be in prayer about.
A. The Curse of Sin
B. The Course of Sin
C. The Conquering of Sin

IV. THE REALITY OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
Note: Many see the Christian life as Church attendance but ours is a life of faith that is to be lived outside of these walls.
A. It is a Life of Prayer
B. It is a Life of Persecution
C. It is a Life of Purpose

V. THE ASSURANCE OF HIS COMING Acts 1:11
Note: The idea that the Lord Jesus is coming back has been plutoed to a great extent today. One reason is that old saying, “Familiarity breads contempt.” While we have heard it for many years it doesn’t change the truth that Jesus is coming and it will be soon!
A. The Testimony of the Bible Declares It
B. The Signs of the Times Proves It

CONCLUSION:
While these things have been plutoed by a lot of people they are absolute certainties to every one of us.

Consider the Covenant

2010-02-14T18:03:00.000-08:00

CONSIDER #3/3
A Study through Haggai February 14, 2010 MW
Stockwell Road MBC

CONSIDER THE COVENANT
Haggai 2:10-23

INTRODUCTION:
A. In the Book of I Chronicles, there is a little prayer that swept America a few years ago that reads like this: “Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!” Bruce Wilkinson wrote a book titled, “The Prayer of Jabez” and the subtitle read, “Breaking through to the Blessed Life.” The book is all about pursuing God’s blessings and finding the answers to life’s most troublesome questions. Jabez’ prayer of oh that thou wouldest bless me is still the prayer of God’s people today.

B. Here are the facts…we are the most blessed people on the face of the Earth. We have more stuff, more information, and more opportunities than of any people before, but it is not enough. I don’t have to convince you of this; it is evident all around us. We race here and there trying to do more, trying to accumulate more, trying to accomplish more than ever before. We cannot find significance in being good husbands and fathers; we are driven to be more than that. We cannot find significance in being good wives and mothers; we are compelled to find significance outside the home. We have grown fat on God’s blessings, and now those blessings do not satisfy, which is why so many people are attracted to preaching and teaching that is aimed at helping them “maximize their potential,” or whatever other things so many “feel good” and “be happy” preachers are preaching these days. Especially telling are the signs across our land that say, “God bless America,” the same America that has largely turned its back on God.

C. Our study through Haggai as shown us people just like us hasn’t it? They had done and done and done but were left empty. Whatever they did it was never enough so they prayed for God’s blessings. In Chapter 1, God told them that they would not be blessed until they considered their condition. Now 3 months has past and they were nearing the end. God wanted them to consider one more thing and if we want to be blessed we should CONSIDER the same thing…the COVENANT or the promises from God. When times get tough it will be in CONSIDERING THE COVENANT that will get us through!

BODY:
I. THE CONDITION vs. 10-14
Note: Haggai begins his third sermon, concerning being a blessed people by reminding them of the condition they need to be in to receive the blessings of God. He begins by asking two questions that to us make absolutely no sense but to a Jew Haggai was being very clear.
A. Holiness is Not Found in Proximity
--coming to Church and reading the Bible will not make you a holy person…only Jesus Christ can!

B. Sin is Contagious
--it is diabolical and infectious!

II. THE CONTROL vs. 15-22
Note: This is a great truth that we all need to realize and remember: God is in control…all of the time! He is still on the Throne and in control! Notice how many times God says, “I will…”
A. The Reasons Things Happen
1. because of our own fault
2. because God is working out His plan

B. The Response When Things Happen
1. with faith
2. with trust

III. THE COVENANT vs. 23
Note: Here is the beauty of this story…the way it ends. Look at the words of God, “I have chosen you.” This means simply that God is FOR His people! You need to know that we are people in a covenant relationship with God! We know this because of the NATURE OF GOD!
A. He Sent the Prophet
B. He is Forgiving
C. He is Faithful
D. He is a Father

CONCLUSION:
If we are to be the blessed people that we want to be we must consider the condition we are in and consider the cause that we are in. When things get hard and tough just consider the covenant that God has made with you!

He is in control and has made a promise…are you in the right position to receive it?

Who Dat!!!

2010-02-08T09:49:00.001-08:00

In 1967, my Dad and Grandfather went to the Old Tulane Football Stadium to witness the very first New Orleans Saints football game. The opening kickoff was returned for a touchdown and the stands went crazy...for the next 30 years though that was the only Saints highlight.

I was raised watching Saints football...my friends were all raised Cowboys fans whereas I was raised with two favorite teams...the Saints and whoever was playing the Cowboys that particular Sunday. I saw the fans wearing the bags on the head...I heard the boo birds...I heard references to the 'aints! But they were still my team...through the good and the bad.

Last night the cups of my cajun heritage, kinship to South, LA and family sufferage with Saints were overflowing. As Tom Benson hoisted the Lombardi trophy and said, "This proves that Lousiana is back!" I have to admit my heart strings tugged a bit.

You may not understand "Who Dat!" and that is ok...I dont understand whoo pig sooie either but Who Dat is a New Orleans thing and it is what it is. The Saints went marching in and won the game....they slew the Colts...they are the World Champion New Orleans Saints and no body can take that away from them.

Who Dat! Who Dat! Who Dat say de gonna beat dem Saints! Who Dat! Who Dat!

CONSIDER THE CAUSE

2010-02-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

CONSIDER #2/3 A Study through Haggai February 7, 2010 MW
Stockwell Road MBC
CONSIDER THE CAUSE
Haggai 2:1-9
INTRODUCTION:
A. Today is Super Bowl Sunday pitting the Indianapolis Colts against the New Orleans Saints in Miami, FL. Around here you would think the Saints have been everyone’s favorite team forever but we all know that isn’t the truth. There are a lot of people who have jumped onto the proverbial bandwagon. The online urbandictionary defines bandwagon as, “When someone adopts a popular point of view for the primary purpose of recognition and/or acceptance by others.” I am glad they have jumped on but the problem is they are usually the first ones to jump off. Where were they when they were known around the league as the New Orleans Aints whose fans wore bags on their heads? Worse than that is where will they be come tomorrow morning if they don’t win tonight?

B. I feel like there are some aspects of bandwagonism today in the Lord’s Churches. When that is the case we all need to pause and consider the cause. Many young Christians get on board and find things do not always go as they first envisioned. They thought a lot of things would change but they don’t. As a result they hop off the bandwagon. Many more mature Christians get tired of staying the course and maintaining the cause. They want to hand off to the next generation and just rest and take it easy. When we find ourselves feeling this way we need to stop and consider the cause!

C. This is where we find the returning Jews in the Book of Haggai. In v. 3, we find many who were working who were discouraged in the work. They were about to hop off of the bandwagon they had jumped on in the preceding chapter. Many of these men could remember the beauty and glory of Solomon’s Temple. When they looked at this Temple only 3 weeks into construction it paled in comparison. The Jews note four points of inferiority: The absence from the second temple of (1) the sacred fire; (2) the Shekinah glory; (3) the ark and cherubim; (4) the Urim and Thummim. These issues were beginning to wear down the older which was causing the younger workers to be discouraged. Haggai comes with the message of encouragement for them to CONSIDER THE CAUSE.
God’s message to them for consideration was “CONSIDER THE CAUSE!”

BODY: When we consider the cause we need to pay close attention to…

I. THE PURPOSE OF ACCOMPLISHING THE CAUSE vs. 1-3
Note: For these Jews the cause was completing this Temple and they were motivated to do so because of the Chapter 1 sermon. They were building a Temple to replace the previous Temple however they were not replacing the purpose of the Temple. It was always to be a place for the proper worship of God. Zerubbabel’s Temple was going to stand for the same purpose…it was unchanging. What is our cause? It hasn’t changed either!
A. Our Purpose is STILL to Worship God
B. Our Purpose is STILL to Glorify God
C. Our Purpose is STILL to Witness for God

II. THE POWER FOR ACCOMPLISHING THE CAUSE vs. 4-5
Note: If you want your vehicle to go anywhere you must put gas in the tank. God gives us the fuel we need to accomplish His purposes for us.
A. The Requirements of this Power
1. His placement—I am with you not against you!
2. His presence—I am among you!

B. The Realities of this Power
1. strength and courage(3x He tells them to be strong)
2. stronger faith—fear ye not

III. THE PROSPECT OF THE ACCOMPLISHED CAUSE vs. 6-9
Note: Sadly we often pay more attention to the here and now and fail to focus on the big picture. What would happen if we stayed the course and endure the difficulties, heartaches and let downs and considered the prospect? We would be more faithful!. We would be more focused! We would find ourselves on fire for the Lord! So consider the prospects that God had for this Temple…
A. A Place Where People Come v. 6-7a
B. A Place Where God is Experienced v. 7b-9a
C. A Place Where Needs are Met v. 9b

CONCLUSION:
I guess you have figured out what I believe the “cause” is? It is the Church…it is us! We live in a day when the cause is belittled and many see her as unnecessary!
The “cause” is too great for her to be considered a bandwagon to be jumped on? This morning, will you consider the cause?

The Real Identity of Bethlehem's Baby #5/5

2010-01-11T21:23:00.000-08:00

#5/5 The True Identity of Bethlehem’s Baby Stockwell Road MBC
December 27, 2009 MW
“PRINCE OF PEACE”
Isaiah 9:6-7
INTRODUCTION:
A. Just before Christmas Paul Harvey told the story of a father whose son had gone off to fight for the union army during the American civil war. After months of camp fever, his son finally saw battle and was seriously wounded. News of his son’s wound came to the father on Christmas Eve, and being a poet he sat down and expressed his anguish in a song. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote these words as he contemplated that bleak Christmas morning:
And in despair I bowed my head
"There is no peace on earth I said,
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of Peace on earth goodwill to men."

B. We have come to the final name of Christ here in Isaiah 9:6. It is of course Prince of Peace. But this one is difficult for us because we seem to have so many mixed messages when it comes to peace. On the one side Jesus is called the prince of Peace and the angels proclaim peace on earth goodwill to men. However, on the other hand Jesus says in Matthew 10:34, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” As well, we have our own observations there is no peace on earth. I think many will be glad to see 2009 go and 2010 come. Peace is not the absence of troubles or conflicts but it is the knowledge of the presence of God. This title, “Prince of Peace” means prince of shalom. Shalom is indeed used to describe the cessation of hostilities, but the word itself also pictures health and wholeness. It denotes harmony and completeness. To have shalom is to have not only a quiet life but also to be fulfilled in every way.

C. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and He wants to bring peace into your life. If your heart is broken this morning, He wants to mend it. If your life is in shambles this morning, He wants to help pick up the pieces. If storms are raging within or without in your family, He wants to calm them. 2 Thessalonians 3:16, “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.” How does the Prince of Peace deliver peace into our lives? According to Paul, in EVERY book, Paul declared grace first then peace! Grace is the vehicle God chooses to deliver peace! The unmerited favor of God is the vehicle that delivers peace to the weary heart! The Prince of Peace brings peace to our lives by his grace. Notice two forms of grace that He uses to bring peace to our lives.

BODY:
I. PEACE COMES FROM SAVING GRACE
Note: Eph. 2:8, “For by grace are ye saved…” and Titus 2:11, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.”
A. The Provider of Grace
--grace is wholly a work of God not man
--God saw our problem, God sent the solution

B. The Purpose of Grace
--bring salvation, forgiveness of sin

C. The Provision of Grace
--is available to all men! Not a select few!

II. PEACE COMES FROM SUFFICIENT GRACE II Corinthians 12:7-9, Titus 2:12
Note: The word sufficient in our text means to be possessed of unfailing strength. The grace of God is sufficient for any circumstance we find ourselves in.
A. Grace is Sufficient for Testing
--God wanted to keep Paul humble

B. Grace is Sufficient for Tribulation
--buffeted by Satan’s messenger

C. Grace is Sufficient for Timing
--prayer 3x, God said no for now!

D. Grace is Sufficient for Teaching Titus 2:12

CONCLUSION:
Here is the thing…you cannot experience the sufficient grace until you experience saving grace.

If you want to experience peace from God from the Prince of Peace it only comes by experiencing the grace of God.

The Real Identity of Bethlehem's Baby #4

2009-12-27T18:51:00.000-08:00

#4/5 The True Identity of Bethlehem’s Baby Stockwell Road MBC
December 20, 2009 MW
“EVERLASTING FATHER”
Isaiah 9:6
INTRODUCTION:
A. Every single one of us in this room has or has had an earthly father. Some of us had good fathers while others had bad fathers. There may be some who don’t even know who their father is but I can say this with 100% assurance…each of us has the opportunity to have a Heavenly Father!

B. The prophet Isaiah makes it clear that the Messiah would be no ordinary man. Not a mere political or military leader; not the king of an earthly dominion, or a general to lead his people in conquest over the nations of this world. And far more than a common teacher or prophet; there had been dozens of those in Israel’s history. No, the Messiah would be absolutely unique; something never before seen in the history of the world. He would be God in the flesh, God become man. God, with all his power, and might, and wisdom, and glory; yet somehow fully revealed in the person of a male human being. Matthew’s account of the Christmas story reveals in 1:23, “…they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

C. This title is one that Jesus owned, during His ministry, more than the others. In John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.” 14:9, “…he that hath seen me hath seen the father…” also Hebrews 1:3, “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;” This title literally means the, “Father of Eternity” and we would do well to consider our eternity. We put a lot of thought into a career that we will do for 40-50 years but eternity is a place where we will be forever. We all had friendships that have come and gone but we are offered a relationship with our Heavenly Father that will last beyond the grave! What is your relationship with the Heavenly Father like? Is it like your relationship with your earthly father? In some cases that may be fine but in many cases it isn’t. Many times that relationship gets strained and sometimes can cease to exist. In some cases death has taken your father away and he isn’t around. All of those things and many more all go away when we speak of our Heavenly Father and here is why!
BODY:
I. OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FATHER IS PERSONAL “For unto us…”
Note: Remember the words, “unto us” are mentioned twice in this verse. This Everlasting Father wants to be our father and He is near! He isn’t some far away God that is in outer space or in another country. He stands knocking on the door of our hearts, He is constantly declaring himself to be God! He sees you as an individual…He doesn’t care about nationality, education level, financial status or anything else…he is no respector of persons!
A. The Problem of Sin—a gap
B. The Priority of the Soveriegn—to build a bridge
C. The Passion of the Son—shed his blood, built the bridge
D. The Plan of Salvation—repentance and faith

II. OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FATHER IS PERMANENT “Everlasting”
Note: The word, “everlasting” is used to describe Jesus! Many think that Jesus only existed during New Testament times but this is wrong. According to John 17:5, “And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” Furthermore you may well remember the old story of the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace; how many went in? 3! And how many were seen? 4! What did the fourth look like? The Son of God! Jesus has always been and will always be! Our relationship with him is not a temporary thing! It is a permanent relationship!
A. Because of the Premise of Salvation—repentance, covenant
B. Because of the Promise of Salvation—eternal life

III. OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FATHER IS PATERNAL “Father”
Note: When a young man is 14 he thinks his father is the most ignorant man in the world. But when the young man turns 21 he becomes amazed at how much his father learned in 7 years. The older we get the more we understand the advice of our parents. AS well meaning as our parents may be sometimes they allow selfishness to creep in and give bad advice. Thankfully we have a wonderful counseling mighty everlasting father to lean upon!
A. Our Father Gives Life—physical, spiritual
B. Our Father Gives Lessons—advice, the Word
C. Our Father Gives Love—unconditional
D. Our Father Gives Leadership—best example

CONCLUSION:
What a WONDERFUL Savior! What a wise COUNSELOR! What a MIGHTY God! What an EVERLASTING Father!

Do you know Him? Do you have a personal relationship with Him? Are you enjoying the fact that eternally you are safe! Do you listen to your Heavenly Father?

The Real Identity of Bethlehem's Baby

2009-12-14T18:29:00.000-08:00

#3/5 The True Identity of Bethlehem’s Baby Stockwell Road MBC
December 13, 2009 MW
“THE MIGHTY GOD”
Isaiah 9:6
INTRODUCTION:
A. As we have studied this passage of Scripture we have come to recognize that the tiny baby born in Bethlehem’s manger was altogether “Wonderful” and all-knowing as our “Counselor”. This morning we come upon another name attributed to Jesus which shows us that he is all-powerful as, “the Mighty God”.

B. This title is a combination of two words which mean together, God our hero. It means one who has been given all power. This is the most powerful of all of the titles that are given in this passage. The Scripture is plain about the power of God and specifically how that power is displayed in the life of Jesus. Jesus is not only the Son of God, He is God in the flesh. This means that all power attributed to God must be attributed to the Son. Remember the words of Jesus in the Great Commission, “ALL POWER IS GIVEN UNTO ME in heaven and earth.”

C. Think about this for a minute…as Mary held baby Jesus in her arms do you think she realized that the tiny baby that was so helpless in her lap, actually held the universe in place? Do you think that the baby crying for a drink of milk actually owned the cattle on a thousand hills? Do you think she realized as she watched the toddler Jesus learning to walk, fall over a bump in the road…actually made the highest mountains on the planet? I don’t know that she fully realized this but she did later in life as she beheld her Son hanging upon the Cross. We are often much like her aren’t we? As the song poet wrote, “He gets sweeter as the days go by”. I think we fail to realize the true power that Jesus has in our lives right now! We encounter problems that we insist no one can help us with, not realizing that Jesus, the Mighty God, is able! Paul told the Church in Ephesians 3:20, “He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, ACCORDING TO THE POWER that worketh in us.” The holidays can be very hard on people but know this…you have a wonderful counseling mighty God who stands ready to help and heal!

D. Notice four thoughts concerning Jesus, the Mighty God.

BODY:
I. THE IMPERSONATIONS OF THE MIGHTY GOD
A. He is Impersonated by False Religion
1. Islam—Allah is NOT the God of the Bible
2. Hindu—many gods—over 300 deities
3. Christian/protestant Denominations—show God a liar

B. He is Impersonated by False Advice
1. I know the Bible says, but…
2. God didn’t REALLY mean that when he said…

C. He is Impersonated by Free-spirited People
--doing whatever they want with no regard to God

II. THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE MIGHTY GOD
Note: If you are saved today then you already know that Jesus is the Mighty God! Here are some other proofs though that show that he is the Mighty God.
A. The Life of Jesus
1. the manner—John 14:8-11
2. the message—I am statements
3. the miracles—his touch, his spit, his voice

B. The Lives of His Children
1. your testimony of how he changed you
2. Did He?

III. THE IMPACT OF THE MIGHTY GOD
Note: Last week we saw that He was and is all-knowing. Today we see that He is all-powerful. It is right to say that Jesus is an person who makes an impact. In the NBA they talk of being one player away from a Championship. Jesus has shown His ability to make an impact time and time again.
A. In the Past—He conquered sin

B. In the Present—He is conquering in our lives

C. In the Future—He will conquer Satan

IV. THE INVITATION FROM THE MIGHTY GOD
A. We are Invited to Rest

B. We are Invited to a Reunion

The Real Identity of Bethlehem's Baby

2009-12-06T19:31:00.000-08:00

#2/5 The True Identity of Bethlehem’s Baby Stockwell Road MBC
December 6, 2009 MW
“COUNSELOR”
Isaiah 9:6
INTRODUCTION:
A. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words. It is expressed in the choices one makes. In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.

B. I like the last thought there, “the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.” We are living in a day when it is always somebody else’s fault. If we can find a person to blame, we say the devil made us do it. The fact is that your actions are a direct result of your own choices: right or wrong; and the counsel that you have sought: wise or unwise. The Lord Jesus stands before us today as the counselor. In fact in many places, this title is often connected with the first name we looked at making Jesus to be a “wonderful counselor”. This is quite biblical because the Bible says in Isaiah 28:29, “This cometh also forth from the Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.” The Scripture also speaks in many places concerning the wisdom of the Lord.

C. Psalm 16:7, 73:24, Isaiah 11:2, Romans 11:33-34, I Corinthians 1:24, Colossians 2:3 all reveal the wisdom of God or the wise counsel of Jesus. Many people who have listened to ungodly counsel can give testimony to the destructive nature of ungodly counsel. They have lost financially, find themselves in great moral bondage, have lost friendships and even their marriages. Why? Because they have rejected the wise counsel of Jesus and instead substituted the unwise, foolish counsel of the world. It is important who you listen to when seeking advice. Why do people seek out counsel? 1. They may have no idea how to handle personal problems. 2. They are making a business or financial decision. 3. They are seeking help with child raising or marital problems. These, as well as, many other things are VERY serious things and the counsel we seek out is critical that we seek out the best available. This morning, we find Jesus Christ and he doesn’t charge hourly fees, no appointment is necessary and you can rest assured that it will be the wisest and best counsel available.

D. Notice the danger of ungodly counsel and the delight in godly counsel this morning from “The Counselor”.

BODY:
I. THE DANGER OF UNGODLY COUNSEL v. 6
Note: Jesus stands as the source of godly counsel and wisdom. As the counselor He alone is able to give advice, help our understanding and direct our steps. A wise man will follow this counsel but an unwise man heeds the counsel of the ungodly. There is great danger ahead if you choose this path.
A. The Forms of Ungodly Counsel
1. self counsel—you decide
2. worldly counsel—you allow others to decide
B. The Foolishness of Ungodly Counsel
1. foolishness of self counsel—“follow your heart”
--our heart is deceitful Jer. 10:23, 17:9-10
--our mind is limited Isaiah 55:8
--our counsel is selfish Psalm 39:5-6, 11
2. foolishness of worldly counsel I Kings 12:1-19 (Israel’s split and Reheboam’s foolish choice)
--always changing—what is the basis?
--very subjective—10 counselors—10 opinions
--financially motivated—tell you what you want to hear
--rejects the need of salvation, spiritual growth and the Spirit
C. The Force of Ungodly Counsel—why is it so influential?
1. listener lacks spiritual discernment
2. listener wants ears tickled
3. listener hears from an authority and believes
4. they feel validated/justified

II. THE DELIGHT OF GODLY COUNSEL
Note: Being a wise person has nothing to do with the independent choices you make. It has everything to do with the dependent choices we make based upon the godly counsel of Jesus and His Word.
A. It Reveals Our Discipleship Luke 9:23
B. It Reveals Our Dependency
1. clear counsel—no psycho babble—TRUTH
2. reliable counsel—Romans 11:34-36
3. honest counsel—not sugar coated—Proverbs 27:6
4. secure counsel—Psalm 119:98-104

CONCLUSION:
Who are you listening to today? Do you put more emphasis on your thoughts and feelings than the Word of God? Do your friends have greater influence upon you than the Scripture? Be wise—choose Jesus today!

Psalms 16:7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
Psalms 73:24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Isaiah 11:2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
Romans 11:33-34 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (34) For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
1 Corinthians 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Jeremiah 10:23 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 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (10) I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Psalms 39:5-6, 11 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. (6) Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them. (11) When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.
Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Romans 11:34-36 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? (35) Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? (36) For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Psalms 119:98-104 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. (99) I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. (100) I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. (101) I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. (102) I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. (103) How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (104) Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

The Real Identity of Bethlehem's Baby

2009-11-29T22:17:00.000-08:00

#1/5 The True Identity of Bethlehem’s Baby
Stockwell Road MBC
November 29, 2009 MW
“WONDERFUL”
Isaiah 9:1-6

INTRODUCTION: verses 1-5
A. During the Christmas season we like to bring a lot of attention to the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We read the accounts of His birth, sing songs celebrating His birth and even act out plays that portray His birth. All of these things are wonderful as we draw attention to the birth of Bethlehem’s Baby but sometimes we fail to realize who this Baby is. Who is He? The Bible gives many names for Him: In Genesis, He's the breath of life, In Exodus, the Passover Lamb, In Leviticus, He's our High Priest, Numbers, The fire by night, Deuteronomy, He's Moses' voice, in Ezra, true and faithful scribe, Nehemiah, He's the rebuilder of broken walls and lives, In Esther, He's Mordecai's courage, In Job, the timeless redeemer, In Psalms, He is our morning song, In Hosea, He is forever faithful, In Joel, He's the Spirits power, In Amos, the arms that carry us , In Obadiah, He's the Lord our Savior, In Jonah, He's the great missionary, In Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, He is God, Man, Messiah, In the book of Acts, He is fire from heaven, In Romans, He's the grace of God, In Corinthians, the power of love, In Galatians, He is freedom from the curse of sin, In Hebrews, the everlasting covenant, In James, the one who heals the sick, In First and Second Peter, he is our Shepherd, In John and in Jude, He is the lover coming for His bride, In the Revelation, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

B. In one of my favorite Christmas passages we find out the Real Identity of Bethlehem’s Baby! Today names don’t mean that much but in biblical days a name was often characteristic of the parent’s hopes and aspirations of their offspring. These five names of the Lord Jesus Christ give great insight into His character and an even greater insight into what He ought to mean to us. These names will comfort and challenge our hearts. Leading us towards Christmas, I hope that it will be the name of Jesus that will captivate our attention this year!

C. As this passage of Scripture opens we find a world that is covered in darkness but a great light shines! This great light that shines none other than the Lord himself. This child and son who is a wonderful counselor and the Mighty God and everlasting Father is also the Prince of Peace. This child and Son is certainly WONDERFUL which means wonder, marvel, extraordinary beyond human comprehension This Jesus is certainly WONDERFUL because…

BODY:
I. HOW THE SCRIPTURE REVEALS HIM v. 6
Note: As I mentioned earlier the Scriptures reveal many names for Jesus but the Bible also declares His life and mission. Jesus is Wonderful because of what the Scriptures tell us about Jesus!
A. The Bible Declares the Humility of Jesus
--a child is born
1. humble in his birth—promised, purposed
2. humble in his life—powerful, personal

B. The Bible Declares the Humiliation of Jesus
--a son is given
1. his suffering before the Cross—betrayed, beaten
2. his suffering upon the Cross
3. his separation on the Cross

C. The Bible Declares the Honor of Jesus
--government shall be upon His shoulders
1. the reason for this honor—resurrection
2. the reality of this honor—He rules

D. The Bible Declares the Hope in Jesus
1. salvation—forgiveness
2. security—eternal
3. serenity—peace

II. HOW THE SAINTS REVEAL HIM
Note: Whenever we experience something wonderful we tell others about it. I have a friend that started kickboxing and they tell EVERYONE about it! When you eat a the wonderful new restaurant you tell others! When you and I experience the WONDERFUL Jesus Christ we have much to share with others about his wonderfulness!
A. We are Led to Reveal Him
1. by the scriptures
2. by the Spirit

B. We Love to Reveal Him
1. our obligation
2. our opportunity

CONCLUSION:
Song of Solomon 5:16, “…he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.”

The Pursuit of Happiness Concluded

2009-11-22T12:26:00.000-08:00

#9/9 The Pursuit of Happiness Stockwell Road MBC
November 22, 2009 MW
The “TOTAL” Package
Matthew 5:10-16
INTRODUCTION:
A. Total cereal has never been one of my favorite cereals. I prefer the ones with cartoons and high sugar but Total cereal commercials have always stuck out in my mind. You remember the ones that start out by saying Total cereal has 100% of the daily value of at least 11 vitamins and minerals in every bowl. You’ll need to eat 12 bowls of Raison Bran to get the same serving. You’ll have to eat 24 bowls of Rice Krispies and a whopping 3465 bowls of Lucky Charms to get the same amount of nutrition. The marketing slogan for Total is, “One Bowl, 100%”.

B. People who possess the Beatitude attitude can say that when they got saved and surrendered their lives they got the “TOTAL” package. Remember all of this supreme happiness that comes from the prior 7 attitudes? However, we must look at something else that comes with package…some trouble. Persecution and reviling are not something that we desire nor want to have to deal with but they are a fact of life to be expected by every person who possesses this type of spiritual maturity. Jesus told us to expect these things to happen. John 17:4, “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” Did you catch that? We are not of this world…we are in the world but not to be of the world. Possessors of the Beatitude attitude will be living life on a different plane…above the level of mediocrity that is so rampant in our world and society even our own Church society. As a result, persecution and reviling are two things that we will have to and should have to deal with and in fact should feel privileged that we get to because they did the same thing to our Lord!

C. Why does it have to be this way? The answer is actually very simple. You love life because you love Jesus. You have peace, joy, contentment and genuine love that others do not have and have not experienced or it has been a long time since they have experienced it. Lost people and saved but full of sin people are miserable: instead of peace they have unrest, instead of joy they have sorrow, instead of contentment they are constantly wanting more. They are unhappy and think that you should be too. What is the Christian to do? How can we still be blessed as we face persecution and reviling? Notice that we have a “TOTAL” Package that makes all the difference.
BODY:
I. WE HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP
Note: The most important piece of this package is your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A person who possesses the Beatitude attitude will enjoy his personal relationship with Jesus. You have this because of…
A. Your Salvation—bought with a price—redemption
B. Your Surrender—possessing this type of spirit

II. WE HAVE A PAINFUL REALITY
Note: This is not something you and I can dodge or get around. If we possess Beatitudes 1-7 we will have Beatitude 8. It should just be expected! II Tim. 3:12, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
A. How?
1. persecutions—being followed after or pursued, physical violence
2. reviling—verbal assault, public slander

B. Who?
1. Lost men that are convicted and unwilling to repent
2. Saved men that are backslid and unwilling to repent
3. Ourselves—because we have not realized our forgiveness

C. Why?—Because of who you are identified with
(list the beatitudes)

III. WE HAVE A PURPOSEFUL RACE Hebrews 12:1-2
Note: This purposeful race gives our lives meaning and gives us something to do for God. Remember what He did for us…all we can do is what we can for him and running this race is one of those things!
A. It is a Privileged Race
--because of the legacy that we are continuing!

B. It is a Powerful Race
1. Salt: preserves, purifies, is precious, powerful
2. Light: dispels darkness, illuminates a path

C. It is a Prized Race v. 16—they will see my works and be saved!

CONCLUSION:
In closing notice back in v. 10-11 at the precious rewards that belong to every child of God.
A reward for today in being a part in God’s Kingdom here on this Earth and a reward for tomorrow when we see Jesus!
Let us all live this Beatitude Attitude as we pursue happiness and let us all be the salt of the Earth and the light of the world.

The Pursuit of Happiness #8

2009-11-16T18:21:00.000-08:00

#8/9 The Pursuit of Happiness Stockwell Road MBC
November 15, 2009 MW
A WARRIOR FOR PEACE
Matthew 5:9
INTRODUCTION:
A. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan introduced the mobile M-X Missile. This missile because of its mobility and more modern guidance system would be a great deterrent to war and foreign aggression. He dubbed this military marvel, “The Peacekeeper”. If a person is going to set about keeping the peace, it is evident that he or she is going to need weapons. Sometimes the more, the better. It appears that “peacekeeping” is at best, a stopgap measure that is fraught with danger. History has shown that most peacekeeping efforts have had only mixed results and by and large have failed. In the over 3100 years of recorded world history, the world has only been at peace 8% of the time or a total of 286 years and 8000 treaties have been made and broken. It appears “peacekeeping” does not work.

B. This is why the Lord chose the word “peacemaker”. There is a big difference in being a peacekeeper and a peace maker. A peacekeeper is a person who enforces, by whatever means, by force of personality or by superior weapons, a truce. A peacemaker is one who actually discovers the origin of the conflict, and finds a way to resolve it, and helps the parties to restore a proper, loving relationship. This applies to individuals or nations. He or she actually “makes” or “constructs” peace.

C. The Bible is a book of peace. It begins and ends with peace yet in the middle of its pages is the war that has waged between man’s rebellion and God’s offer of peace. God wants to be the peacemaker in your life. God desires NOT to take away all of your heartaches and troubles, that isn’t peace anyway. Peace is not the absence of affliction but it is the presence of God. Is Jesus in your life? Is His presence felt in your heart even now? If not God wants you to have peace with Him and peace from Him so you can experience the peace of God in EVERY situation of life. When you are at peace you can be the “Warrior for Peace” the God wants you to be. Peter told us in I Peter 3:11, “Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.”

D. This morning, notice 3 basics concerning peacemaking.
BODY:
I. THE PERSONS OF PEACEMAKING
Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:14, Matthew 10:34-37
Note: Jesus introduced through the old testament scriptures as the Prince of Peace and the angels proclaimed that peace and good will had come to the Earth when He was born. However, listen to the words of Jesus in Matthew 10…He doesn’t sound much like a peacemaker does He?
A. The Priority of Jesus Christ—Truth
B. The Principle of Jesus Christ—Terms
C. The Power of Jesus Christ
1. brings peace to our doubts
2. brings peace to our despair
3. brings peace to our disgust of others

II. THE PLAN OF PEACEMAKING
Note: Before you set out to build something you need a set of plans. In order to be a peacemaker like Jesus, we need to follow His plan!
A. For Peacemaking with Inward Struggles
--we are all familiar with what to do if we ever are caught on fire…STOP DROP and ROLL. Notice how this works for our inner struggles!
1. Stop—whatever you are doing
2. Drop—to your knees in prayer
3. Roll—with God’s Will
Psalms 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

B. For Peacemaking with Outward Struggles
1. Be a mediator---don’t pick sides! You are on the Lord’s Side!
2. Point Others to Jesus—know the Bible!

III. THE PURPOSE OF PEACEMAKING
A. For Harmony

B. For Identity—they shall be called!

CONCLUSION:
Do you need peace with God this morning? God wants to be the peacemaker of your heart this morning. God also wants you and I to be peacemakers, in fact He wants us to be a warrior for peace.

Consider this morning the story of Telemachus the Monk. 4th century monk…went to Rome…saw gladiator contest…jumped the rail…3x “In the name of Christ forbear…ended all of the gladiator contest by his action.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-31T08:30:00.000-07:00

This brings to conclusion a look at the nuggets of wisdom known as the Proverbs. It has been my prayer that as you have clicked on this blog through the month of October that you have grown a little wiser in God's Word and in your life for Him. Here is Proverbs 31...

Proverbs 31:1-31

The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. (2) What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? (3) Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. (4) It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: (5) Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. (6) Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. (7) Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. (8) Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. (9) Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. (10) Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. (11) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. (12) She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. (13) She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. (14) She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. (15) She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. (16) She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. (17) She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. (18) She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. (19) She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. (20) She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. (21) She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. (22) She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. (23) Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. (24) She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. (25) Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. (26) She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. (27) She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. (28) Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. (29) Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. (30) Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. (31) Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-30T05:53:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 30:1-33

The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal, (2) Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man. (3) I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. (4) Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell? (5) Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. (6) Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. (7) Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: (8) Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: (9) Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. (10) Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty. (11) There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother. (12) There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. (13) There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up. (14) There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men. (15) The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough: (16) The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough. (17) The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. (18) There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not: (19) The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid. (20) Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness. (21) For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear: (22) For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat; (23) For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress. (24) There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: (25) The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; (26) The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; (27) The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; (28) The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces. (29) There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going: (30) A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any; (31) A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up. (32) If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth. (33) Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-29T05:57:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 29:2-27

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. (3) Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance. (4) The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it. (5) A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet. (6) In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice. (7) The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it. (8) Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath. (9) If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest. (10) The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul. (11) A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. (12) If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. (13) The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes. (14) The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever. (15) The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. (16) When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. (17) Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. (18) Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (19) A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer. (20) Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him. (21) He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length. (22) An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. (23) A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. (24) Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not. (25) The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. (26) Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD. (27) An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-28T06:02:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 28:1-28

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. (2) For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged. (3) A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. (4) They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. (5) Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things. (6) Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. (7) Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father. (8) He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. (9) He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. (10) Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession. (11) The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. (12) When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. (13) He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. (14) Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. (15) As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. (16) The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days. (17) A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him. (18) Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once. (19) He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. (20) A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. (21) To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. (22) He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. (23) He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue. (24) Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer. (25) He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat. (26) He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. (27) He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. (28) When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 27:1-27

Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. (2) Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. (3) A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. (4) Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? (5) Open rebuke is better than secret love. (6) Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (7) The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. (8) As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place. (9) Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. (10) Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off. (11) My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me. (12) A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. (13) Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. (14) He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him. (15) A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. (16) Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself. (17) Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (18) Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured. (19) As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man. (20) Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. (21) As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise. (22) Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him. (23) Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. (24) For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? (25) The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered. (26) The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field. (27) And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 26:1-28

As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. (2) As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. (3) A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back. (4) Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. (5) Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. (6) He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage. (7) The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. (8) As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. (9) As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. (10) The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. (11) As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. (12) Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him. (13) The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. (14) As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed. (15) The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth. (16) The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. (17) He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. (18) As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, (19) So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport? (20) Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. (21) As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. (22) The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. (23) Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. (24) He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; (25) When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. (26) Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation. (27) Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him. (28) A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 25:1-28

These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. (2) It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. (3) The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. (4) Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. (5) Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. (6) Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: (7) For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen. (8) Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. (9) Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: (10) Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away. (11) A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. (12) As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. (13) As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters. (14) Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain. (15) By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone. (16) Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it. (17) Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee. (18) A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. (19) Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. (20) As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart. (21) If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: (22) For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee. (23) The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. (24) It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house. (25) As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. (26) A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring. (27) It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory. (28) He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-24T19:06:00.001-07:00

Proverbs 24:1-34

Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. (2) For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. (3) Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: (4) And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. (5) A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. (6) For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. (7) Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate. (8) He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person. (9) The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men. (10) If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. (11) If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; (12) If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works? (13) My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: (14) So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off. (15) Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: (16) For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. (17) Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: (18) Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. (19) Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; (20) For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out. (21) My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: (22) For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both? (23) These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. (24) He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: (25) But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them. (26) Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer. (27) Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house. (28) Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips. (29) Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work. (30) I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; (31) And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. (32) Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. (33) Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: (34) So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-23T06:28:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 23:1-35

When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: (2) And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. (3) Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat. (4) Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. (5) Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. (6) Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: (7) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. (8) The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words. (9) Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words. (10) Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless: (11) For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee. (12) Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. (13) Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. (14) Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. (15) My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. (16) Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things. (17) Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. (18) For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off. (19) Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. (20) Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: (21) For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. (22) Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old. (23) Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. (24) The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. (25) Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice. (26) My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. (27) For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. (28) She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men. (29) Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? (30) They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. (31) Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. (32) At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. (33) Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. (34) Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. (35) They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-22T06:21:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 22:1-29

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. (2) The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all. (3) A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. (4) By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. (5) Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them. (6) Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (7) The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. (8) He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. (9) He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. (10) Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease. (11) He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend. (12) The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor. (13) The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets. (14) The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein. (15) Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. (16) He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want. (17) Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. (18) For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. (19) That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. (20) Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, (21) That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? (22) Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: (23) For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them. (24) Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: (25) Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. (26) Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. (27) If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee? (28) Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. (29) Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-21T07:19:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 21:1-31

The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. (2) Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. (3) To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. (4) An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. (5) The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. (6) The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. (7) The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. (8) The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right. (9) It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. (10) The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. (11) When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. (12) The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness. (13) Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. (14) A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath. (15) It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. (16) The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. (17) He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. (18) The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. (19) It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. (20) There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. (21) He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. (22) A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof. (23) Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. (24) Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. (25) The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. (26) He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not. (27) The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind? (28) A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly. (29) A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way. (30) There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. (31) The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

This one almost didnt make it...it has been a day let me tell ya!

Proverbs 20:1-30

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. (2) The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul. (3) It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. (4) The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. (5) Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. (6) Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? (7) The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. (8) A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes. (9) Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? (10) Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD. (11) Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. (12) The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them. (13) Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread. (14) It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth. (15) There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. (16) Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. (17) Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. (18) Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war. (19) He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. (20) Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness. (21) An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed. (22) Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee. (23) Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good. (24) Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way? (25) It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry. (26) A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them. (27) The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly. (28) Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy. (29) The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head. (30) The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-19T06:06:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 19:1-29

Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. (2) Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. (3) The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD. (4) Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. (5) A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. (6) Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. (7) All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. (8) He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. (9) A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. (10) Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes. (11) The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. (12) The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass. (13) A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. (14) House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD. (15) Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. (16) He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die. (17) He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. (18) Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. (19) A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again. (20) Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. (21) There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. (22) The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar. (23) The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. (24) A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. (25) Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. (26) He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach. (27) Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. (28) An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. (29) Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-18T07:25:00.001-07:00

Proverbs 18:1-24

Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. (2) A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. (3) When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. (4) The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. (5) It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. (6) A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. (7) A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. (8) The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. (9) He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster. (10) The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. (11) The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit. (12) Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. (13) He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. (14) The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? (15) The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. (16) A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. (17) He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. (18) The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. (19) A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. (20) A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. (21) Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (22) Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. (23) The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. (24) A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-17T06:44:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 17:1-28

Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife. (2) A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren. (3) The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts. (4) A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue. (5) Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. (6) Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. (7) Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. (8) A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. (9) He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. (10) A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool. (11) An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. (12) Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. (13) Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. (14) The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. (15) He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD. (16) Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it? (17) A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (18) A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend. (19) He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction. (20) He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. (21) He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy. (22) A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. (23) A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment. (24) Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. (25) A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him. (26) Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity. (27) He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. (28) Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 16:1-33

The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. (2) All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. (3) Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. (4) The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. (5) Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. (6) By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. (7) When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. (8) Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. (9) A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. (10) A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment. (11) A just weight and balance are the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag are his work. (12) It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness. (13) Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right. (14) The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it. (15) In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain. (16) How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! (17) The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. (18) Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (19) Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. (20) He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. (21) The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. (22) Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly. (23) The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. (24) Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. (25) There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (26) He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him. (27) An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. (28) A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. (29) A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. (30) He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass. (31) The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. (32) He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. (33) The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-15T06:37:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 15:1-33

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. (2) The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. (3) The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. (4) A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. (5) A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. (6) In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. (7) The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. (8) The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. (9) The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. (10) Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. (11) Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? (12) A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. (13) A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. (14) The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. (15) All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. (16) Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. (17) Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. (18) A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. (19) The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. (20) A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. (21) Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. (22) Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. (23) A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! (24) The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. (25) The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. (26) The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. (27) He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. (28) The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. (29) The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. (30) The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat. (31) The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. (32) He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. (33) The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-14T07:26:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 14:1-35

Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. (2) He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. (3) In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. (4) Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. (5) A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. (6) A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. (7) Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. (8) The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. (9) Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. (10) The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy. (11) The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish. (12) There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (13) Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. (14) The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. (15) The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. (16) A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. (17) He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. (18) The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. (19) The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. (20) The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. (21) He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. (22) Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. (23) In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. (24) The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly. (25) A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. (26) In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. (27) The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. (28) In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince. (29) He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. (30) A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. (31) He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. (32) The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. (33) Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. (34) Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. (35) The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 13:1-25

A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. (2) A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. (3) He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. (4) The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. (5) A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. (6) Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner. (7) There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. (8) The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. (9) The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. (10) Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. (11) Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. (12) Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. (13) Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. (14) The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. (15) Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard. (16) Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly. (17) A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. (18) Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. (19) The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil. (20) He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. (21) Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed. (22) A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. (23) Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. (24) He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. (25) The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-12T04:20:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 12:1-28

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. (2) A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. (3) A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. (4) A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. (5) The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. (6) The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. (7) The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand. (8) A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. (9) He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. (10) A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. (11) He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. (12) The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit. (13) The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. (14) A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. (15) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. (16) A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. (17) He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. (18) There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. (19) The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. (20) Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. (21) There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. (22) Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. (23) A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. (24) The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. (25) Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. (26) The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. (27) The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious. (28) In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 11:1-31

A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. (2) When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. (3) The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. (4) Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. (5) The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. (6) The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness. (7) When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth. (8) The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. (9) An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. (10) When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. (11) By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. (12) He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. (13) A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. (14) Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. (15) He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure. (16) A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches. (17) The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. (18) The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward. (19) As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. (20) They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight. (21) Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered. (22) As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. (23) The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. (24) There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. (25) The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. (26) He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it. (27) He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. (28) He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. (29) He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. (30) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (31) Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-10T15:24:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 10:1-32 The proverbs of Solomon.

A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. (2) Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. (3) The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. (4) He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. (5) He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. (6) Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. (7) The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. (8) The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. (9) He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known. (10) He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall. (11) The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. (12) Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. (13) In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. (14) Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. (15) The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty. (16) The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin. (17) He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth. (18) He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. (19) In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. (20) The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. (21) The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. (22) The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. (23) It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom. (24) The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. (25) As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation. (26) As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him. (27) The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. (28) The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. (29) The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. (30) The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth. (31) The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. (32) The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-09T06:40:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 9:1-18

Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: (2) She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. (3) She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, (4) Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, (5) Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. (6) Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. (7) He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. (8) Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. (9) Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. (10) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. (11) For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. (12) If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it. (13) A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. (14) For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, (15) To call passengers who go right on their ways: (16) Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, (17) Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. (18) But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-08T18:17:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 8:1-36

Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? (2) She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. (3) She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. (4) Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. (5) O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. (6) Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. (7) For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. (8) All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. (9) They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. (10) Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. (11) For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. (12) I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. (13) The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. (14) Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. (15) By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. (16) By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. (17) I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. (18) Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. (19) My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. (20) I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: (21) That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. (22) The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. (23) I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. (24) When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. (25) Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: (26) While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. (27) When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: (28) When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: (29) When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: (30) Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; (31) Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. (32) Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. (33) Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. (34) Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. (35) For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. (36) But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 7:1-27

My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. (2) Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. (3) Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart. (4) Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: (5) That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words. (6) For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, (7) And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, (8) Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, (9) In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: (10) And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. (11) (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: (12) Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.) (13) So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, (14) I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. (15) Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. (16) I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. (17) I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. (18) Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves. (19) For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: (20) He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed. (21) With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. (22) He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; (23) Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. (24) Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. (25) Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. (26) For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. (27) Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-06T13:54:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 6:1-35

My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger, (2) Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. (3) Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend. (4) Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. (5) Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler. (6) Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: (7) Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, (8) Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. (9) How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? (10) Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: (11) So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. (12) A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. (13) He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; (14) Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord. (15) Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy. (16) These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: (17) A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, (18) An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, (19) A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. (20) My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: (21) Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. (22) When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. (23) For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: (24) To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. (25) Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. (26) For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life. (27) Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? (28) Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? (29) So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent. (30) Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; (31) But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house. (32) But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. (33) A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away. (34) For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. (35) He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-05T04:49:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 5:1-23

My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: (2) That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. (3) For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: (4) But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. (5) Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell. (6) Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them. (7) Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. (8) Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: (9) Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: (10) Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger; (11) And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, (12) And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; (13) And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! (14) I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly. (15) Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. (16) Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. (17) Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee. (18) Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. (19) Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. (20) And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? (21) For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. (22) His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. (23) He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 4:1-27

Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. (2) For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. (3) For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. (4) He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. (5) Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. (6) Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. (7) Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. (8) Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. (9) She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. (10) Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. (11) I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. (12) When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. (13) Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. (14) Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. (15) Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. (16) For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. (17) For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. (18) But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. (19) The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. (20) My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. (21) Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. (22) For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. (23) Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (24) Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. (25) Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. (26) Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. (27) Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-02T23:41:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 3:1-35

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: (2) For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. (3) Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: (4) So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. (5) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (7) Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. (8) It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. (9) Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: (10) So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. (11) My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: (12) For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. (13) Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. (14) For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. (15) She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. (16) Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. (17) Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. (18) She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. (19) The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. (20) By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. (21) My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: (22) So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. (23) Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. (24) When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. (25) Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. (26) For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. (27) Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. (28) Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee. (29) Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. (30) Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. (31) Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. (32) For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous. (33) The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just. (34) Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. (35) The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

31 Days of Wisdom

2009-10-02T06:18:00.000-07:00

I got this idea this morning from listening to KLOVE...the month of October has 31 days in it and there are 31 Proverbs. Beginning today with Proverbs 1 & 2, I will post each day the next Proverb. I pray that this wisdom literature will help any and all that happen on this blog. If you desire, please leave a comment with what the Lord says to you from each Proverb.

Proverbs 1:1-33

The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; (2) To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; (3) To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; (4) To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. (5) A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: (6) To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. (7) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (8) My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: (9) For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. (10) My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. (11) If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: (12) Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: (13) We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: (14) Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: (15) My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: (16) For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. (17) Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. (18) And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives. (19) So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof. (20) Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: (21) She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, (22) How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? (23) Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. (24) Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; (25) But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: (26) I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; (27) When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. (28) Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: (29) For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: (30) They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. (31) Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. (32) For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. (33) But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Proverbs 2:1-22

My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; (2) So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; (3) Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; (4) If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; (5) Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. (6) For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. (7) He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. (8) He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. (9) Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. (10) When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; (11) Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: (12) To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; (13) Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; (14) Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; (15) Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths: (16) To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; (17) Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. (18) For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. (19) None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life. (20) That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. (21) For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. (22) But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

The Pursuit of Happiness #3

2009-09-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

#3/9 The Pursuit of Happiness Stockwell Road MBC
September 27, 2009 MW
CONTRADICTED COMFORT
Matthew 5:4
INTRODUCTION:
A. We are continuing our series of messages entitled, “The Pursuit of Happiness”. Last week we dealt with the issue of becoming spiritually poor, voiding ourselves of all of our own spirituality. Until we see our insufficiency apart from God we will never come to God in repentance. This is the first step as we travel this staircase to true spiritual happiness and joy. Now, the Lord seems to contradict himself. How can happiness be found in the shedding of tears? How, if we have an overwhelming sense of sorrow can we truly be happy? Well, we must understand what the Lord is trying to say to us with this Beattitude.

B. We must figure out what type of mourning is the Lord talking about here. He wasn’t talking about sinful mourning. Sinful mourning is the sadness over unfulfilled sinful and selfish desires, which is very ungodly! 2 Samuel 13:2, “And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.” It wasn’t natural mourning. This is the sorrow and sadness that one feels at the passing of a dear loved one or when tragedy strikes. According to Ecclesiastes 3 there is a time for this, but we must not allow it to consume us. What Jesus refers us too is spoken of in 2 Corinthians 7:10-11, “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” There are nine different terms used in the New Testament that describe sorrow. “Mourn”, as Jesus used it, is the strongest possible term that could have been used. Billy Graham in his book, “The Secret of Happiness” gives this definition, “to feel sorrow, to show great concern or to deplore some existing wrong.”

C. I truly believe that we are missing this in our lives as individuals, Churches and as a society. Using the preceding definition we could very easily say that the exact opposite of mourning is on display. Insensitivity, lack of care, unconcern, callousness and indifference are the rule not the exception. The Lord calls us to live life on a higher plane and the Beattitudes serve as our guideline as we pursue happiness.

BODY:
I. PREDICAMENTS THAT CAUSE MOURNING Psalm 126:6
Note: An instructor from a dog training workshop said that a dog’s disposition can be tested by the owner. If the owner falls down and pretends to be hurt, a dog with a bad disposition will tend to bite the owner, but a good dog will show concern and lick its master’s face. Susan Matrice attended this workshop and decided to test her dogs when she got home. After making some pizza she walked into the living room, put her pizza down on the coffee table and then clutched her chest, screamed out loud and fell on the floor. Her dogs looked at her, looked at each other and made a mad dash to devour her pizza. That is how we act, indifferent and selfish, towards things that should cause us to mourn.
A. Our Condition as a Sinner

B. Our Conviction of Sin

C. Our Concern for Sinners

D. Our Compassion for Saints

II. PATTERNS THAT CHANGE BECAUSE OF MOURNING 2 Chronicles 7:14
Note: We have lost the essence of mourning in our lives so much that certain patterns have formed in the lives of God’s people. These patterns are neither God honoring nor God fearing. True mourning will work in our lives to remove these sinful patterns.
A. Knee Jerk Reactions
1. being judgmental
2. anger
3. indifference

B. Sin/Confess/Sin Trap 2 Chronicles 7:14

III. PROMISES THAT COME DUE TO MOURNING
Note: God makes a promise to those that mourn. He tells us that we will be comforted. This is where the happiness comes from, the realization and reception of the promise. He doesn’t contradict Himself! He offers comfort! His promise of comfort comes in many ways…
A. The Lost Can Be Saved
B. The Saved Can Be Forgiven
C. The Servant Can Be Used

CONCLUSION:
These beatitudes are a staircase ever leading us to life on a higher plane…life of true happiness. The only ones who can experience this godly sorrow are people who have spiritually bankrupted themselves.
If sin does not affect you, sin has infected you…you need to mourn!

The Pursuit of Happiness #2

2009-09-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

#2/9 The Pursuit of Happiness Stockwell Road MBC
September 20, 2009 MW
THE BLESSEDNESS OF BANKRUPTCY
Matthew 5:3
INTRODUCTION:
A. I heard the story told of a man that was down on his luck and couldn’t pay his bills so he went to the pastor for advice. The pastor said for him to go home and open his Bible and do what it said. Weeks went by before the pastor saw him again and when he did he was as happy as any man, hardly one down on his luck. The pastor asked him what he had done that changed everything around for him. The man said, I did what you told me, I opened my Bible and the page opened to Chapter 11, so I went down and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

B. I am not advocating for any of you to file bankruptcy this morning but I am going to ask you to bankrupt yourself. You see this is the whole idea behind our first beattitude. If you truly desire happiness in spite of outward circumstances (the def. of the word blessed) then it will begin by becoming poor. Not poor financially, but poor in Spirit. This seems like a contradiction to us but it really isn’t. We think money is the source of all happiness…friends it is NOT! A person can be completely miserable with the most money, biggest house, fastest car, fanciest clothes and even a dog that licks your face when you come home. All of these things are fine and dandy but happiness they will not bring with them. I Cor. 15:19 tells us that if we have hope in this life only we are going to be miserable people. So what does it mean to become poor in Spirit?

C. This Beattitude could be reworded to say this: True happiness can be yours if you willingly void yourself of all of your own ideas and notions about godliness and see that what you truly need is Jesus Christ. I want to ask you if you will willingly bankrupt yourself of your own spirituality and your own righteousness and call out to Jesus to save you! This is the first step and beginning our pursuit of true spiritual happiness!

D. I’ll ask you again, like I did last week, “Are you a happy person? Do people see a joy and happiness in your life that is not based on circumstances, good or bad?” This morning notice how you can pursue happiness by experiencing THE BLESSEDNESS OF BANKRUPTCY.
BODY:
I. THE RATIONALE OF SINFUL MAN Romans 12:3, John 3:18, Romans 3:9-10, Romans 2:11
Note: Men today think they have it all figured out. We think we are the top of the food chain and that God is blessed to have us as His creation. When man is confronted with God’s Word and the truth concerning sin and salvation they begin to rationalize certain things. Notice the many ways that we display our self righteousness.
A. The Assumption Rationale John 3:18
--A loving God wouldn’t send me to Hell
B. The Work Your Way into Heaven Rationale Romans 3
--I am too good to go there
C. The Comparison Rationale Romans 2:11
--I am better than other people
D. The Buy Your Way In Rationale
--I give more than anybody else to charity and churches

II. THE REVELATION OF A HOLY GOD Genesis 3:7, 21
Note: God’s Word is very plain. Man thinks he is so righteous on his own merits that he deserves Heaven and that he deserves happiness. God comes to His sinful fallen creation and says that you need me! You can rationalize and display your righteousness all you want but it will not work!
A. We are Spiritually Worthless without Him
--our inability John 3:3, Romans 8:8, Isaiah 64:6
--our inadequacy—Isaiah 6:5

III. THE REPENTANCE OF A CONVICTED MAN vs. 3a
Note: Man thought he was good enough but after hearing the word of God he becomes convicted. He realizes that he needs salvation. Only when he realizes that he is nothing and has nothing that can get him to Heaven will he look to God. This is what it means to become poor in Spirit. How can we become poor in Spirit? The plan is as simple as ABC.
A. Accept What God says About You Romans 3:23, 6:23
B. Believe that Jesus Died as Your Substitute Romans 5:8
C. Confession to God and Faith in Jesus Acts 20:21

IV. THE REWARD OF A LOVING GOD v. 3b, Isaiah 57:15
Note: There is no greater joy that can be had than the knowledge that you will never die and the glorious place called Heaven will be your home forever, FOREVER!
A. The Inhabitants of Heaven
--people who have all stopped trusting themselves and trusted Jesus instead!
B. The Invitation to Heaven

The Pursuit of Happiness #1

2009-09-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

#1/9 The Pursuit of Happiness Stockwell Road MBC
September 13, 2009 MW
THE BEGINNING OF OUR PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
Matthew 5:1-12
INTRODUCTION:
A. Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic protein and is the most poisonous protein structure known to man today. It was discovered between 1817 and 1822 by a doctor from Germany who called a “sausage poison” or a “fatty poison”. Botulinum toxin is a toxin which causes severe food poisoning called botulism which can lead to paralysis. I want to stay as far away from that as I possibly can! But some men and women have this toxin injected in their foreheads and around their eyes in order to paralyze the communication between the nerve and the muscle which straightens out their wrinkles for 3 to 6 months. You guessed it…Botox injections. Botox is the same poison that makes people sick and paralyzes people.

B. The question to ask is not how much…it is why? The answer, the pursuit of happiness! As long as I have my looks I’ll be happy. Why do people go to the boats to gamble…the pursuit of happiness! As long as they have money they will be happy. Why do people go into debt to buy more and more stuff? The pursuit of happiness! As long as they have things they will be happy! Listen to me…joy and happiness will not be found in things from this world. Joy and happiness will not be found on the shelf at a store. Joy and happiness comes from the presence of Almighty God.

C. Pierre Teilhard De Chardin said, “Joy is the surest sign of the presence of God.” The bottom line for you and I is simply this: grimness, misery, sadness and hopelessness are not virtues of the Christian life. There are no sad saints. If God really is the center of your life and being, joy is inevitable. If we have no joy or happiness, we have missed the Good News and we will suffer the consequences. Joy and happiness is the flag that flies over the castle of our hearts announcing that the King is in residence today!

D. Are you a happy person? Even after your morning cup of coffee, can you say you are truly a happy person? Better yet, do others see that happiness in your life? Do people say of you that you are a happy person? God wants you to be a joyful and happy person so He gives us a blueprint here in His word so we can PURSUE it.
BODY:
I. WE MUST SEE THE SITUATION OF THE WORLD v. 1a, II Timothy 3:1, Matthew 24:37-39
Note: We are living in very different times. Not only different times, dangerous times! People are destroying themselves with drugs and alcohol and we ask ourselves why? The answer is that many are searching. People are searching for something to fill the void. You see people are going to pursue something. Whether it is the big thing or chasing after the NEXT big thing.
A. The Present Condition of People
1. a religious people
2. a rebellious people
3. a rejecting people

B. The Present Call to People—he went up to a mountain
1. to be separate
2. to be still

II. WE MUST BECOME DEDICATED TO GOD v. 1b-2 Psalm 51:6
Note: There is a lot of talk today about moving towards our goals! Listen we can move all we want but until we move toward the Lord we aren’t going anywhere!
A. Notice the Positions
1. Jesus in the seat of authority
2. Disciples in seat of submission

B. Notice the Passion
1. willing to come
2. willing to learn—He taught them!

III. WE MUST EXPERIENCE GOD’S EXPECTATION FOR OUR LIVES vs. 3-12
Note: It is a sad commentary upon mankind today that they have no desire live their lives according to the plan of God’s expectation for them. I’ve heard people say, “It’s my body, I’ll do what I want to with it.” What is even more disheartening is that this can be said of many saved people. They have no desire to live according to expectation for us. Notice what God expects from each of this morning. As we do, will find the secret to happiness, God’s Way!
A. God’s Expectations for the Inner Man vs. 3-6
1. To humble ourselves 2. To be broken hearted over sin
2. To be meek and in control 4. To desire godly things

B. God’s Expectations for the Outer Man vs. 7-12
1. To be forgiving 2. To live honestly 3. To be a problem-
solver not a contributor to problems 4. To rejoice in the middle of trials and tribulations

The Way of Faith

2009-09-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

September 6, 2009 MW
Stockwell Road MBC
THE WAY OF FAITH
Romans 5:1-5
INTRODUCTION:
A. A fellow by the name of Harold Bermel tells of an occasion while driving through Pennsylvania Dutch Country with his daughter and 7 year old grandson. They passed by an Amish man driving his horse and buggy and the grandson’s curiosity was stirred. “Why do they use horses instead of automobiles?” His mom explained that the Amish people don’t believe in automobiles. After a few minutes he asked, “But can’t they see them.”

B. His idea of faith is being able to see something. Many, today, only believe what they see or what they experience. Faith has nothing to do with sight or experiences. According to Hebrews 11, we find that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Faith is simply our response the absolutes of God’s Word. If we are to live a life that pleases God then we must be a people of faith! God reveals to us His truth, His ways and His desires and it is up to us to respond in faith to those things. In Romans 5, Paul is telling the believers about the WAY OF FAITH. He teaches them about the results of faith in their lives. It is absolutely vital to our Christian walk that we have faith.

C. Many times in our lives we find ourselves struggling with this idea of faith. We know that the Lord has something better out there for us but we lack the faith necessary to believe Him. As a result, we find our Christian lives stagnating and we never progress in our walk with the Lord. We find ourselves going through the motions without ever experiencing the awesome realities of our relationship with Jesus. We find ourselves living defeated and downtrodden lives because we don’t have faith in the promises of God’s Word. How strong is your faith this morning!

D. Paul connects chapter 5 with the previous 4 chapters by the word “therefore” in v. 1. In the first 3 chapters he establishes the problem of sin and in chapter 4 he establishes the provision of salvation! Now he begins with the provisions of faith in chapter 5. He begins to show us how we are to live by faith and what the WAY OF FAITH is!

BODY:
I. THE POWER OF FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST v. 1, Eph. 2:8-9, Col. 2:14, v. 10
Note: In order for this message to be understood the issue of being saved needs to be settled in your heart. Paul told the Church at Ephesus, that we are saved by grace through faith! God provided everything we would need to be saved by His grace and we are to respond to that in faith! This is important to understand because of the word, “therefore” in v. 1. As a result of what happened when you were saved because of your faith certain things took place!
A. We Have Been Declared Free from Sin
--justified—means that we have been declared as innocent of all charges
--consider the many ordinances against us!
--because of our faith in Jesus we have freed!
B. We have Been Deemed Friends with the Sovereign
--Notice v. 10—we were enemies
--this means we were opposed to God estranged from God because of our sin.
--now we have peace with Him because of our salvation!
--we are now in a settled relationship with God!

II. THE PRIVILEGE OF FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST v. 2, II Cor. 12:9
Note: When you become a member of something you gain certain privileges. When you become a member of Sam’s Club you can buy an industrial size jar of pickled okra and enough French fries in one bag to feed an army! Because of our faith in Jesus Christ, you and I, have certain privileges that others don’t have!
A. We have Access
--to the Father as we pray
--to the sufficiency of grace
B. We Have Assurance
--of our eternity

III. THE PROCESS OF FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST v. 3-5
Note: One of the moms at Peyton’s football practice asked if any of us had noticed a hump on the necks of our children. We said we hadn’t but she said that from wearing the football helmet her son’s neck muscle had started to grow. Faith isn’t unlike that muscle…with work it grows and gets stronger! The Lord takes us through a process in order to strengthen our faith…notice the amazing progression that the Lord uses in all of our lives.
A. Tribulations strengthen our Patience
B. Patience leads to Experience
C. Experience brings Hope
D. Hope determines Victory

CONCLUSION:
If you want to live the victorious and abundant life in the Lord Jesus Christ that He wants you to live it will be determined by your daily faith in the Lord!
This daily faith makes no sense until you have responded to God’s invitation to salvation by faith.

Death, Go Down

2009-08-30T21:04:00.001-07:00

If you have ever experienced the death of a loved one and are struggling with it, perhaps this inspiring narrative will encourage you about the promise, to us who are saved, concerning our last moments on this Earth as we know it.

Hope for the Hopeless

2009-08-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

August 30, 2009 MW
Stockwell Road MBC
HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS
Isaiah 42:1-4

INTRODUCTION:
A. The Scripture is full of many things but one thing that it seems to contain a lot of is hopeless cases. Of course that would seem like a logical thing considering that the Bible was given to us to give us HOPE. Consider for a moment a few of the hopeless cases found within the pages of God’s Word. The woman caught in the act of adultery, the woman with the issue of blood for 12 years, Jairus and his daughter near death, Mary and Martha as they saw Lazarus die, Peter as he denied the Lord, the many paralytics, lame, lepers, mute and deaf that Jesus encountered and the list goes on and on. People who found themselves in the midst of what we would say are hopeless situations.

B. Notice the kind words of Isaiah 42:3, “A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench.” You see God desires that we be like the reed and/or like the flax, or a wick in a candle. He wants for us to be strong and sturdy standing tall and proud for His honor and glory firmly rooted in the riverbed of faith. He wants for us to be like the candle wick that burns brightly with the fire of faith and lightens the path for others to find their way to the Lord. However, the constant winds and the hard rains have bowed over and bent the reed and the harsh whip of the wind has unfortunately reduced the glowing flame to a weak ember that is about to go out. LISTEN, the Bible tells us that God has a servant that WILL not break off the reed and he won’t snuff out the smoldering flame. This servant offers the gentle fingers to straighten and not break. The firm touch to give hope not hurt.

C. Who is this servant that will give hope to the hopeless? Turn to Matthew 12:15-21. This servant is Jesus! LISTEN, our hope is found in the PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST! Perhaps, the passing of the one who was everything to you, the illness of a child, the grip of a terminal illness, the harsh words of criticism all lead us into this place of hopelessness. If the walls of your world seem to be crashing around you, I want to invite you to look to Jesus this morning.

D. It is in the PERSON of JESUS CHRIST that you and I can find HELP FOR our HOPELESSness.

BODY:
I. THE IDENTITY OF JESUS CHRIST v. 18, Matthew 16:13-16, Isaiah 11:2
note: Far too many people see Jesus as just a philosopher or Bible time preacher. In the end it doesn’t matter what others say, it matters what you say! Who is Jesus to you! If you want hope today, you will only find it in Jesus Christ!
A. Recognize He is the Messiah—chosen, beloved, well pleased

B. Remember His Ministry—the 7-fold Spirit of God—Isaiah 11:2

C. Realize His Majesty—the rejection, the cross, the Gospel

II. THE INTIMACY WITH JESUS CHRIST v. 19-20
note: I believe this is where so many of God’s people falter in their spiritual lives. I think this is the cause for us being less “spiritual” people. How intimate are you with Christ? Notice a few things about your relationship with Jesus Christ…
A. His Concern
1. is not popularity
2. is not people
3. is you!

B. His Compassion
1. to grant stability
2. to grant strength

III. THE INVITATION FROM JESUS CHRIST v. 21, Matthew 11:28-30
note: You and I are these Gentiles that are referred to here. He says that we SHALL trust in His name. The word trust means to hope! To trust in His name means…
A. To Trust in His Providence

B. To Trust in His Presence

C. To Trust in His Promise

CONCLUSION:
There is hope for the hopeless and there is hope for you today! This morning, will you look to Jesus Christ, the person of our hope? See, for yourself, who He is, what He does and what He plans to do!

The Flower Child Church

2009-08-23T17:17:00.000-07:00

WE’VE GOT MAIL #7/7 Stockwell Road MBC
August 23, 2009 MW
THE FLOWER CHILD CHURCH
Revelation 3:14-22
INTRODUCTION:
A. These two chapters in the Book of Revelation contain 7 letters written to 7 Churches located throughout Asia. They are love letters written by the hand of John from the heart of God. Jesus had a word for each of these churches and He also has a word for us as well. You see THEY GOT MAIL and today WE’VE GOT MAIL. There are 3 ways that we need to view these letters this morning.
1. PROPHETICALLY…each one represents a different time period in Church history; Laodicea represents the time from 1960’s to the present day. The period of time that includes the decline of the Church till today.
2. PRACTICALLY…a letter to the Church at Laodicea is a letter to Stockwell Road MBC.
3. PERSONALLY…Churches are made of individuals, of families of people.

B. The city of Laodicea was located high above on a plateau which made it very protected. The only problem was that the city had no ready supply of water. Water had to be piped in through aqueducts. Cold waters from above and hot waters from below were piped in to the city of Laodicea. On a very cold day the hot water they expected was often tepid and lukewarm…conversely on a hot day the cold water from above had become tepid and lukewarm. Can you imagine expecting a hot bath after a long day and all you get is lukewarm air temperature water? Pretty worthless isn’t it? This helps us to understand verses 16-17. Laodicea was a very wealthy city and it was no for the fabrics, the money and the medicines which were developed there. However, the Church located there had become stale and lifeless. Unlike Philadelphia which received nothing but commendation, the Laodiciean Church received nothing but condemnation.

C. Prior to the 60’s preaching was much different in all Churches than it is today. The holiness of God, the justice of God and the authority God had over all things were the preferred sermons. As a result of this preaching people lived more chaste and holy lives. Then the generation of the 60’s came and the era of flower children. Peace, love and tie-dye shirts were all the rave. Preachers began to change the message to a love based message. UNDERSTAND, God is love, I John 4:8 and love is the chief attribute of God that motivates all that He does. However, with that being said, when the only focus is His love and forgiveness a mentality develops: a lukewarm mentality. An attitude of being middle of the road and riding the fence. In other words, many so called Christians try to have a Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana kind of deal…the best of both worlds. It CAN’T happen according to Matthew 6:24…you will either love one or hate the other...you can't have it both ways.

D. The Church at Laodicea represents the prevailing attitude of Churches and many Church members today.

BODY:
I. THE IMAGE OF CHRIST vs. 14-16
note: This is perhaps the harshest introduction of all of the Seven Churches. This Church wasn’t serving the Lord and He comes to them with a very real and relevant introduction of Himself to these believers.
A. The Exalted Christ
1. He is the SUPREME example of Truth
2. He is the SOURCE of everything created
B. The Examining Christ
1. He knows our effort
2. He knows our energy
C. The Exhausted Christ
1. His patience
2. His penalty

II. THE IMPRESSION OF THE CHURCH vs. 17-18
note: This was a very wealthy city. In AD 61 it was destroyed by an Earthquake. They refused the help of Rome and rebuilt the entire city from local funds. That means that this Church’s membership was probably very wealthy as well. Sadly, by the world’s standards they had much but according to God they had little of what matters eternally.
A. No Spiritual Value—buy gold
B. No Spiritual Virtue—white raiment
C. No Spiritual Vision—eye salve

III. THE INVITATION TO COME vs. 19-21
note: We need to realize, again, that the Lord always has a remnant. Even though we live in the Laodicean Church age we do not have to be overcome with the prevailing attitudes! Notice as the Lord invites the people of Laodicea and know that He also invites us!
A. He Invites Us to Repent v. 19
B. He Invites Us to Receive v. 20
C. He Invites Us to Reward v. 21

CONCLUSION:
Have you ever heard the saying “a line drawn in the sand”? It comes from the story of the Alamo. According to legend, two days before the Alamo's fall (and the slaughter of all Alamo fighters) Commander William Barret Travis drew a line in the mission floor's sand with his sword, stating that all who were willing to stay (and presumably die) in the Alamo should cross over it to stand with him. All but one crossed the line, a man who buried not too far from here down in Logansport, Moses Rose. He was the only man that refused to cross the line of dedication and sacrifice. He is known as “The Coward of the Alamo”.
If I drew a line on this floor and asked all of those who were willing to live for the Lord and possible give their lives for the Lord would you be willing to cross over it?
What decision do you need to make for the Lord this morning?

Pert Near Perfect

2009-08-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

WE’VE GOT MAIL #6/7 Stockwell Road MBC
August 16, 2009 MW

PERT NEAR PERFECT
Revelation 3:7-13

INTRODUCTION:
A. These two chapters in the Book of Revelation contain 7 letters written to 7 Churches located throughout Asia. They are love letters written by the hand of John from the heart of God. Jesus had a word for each of these churches and He also has a word for us as well. You see THEY GOT MAIL and today WE’VE GOT MAIL. There are 3 ways that we need to view these letters this morning.
1. PROPHETICALLY…each one represents a different time period in Church history; Philadelphia represents the time from 1700 AD to the present day. More specifically the door of religious freedom that was opened when America was being settled.
2. PRACTICALLY…a letter to the Church at Philadelphia is a letter to Stockwell Road MBC.
3. PERSONALLY…Churches are made of individuals, of families of people.

B. The city of Philadelphia, PA is called the city of Brotherly Love. No doubt the founders of this city knew the history of the “”Philadelphia” mentioned in our text and had the same hope for their city. The city of Philadelphia was founded by Attalus II who was the ruler of Pergamos between 159-138 BC. We are told that Attalus cared so much for his brother Eumenes that he was known as Philadelphos, which literally means, “One who loves his brother.” And so the city was named Philadelphia. The city was located on along a fault line and frequently was the recipient of earthquakes and aftershocks. Due to the fear of falling debris many of the citizens actually lived outside the city walls. Out of all of the Churches, it is Philadelphia, which receives the greatest praise and commendation for the Lord. The Church has such an impact in the city that long after the Muslims came in and overtook the city, it remained a free Christian city in the middle of a sea of pagan peoples. Philadelphia stood as the last witness of Christianity in Asia. In fact, today, the city of Philadelphia still boasts of around 1,000 Christians that still call it home.

C. Philadelphia MBC was a Church that was PERT NEAR PERFECT! Of course, it couldn’t be perfect because it was made up of imperfect people. Nevertheless, in the Lord’s eyes she had all that was needed. I believe that the Lord had such high praise for this Church for many reasons but one stood above the rest: Her missionary zeal. The Lord blessed this Church so much and He wants to bless us as well. One thing that the Lord looks for in His Churches is a MISSION MINDEDNESS. We are a MISSIONARY Baptist Church but that word MISSIONARY needs to be more than letters on a sign. Missions is the life’s blood of the Lord’s Churches. We must be actively involved in ministry and in missions if we are to expect the Lord’s blessings!

D. Philadelphia had the reputation of being PERT NEAR PERFECT and each of us needs to answer the question this morning: What type of reputation does Stockwell Road have if people judged it by my life?

BODY:
I. WE MUST KNOW OUR MASTER vs. 7-8
note: The Lord has introduced Himself to the Churches differently each time. These introductions give critical and vital information about our Lord. Remember, He is the head of the Church. With our jobs we all want to know who we are working for…it is no different with His Church…we should want to know more about the Lord!
A. His Character
1. separated from evil—holy
2. separated from error—true
B. His Control
1. the authority—the key of David
2. the activity—opens and shuts the door of opportunity
3. the arrangement—we are reminded of His provisions!
C. His Call
1. to be aware of ministry—see the open doors!
2. to be active in ministry—step through the doors

II. WE MUST KNOW OUR MINISTRY vs. 8b-9, Isaiah 40:31
note: Have you ever heard the phrase, “Like a duck OUT of water.” It means that you are doing something unnatural to you. Sometimes people get involved in things that they have NO business doing! If the youth isn’t your thing stay out of it! If music isn’t your thing stay out of it! If teaching isn’t your thing STAY out of it. God has SOMETHING for you to do so wait on Him to show you! The key to flying like an eagle is to wait on the Lord!
A. Basic Ministry
1. be willing—hast a little
2. be teachable—hast kept my word
3. be faithful—hast not denied my name
B. Blessed Ministry—results

III. WE MUST KNOW OUR MOTIVATION vs. 9-12
note: Why do we do what we do? I have asked myself at times in my ministry, “Why are you doing what you are doing?” We all need to stop and check our motives. If it is for anything other than glorifying Christ, STOP! Here are 3 great motivations…
A. The World’s Reconciliation to Christ v. 9
B. The Imminent Return of Christ v. 10-11
C. The Sure Reward for Faithfulness v. 12

CONCLUSION:
Do you hear your part in this today…the Lord wants you to be faithful and available to Him! Are you helping Stockwell Road have the type of reputation like the Church at Philadelphia had? We all know our imperfections but we should still be striving towards perfection every day!

Some friendly Lousiana Texas Banter

2009-08-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

An 8 year old boy was riding his bicycle in Bryan , Texas , when he saw his friend being attacked by a large pit bulldog. The boy jumped off his bike, ran and jumped on the dog's back.

After prying the vicious animal's teeth from his young friend's body, he put the dog in a choke hold and held on until the dog was dead.

The local newspaper editor happened to witness this feat and after calling for the ambulance on his cell phone, ran over to the young hero and said, 'Son, that was one of the bravest things I have ever seen. You're going to make tomorrow's headlines.' 'It will read: Texas A&M Fan is Hero: Risks His
Life and Saves Young Friend From Vicious Pit Bull Attack.

The youngster said, 'That's nice, but I'm not a Texas A&M Fan.

The editor said, 'OK, then it will read: University of Texas Fan Saves Young Friend's Life in Pit-Bull Attack.

The young man said, 'But I'm not an University of Texas fan.

The editor said, 'OK, then it will read, 'Rice Fan Saves Friend's Life.

Once again the young man interrupted, saying, 'I'm not a Rice fan, either.

The editor, becoming somewhat irritated, asked, 'Then, who is your favorite team?

The kid replied with a big smile, LSU!!!

The next morning, the local newspaper headline read:

(scroll down for answer)

BELOVED FAMILY PET MURDERED BY MEAN LITTLE CAJUN!

Build-A-Bear Missionary Baptist Church

2009-08-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

WE’VE GOT MAIL #5/7 Stockwell Road MBC
August 9, 2009 MW
BUILD A BEAR BAPTIST CHURCH
Revelation 3:1-6
INTRODUCTION:
A. These two chapters in the Book of Revelation contain 7 letters written to 7 Churches located throughout Asia. They are love letters written by the hand of John from the heart of God. Jesus had a word for each of these churches and He also has a word for us as well. You see THEY GOT MAIL and today WE’VE GOT MAIL. There are 3 ways that we need to view these letters this morning.
1. PROPHETICALLY…each one represents a different time period in Church history; Sardis represents the time from 1500 AD to around 1700 AD. This is the period of time when the Protestant Reformation took place and the rise of numerous false religions which protested the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
2. PRACTICALLY…a letter to the Church at Sardis is a letter to Stockwell Road MBC.
3. PERSONALLY…Churches are made of individuals, of families of people.

B. At the Louisiana Boardwalk is a store called Build a Bear Workshop. In this store you create your newest stuffed animal. You pick out the animal you want, you place a heart in it, you stuff it, you air blow it, you dress it, you give it a name and you receive a birth certificate. You do all you can to make this little stuffed buddy a living thing but no matter what….it isn’t real.. It may have the appearance of being real but it isn’t. This is the essence of the Church at Sardis. They had a reputation in the community for being alive but in actuality they were they dead. This is what we see in many false religions…they have huge crowds, massive buildings but no TRUTH. They look alive but in reality they are dead. Sadly, I am afraid this same scenario is played out over time in far too many of the Lord’s Churches as well.

C. Sardis, was a city located high above on a 1500 ft. plateau with one small path up the mountain…on either side of the plateau were steep cliffs which made the city impenetrable from invaders. Gold and silver coins were first minted there…it was a very wealthy city. One night as the Persian king Cyrus was attacking his soldiers witnessed a guard from the city sneak down a small secret path to pick up his helmet that had fallen. That night they snuck up the secret path, entered the city as the guards slept and conquered it. It regained some wealth under Alexander the Great but it was conquered again by Antiochus by the same manner as the Persians. Then the Romans came and in John’s day it was a shell of what it used to be. The people had grown complacent, indifferent and immoral. They were living in their past accomplishments but were neglecting their present duties. The Church at Sardis, unfortunately, had become the thermometer of the Spiritual temperature of the City instead of the thermostat that controlled and influenced the spirituality of their city.

D. They had become the Build a Bear Baptist Church having the look of life but in reality were dead.

BODY:

I. THE POWER OF EVERY CHURCH vs. 1
note: When the Lord comes to the Church at Sardis He introduces himself as the one that has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars. But with this introduction He sees the reality of what is going on…the rejection of this power and a reliance on themselves and their reliance on past accomplishments. Our Church must ALWAYS rely upon the PROVISIONS that God has set in place to power our Church…His Spirit and the message of His Servants.
A. The Ministry of the Spirit—the 7 Spirits of God
1. to confirm truth
2. to convict sin and error
3. to control saints

B. The Messages of His Servant—the 7 Stars
1. pastors help reveal the Word of God
2. the Word of God reveals the Will of God

II. THE PLAN FOR EVERY CHURCH vs. 2-3
note: The Lord has not left us without guidance. His Word gives advice for EVERYDAY. We are not left to our own devices. If we would simply be observant of God’s plan and stay on God’s path we will experience God’s pleasure. Notice what plan we SHOULD follow instead of the plan that Sardis had followed.
A. To Revive—weakening/struggling areas
B. To Reach—for excellence in everything
C. To Remember—the struggle and sacrifices towards success
D. To Rededicate—to the same attitude of sacrifice
E. To Repent—of sinful/slothful actions and attitudes
F. To Realize—the Rapture is near and we must be prepared

III. THE PROMISES TO EVERY CHURCH vs. 4-5
note: The Lord ends with words of promise to the few in Sardis who were trying. A principle of Scripture we must acknowledge is this: God ALWAYS has a remnant. In this wicked day that we live in…I believe that we are that remnant. This word “overcome” doesn’t refer to being saved…it refers to having the victory and conquering Over his own easily-besetting sins; Over the world and its temptations; Over prevalent error; or Over the ills and trials of life, so as, in all these respects, to show that his Christian principles are firm and unshaken.
A. We Shall Be Claimed
B. We Shall Be Clothed
C. We Shall Be Confirmed
D. We Shall Be Confessed

CONCLUSION:
Are you the thermometer or the thermostat of Stockwell Road MBC. How are you helping the spirituality of our Church? Or are you contributing to our Church becoming like the Build a Bear Baptist Church? Are we just “looking” alive or are we alive?

NEVER SING ROCK-A-BYE BABY AGAIN!

2009-08-02T06:40:00.000-07:00

WE’VE GOT MAIL #4/7 Stockwell Road MBC
August 2, 2009 MW
NEVER SING ROCK-A-BYE BABY AGAIN
Revelation 2:18-29

INTRODUCTION:
A. These two chapters in the Book of Revelation contain 7 letters written to 7 Churches located throughout Asia. They are love letters written by the hand of John from the heart of God. Jesus had a word for each of these churches and He also has a word for us as well. You see THEY GOT MAIL and today WE’VE GOT MAIL. There are 3 ways that we need to view these letters this morning.
1. PROPHETICALLY…each one represents a different time period in Church history; Thyatira represents the time from 500 AD to around 1500 AD. This is perhaps the darkest period in the history of Christianity…often called the Dark Ages…during this time, according to the Trail of Blood, over 50 million Christians were martyred.
2. PRACTICALLY…a letter to the Church at Thyatira is a letter to Stockwell Road MBC.
3. PERSONALLY…Churches are made of individuals, of families of people.

B. As you hold a newborn baby in your arms you are apt to hum or sing a soft lullaby to them in order to whisk them off to dreamland. But I would hope that Rock-a-bye baby is not one of those lullabies. Consider the words of abandonment, fear and the unnecessary phobias that we invite to our little ones. Rock-a-bye baby in the TREETOP…who leaves their child in a tree? When the wind blows the cradle the rock…then we wonder why they are scared to death when a storm is coming through? And down will come baby cradle and all…your child will never climb a tree again! Of course you know I am kidding, but there are some lullabies that we should NEVER listen to and if we do we will find ourselves lulled to sleep by Satan’s song…like the Church at Thyatira.

C. Now, Thyatira was never a very important city. It was known for its many trade guilds and more specifically the dying of purple that was done there. Lydia, Paul’s first convert in Philippi, was from the town of Thyatira. What makes Thyatira so important was that it was the center of the Nicolaitans and a place where Satan was at work. Satan is the power behind the throne in such ungodly and immoral places, remember what Paul said in Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Thyatira was such a place and the little Church there had allowed itself to be lulled to sleep by Satan’s lullaby. The Lord comes to them and confronts the problems of the sinful but also offers comforting words of promise to the ones who were holding on in the midst of the ungodliness and unrest.

BODY:
I. THE SAVIOR vs. 18, Luke 22:61
note: When the Lord comes to the Church at Thyatira He introduces himself to them as the Son of God! Jesus often referred to Himself as the Son of Man. Perhaps, Jesus felt that because of the seriousness of the charges against this Church, He wanted them to know who they where dealing with! So He uses a the very authoritative name of “the Son of God”! He uses two descriptions of Himself as the Son of God and both deal with His Judgment.
A. His Judgment is Piercing—eyes like unto a flame of fire
Luke 22:61, “And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.”
B. His Judgment is Precise—his feet are like fine brass

II. THE SERVICE vs. 19
note: As He has done with the other Churches, the Lord acknowledges the works of the Church. He notes the things done whether they be good or bad. However, with Thyatira He goes a little farther and individually notes the works.
A. The Good Deeds
1. charity—love
2. service—ministry—same word as deacon or servant
3. faith—belief in the promises of God’s Word
4. patience—calm endurance—trusting God through life’s storms
B. The Growing Disciples
1. we begin as babes in Christ—know the stories
2. we grow to maturity in Christ—applies the stories

III. THE SIN vs. 20-23
note: After all of the good that these folks had done, the Lord must point out and confront the sin that has been allowed to run rampant among this congregation.
A. The Confrontation v. 20
1. of the teacher
2. of the teaching
3. of the tricking
B. The Conviction v. 21
C. The Consequences v. 22-23

IV. THE SUPPORT v. 24-29
A. He Offers Rest to the Faithful
B. He Offers Reward to the Faithful

CONCLUSION:
This Church represents a very dark period in the history of the Lord’s Church…I believe dark times are coming again for the Lord’s Church but it isn’t dark yet! John 9:4, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”
Friends, it is still day today…let’s be commended by God not confronted by Him.

It is OFFICIAL...Back to School I Go!

2009-07-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

I am self diagnosing myself as AADD...or Adult Attention Deficit Disorder.

Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (also referred to as Adult ADHD, Adult ADD, or AADD) is the common term used to describe the neuropsychiatric condition attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when it is present in adults. Current convention refers to this condition as adult ADHD, according to the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), 2000 revision. It has been estimated that 5% of the global population has ADHD (including cases not yet diagnosed).

I am afraid that I fall into that 5% of the population that is afflicted with AADD. However, AADD and all, I am venturing back to the hallowed halls of the Louisiana Missionary Baptist Institute and Seminary aka LMBIS.

I recently came to the knowledge that I am 3 classes away from from a Master of English Bible Degree. I need 18 more hours plus I will have to write a 25,000 word thesis. I am excited about the opportunity to continue my seminary education. I am looking forward to the fellowship with students and faculty alike. My first four years of school were some of the best years of my life and I am so pumped about the opportunity to go back.

Bottom line is that I am going to need your prayers as I sit in classes throughout the day, thankfully only two days a week this go round. AADD doesn't lend itself to well to sitting through classes but I will try a homemade remedy...a mountain dew for breakfast and another at lunch. Since most of the early treatments for ADD were basically caffiene shots I figure the Mt. Dew will serve the same purpose.

Aug. 18...LMBIS...here comes Big J...KJV in hand, tie around my neck and 3 more preachers from Stockwell Road in tow! Talk about pressure...I have to excel above those three fellas or I will never hear the end of it!

A ROTTEN OMELETTE

2009-07-25T21:27:00.000-07:00

WE’VE GOT MAIL #3/7 Stockwell Road MBC
July 26, 2009 MW

A ROTTEN OMELETE
Revelation 2:12-17

INTRODUCTION:
A. These two chapters in the Book of Revelation contain 7 letters written to 7 Churches located throughout Asia. They are love letters written by the hand of John from the heart of God. Jesus had a word for each of these churches and He also has a word for us as well. You see THEY GOT MAIL and today WE’VE GOT MAIL. There are 3 ways that we need to view these letters this morning.
1. PROPHETICALLY…each one represents a different time period in Church history; Pergamos represents the time from 312 AD to around 500 AD. This is from the time of the first Pope to the beginning of the Dark Ages.
2. PRACTICALLY…a letter to the Church at Pergamos is a letter to Stockwell Road MBC.
3. PERSONALLY…Churches are made of individuals, of families of people.

B. I have some dear preacher friends that love to go eat at IHOP at all hours of the night. I love IHOP and I love to get an omelet when I go…breakfast, lunch or dinner I’m going to get an omelet. What if the chef, making a three egg omelet, used 2 good fresh eggs and one rotten egg? What would that make the omelet? Rotten, of course! It doesn’t matter if he put the two goods one in first, last or divided them up…that one rotten egg will spoil the entire thing. Doesn’t that kind of sound a little bit like where Paul said in 1Cor. 5:6, “Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” This is what compromise is like for the Lord’s people and for the Lord’s Church. Compromise is like that rotten egg or just a little bit of leaven, and it will ruin a lot.

C. Pergamos was the Washington DC of Asia Minor at this time. It was known as the greatest city of Asia Minor. It was the political, educational and religious center of the Roman world. Papyrus was invented there and there was a library that contained over 200,000 volumes of handwritten scrolls. The entire bossier parish library system only has 182,000 and the central branch contains 82,700. They had the first temple dedicated to Ceasar and many other gods, including one to Aesculapious, a god of healing. His symbol was a snake intertwined upon a staff…still a medical symbol in use today. Pergamos was a wealthy city and a very beautiful city. In this major city of Asia Minor was the MBC of Pergamos. This little Church had to endure a lot of hardships but the Lord came to them as the one with the sharp two edged sword. He came to them as the powerful and sharp Word of God because they needed a word from God to combat their compromise.

BODY:
I. HE RECOGNIZES OUR COMMITMENT
vs. 12-13, Eph. 6:17, Heb. 4:12
note: These folks lived in the midst of a roman society and had grown well accustomed to the sharp two edged swords of the Roman guard. They were encouraged to not fear the sword of men but rather to fear the sword of God…His Word. Eph. 6:17, Heb. 4:12
A. Commitment to Be a Servant in Spite of Opposition

B. Commitment to be Steadfast in Spite of Opportunity

II. HE REBUKES OUR COMPROMISE vs. 14-15
note: “but” is a good word here because while the Lord acknowledges the good he also recognizes the bad. He rebukes the compromise that He found in Pergamos. Compromise is something that we see all of the time but one thing that we must NEVER compromise on is the TRUTH of the Word of God. While doctrinal compromise isn’t an issue in Stockwell Road MBC I believe it is the lives of too many of God’s people. Notice the compromise of Pergamos.
A. Compromise Among the Membership v. 14
--the story of Balaam is a story of compromise. He was hired by Balak to curse the Nation of Israel. God stopped him with the talking donkey. The truth is that Balaam couldn’t have done anything to destroy Israel from the outside…but he could from the inside. He convinced them to intermarry with the heathen and this lead to compromised families which led to a corrupted Israel.

B. Compromise Among the Leadership v. 15
--The doctrine of the Nicolaitians was the intrusion of “preacher rule” in the Church…this why Pergamos represents the time of the beginning of the papal rule of the roman catholic church. The Lord gave two divine offices to His Church: Pastors and Deacons.
1. the role of Pastors
2. the role of Deacons

III. HE RECALLS OUR CHARGE vs. 16-17, I Peter 1:15
A. To Realize His Desire for Our Lives and His Church

B. To Repent of Our Sinful Attitude Towards Compromise

C. To Receive from Him
1. hidden manna—the provision and blessings of God
2. white stone
a. being proclaimed not guilty—judge’s white stone
b. being invited to a dinner

CONCLUSION:
A man once said, “You can’t run with the goats Monday thru Saturday and expect to come into Church Sunday smelling like a sheep.”
This is the spirit of compromise that describes too many of the Lord’s people today. Does it describe you?

SOFT WHISPERS TO SUFFERING WORSHIPPERS

2009-07-19T06:19:00.000-07:00

WE’VE GOT MAIL #2/7 Stockwell Road MBC
July 19, 2009 MW
SOFT WHISPERS TO SUFFERING WORSHIPPERS
Revelation 2:8-11
INTRODUCTION:
A. These two chapters in the Book of Revelation contain 7 letters written to 7 Churches located throughout Asia. They are love letters written by the hand of John from the heart of God. Jesus had a word for each of these churches and He also has a word for us as well. You see THEY GOT MAIL and today WE’VE GOT MAIL. There are 3 ways that we need to view these letters this morning.
1. PROPHETICALLY…each one represents a different time period in Church history; Smyrna represents the time from 100 ad to 312 ad. A time of intense Roman persecution upon the Lord’s Churches!
2. PRACTICALLY…a letter to the Church at Smyrna is a letter to Stockwell Road MBC.
3. PERSONALLY…Churches are made of individuals, of families of people.

B. I love the story of Elijah, the prophet when he was feeling down in the dumps. In I Kings 19, Elijah feels like he is the only one left who loves God. All of a sudden, God passes by in a great wind that shakes the mountain but God wasn’t in the wind…then God causes a great earthquake but God wasn’t in the earthquake…after the earthquake there was a great fire but God wasn’t in the fire…but after the fire there was a still small voice…in fact it was the whisper of God. Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” The Lord doesn’t speak in loud or audible voices today! He speaks to us in the still small voice of His Word and by the inner knowing of the Holy Spirit that dwells within all of us. Instead of getting busier with things, when troubles and disappointments come, we need to slow things down and get still, so we can hear what the Lord is saying to us.

C. The Church at Smyrna was a struggling congregation however they were a serving congregation. Five of the seven Churches of Asia, all received words of rebuke. The two exceptions: Smyrna MBC and Philadelphia MBC. This Church suffered greatly from persecution…why? The reason is very simple, II Timothy 3:12, “Yea and all who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” The membership Smyrna MBC lived like Jesus, loved like Jesus and served like Jesus so they received the same treatment that Jesus himself received. As a result, the Lord whispered softly into their ear some words of encouragement. As the body of Christ, we ought to be patterning our service after this great Church of the Lord. When we do we will also receive from this world the same thing that Jesus received and when that happens, the Lord offers us a sweet whisper in our ear to remind us of his watch and care over us.

D. Notice what the Lord whispers gently in our ears to remind us of his care.
BODY:
I. HE REMINDS US OF HIS PERSONALITY vs. 8
note: We all know about Jesus. What He did during His ministry, the sermons, the miracles and the compassion. However, we fail to recognize the nature of Christ. When we recognize who Jesus is, not just who He was, it will transform our way of thinking.
A. His Eternal Nature
1. first and last
2. alpha and omega
3. beginning and end
4. author and finisher

B. His Overcoming Nature—who was dead and is alive
1. overcame our greatest enemy—death
2. overcame our adversary—the devil

II. HE REMINDS US OF OUR PROTECTION vs. 9-10
note: Notice in these verses how often the Lord mentions that He knows and not only that He knows but how exact and perfectly He knows not only what HAS happened but what WILL happen! What an encouragement to know that the Lord is watching over us and protecting us every minute of every day!
A. He Watches Over Us as We Persevere

B. He Watches Over Us as We are Persecuted

III. HE REMINDS US OF OUR POSSESSIONS vs. 9
A. Peace with Our Past

B. Power for Our Present

C. Promise for Our Tomorrow—hope

IV. HE REMINDS US OF HIS PROMISE vs. 10-11, Revelation 20:6
A. The Promise of Reward vs. 10

B. The Promise of Resurrection vs. 11, Rev. 20:6

CONCLUSION:
If you aren’t being persecuted…it’s because you aren’t living your faith loud enough for any to hear or visually enough for anybody to see.

WHEN THE FLAME BECOMES AN EMBER

2009-07-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

WE’VE GOT MAIL #1/7 Stockwell Road MBC
July 12, 2009 MW
WHEN THE FLAME BECOMES AN EMBER
Revelation 2:1-7
INTRODUCTION:
A. These two chapters in the Book of Revelation contain 7 letters written to 7 Churches located throughout Asia. They are love letters written by the hand of John from the heart of God. Jesus had a word for each of these churches and He also has a word for us as well. You see THEY GOT MAIL and today WE’VE GOT MAIL. There are 3 ways that we need to view these letters this morning.
1. PROPHETICALLY…each one represents a different time period in Church history; Ephesus represents the first Church through around 100AD.
2. PRACTICALLY…a letter to the Church at Ephesus is a letter to Stockwell Road MBC.
3. PERSONALLY…Churches are made of individuals, of families of people.

B. I read a story of a man who had quit coming to Church. The pastor went to visit him and found him in his living room in front of the fire. After exchanging pleasantries a moment of awkward silence happened. The pastor reached down with some tongs and grabbed a red hot glowing piece of wood that was on fire and pulled it out of the fire and placed on the brick surrounding the fireplace. Slowly, the fire died and all that was left was an ember. Then the pastor put the wood back in the fire and it began to glow again and was ablaze again. The man looked at the pastor and said, “I’ll be in Church again this Sunday.”

C. The Church at Ephesus had gone from being on fire for the Lord to being just a little ember. The reason…they had left their first love! Listen, this Church was begun by Paul who spent 2 years there, Timothy pastured there, Aquila and Priscilla labored there, and John lived there and wrote his Gospel from Ephesus. This place had experienced the best but now we find them according to v. 4 having left their first love. What happened?

D. Sadly, from time to time, Churches tend to rest on their laurels a bit and get lazy. The fire of evangelism, Christian education and Revival tend to fade to an ember. We find ourselves going through the motions instead of being moved by the Master. Sunday after Sunday, we plead for that ember to be fanned back into a flame. The Lord Jesus gives us the keys to how we can fan that ember back to a flame. Notice, as Jesus examines the Ephesus MBC, He tells them what must be done to keep the flame alive. If He knows the heart of the Ephesian Church; doesn’t it stand to reason that He knows the heart of Stockwell Road MBC this morning?

BODY:
I. THE POWER OF THE CHURCH vs. 1
note: The first verse is actually an introduction or a salutation. The Lord is telling us who is speaking and who He is speaking too. However, we see much more than a simple introduction.
A. His Authority Over the Church
B. His Activity In the Church

II. THE PASSION OF THE CHURCH vs. 2-3, 6, Eph. 2:10, II Cor. 6:17, Eph. 5:1-8
A. The Service of the Church v. 2
1. works—solid effort—your best
2. labor—intense work
3. patience—steadfast endurance
note: The Church at Ephesus knew some things that we often forget. A Church can’t be built by herself. A Church can’t sustain herself…it takes people of passion, people of commitment!
B. The Separation of the Church v. 2b
C. The Standards of the Church v. 3, 6

III. THE PROBLEMS OF THE CHURCH vs. 4
A. Disappointment—“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee…”
B. Diagnosis—“thou hast left thy first love.”
Note: leaving our first love: love Church…not Him, Love doctrine, not Him.
First love—fervent—all you think about
First love—extravagant—Mary’s alabaster box
First love—love or duty—Jacob and Rachel Gen 29

IV. THE PLAN FOR THE CHURCH vs. 5
A. Remember—how did you feel?
B. Repent—turn away from—change of mind leads to change in behavior
C. Repeat—Do the first works!
D. Removal—ceases to be an effective Church if the candle is removed!

V. THE PROMISE FOR THE CHURCH vs. 7
A. A Reminder about Our Reward—the tree of life
B. A Reminder about Our Reality—in Heaven

CONCLUSION:
Are you serving Jesus out of duty or love for Him? Are you fervently serving Him today? If not then you must remember, repent and repeat or be removed.

Liberty Doesn't Mean License

2009-07-05T18:40:00.001-07:00

July 5, 2009 MW Stockwell Road MBC

LIBERTY DOESN’T MEAN LICENSE
Galatians 5:1, 13
INTRODUCTION:
The following is a quote from William Wallace as quoted in the movie Braveheart, “I am William Wallace! And I see a whole army of my countrymen, here, in defiance of tyranny. You have come to fight as free men, and free men you are. What will you do with that freedom? Will you fight? Aye, fight and you may die, run, and you’ll live…at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days, from this to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they’ll never take our FREEDOM!”

What will you do with freedom is a question we all need to ask ourselves this morning. Because many people hold to the philosophy that I can go ahead and sin today because I know that God will forgive me tomorrow. We have been freed and given liberty by the blood of Jesus Christ. However, many people take their Christian liberty as a license to do whatever they want to do. Like the idiot tat believes he can burn the US Flag because of his freedom of speech, we think we can do whatever we want because, “Thank God almighty, I’m free at last!” A Christian that believes that it is ok to sin because of his salvation or eternal security has a very flawed view of God, a flawed view of what it means to be saved, a flawed view of the consequences of sin and a flawed view of the judgment of God.

Your salvation was never intended to be a license to sin. Even though this is commonly believed…THERE IS A DIFFERENCE IN LIBERTY AND LICENSE. I can sin tonight and God would forgive me according to I John 1:9, but to KNOWINGLY DECIDE to sin on the basis that God will forgive me is a sign of a deep spiritual problem.

BODY:
I. THE FREEDOM OF LIBERTY (vs. 1, II Cor. 3:17, John 8:32)
Note: The bible speaks a lot about the believer’s liberty they have in Christ. Sadly, this liberty is often misunderstood. Notice…
A. The Person of Our Liberty
1. the work of the cross
2. the words of the Christ Jn. 8:32

B. The Purpose of Our Liberty
1. to free us
a. from the eternal punishment of Hell
b. from the entanglements of sin
2. to secure us

II. THE FOOLISHNESS OF LICENSE (vs. 13, Romans 6:1, 15)
Note: To believe that you have a license to sin and do whatever you want to do is foolishness for many reasons.
A. To Ignore the Clear Commands of the Scriptures
1. to behave Christ-like
2. to abstain from every appearance of evil
3. it is a failure to understand repentance II Chron. 7:14

B. To Invite the Chastening Hand of God Hebrews 12:3

C. To Harm Your Testimony
1. your personal testimony
2. Stockwell Road’s testimony

D. To Deny the Lordship of Christ—Jude 4—lasciviousness--without restraint

E. To Fail to Recognize Your Accountability on Judgment Day

CONCLUSION:

Today, you are either living in the freedom of our Christian liberty or you are living in the foolishness of license. Which do you think the Lord wants you to live in?

My take on the ABA

2009-06-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

Well, the week is over and my brethren have posted the proceedings...see pastor matt gholson's blogosphere for the most detailed report. I guess it is time for me to put it all in perspective and give my take. Now I fully understand that my take and 50 cents is worth exactly 50 cents but I wanted to share my viewpoints on a few issues.

First concerning missions.
I agree that no raises across the board was the right thing to do. However, when you find out that a missionary on salary through our work will make a minimum of $40,000 a year, which does not include housing allowances or health insurance that the sponsoring Churches give, it is a little hard to swallow. I do not know many pastors in our work that make that kind of salary. Am I pouting because I don't make this much...of course not! I do think that if we start going deeper in the hole every year that sponsoring Churches should take up more of this load and stop leaching off the system. Sadly, the reality is that many Churches will NEVER be able to pay this salary and, as a result, will pause at organizing.

Another issue was the situation concerning a Renato Ramboa. This brother is serving the Lord in the Philippine Islands, in a very destitute place. The sponsoring Church was asking for $700.00 per month, which was high above normal salary for that area (a registered nurse makes $250.00 per month by comparison). The problem was that they needed the money to support ministries. The sponsoring pastor should have stayed quiet but our work does not pay for ministries it pays salaries. It should remain this way.

Finally. the issue was debated concerning divorced and remarried missionaries. The principle is that they be placed for designated funds not salary. A motion was made and seconded to not allow divorced and remarried missionaries to be a part of our missionary work, designated funds or undesignated. I felt like they should all be voted on separately b/c their could be different interpretations for different circumstances. This isn't my problem. My problem was instead of voting on the issue...they voted to postpone the motion indefinitely thereby killing all debate and dealing with this issue. I believe that we be brethren and while we may not agree...at least we can deal with things and not sweep them under the rug.

Concerning the Camps:
a motion was presented to give Pine Springs Baptist Camp to the MBA of Texas and to give Bogg Springs to the state work of Arkansas. This motion failed and I am glad it did. For example...more Churches use Bogg Springs than only Arkansas Churches. If Arkansas had possession of the camp then the Churches in LA and OK and TX and all over the states would have no say in the work of our camps.

Concerning the work of the Baptist Sunday School Committee:
they voted to increase the rates by 5% and add a 5 cent "tax" to each piece of literature. This would go into a fund that would be used to buy equipment. This carried with some opposition. It was guesstimated that this would result in $60,000 per year. Of course this is contingent on sales.

It was also reported that here had been a decrease in the fund balance due to slow sales and the general state of the economy. However, instead of following the lead of the Missions, they asked for and recieved a 3% cost of living increase for the business manager and editor in chief. This met with considerable opposition but nevertheless passed. I feel like wisdom, should have been used and instead of adding more strain on the Churches in rate increases these raises should have been not given this year. If things are better next year...double it then but not now.

These were the three main areas for me to pay attention to. I enjoyed the fellowship, the booths and the preaching. Until next year's ABA in West Virginia that's my two cents and that's worth two cents.

Fatherhood: The Great God Given Assignment

2009-06-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

June 21, 2009 MW Stockwell Road MBC
A GREAT GOD-GIVEN ASSIGNMENT
Matthew 1:18-25

INTRODUCTION:
A. One little boy, when asked to explain the difference in Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, said, “It’s just like Mother’s Day only you don’t spend as much on the gift.” The truth of the matter is that I am glad that there is a Father’s Day because it’s great to be a Dad. It’s good to be a guy! Here are some reasons proving that its better to be a guy: phone calls are over in 30 seconds flat, a 5 day holiday requires only 1 suitcase, when flipping through the channels we don’t have to stop at every shot of someone crying, if another guy shows up at a gathering in the same outfit you have on…you may become best friends for life and finally the occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected. It is great to be a dad!

B. When Cindy informed me that we were expecting our first child I was overwhelmed with joy! I must be honest that that joy and happiness, at times, was replaced by fear and dread. It truly is an awesome responsibility that God has placed upon fathers. God calls us to first of all, love our wives as He loves the Church…an awesome responsibility then He instructs us that we are also responsible for giving this new babbling baby all of the tools he/she will need to be a healthy, God-fearing productive citizen of society. This is our God-Given Assignment and there are no do overs. It is something that we must understand is a great undertaking that has either great reward or great consequence.

C. However, while our responsibility is great, it pales in comparison to THE GREAT GOD-GIVEN ASSIGNMENT that Joseph received. Can you imagine being entrusted by God to be the earthly father of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, the Messiah? One of the verses mentioned during Bible School was that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man…how do you suppose that happened? He was taught by a great man of God named Joseph.

D. As we see Joseph’s GREAT ASSIGNMENT we see some traits in his life that all godly fathers must have as we desire to fulfill our GREAT GOD GIVEN ASSIGNMENT!

BODY:
I. GODLY FATHER’S ARE DEDICATED IN OUR RELATIONSHIPS (Matt. 1: 18-25)
Note: Men for the most part keep to themselves and don’t need a lot of people around them. This makes us different from you women. How often when at a dinner does one man say to another, “I’m going to the restroom, do you need to as well?” “Sure, let’s go!” It just doesn’t happen. However, to a godly man, his family is of special importance!
A. He Loves His Family
1. he prays for them
2. he protects them
3. he provides for them
4. he prioritizes them
B. He Leads His Family—you are the Pastor of your Home
1. he leads by example
2. he leads by encouragement

II. GODLY FATHER’S ARE DEDICATED IN OUR REVERENCE (Matt. 2:13-23)
Note: Joseph displays great commitment and common sense as he reverences what God says. He quietly obeys the voice of God and that is the mark of reverence! Notice…
A. He Reverences and Respects God’s Word
--no questions
B. He Reverences and Respects God’s Will
--no balking just obedience

III. GODLY FATHER’S ARE DEDICATED IN OUR ROLES (Matt. 13:55 & Mark 6:3)
Note: Joseph was known as a carpenter and is it coincidental that Jesus was also known as a carpenter? I think not! He watched Joseph and wanted to do what Joseph did. If your children copied you…would you be pleased with the image?
A. We Consistently Model Character
B. We Consistently Model Compassion
C. We Consistently Model Conviction

CONCLUSION:
Do you remember the words of an aging Joshua to Israel in Joshua 24:15? It is up to us to speak up and lead our own homes in this GREAT GOD GIVEN ASSIGNMENT!

Through the Bible in a Year

2009-06-17T06:47:00.001-07:00

As part of my dedication to organization, as a Full-Time Pastor, I am committing to read the Bible through in one year. I start today in the Psalms 1-2.

I have read through the Bible multiple times but I have never sat down and read from Genesis to Revelation and I have never read through the Bible following a plan...I hope that doesn't make me a bad guy.

I know that following a plan is a good way to stay organized and accountable but there is a danger to following a plan. The danger would be legalism, in other words, reading because I have to instead of because I want to. Legalism is dangerous in any form and legalism will lead to bitterness of soul. A bitter soul will not experience the joy that reading the Scriptures will cause in our hearts.

I covet your prayers that I will follow this everyday because I WANT TO not because I HAVE TO. It will benefit me, my family and the church that God has allowed me to pastor!

THE BANNER STILL WAVES

2009-06-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

June 14, 2009 MW Stockwell Road MBC
THE BANNER STILL WAVES
John 3:14-18
INTRODUCTION:
A. In 1813, as Baltimore prepared for the British forces to attack, Major George Armistead commissioned the sewing of two large flags to fly over Fort McHenry. Mary Young Pinkersgill sewed these flags in 1813 at a cost of $405.90. Major Armistead, the commander of Fort McHenry, specified "a flag so large that the British would have no difficulty seeing it from a distance". Miss Pinkersgill sewed a flag that was 30 ft x 42 ft. It consisted of 15 red and white stripes and 15 stars. Each stripe was two ft high and each star was two ft in diameter. This was a huge flag. As the battle raged in Baltimore harbor, a young amateur poet was clinging to hope. As Francis Scott Key watched from the prison ship, with each burst and flare, he could see this giant flag still waving gallantly. As the bombs ceased, he could only cling to the hope that when dawn broke, the star spangled banner would still be flying. You can imagine the joy that flooded his soul as dawn’s early light poured through his prison bars and there he saw Old Glory still waving oer the land of the free and the home of the brave.

B. I love the flag don’t you! It stands for freedom and reminds us that our freedom came at a cost! As the Redeemed of the Lord, we should be ever mindful that our freedom to worship as we believe the Scriptures teach is because of the sacrifice of those before us! The flag still waves and I am proud of the American Flag! When the Pledge is rendered we snap to attention, we proudly place our hand over our hearts and repeat those precious words, “One Nation Under God” and I say to you, that you may not like the direction we are headed but we are still privileged to live in the greatest CHRISTIAN nation on the planet because that banner still waves!

C. I could preach about the American Flag today, since it is Flag Day, but I think we should focus on another banner that still waves today…the Cross! Sadly, the Cross has become nothing more than an ornament to many people but to us who are saved; it is the power of God! It is because of the Cross that we can be cleansed of our sin, set free from captivity and see the lost saved. It’s all about the Cross. And that banner still waves today! Our text for this morning is often found on banners at sporting events all around this country. The Banner of the Cross is flying high this morning and every morning that God sees fit to leave us here on this Earth. When I behold the Flag I am thankful for so much and as I behold the Cross I am much more thankful!

BODY:
I. THE BANNER OF THE CROSS SERVES AS A REMINDER
note: When I see the Flag I am reminded of the blood that was shed for our freedom and I am reminded of the principles that this country was founded upon. When I see the Cross, I am reminded of much more!
A. We are Reminded of a Curse

B. We are Reminded of a Cure

C. We are Reminded of a Compassion

II. THE BANNER OF THE CROSS SERVES AS A REALITY CHECK
Note: Sometimes, in our lives for Christ, we get to thinking too much of ourselves and sometimes we start thinking to little of ourselves. The Cross stands as a reality check.
A. In Order to Know How Humble We Should Be

B. In Order to Know How Honored We Should Be

III. THE BANNER OF THE CROSS SERVES AS A RALLYING CRY
Note: For Francis Scott Key, seeing Old Glory wave throughout that perilous fight was a cause for much hope. It rallied his spirits through that long night. The Flag has always been inspirational to our Armed Forces and how much more should the Cross be to us!
A. Our Motivation

B. Our Message

C. Our Must

CONCLUSION:
The banner of the Cross still waves today and serves as a reminder, a reality check and a rallying cry! Have you bowed at the foot of the Cross yet?

The First Vacation Bible School

2009-06-06T22:13:00.000-07:00

June 7, 2009 MW Stockwell Road MBC
THE FIRST VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Mark 15:21 & Romans 16:13

INTRODUCTION:

There should be three weeks circled on every Church members calendars: Revival, Church Camp and Vacation Bible School. We should look forward to these three dates with great excitement and anticipation. VBS is one of the most wonderful times of the year…sounds like a Christmas song doesn’t it? This year’s theme is “A Passport to the Promise Land” and it is my prayer that many young people file down this aisle and experience one of the greatest weeks of their lives. During this week’s VBS crafts will be made, songs will be learned, cookies will be devoured and hopefully Jesus will be introduced to each young person.

This morning I want you to see the first ever Vacation Bible School. Two young Jewish boys named Rufus and Alexander got a “Passport to the Promise Land” with their father named Simon. They were from a city, which was located in the Roman Province of Cyrene. They had come “on vacation” to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Follow this for a moment if you will…Mark was writing his Gospel to a predominately Roman audience and he saw fit to include the names of Simon’s children: Alexander and Rufus…Paul, writing his letter to the Church at Rome commended a young believer there also named Rufus. Could it be the same person? We really do not know for sure BUT could the events that Rufus beheld that day, when his father was pulled out of the crowd to carry the Lord’s Cross, been life transforming? Couldn’t those events altered and changed the life of this man so very much that he became a devoted and dedicated servant of God, so faithful that Paul was moved to acknowledge him in his letter to the Romans? I believe so. I think that Rufus and Alexander were signed up and attended the very first Vacation Bible School.

What was it that Rufus saw during the first VBS? What was it that was so life transforming? What is it that we must be sure to show our young people as they enter our doors for VBS this week? If all they get from us are neat crafts or new songs we will have let them down. Let us pray that our children behold the sights that the First Vacation Bible School had on display.

BODY:

I. THE BLOOD APPLIED v. 21
Note: Jesus’ blood was all over that cross the day. His shoulders had been cut open, His back was literally in ribbons from the scourging and His precious head was lacerated from the cruel crown of Judean thorns. That blood, that was on the Cross, Rufus saw applied to his father Simon.
A. It was on His Hands—we crucified Him…His blood is upon our hands!

B. It was on His Head—I think we need that message to sink into our heads! Convicting us!

C. It was on His Heart—It has to get into our hearts before anything can change!

II. THE JOB OCCUPIED v. 21
Note: The Soldiers wanted Simon to carry this cross…they didn’t want to and in fact they pressed him into service, meaning that Simon resisted. But, nevertheless, Simon bore this cross. You see, there was a job that needed to be done. We have a job to do today as well!
A. The Cross Luke 14:27, “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”

B. The Cost—to suffer—it isn’t easy—I Peter 4:13, “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s suffering…”

C. The Cheer—the joy of being in God’s service I Peter 4:13-14

III. THE SAVIOR CRUCIFIED Mark 15:22-25
Note: Rufus was there as this graphic scenario unfolded. I believe that Rufus followed his father all the way to Golgotha and there he beheld the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Friends, we must lift high Jesus Christ and Him crucified for the entire world to see!
A. The Jeering Crowd

B. The Iron Nails

C. The Pierced Side

D. The Shed Blood

CONCLUSION:

Rufus beheld these things and his life was forever changed. I believe, if we, at some point during each lesson show the necessity of the blood, the agony of the Cross and the importance of service it will also change lives today in our VBS. However, I have one more question…whatever happened to Rufus’ brother, Alexander? The sad truth is simply this…we can only do so much. We can present it but they must choose to accept it. Which brother will you be today? Will you be Rufus or Alexander? You decide!

Big J is Back

2009-06-04T12:12:00.000-07:00

Howdy boys and girls...Big J is back up and running in the blogosphere.

Let's see...since I've been gone Rev Reese got a little poetic (The sermonator ate a baconator while changing an alternator), Bro. Adrian is now slinging debate arrows after being flocked by a bunch of pink flamingos, Bro. Snide is still trying to figure out the
Lord's return while preparing to perform a wedding and Bro. Landmarker is still "asking for the old paths and pledging to not remove the ancient landmarks. My texas brethren Microphone Matty is not pleased with our choice of president and Bro. Leland is taking a break while the Church lifts off in Brownwood. Of course some of my brethren have gone silent...Bro. Joseph? Oh Luscious One? and then there is the matter of my dearly beloved blogging brother in law...where is the big buck as the brethren call him? Tonight he will be at the movie Up with his and my family...look out Regal Cinemas...you may never be the same!

I will be lurking in the blogs of times past giving out this new address to this new PERSONAL blog. I hope we can revive the fires that have been dwindling as of late. God bless you all and a thank you all...I'm glad I'm back too!