Proverbial Wisdom – 5:15-23

Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.  Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee. Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.  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. And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?

For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.  He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

Proverbs 5:15-23 (KJV)

Hello, it’s me again…late as usual. Life can simply get in the way and before you know it, you are weeks behind schedule. I am late with this blog posting and I am sorry. Faithfully, I have been sharing God’s Word with my face-book friends but that is not a valid excuse for letting this weekly blog fade away to a once-in-a-while blog. Forgive me.

Subtly, Satan tosses all sorts of hurdles and roadblocks at you, attempting to slow you down in speaking and sharing God’s Word. Face it, that dastardly devil does not want you to share words of encouragement or strength with other children of God; therefore, he bombards you with all sorts of distractions.

Nevertheless, you, as blood-bought child of God, do not have to trip over any hurdles or roadblocks. Through the power of the most High God, who lives inside of you, you can swiftly clear all of those hurdles without breaking your stride. You know this is true, so keep reminding yourself.

As a reborn child of God, you have a mission. You are to live a holy life through the power of the Lord. Further, you are to help others find that same source of power. Jesus, the Word in flesh form (John 1:14) and the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), is that source of power. He paid the price for your freedom so stand up and claim that freedom.

Do not become distracted by things in this world. Predetermine in your heart that no matter what comes at you, you WILL faithfully serve the Lord. You will be true to your marriage vows, you will always speak truth, and you will not allow sin to set up residence within your heart.

Love is a choice. Yes, you heard me right. Love and faithfulness is a conscious decision that you make.

I know that many people like to believe otherwise. They want to believe that unconditional love should have conditions. Huh? How does that make sense? It doesn’t!

In fact, the ways of this evil world do not make sense to those who are faithful in the Lord. So leave all of this world’s vain thoughts behind and move up higher in, through, and by God’s Spirit. You do not belong in this world…you are a foreigner. So stop trying to fit in or understand it.

“Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously” (Malachi 2:15-16).

When you hear God advising you to take heed to your spirit, you had better pay attention. God hates covering one’s garment with violence. Notice, this violence is not an actual hitting/punching type of violence; rather, it is unfaithfulness and deceitful dealings with your spouse. These things God hates. Yes, He hates!

Take heed to your spirit because those things that you think are hidden are open before God’s eyes.

True believers know that the ways of man are always before the eyes of the Lord. Nothing is hidden from Him. Consistently, Scripture warns us that God sees, He hears, and He knows our actions, our words, and our thoughts. (2 Chronicles 16:9, Job 34:21-22, Jeremiah 16:17 & 32:19)

If you do not take heed to your spirit and thus you choose to ignore God’s commands, you will be ensnared by your own wickedness. You can “...be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). Ropes of strongholds may capture your body, your mind, and your soul. In addition, if you persist in ignoring the commands of God, forsaking all of His instructions, you will destroy yourself. “The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands…” (Psalm 9:16).

But you, dear reader, you are wise. You will heed the Word of the Lord and forsake the wickedness of this world. Through the power of God’s Spirit, you will walk in His righteousness and on towards your heavenly reward. How can you be holy and live holy? You do this with determination and through the power of the Lord’s Spirit.

Learn to fear the Lord…a good dose of healthy fear of the Lord can lead to great wisdom.

For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done.

Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT)

 Three Key Concepts:

1.  Be faithful…Be faithful…and, Be faithful.

2.  The wicked become ensnared in their own wickedness.

3.  Nothing is hidden from the Lord; thus, live wisely.

Proverbial Wisdom – 5:1-14

My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: that thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: but her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell. Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.

Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;  and thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, and say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; and have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.

Proverbs 5:1-14 (KJV)

Like prior chapters, this chapter begins with, “Hey you, listen up…pay attention!” Of course, that was in my informal rendition of King Solomon’s words.  Whether you “attend unto my wisdom” or you “listen up”, you will benefit from paying attention to this Proverb.

By now, you should realize that you are in a mighty battle for your soul. Satan, that dastardly Prince of Darkness, is condemned to spend an eternity in hell and he is determined to take you with him. But you are wise—you will heed God’s warnings so that you will not fall for Satan’s wicked schemes.

You are putting on the whole armour of God and you are preparing for battle by studying God’s Word (Ephesians 6:11-18). You are listening, you are paying attention, and you are implementing. Yes, not only must you study God’s Word, but you must also implement the Word in your life.

“For if you just listen and don't obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve your appearance.  You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like” (James 1:23-24, NLT).

This lesson, Proverbs 5:1-14, warns you to stay away from an immoral woman. Her lips may drip with honey (smooth pleasant words), but her trap will be bitter. Like a spider that weaves a web of sticky silk to catch its prey, the immoral woman weaves a web of sweet seduction to catch her prey. Stay away from her and do not get close enough to cast a shadow upon her door.

Sin is like an immoral woman. It beckons you with sweet promises, enticing you with trickery and lies. Just as Satan tricked Eve with deceitful words, he will also trick you. Once caught in Satan’s web of lies, you soon discover that sin’s consequences can be deadly.

Not only does this world abound with sexual seducers, it also abounds with spiritual seducers. Spiritual seducers, like immoral women, beckon you with sweet promises. These seducers may offer multiple ways to heaven, or they may even be brazen enough to claim that there is no hell. In their foolishness, they deny Christ’s words of warnings.

Some seducers willingly skip over major portions of Scriptures. Since they have not experienced nor do they understand the refining power of God’s Spirit, they may claim that all you have to do is verbalize two little words, “I believe.”  A true belief in something results in affirmative action. If you truly believe, then your actions will affirm that belief. You will bring forth fruit corresponding with your belief (Matthew 3:8).

“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:19-20). 

As Jude 1:4-7 warns us, spiritual seducers have entered the church. These seducers increase their offering plates by issuing “hell-free zone cards.” In exchange for your money, they willingly turn God’s grace into licenses to sin. They feed you a doctrine with no strings attached, no obedience needed, and no spiritual rebirth required.  But understand that these deceitful doctrines also contain no light to dispel the darkness, no power to free the prisoner, no ability to transform the wicked, and no authority to resurrect the dead.

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him” (1 John 2:3-5).

In order to escape a sticky web of sin, you need a Savior. Jesus is that Savior. He is the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), He is the flesh form of the Word (John 1:14), He is the sacrificial Lamb of God (John 1:36), He is the door leading to the Father (John 10:1), and He is the Way…the only Way (John 14:6).

Since Satan wants to block your path to heaven, you can count on him to throw all sorts of temptations at you. However since you are wise, you will stay away from all tempting sources. Just as you would not walk close to the weak edge of a crumbling cliff, you will not walk close to a weak area of your resistance.

Nope…you are NOT going to let any sin snares trap you!

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

John 3:3, 5-6 (KJV)

Three Key Concepts:

1.  Spiritual seducers will entice the unwary with ear-tinkling doctrines.

2.  To escape a sticky web of sin, you needed a Savior.

3.  You must stay away from sources of temptations.

Proverbial Wisdom – 4:1-9

Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

Proverbs 4:1-9

This week is going to be a little different. When I began studying and taking notes for this lesson, words were impressed upon my heart. Let the truth from these words sink deep and take root in your soul.

The following (italicized) is the message that I heard:

“Listen dear ones and pay attention to these words. Recognize the truth and wisdom in these sayings. Let these words become an intimate part of you and don’t ever let them out of your sight.”

“Never forsake the Words of the Lord for all of His Words will give you life.”

“Chase after wisdom and understanding. Nail them firmly upon the doorposts of your heart. Meditate daily, hour by hour, breath by breath, upon the life-giving Word. Obeying God’s Word will protect you in your hour of turmoil.”

“Lift up God’s Word. Hold His Word up high so that all mankind might see. Never deny the Word of the Lord and never deny the One who brought the Word in flesh form.”

The whole Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is the Word of God. Please never forsake this truth.

Many people are attempting to compromise, change, or dilute the Word of God. But do not fall victim to Satan’s wicked schemes.  Yes…I did say and mean Satan!

Satan is the spirit behind these wicked men who are attempting to substitute man’s words for God’s Word. Therefore, do not be fooled by their charismatic words or by their popularity. Call evil for what it is…evil. “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2).

We are in a mighty battle against wicked principalities who want to suppress the Truth and capture us in their darkness. The true light, Jesus Christ, came to free us from the darkness and give us eternal life. But the rulers of darkness want to change the true light (the Word of God—the Bible), plunging us back into the dark and recapturing our souls.

“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.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:12-13).

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

Currently we are living in a day where people call good…evil and evil…good. The worldly news press demonizes anyone who publicly speaks out supporting the Word of God. Further, when Christians shine the light of God’s Truth upon ungodly rulers, they are called hypocrites. We are truly living in perilous times.

Although we are living in perilous times, we must take a stand and confess the Word of the Lord. Jesus is the Word who was made flesh and lived amongst us (John 1:14). He is the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). Do not deny Him; rather, confess Him before all.  “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:32-34).

Firmly plant your feet in the Word of God and stand strong, never modify or dilute His Word. It is time to arm yourself for battle, so grab your sword and begin marching forward! (Ephesians 6:17).

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 1:1, 14

Three Key Concepts:

1.  We must never forsake the Word of God.

2.  Satan is the spirit who works in the children of disobedience.

3.  We must stand and confess the Word of God.

Proverbial Wisdom – 2:10-22

When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:

To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life. That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.  But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

Proverbs 2:10-22 (KJV)

Last week, I said that God would liberally give us wisdom, knowledge, and understanding if we would earnestly seek Him and were willing to pay the price. Sometimes, the price is high. However, no matter how high it is, friends, it is worth it. So let’s jump right into the fire and begin crying, “More, Lord. Give us more—take us deeper.”

The man (or woman), who invites wisdom into his (or her) heart and delights in knowledge will be able to stand strong against evil. Refer back to our August 12, 2011 lesson, Proverbial Wisdom – Part 2, in which I introduced that Jesus Christ is wisdom. If you truly have been reborn by His Spirit, then you have His Spirit inside of you. Moreover, since Jesus is wisdom and He abides within you, then in order to be wise you just need to walk by His Spirit and follow His guide. (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Now skip down to Verse 20 of Proverbs chapter 2. This tells us that if we have accepted wisdom into our hearts and joyfully applied knowledge in our lives (verse 10), then we will walk and remain in the good path of righteousness. Verse 21 stresses how important it is to remain in the path of the righteous, “...the upright shall dwell in the land and the perfect shall remain in it.”

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

Many people will follow the wide, broad pathway to destruction. In their foolishness, they will succumb to the perverse man, who speaks great lies and entices them into his world of darkness.  Once entangled in the darkness, their hearts, minds, and souls change, until eventually, they begin to take pleasure in their crooked paths.

“…they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without UNDERSTANDING, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, BUT HAVE PLEASURE in them that do them” (Romans 1:28-32, emphasis added).

Please, heed this warning! When a person knowingly rejects God’s commands and follows the perverse man, his soul becomes wrapped in darkness. Once in darkness, it is difficult to pull the rebellious man out into the light. Therefore, be wise, stay on the path of righteousness, and avoid the perverse man.

Verses 12 – 15 give us a brief description of the perverse man. Know this description so that you can avoid him. The perverse man speaks great falsehoods, he forsakes the way of righteousness, and his actions are destructive. He takes pleasure in harming others, he derives his fun from evil words or actions, and he views things in a crooked or distorted manner. Ultimately, his evil ways will lead him to death, because he will reap what he has sown. He chose to sow lies, hate, and destruction, and thus, he chose to reap death.

 

On to our next section, verse 16—this warns about the strange woman. The strange woman flatters with her words, appealing to both pride and lust. Sweetly she beckons, forsaking her covenant with God. She is on a mission, and that mission is to get us to share in her destruction. She is on the pathway of the dead and she is determined to take people with her.

Some commentaries liken the strange woman to a strange religion. These false religions appeal to people’s sinful pride and lustful thoughts. They offer people a false ideology that allows them to say that they are a Christian while, at the same time, their deceived soul remains in habitual sin. These false ideologies give out a license for continual sin because they know not, and teach not, the true Word of the Lord.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

You, my dear friend, can avoid falling victim to both the perverse man and the strange woman. To do this, you must fill your heart, mind, and soul with wisdom, knowledge and understanding of God’s Word. His Word will protect you from these wicked forces if you will take it, know it, and live it.

Throughout our journey in Proverbs, we will consistently read that wrong actions result in dire consequences.  In order for you to avoid wrong actions, you need a Savior. Jesus is that Savior if you will invite Him into your heart and make Him Lord of your life.

Today, you are walking through the valley of decision, which way will you go? Will you choose life and follow Jesus, or will you choose death and follow Satan? What is your choice?

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.

Joel 3:14 (Amplified)

Three Key Concepts:

1.   Wisdom, knowledge, discretion and understanding protects you from evil.

2.   Willful rejection of God will lead to death.

3.   Everyone must make a decision about Jesus.

Cleaning House

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ…deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

1 Corinthians 5:4-5

I did not fabricate this week’s opening verses. Although you may never hear these verses preached inside of your church, I promise you that they are in the Bible. But don’t take my word for it; instead, go get your Bible and read 1 Corinthians chapter 5.

We can no longer be content with churches that refuse to administer godly church discipline. It is time that we return to God’s design for His Holy Church. In other words, if we say that we are His Church, then we must operate as His Church.

In New Zealand, there is a city named Christchurch. This city, with a population of about 350,000 people, has been shaken to its very core. Since September 2010, it has registered around 7,500 earthquakes—if you ask me, that’s a whole bunch of shaking.

Personally, I think the name of this shaking city (Christchurch) is God’s warning to the Church. If we want to continue being Christ’s Church and continue operating in His Spirit, then we must shake things up and begin cleaning house, “…thou shalt put evil away from among you” (Deuteronomy 13:5, 17:7, 19:19, 22:21-22, 24:7).

Putting evil away from us does not refer to casting out sinners who come for help. Rather, it refers to church members who claim Christianity and yet they continue living lives of habitual sin. “…you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a Christian yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Don't even eat with such people” (2 Corinthians 5:11, NLT).

Far too long, the Church has refused to clean its own house, and consequently, it has become contaminated with all sorts of sins.

In fact, we even cringe at the thought of giving someone over to Satan. However, God’s Word, as spoken by Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church, tells us that there is a point where we must release a wayward soul into the hands of our enemy, Satan. But we cannot do this lightly!

In a perfect world and in a perfect Christian church, no one would have to be delivered to Satan, because everyone would judge his or herself. “But let a man examine himself…” (1 Corinthians 11:28). “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged” (1 Corinthians 11:31).

Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world; nor are there any perfect churches in this world. Thus, we encounter situations in which the saints of God are to judge their fellow man (a man who claims Christianity). We don’t judge in the spirit of hatred or malice; instead, we judge in the spirit of love…solely for the purpose of godly correction.

If a church member claims to be a Christian and yet refuses to turn from his or her sins, that member should be removed from Christian fellowship. The purpose of removing offenders from fellowship is to bring them shame, which causes them to repent of their sins. We simply want to save their souls. “…have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother” (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15).

Sin within the church body must be disciplined, because undisciplined sin can quickly contaminate the whole body. Therefore, we have to take a godly stand and stop condoning sin. Give the habitual sinner, who claims Christianity, over to Satan. “…Don't you realize that if even one person is allowed to go on sinning, soon all will be affected?” (1 Corinthians 5:6, NLT).

Christchurch, New Zealand, is being shaken. Likewise, Christ’s Church, is also being shaken. We must begin cleaning house and removing sin. Sin is a contaminating force that is like a deadly disease. If it is left untreated, it will quickly spread and destroy many (Joshua 7).

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Ephesians 5:11

Three Key Concepts:

1.  We must discipline evil within the church walls.

2.  Undisciplined sin will spread within the church.

3.  In order to save souls, we must turn some people over to Satan.

The Repentant Man

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

Today, all around the world, we hear and see the devastating effect of civilization’s moral decline. People are sliding into sinful depravity, such as the days of Sodom and Gomorrah. Unconcerned about their final destiny, wicked people rush headlong into the pit of sin, without looking back.

Unfortunately, this trend of moral decline has not only permeated individuals, families, and nations; it has also permeated many church members, ministers, and churches. All of these are lost souls who need a Savior. Jesus is that Savior.

Yes, I did include church members, ministers, and churches in my list of those who are in need of a Savior. They need a Saviour because true salvation requires a repentant heart, and that requirement is missing in many church messages.

I know this lesson may not sit well with some readers, because some people despise being told that they have to turn from their sins. Instead, they want to retain their sins and mix those sins with a head-knowledge of Jesus Christ; and at the same time, they claim to be saved. It will not work; therefore, I will teach God’s Word.

We are in the time of God’s grace and He is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). However, do not mistake God’s grace as a license to sin (Jude 1:4).

Scriptures consistently throughout the Bible, stress that in order to be healed (salvation) there must be a repentant heart. Furthermore, true repentance is more than just dropping morsels of praise in an attempt to appease God and win His blessings. Rather, true repentance is a genuine sorrow evidenced by a complete change in attitude, which results in a turning from sin and a turning to God.

For example, prior to repentance, the sinful man is walking down a road in one direction. After repentance, that same man turns around and begins walking in the opposite direction. He does not just do a 45-degree turn and mix some sin with some holy, nor does he just do a 90-degree turn and mix half sin with half holy. Rather, the true repentant man does a 180-degree turn and he begins going in a complete opposite direction.

Quickly, everyone grab your Bible, turn to Luke 19:1-10, and read the story of Zacchaeus. After Zacchaeus had an encounter with Jesus, Zacchaeus repented. His repentance was more than just empty words. After he repented, Zacchaeus shared with the poor and returned that which he had stolen…he even gave back more than he had stolen. He felt a true sorrow for his sins that was evidenced by his actions.

Likewise, when a sinful man truly repents, his repentance will be evidenced by his actions. He will restore that which he had stolen (Ezekiel 33:14-16), and he will turn from sin that previously destroyed (Ezekiel 18:28). “…turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit…” (Ezekiel 18:30-31).

A godly sorrow, a broken spirit, a contrite heart, and a change in actions evidence a true repentant man (Psalms 51:17, Jonah 3:5-10, Joel 2: 13, James 4:4-10, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Matthew 21:28-32).

Moreover, when a true repentant man humbles himself before God and turns from his prior wicked ways, his sins are forgiven and his heart is healed (Isaiah 1:18-19, Jeremiah 18:8-9, Micah 7:5-9).

Compare the outcome of a repentant man with the outcome of an unrepentant man. Whereas the repentant man is forgiven and healed, the unrepentant man is cursed with pain, distress, sorrow, hardness, and destruction (Psalms 32:3-4, Romans 2:4-6, Lamentations 1:20, Isaiah 1:20).

While you are comparing the repentant man with the unrepentant man, open your Bibles to Matthew 27:3-5 and Matthew 26:75. What was the outcome of the unrepentant man, Judas, compared to the outcome of the repentant man, Peter?

Although we are still in the day of grace, we are also in the day of the itchy ear syndrome. Many churches have abandoned God’s requirement of a repentant man. Please do not make this mistake. If you discover that you have sinned, truly repent with a godly sorrow.

Additionally, have nothing to do with a rebellious man who has knowingly turned his back to God. “..Deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Corinthians 5:5).

So you see, you can harbor a ship that is adrift on the open seas, you can harbor a man that is blinded since birth, but you had better not harbor the rebellious man (Titus 1:20, Ephesians 5:11, 2 Thessalonians 3:6 & 14).

If you harbor the rebellious man or if you, yourself, are a rebellious man, then on the judgment day, you just may hear a famous line from an old show of “I Love Lucy.” Ricky Ricardo would say, “Lucy, you got some splainin to do!”  

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Isaiah 55:6-7

Three Key Concepts

1.  A repentant man is evidenced through his actions.

2.  God restores and heals the true repentant man.

3.  Turn the unrepentant man over to Satan.

Speak Up!

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

Psalms 138:7 (KJV)

Saint of God, you are in a war. You are constantly battling against wicked principalities of the air. These principalities are evil spirits, and they control people who refuse to come into the light of the Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes, you have to defend yourself with your shield (faith), and other times you have to thrust at your enemy with your sword (Word of God). You are battling against the deceived who like the dark because they do not want to turn from their sins.

If you are a true Saint, then you are filled with God’s Spirit and His light; consequently, the deceived will hate you. “…men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved” (John 3:19-20, KJV).

Daily, you encounter enemies of the Gospel everywhere, at the store, on your job, or maybe even in your church. Nevertheless, you are blessed. You are blessed because many Christians have it much worse.

All around the world, there are people who fear for their lives simply because they are Christians. They stand by their faith and they boldly confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior (Matthew 10:32-34). Their confession may land them in a prison or it may even land them in a coffin. Furthermore, their governments are fully aware of it and sometimes those same governments are the instigators of the persecution!

If you don’t believe me, then do a Google search on Christian persecution. It will open your eyes. “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake” (Matthew 24:9, KJV).

Right now, most of the Christian persecution is happening outside of the United States of America. However, that is beginning to change. Slyly Satan, the master of deceit, is stripping away every one’s Christian rights through the guise of promoting tolerance. This evil spirit promotes tolerance for sin, but at the same time, it demonizes Christians’ rights.

In many places, it is no longer safe to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. Even here in the United States, numerous graduating students this year were ordered not to mention the name of Jesus during graduation ceremonies. Thankfully, some students refused to be silenced and they stood boldly by their faith.

What is it going to take before you are willing to boldly stand up and confess to the entire world that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior? Not only must you confess it through your words, but you must also confess it through your actions. You have to live it as well as you speak it. This includes you, me, and every Christian around the world.

This very hour, completely dedicate yourself to God—begin lighting up the dark through sacrificing your flesh. Live a holy life, a life that is consecrated fully to God. Voice your Christian beliefs through your political power, vote exclusively for Christian candidates who support Christian rights and protection all around the world. Become vocal...Speak up!

Live a true Christian life through your church attendance, supporting only ministers that preach and live the full Gospel. The full Gospel means the entire Bible, all the way from Genesis to Revelation. This includes Leviticus 18:22 and even Ephesians 5:2-7. And since there is a current movement in the world today to partner with various religions, you better stop and take a look at 2 Corinthians 6:14-17.

It is time for all Christians, here in America and in foreign lands, to band together and as one voice boldly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord. Let God silence those who will try to muzzle us. “…You will clench your fist against my angry enemies! Your power will save me” (Psalms 138:7, NLT).

Stop hiding under that bushel basket. God has appointed you as a watchman to the world; thus speak the Word of the Lord…be silent no longer (Ezekiel 33:1-9). “No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light” (Luke 11:33, KJV).

I can’t speak for you, but as for me, I am climbing out from under my bushel basket and letting God’s light shine forth.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

Luke 9:24-26 (KJV)

Three Key Concepts:

1.  Christian persecution is intensifying.

2.  God shields His children for His glory.

3.  You have a duty to speak up.

Stand Your Ground—The Battle Belongs to God

And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.

Luke 24:49 (NLT)

After a long hard week, I am ready for a Bible lesson that will replenish my strength. How about you?

Sometimes when I have faced many lions (battles) throughout the week, I yearn to be engulfed in God’s love. Similar to how a baby kangaroo, a Joey, snuggles down deep into his mother’s pouch; I want to snuggle down deep into God’s love. In other words, I want to do a free-fall into His arms and say, “I’m tired. Can you take over?” Do any of you know what I am talking about?

Have you ever had a week where you felt like Satan had smacked you up side your head, pushed you past your limit, and sucked you into his wicked game?  You became distracted and before you knew it, you were ensnared in one of Satan’s senseless diversions. You don’t have to put up with this—you have rights!

It is time to go on strike and demand your rights. As a child of God, refuse to let Satan victimize you any longer. Unfortunately, you will continue to encounter him in this wicked world, but you don’t have to become his victim. “…He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God” (Ephesians 2:2, NLT).  

James 4:7 says, “… Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.”  I don’t know about you, but I am certainly ready for him to flee. Far too long, I have given him free rein in some areas of my life. Now I am ready to stand my ground and say, “Shoo, go away devil. Get out of here!” But simply verbalizing those words doesn’t work—I know because I’ve tried it! Therefore, I need to go a little bit deeper into God’s Word for the solution to this devil problem.

In Luke 24:49, Jesus said that He would send the Holy Spirit as God had promised. Once we received the Holy Spirit, we would then be filled with power. The original word for power was “dunamis”— a dynamite power, or a miraculous power.

Consequently, as children of God, we have a great power within us…The Holy Spirit. This Power can miraculously explode and vaporize all of our large boulders of problems into small particles of dust. But how do we light the fuse to that dynamite power?

Let’s go back to James 4:7 and take a closer look at the section on resisting the devil. The first part of that Scripture says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God.”  The following section, James 4:8, says, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”

Did you notice that the Scripture on resisting the devil is sandwiched between messages that require something of us? We can’t pick and choose the messages that we want to listen to and ignore the rest. If we want to be successful in resisting the devil, then we must obey all of the messages.

From the other messages, we learn that we have to submit to God (V. 7), draw closer to Him (V. 8), and repent of all sin (V. 8). After we do this, then we can resist the Devil and he will have to flee. The fuse to the dunamis power will have been lit.  But all of this sounds very similar to another Scripture, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

God promises that He will do the healing; as such, we need to turned everything over to God. We don’t have to fight Satan on our own. It is not our fight!  “But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse Satan of blasphemy, but simply said, ‘The Lord rebuke you…’” (Jude 1:9, NLT).  

Further, Ephesians 6:12 says that we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against “principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Since our weak flesh and blood cannot victoriously fight against any wicked spiritual powers, we just need to step aside and let God fight on our behalf.  Besides, God says that vengeance belongs to Him and He will repay those who deserve it (Romans 12:20).

Our part in this fight against evil is to remain standing by putting on the whole armor of God. “Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm” (Ephesians 6:13, NLT, emphasis added).   

Satan is attempting to wear us down by his constant badgering; however, we can stand firm because we have within us a dynamite power that, hopefully, we have lit. “…as I depend on Christ's mighty power that works within me” (Colossians 1:29, NLT).

Although Satan constantly tries to wear us down, you and I can remain standing when we put on the whole armor of God and are accessing the power of God. We have to light the fuse to the dunamis power. I don’t know about you, but I am going to strike a match and light my inner dunamis power!

“Don't be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed,“O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened his servant's eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.

2 Kings 6:16-17 (NLT)

Three Key Concepts:

1.   Satan strives to wear us down.

2.   God’s Holy Spirit empowers us to stand firm through all battles.

3.  We must turn all battles over to God—the fight belongs to Him.

The Lions’ Den

My God sent his angel to shut the lions' mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight….

 Daniel 6:22 (NLT)

Friday morning, as I was sleeping soundly all warm and cozy in my bed, I suddenly woke up with this week’s blog title flashing through my mind—The Lions’ Den.

About six weeks ago, I joined a ladies’ bible study class that is using Beth Moore’s course, Daniel— Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy. This week we studied Daniel chapter 6. Hence, the name of this lesson “The Lions’ Den.” If you are not familiar with that story, then please pull out your Bible and read Daniel chapter 6.

In Daniel 6, you read about some jealous leaders who decided that they wanted to get rid of Daniel. So that evil bunch of hooligans devised a plan and tricked King Darius into passing a law that declared, “for the next thirty days anyone who prays to anyone, divine or human-except to Your Majesty—will be thrown to the lions” (Daniel 6:7, NLT).

Since this new law contradicted God’s commands, Daniel refused to obey it (Exodus 20:3-6). He would not bow or pray to anyone other than to his God. So at the risk of losing his life, Daniel faithfully continued to kneel in prayer three times a day, giving thanks to God. Whereas, sometimes I think that I have done good when I kneel in prayer only one time a day. And I don’t even have to worry about losing my life in a den of hungry lions!

Daniel violated the law; therefore, King Darius had him thrown into a den with snarling, mangy, lions. Visualize this for a moment. Imagine that it is you standing there in Daniel’s place staring into the faces of all those hungry lions. Picture the saliva dripping from the lions’ fangs as they lick their chops, hungry for their next meal. That meal is you! “Ahhh! Here’s dinner. You take the head and I’ll take a leg. Scruffy, over there, can take an arm.” Talk about panic…I would have panicked! I don’t want my faith tested by hungry lions.

Even though Daniel found himself in the midst of hungry lions, he was not harmed. There was not a bite, a nibble, or even a scratch on him anywhere. An angel of the Lord had protected him and shut the lions’ mouths.

Now look at the last part of Daniel 6:22. Daniel said, “…for I have been found innocent in his sight.” In Psalms 91:14, “The Lord says, ‘I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name’” (NLT). Daniel not only trusted God, but he also loved and obeyed God (John 14:15).

Right now, you may be asking yourself how this story applies to you, because you don’t foresee yourself being tossed into any lions’ den—at least not anytime soon. Although your faith in God may not be tested by an encounter with a physical lion; nevertheless, it will be tested. “Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NLT).

On this journey through life, you will face many spiritual lions. You might encounter them in your family, in your school, or in your workplace. The lions might attack you verbally, physically, or even mentally. But no matter where or what type of lion you face, God can still close that lion’s mouth. There is no problem too big for God—He can protect you.

To you, your situation may look hopeless. But it is not hopeless! Just as easily as God protected Daniel in the lions’ den and rescued Peter from prison, God can protect and rescue you (Acts 12:6-11). However, when you are facing that snarling lion, you must remain strong, obedient, and faithful to God.

There might come a time when you are tempted to appease a hungry lion by agreeing or compromising with its evil. Instead of having faith that God will fight the battle on your behalf, you waiver in faith and decide to cozy up to that lion. Don’t! You are only offering the lion an appetizer, and he won’t be satisfied until he has devoured the main course—you. Resist the lion and don’t compromise with its sins (James 4:7). “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you” (1 Peter 5:7, NLT).

Today, are you facing any hungry lions that want to devour you? If you are, then give your worries over to God—trust Him to take care of those lions. God will not abandon you (2 Corinthians 4:8-10).

For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go. You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

Psalms 91:11, 13 (NLT)

Three Key Concepts

1.  Satan, as a hungry lion, wants to ambush and devour you.

2.  You will encounter many spiritual lions in this world.

3.  God protected Daniel in the lions’ den and He can protect you too.