Proverbial Wisdom—6:30-35

Excuses might be found for a thief who steals because he is starving. But if he is caught, he will be fined seven times as much as he stole, even if it means selling everything in his house to pay it back. But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys his own soul. Wounds and constant disgrace are his lot. His shame will never be erased. For the woman's husband will be furious in his jealousy, and he will have no mercy in his day of vengeance. There is no compensation or bribe that will satisfy him.

Proverbs 6:30-35 (NLT)

Oops…I discovered that I included the above verses in my last blog posting. Oh well, not to worry, because you can never get too much of God’s Words of wisdom.

Throughout the book of Proverbs is a cord of wisdom about the destructiveness of sampling the forbidden. Study Adam and Eve. Their act of rebellion set in motion a huge avalanche of negative consequences. Those negative consequences continue even unto our day, thousands of years later.

The sins of an adulterous man will also set in motion an avalanche of destruction. Once that avalanche begins, its snowball of hell can destroy everyone within its path…both the guilty and the innocent. Therefore, the wise man will think before he leaps into the arms of a harlot.

Society has blurred the lines between right and wrong…good and evil…until adultery is considered as common as a hiccup. Nevertheless, God’s Word has not changed.

God does not have blurred vision, nor does He accept the deceitfulness of man’s ideas. Furthermore, He says in Romans 1:18 that He shows His, “anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who push the truth away from themselves” (NLT).

Those who deny God’s truth and accept the devil’s lies, begin a downward spiral into a corkscrew of moral corruption. Once the foolish man begins this downward spiral, vain imaginations attack his mind until he cannot recognize the difference between good and evil. His logic becomes perverted by his own wickedness. “…The result was that their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they became utter fools instead” (Romans 1:21-22).

This downward spiral of moral corruption is rolling throughout our countries like an avalanche. One sin leads to greater sins. Then greater sins lead to even greater sins, until people are buried under an avalanche of their sins. Having settled for the devil’s hell, they can no longer perceive the difference between acceptable and unacceptable.

A quick look at news headlines confirms the downward spiral of mankind. Teachers are corrupting by having sex with students. Politicians are hiding their true agendas under a playwright of falsehoods. Children are acting out violent video games with Real guns and on Real people!

But it does not have to be this way. This moral decline can be stopped!

If we as individuals and as a nation would return to the knowledge and the fear of the Lord, we can be pulled out from harm’s way before this avalanche of wickedness destroys us, as it destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.

There is hope of healing if we would heed God’s call to repentance. “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, KJV).

Children of God, it is time that we fall upon our faces before the Lord and begin crying out for His mercy. We must confess and repent of all our wicked ways. All those wicked ways of rewriting God’s Word in order to satisfy our lusty desires must stop. And all those wicked ways of disguising lies under a veil of false flattery (intrigue), must be exposed by the sword of truth (the Word of God).

There is still time for us to be saved from the sword of destruction that is slashing through the wicked. But in order to be saved, we need to cry out to the Lord and repent of our sins. Perhaps God will hear our cries, forgive our sins, and begin healing our nation.

For lust is a shameful sin, a crime that should be punished. It is a devastating fire that destroys to hell.

Job 31:11-12 (NLT)

So if your eye—even if it is your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your hand—even if it is your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

Matthew 5:29-30 (NLT)

Three Key Concepts:

1.  An act of rebellion can set off an avalanche of destruction.

2.  When people deny God’s truth, their minds can become dark and confused.

3.  It is time to humbly cry out, seek God’s face, and repent of our sins.

Proverbial Wisdom – 4:10-19

Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

Proverbs 4:10-19 (KJV)

Recently, a powerful tornado ripped through the countryside, ten to fifteen miles from my home. It destroyed houses, trees, and everything in its path. It buried cars under debris and it twisted trees out of the ground. The wreckage from the storm was horrendous. Many people were hurt and even a couple of people lost their lives!

The aftermath of a natural disaster, whether it is caused by a flood, earthquake, tsunami, hurricane, or tornado, is devastating. You are overwhelmed by the fact that so much damage can happen so quickly. Lives are lost, people are injured, and properties are destroyed.  Moreover, sometimes it all takes place in just a few short minutes. 

However, no matter how extensive the property damage is, the most catastrophic loss is the loss of lives. Houses can be rebuilt, vehicles can be replaced, and trees can be replanted. But a life cannot be replaced. Once someone is gone from this earth, he or she is gone. All that is left is the memories of his or her short earthly life.

If the individual had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, then that individual receives an eternal heavenly body…one that will never die. Thus, death for them is a stepping-stone to eternal glory.

But not everyone has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Some people refuse to accept God’s gift of His Son. Since these souls have never accepted Jesus Christ, then they have not been reborn through the Spirit of the Lord. Jesus said, “…Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Heaven will not be their home…their souls are lost.

That is the most catastrophic lost that there can ever be…a soul dying without Jesus!

My purpose in writing these short lessons is to point you to the Lord and to encourage you in your journey with the Lord. Things of this world are quickly changing, but the wisdom and the knowledge of God are eternal—these will never fade. No man can enter into the presence of God except through Jesus. Jesus is the only Way. He is the Light, the Truth, and the Word. Except you come through Him, you will not see the Father.

Several lessons back, I stated that true wisdom comes through knowing Jesus Christ and through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. “…For our benefit God made Christ to be wisdom itself” (1 Corinthians 1:30, NLT). Wisdom that you gain from knowing and accepting Jesus Christ will lead you towards the right paths, helping you to make good choices. But this wisdom cannot be found in college textbooks; rather, this wisdom is only found through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and by the anointing of God’s Spirit. It is wisdom from God.

When you know Jesus Christ and follow His Spirit, you are led down the right paths of life. He protects you by shining His light of truth on obstacles that the enemy throws into your pathway. If you do make a mistake and trip, He will help pick you up. Thus, when you hold firmly to the Word and follow the Word’s instructions, never letting its wisdom slip away, you will have a long life…eternal life. It cannot get any longer than that.

True godly wisdom helps you recognize and avoid the evil deeds of lost souls. You are walking through a battleground of deceit and many people will come at you with great lying words. Their deceitful words may appeal to your pride, they may appeal to your lustful flesh, or they may even appeal to your hunger for power or money. No matter what kind of deceit that the wicked spew forth, do not be entangled in their snare. Avoid them…walk away…have nothing to do with their web of lies.  

The wicked man thrives upon creating chaos and lies. He feeds upon the flesh of the innocent. Upon his bed at night, the wicked man plans more traps for his prey. He, the wicked man, is lost and he is stumbling around in the darkness of his soul. His hunger for destruction will not be satisfied until he has ensnared you in the darkness of hell.

Flee from the wicked man. Run straight into the welcoming arms of the Lord. There you will find love, peace, and eternal life. Run!

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:6 (KJV)

Three Key Concepts:

1.  This earthly life can change in a single minute.

2.  Jesus is the only Way to the Father.

3.  Avoid becoming ensnared by the deeds of the wicked man.

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 – 3:1-6

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:1-6 (KJV)

Dear Friends, I apologize for the tardiness of this week’s lesson. This has been a difficult week for me. First, I had a toothache and as a result, I found myself sitting in a dentist chair. Then Thursday, September 22, was the anniversary of my first husband’s death.

It has been eight years since my husband’s death, but it was such a life-changing event that I will never forget the details of that horrible day. Although I will never forget my husband, I did learn how to adjust to the change, continue forward with my life, and wait patiently upon God. I am still waiting to discover all the wonderful plans that God has in store for my future.

God has a good plan for all of His children. He sees into our hearts—He sees our strengths and He sees our weaknesses. The astounding part is that God loves us in spite of all of our weaknesses!

Life-changing events can transform our weaknesses into strengths. When we are suddenly plunged into the angry waves of despair, from a sickness or death of a loved one or maybe even from our own sickness, we may flounder around for a bit, barely keeping our heads above water. However, while we are floundering in despair, we gently hear God calling, “Hang on My child. Hold tight to My hand and I will lead you out.”

After floundering for a bit, I hope that we wise up, reach out, and take hold of God’s outstretched hand. I know I had to.

There was no way that I could make it through the valley of death without God. I surrendered myself to God, I rehearsed His Word (Bible) in my mind, and I held tight to my faith in Him. God did not disappoint me.

God was my strength while I underwent a painful transformation process. Through my faith in Him, I survived my walk through the valley of death. It was in that valley of death that some of my weaknesses were transformed into my strengths. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalms 23:4).

Unfortunately, many times we have to undergo painful trials before we willingly surrender ourselves to God’s transforming hand. It is in the midst of those trials that we finally begin to understand and appreciate God’s faithfulness.   

All of us will go through life-changing events at some point in time. Some of those events will be good and some of those events will be bad. Nevertheless, by faith we can victoriously endure all life-changing events IF we depend on God. God is working on our behalf to transform us into pure, strong, holy vessels. “The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives” (Psalms 37:23, NLT).

If you are personally going through a life-changing event, perhaps God is birthing a new ministry within you. God may be transforming some of your weaknesses into strengths so He can use you to help His children. Therefore, while you are going through the transformation process, do not become overwhelmed. Instead, look at the process as an exercise in your faith. By faith, you know that God is right there beside you, lovingly planning every detail of your transformation.

But while you are being transformed, make sure that you follow ALL of God’s commands. God’s Word promises that if you remember His laws and obey His commands, you will have length added to your days and peace added to your life (verses 1 and 2). But you can’t stop there!

Your outward behavior must reflect God’s mercy and God’s truth (verse 3 – “bind them about thy neck”). The only way that you can outwardly reflect mercy and truth, is to have these same principles written internally within your heart (“write them upon the table of thine heart”). Therefore, let mercy and truth rule your days, both in your heart and in your behavior. When you do this, you will find favor and understanding in the sight of God (verse 4).

Finding favor with God is my goal. More than anything, I want to hear God say, “Well done My good and faithful child.”

In this life, you will go through many spiritual battles. You may not see your attacker and you may not understand your attacker’s strategy. However, you can still be victorious when you learn to trust in God, lean on Him, and acknowledge Him as your sole source of strength. God will protect you through the battles and after they are complete, you will have been transformed.

…Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.

Matthew 6:32-34 (NLT)

Three Key Concepts:

1.  Life-changing events can be the beginning of a spiritual transformation.

2.  God will sustain you through all life-changing events.

3.  God knows what you need and He will provide all that you need.

Fortify Your Mind

For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)

What is life all about? Are you simply put on this earth to live for a short while and then to die? Is that all there is to life?

Friend, there is a lot more to life than just your physical birth and death. True life extends beyond what your eyes can see and what your hands can feel. Life encompasses another whole realm of truth...a spiritual truth. Make no mistake, though unseen, this realm still exists; further, it extends beyond the grave—to both heaven and hell.

Once you accepted Jesus Christ into your heart, it was as if an invisible blindfold fell from your eyes and a new realm unfolded. Miraculously, God began to speak to you through His Spirit and through His Word. You became aware that you have a friend who loves you and who brings you hope. In fact, He is your hope and His name is Jesus.

But not everyone has that same hope because they do not know Jesus. An invisible blindfold continues to obscure their spiritual eyes. Since they remain in darkness, they often remain in despair. They may have no real sense of purpose…they simply exist and are awaiting death. The lost soul says, “What’s the use? You live and die…then nothing more, so why even try?”  Aren’t you glad that you have hope?

                                    

I don’t want to mislead into thinking that all of your worries and problems suddenly disappeared once you accepted Jesus into your heart and that your life became a bed of roses. Remember roses, although beautiful, still have thorns. Likewise, life’s thorns will still prick you because you have gained a new enemy—Satan.

Satan desperately wants to pull you back into his dark kingdom so he will persistently ambush you, attempting to destroy you. Therefore, he may attack you physically, and he will attack you mentally. Ruthlessly, Satan will drop thought bombs into your mind, bombarding you with thoughts of doubt, fear, and insecurity. He may even attack you with thoughts of worthlessness. As Satan catapults these thought bombs into your head, you must remember Satan is a liar; in fact, he is the father of lies (John 8:44).

In order to shield yourself against Satan’s thought bombs, you must fortify your mind. But what do I mean? Am I telling you to rush out and buy a special metal helmet that can protect your mind from penetration by deadly thought rays? Although that is an interesting concept, it is not that easy.

No physical helmet can shield your mind against toxic thoughts. However, there is a way that you can fortify your mind and protect it from succumbing to those types of thoughts. According to Webster’s Universal College Dictionary, fortify means, “1. to increase the defenses of… 2. to furnish with a means of standing strain or wear… 3. to impart strength or vigor to… 4. to increase the effectiveness of… 5. to strengthen mentally or morally….”

To fortify your mind you must increase its defenses by furnishing it with something that will help strengthen it while under enemy fire. In other words, you need to build a protective fort around your mind. That fort, which will protect your mind, is the truths found in the Word of God. With the helmet of salvation and the belt of truth, you can stand your ground against all of Satan’s attacks (Ephesians 6:13-18).

Satan drops a bomb of worry…counter attack it with truth, “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Philippians 4:6, NLT).

Next Satan attacks with insecurity; once again, counter with another nugget of truth. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

Then Satan ambushes you with a sense of worthlessness; again, fight back by speaking truth. “See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are! (1 John 3:1, NLT).

Since you cannot afford to allow any of Satan’s thought bombs annihilate your mind, you must arm yourself for combat. Fortify your mind with the truths found in God’s Word, put on the whole armor of God, and fight back with your sword (Ephesians 6:13-18). Within the pages of the Bible, you will discover Satan’s evil maneuvers, but at the same time, you will learn your defense. You will discover that Satan will attack you with lies and deception—he attacks with fabrications of the mind.

For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him….

1 Peter 1:4-5 (NLT)

Three Key Concepts:

1.  Life extends beyond the grave.

2.  Satan will attack you with fabrications of the mind.

3.  You must fortify your mind with the truths found in God’s Word.