JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(Galatians 1:10) “I’m not trying to win the approval of people."
My subject this morning is that of living lives to please people… in spite of the truth that you know.
The problem with being a people pleaser is that you can run the risk of compromising your own values and your own self worth or integrity.
People pleasing can do two things:
(1) It makes you neglect your own needs in order to meet that of others.
(2) It can cause you to make bad decisions based on the approval of others.
Either way, you can end up feeling like a doormat living in defeat.
Unfortunately there are many in life whom have taken on the “self defense mode” of trying to please people at any cost... to protect their own insecurities.
Maybe you became a people pleaser early in life to get the attention you craved and couldn’t get it any other way.
Or maybe you never learned to trust your own judgment.
The Bible says, “Fearing people is a dangerous trap” (Proverbs 29:25), because it always backfires.
Not only do others get upset with you, but often you end up disappointed with yourself when things don’t work out… or when in trying to please others… you inadvertently had to compromise your own values, integrity, and faith.
Peter struggled with people pleasing.
The night before the crucifixion, “a servant girl said… ‘You were one of those with Jesus’… but Peter denied it in front of everyone. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about’” (Matthew 26:69-70).
Afterward he ended up weeping, over his failure to stand for the Master.
At another time he was found wallowing in hypocrisy when he stopped eating certain foods because the religious Jews and leaders of Judaism came to check out his church in Antioch.
With out getting into to long of a dialogue, the issue was that the Jewish leaders and Jews in general… abstain from eating certain foods because of Old Testament Law.
However Peter had come to a knowledge and understanding that God does not forbid the eating of those certain foods and so when he was with the Gentiles he enjoyed his “post cross freedom”… from religious law.
However it put Peter in the cross hairs of Paul… whom accused Peter of being hypocritical and two faced… guilty of preaching another doctrine.
The reason is that it caused confusion in the lives of new believers… the “post cross” believers who were living under “new covenant” grace... free from the dictates of Old Testament Law.
If we are free from religious law why was Peter submitting to it?
It’s because he was afraid of what his peers might think of him… and so he was compromising truth to please them.
When Samuel confronted Saul about his decision not to completely destroy the Amalekites… “Saul admitted…‘I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded’” (1st Samuel 15:24).
Paul, on the other hand, wrote, “I’m not trying to win the approval of people… but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.”
It’s good to be considerate, loving, and patient… but you can’t let yourself be intimidated and manipulated… “God has not given us a spirit of timidity or fear... but of power…” (2nd Timothy 1:7)
When you yield to “the fear of others”… you allow them... not God, to control your life.
God doesn’t want you to serve people out of fear… but out of love for them and Him.
But when you are compromising truth to impress people… you are making a huge mistake.
As Christians we often hinder the progress of the Gospel by placing and setting certain rules and pre-supposed do’s and don’ts in front of people… rules that have nothing to do with salvation and Godliness.
We can be guilty of trying to “legislate their activities” to keep them from sinning and or continuing in sin… but that is not our job.
Our job is to love them and live a life style of freedom… a life style that will cause them to hunger and thirst after righteousness.
Our job is to fish for souls and then let God do the rest.
We catch the fish… God does the cleaning.
I know several of you out there whom have been struggling as to what is acceptable and what is not... in your service to God.
But don’t let the fear of man… the fear of people… hinder the joy of freedom in Christ.
Be passionate about living life to the full with God at the fore front… and don’t worry about the “nay sayers”… or those that tend to judge what you are doing.
The thing that will steal the joy of your salvation the quickest, is when you lose sight of the cross and the freedom that Jesus brought from religious oppression, laws and rules.
Jesus said “him whom the Son sets free is free indeed” (John 8:36)
In (John 10:10) He said… “I am come that you might have life and that more abundantly”.
Someone once sarcastically said, “if you wallow with the pigs in the mud your going to get dirty”.
That is true, but sometimes you need to wallow, and walk with, and support those who are stuck in the mud and the mire… before they will accept your helping hand and loving concern for their soul and their future.
Paul said “I am all things to all people so that I can win a few”.
(1st Corinthians 9:21-23) “To those without the law I became like one without the law... (though I am not outside the law of God… but I am under the law of Christ)… to win those without the law.
To the weak… I became weak… to win the weak.
I have become all things to all men, so that by all possible means... I might savesome of them.
I do all this for the sake of the gospel.”
For years I have talked about building relationships with people outside the household of faith... so that I can influence them and be a light and a witness of Gods saving grace to them.
This is what Paul is talking about.
Building relationships with people so that we might win a few.
So on one hand… in a sense… yes we must be people pleasers… but on the other hand we must oppose people pleasing which can lead to hypocrisy.
The most important thing to remember is that you are free in Christ.
Let people see your joy, your peace, your freedom from the bondages of sin and judgment, especially the judgment of others that may be jealous of your freedom.
Let face it… we all want people to like us… and there is nothing wrong with living a life to please others as long as you are not compromising your own integrity and values… or the Word of God!
Keep your eye on the cross and your hand in His hand.
I have become all things to all men, so that by all possible means... I might savesome of them.
I do all this for the sake of the gospel.”
For years I have talked about building relationships with people outside the household of faith... so that I can influence them and be a light and a witness of Gods saving grace to them.
This is what Paul is talking about.
Building relationships with people so that we might win a few.
So on one hand… in a sense… yes we must be people pleasers… but on the other hand we must oppose people pleasing which can lead to hypocrisy.
The most important thing to remember is that you are free in Christ.
Let people see your joy, your peace, your freedom from the bondages of sin and judgment, especially the judgment of others that may be jealous of your freedom.
Let face it… we all want people to like us… and there is nothing wrong with living a life to please others as long as you are not compromising your own integrity and values… or the Word of God!
Keep your eye on the cross and your hand in His hand.
The other hand?
Keep it extended to others… you won’t go wrong.
Good day!
Good day!
(Revelation 2:4) “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love”.
Every Believer in Christ needs to be aware of the danger of “leaving” his first love for the Lord.
And let me say that preserving a relationship with God should be just as important to each of us… as it is when preserving a relationship with a best friend, or your spouse, or any important relationship you have in your life.
I have watched and counseled many, whom will go to great lengths and sacrifice to save a friendship or a marriage (which yes, we should all be willing to do)… yet they could care less about going to great lengths in establishing or building a strong relationship with the Savior.
Long ago, the church in Ephesus was busy doing many things for God, yet Jesus said, (Revelation 2:4). “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love”
In the next verse the Lord commanded them, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works... or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:5).
As I have shared in days gone by, the bible tells us that we should “examine ourselves”
(1st Corinthians 11:28) and when we do... several things can indicate that you are wandering or drifting away from your first love with God.
Scripture is a tremendous barometer, or thermometer that can measure where we stand with our love for God.
(2nd Timothy 3:16-17) “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
This morning I have prepared 6 thoughts that we should all consider as we examine ourselves to see if we truly be in the faith and are truly hot toward our relationship with God.
1). Do you delight in someone else more than you delight in the Lord?
Your love for God should be foremost in your heart, exceeding the bond of any other relationship.
In (Mark 12:30) Jesus identified the greatest of all commandments… “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength…
2). Does your soul long for times of rich fellowship in God’s Word or prayer, praise and worship? “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy . . . soul . . .” (Mark 12:30)
When your mind, will, and emotions wander from devotion to God, watch out!
Your relationship with God only deepens as you spend time in His Word and commune with Him in prayer.
If you forsake this fellowship, your understanding of your true condition before God will grow dull.
As God’s children, friends, and His bride… it is critical that we draw near to Him to engage in our relationship with Him.
(James 4:7–8) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
3). Do your thoughts in leisure moments or free time honour the Lord?
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy . . . mind . . .” (Mark 12:30).
The things that captivate your thoughts in leisure moments reveal much about the priorities of your heart.
From (Philippians 4:8) the Apostle Paul instructed us, “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things”
4). Do you make excuses for doing things that displease the Lord, claiming to be “only human”?
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy . . . strength” (Mark 12:30).
God wants you to dedicate your life to Him as a “living sacrifice”... discerning His will in all things and walking in obedience to Him.
(Romans 12:1–2) “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God… this is your true and proper worship.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will.
(Psalm 23:3) tells us as your Good Shepherd, He will lead you “in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake”
There is no excuse for disobeying the Lord. His grace is sufficient to rescue you from every temptation. (1st Corinthians 10:13)
The truth is... “Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Scripture is a tremendous barometer, or thermometer that can measure where we stand with our love for God.
(2nd Timothy 3:16-17) “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
This morning I have prepared 6 thoughts that we should all consider as we examine ourselves to see if we truly be in the faith and are truly hot toward our relationship with God.
1). Do you delight in someone else more than you delight in the Lord?
Your love for God should be foremost in your heart, exceeding the bond of any other relationship.
In (Mark 12:30) Jesus identified the greatest of all commandments… “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength…
2). Does your soul long for times of rich fellowship in God’s Word or prayer, praise and worship? “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy . . . soul . . .” (Mark 12:30)
When your mind, will, and emotions wander from devotion to God, watch out!
Your relationship with God only deepens as you spend time in His Word and commune with Him in prayer.
If you forsake this fellowship, your understanding of your true condition before God will grow dull.
As God’s children, friends, and His bride… it is critical that we draw near to Him to engage in our relationship with Him.
(James 4:7–8) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
3). Do your thoughts in leisure moments or free time honour the Lord?
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy . . . mind . . .” (Mark 12:30).
The things that captivate your thoughts in leisure moments reveal much about the priorities of your heart.
From (Philippians 4:8) the Apostle Paul instructed us, “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things”
4). Do you make excuses for doing things that displease the Lord, claiming to be “only human”?
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy . . . strength” (Mark 12:30).
God wants you to dedicate your life to Him as a “living sacrifice”... discerning His will in all things and walking in obedience to Him.
(Romans 12:1–2) “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God… this is your true and proper worship.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will.
(Psalm 23:3) tells us as your Good Shepherd, He will lead you “in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake”
There is no excuse for disobeying the Lord. His grace is sufficient to rescue you from every temptation. (1st Corinthians 10:13)
The truth is... “Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin... and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Do not err, my beloved brethren” (James 1:14–16).
Your obedience to God demonstrates your love for Him.
Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love” (John 15:10).
5). Do you willingly and cheerfully give to God’s work or to the needs of others?
Generosity is part of God’s holy character… “For God so loved the world, that He gave . . .” (John 3:16).
He (God) “loveth a cheerful giver” (2nd Corinthians 9:7)
Therefore, “whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (1st John 3:17)
(Luke 6:27–36, Romans 12:20, and Matthew 5:42) all teach us that as believers, we are to love others and give what we can to the welfare of others… even to our enemies.
We can do this only by the grace of God, as He renews our minds and teaches us to walk in obedience to His voice.
6). Do you treat others as you would treat the Lord?
Jesus said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34).
“Loving one another” is not a suggestion… it is a command that we are enabled to fulfill by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Do you find that you are quick to judge and condemn others?
Consider God’s love for you and His command that you love others with His love.
“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (I John 4:10–11).
So when we examine ourselves if we don’t see love for others and love for our fellow man, can we honestly say we love God?
You’re the only one who can answer that question.
The bible teaches us that we can truly assess our temperature and the depth of our love for God as we honestly look at these six points I have put before us this morning.
No judgment here… just a challenge to be better than the world around us… to be hotter and more passionate for God than the world around us.
The rest is up to you!
Good Day!
Do not err, my beloved brethren” (James 1:14–16).
Your obedience to God demonstrates your love for Him.
Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love” (John 15:10).
5). Do you willingly and cheerfully give to God’s work or to the needs of others?
Generosity is part of God’s holy character… “For God so loved the world, that He gave . . .” (John 3:16).
He (God) “loveth a cheerful giver” (2nd Corinthians 9:7)
Therefore, “whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (1st John 3:17)
(Luke 6:27–36, Romans 12:20, and Matthew 5:42) all teach us that as believers, we are to love others and give what we can to the welfare of others… even to our enemies.
We can do this only by the grace of God, as He renews our minds and teaches us to walk in obedience to His voice.
6). Do you treat others as you would treat the Lord?
Jesus said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34).
“Loving one another” is not a suggestion… it is a command that we are enabled to fulfill by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Do you find that you are quick to judge and condemn others?
Consider God’s love for you and His command that you love others with His love.
“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (I John 4:10–11).
So when we examine ourselves if we don’t see love for others and love for our fellow man, can we honestly say we love God?
You’re the only one who can answer that question.
The bible teaches us that we can truly assess our temperature and the depth of our love for God as we honestly look at these six points I have put before us this morning.
No judgment here… just a challenge to be better than the world around us… to be hotter and more passionate for God than the world around us.
The rest is up to you!
Good Day!
(Romans 10:8) “The word is near you… it is in your mouth and in your heart”
If you’re not careful, it’s easy to speak words of doubt that contradict what God says in His Word.
Not that your contradiction is going to carry much weight concerning matters in my life or the life of others around you.
But it will certainly effect your own life, and your own success, and your ability, to overcome in matters of this life.
Paul wrote, “The word that saves is…as near as the tongue in your mouth… it’s the word of faith that welcomes God to go to work and set things right for us.” (Romans 10:8)
“Jesus said (Luke 4:4) "man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God”.
If you want to live a positive, successful and purpose filled life, you have got to start taking inventory of the words you speak.
The bible teaches us that… “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45)
So what is in your heart today?
Is it in agreement with Gods Word that is “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
Or are you consuming the leaven of the Sadducees of whom I spoke of yesterday… filled with doubt and unbelief in the miracle working power of God that is made evident thru the heart of faith… and belief that His word and His promises are yes, yes, and yes (2nd Corinthians 15:20)
Or are you filled with the doubt and lack of faith that this world walks in, concerning God and His miracle working ability on your behalf?
Is you mind filled with confidence in the miracle working power of God for you, or is it filled with doubt and unbelief in the ability of God to deliver you and lead you thru the storms of life and by the still waters (Psalm 23:2)
Listen my friend… as believers in Christ, you don’t not have the right to walk in doubt and unbelief.
You are a child of the living God… and you need to be… and you should be agreeing with Gods Word in everything.
Yes I said everything!
As Gods children we should be speaking words of positive affirmation… and faith in the ability of God to move in your life… no matter what the many issues might be that rise up.
So today begin speaking God’s Word over your situation and watch Him go to work on your behalf, setting things right for you.
The word "confession" comes from the Greek word homologeõ, which means “to come into agreement with, or say the same thing.”
That means you must come into agreement with God’s Word… and learn to say what He says, no matter how bad things look at the time.
If it’s not what God is saying, and what His Word is saying… then don’t you say it or confess it!
Because when you do, it’s counterproductive to the will of God in your life.
Its counter productive to faith… and it will hinder your ability to believe God for answers and miracles you need… to be more than a conqueror in this life.
(Proverbs 18:21) tells us that “the tongue has the power of life and death”
Your words become powerful weapons.
(Job 6:25) says, “How ‘forcible’ are right words!”
This word “forcible” comes from the Hebrew word maráts, which means “to press.”
Just like a king’s signet ring pressed his seal of authority onto a document, your confession of faith seals the matter before God.
Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done… he will have whatever he says. Therefore…whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them” (Mark 11:23-24).
Don’t just speak to God “about your mountain”… “speak to your mountain” using God’s Word!
When you make God’s Word your word, your mountain will begin to move.
What you speak matters!
Your tongue and the things you speak will either aid you in seeing your destiny break through… or will completely abort what God is trying to do in your life!
Your mouth will take sides!
It’s what is in your heart that your mouth speaks (Luke 6:45) “For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”
That’s why you need to let “the engrafted Word of God” (Colossians 3:16) dwell with in you richly, abundantly… let it consume your thoughts and your mind.
Your mouth is either speaking “faith, trust, confidence and agreement with Gods Word… or it is speaking doubt and unbelief.
It will either side with the enemy, and speak doubt, fear, discouragement, and hopelessness… or it will align with God's word and speak the truth found in scripture.
What you say and allow to leave your lips... has the potential to steer your whole life!
Do yourself a favour and get control of your tongue!
The next time your emotions take over and want to speak things that are against what God's word says… zip your lip!
Don't curse with your own mouth… something God is wanting to bless!
Instead use your tongue as a weapon… a weapon of righteousness!
Use it as a weapon against the kingdom of darkness and against unbelief and against doubt.
There is power in opening your mouth and declaring God's Word!
Even when you may be feeling contrary... find a truth from God's Word about your situation and open your mouth up!
Declare with your lips the goodness of who God is… and what He is able to do in and through you.
Declare God's Word over your family and household!
Let your mouth be a vessel that honors God, pushes back darkness, and speaks every good thing God has in store for your life into existence!
If what you're speaking doesn't align with God's Word… “zip your lip”!
Your mouth… your toungue is a weapon… use it wisely!
Your mouth and Gods Word, it can move the mountains you are facing.
Good Day!
(Proverbs 3:5-6) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding... in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight”!
The Bible is full of references to divine guidance, and we have many instances recorded in it, where God gave His servants direction.
Within the pages of the bible He also gives us many promises of “His desire” to guide His people… so this study this morning is based on one such promise.
There is no greater need in the life of a Christian than that of “divine guidance”.
The reason being… is that life is full of choices.
Every day we have to make decisions, and we simply do not know which is the right way to go unless we turn to the Lord and ask for His help (Jeremiah 10:23)
If you look at (Proverbs 3:5-6) you will see that this promise is conditional… there are two parts God’s part, and our part.
God says to us, "If you will do your part, I will do my part."
Now before I get any further this morning, there is something we must all understand if you truly want the Lord’s direction in your life.
And that is, you must believe that God and His Word are absolute!
It is not written with the thought that He might or maybe.
There are no what if’s or double meanings.
(Numbers 23:19) tells us that God is not a man that He should lie, not a human that He should change His mind, Does He speak and then not act, does He promise and not fulfill?
God says what He means and He means what He said.
Paul writes in (Hebrews 4:12) saying, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”.
Let me say this before I get any further this morning folks.
Your belief whether or not Gods Word can work in your life, whether or not it is His Word, your belief in Him or unbelief in Him, does not determine or trump His word and will for your life.
(Isaiah 55:6-11) “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord and He will have mercy on them, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Jumping ahead to verse 11… Isaiah continues Gods thoughts on this matter saying… “so is my word that goes out from my mouth… It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it”.
In my text from Proverbs this morning, (Proverbs 3:5-6) notice how absolutely certain the promise is… “He will make your paths straight.”
Notice three things about this promise.
1) It is the promise of a personally conducted tour through life.
See how very personal this promise is.
The words “He”, (that’s God)… and the word “Your”, (that’s you and I).
Nothing could be more “personal” than that.
What an amazing thing it is that God Himself actually wants and offers to lead you the right way through your life… and bring you safely to your journey’s end.
This is what He (God) promises you in this one verse, and it is important to notice the word “straight”.
This reminds us of the fact that as we travel through life we are faced on every hand with confusion, and often we are at a loss to know which is “the right way”.
(Proverbs 14:12) “For there is a way which seems right unto a man”.
But God says He will guide us so that we do not take a wrong turn.
2) It is the promise of guidance regarding every detail of life and for the whole of life.
There is no limit in the promise before us.
God says that if we will acknowledge Him, He will direct us in all our paths until we reach our journey’s end.
Notice the significance of the word ‘paths’, which includes all the pathways along which we have to travel.
Sometimes it is said that God does not guide His children in all the small details of life, that He’s far too busy and cannot be concerned to help us in the ordinary matters which face us from day to day.
But I know this thought is not true.
Whether we need guidance in the home, in business, with regard to our leisure times or our work, our friendships, every aspect of our life, all is important to the Lord.
He longs to be there and guide us in all the decisions we have to make.
2) It is the promise of guidance that is infallible.
It is God Himself who has made this promise, therefore it is divine guidance, and because it is divine it is infallible, unerring guidance.
The writer of Proverbs says, “He (God) will make your paths straight.”
Parental guidance may be loving, but it is never infallible… because parents are fallible.
Gods guidance is never in any way subject to error or mistakes… and He cannot make a mistake because He is God.
It isn’t wrong to confer with flesh and blood (Galatians 1:16)… but primarily, we must confer with the Lord Himself… because whatever man may advise, it is liable to error… it is human.
In contrast with this, God? guidance is faultless… and we can therefore rely upon it.
This is the promise that God makes to every one of His children.
So my encouragement to you this morning is this.
Make a decision, make a choice to believe that God is on your side… then chose to believe that God has direction for you.
Make a choice to believe that He has a word or a plan that will direct your life.
Then wait!
Yes I said wait!
If He said it He meant it!
If He meant it He will do it!
(2nd Peter 3:9) “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake”.
Your job in all of this?
Is to believe!
Jesus said (Mark 9:23) “if you can all things are possible to them that believe.”
Choose to believe His Word and His promises!
Good Day!
(Proverbs 3:5-6) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, He will make your paths straight”!
The Bible is full of references to divine guidance and we have many instances recorded in it
where God gave His servants direction.
Within the pages of the bible He also gives us many promises of “His desire”, to guide His people… so this study this morning is based on one such promise.
There is no greater need in the life of a Christian than that of “divine guidance”.
The reason being… is that life is full of choices.
Every day we have to make decisions, and we simply do not know which is the right way to go unless we turn to the Lord and ask for His help (Jeremiah 10:23)
If you look at (Proverbs 3:5-6) you will see that this promise is conditional… there are two parts... God’s part and our part.
God says to us, ‘If you will do your part, I will do my part.’
Now before I get any further this morning, there is something we must all understand if you truly want the Lord’s direction in your life.
And that is, you must believe that God and His Word are absolute!
It is not written with the thought that He might or maybe.
There are no what if’s or double meanings.
(Numbers 23:19) tells us that "God is not a man that He should lie, not a human that He should change His mind, Does He speak and then not act, does He promise and not fulfill"?
God says what He means and He means what He said.
Paul writes in (Hebrews 4:12) saying, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”.
Let me say this before I get any further this morning folks.
Your belief whether or not Gods Word can work in your life, whether or not it is His Word, your belief in Him or unbelief in Him, does not determine or trump His word and will for your life.
(Isaiah 55:6-11) “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call on Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord and He will have mercy on them, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah continues Gods thoughts on this matter saying… “so is my word that goes out from my mouth… It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it”.
In my text from Proverbs this morning, (Proverbs 3:5-6) notice how absolutely certain the promise is… “He will make your paths straight.”
Within the pages of the bible He also gives us many promises of “His desire”, to guide His people… so this study this morning is based on one such promise.
There is no greater need in the life of a Christian than that of “divine guidance”.
The reason being… is that life is full of choices.
Every day we have to make decisions, and we simply do not know which is the right way to go unless we turn to the Lord and ask for His help (Jeremiah 10:23)
If you look at (Proverbs 3:5-6) you will see that this promise is conditional… there are two parts... God’s part and our part.
God says to us, ‘If you will do your part, I will do my part.’
Now before I get any further this morning, there is something we must all understand if you truly want the Lord’s direction in your life.
And that is, you must believe that God and His Word are absolute!
It is not written with the thought that He might or maybe.
There are no what if’s or double meanings.
(Numbers 23:19) tells us that "God is not a man that He should lie, not a human that He should change His mind, Does He speak and then not act, does He promise and not fulfill"?
God says what He means and He means what He said.
Paul writes in (Hebrews 4:12) saying, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”.
Let me say this before I get any further this morning folks.
Your belief whether or not Gods Word can work in your life, whether or not it is His Word, your belief in Him or unbelief in Him, does not determine or trump His word and will for your life.
(Isaiah 55:6-11) “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call on Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord and He will have mercy on them, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah continues Gods thoughts on this matter saying… “so is my word that goes out from my mouth… It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it”.
In my text from Proverbs this morning, (Proverbs 3:5-6) notice how absolutely certain the promise is… “He will make your paths straight.”
Notice three things about this promise.
1) It is the promise of a personally conducted tour through life.
See how very personal this promise is.
The words “He”, (that’s God)… and the word “Your”, (that’s you and I).
Nothing could be more “personal” than that.
What an amazing thing it is that God Himself actually wants and offers to lead you the right way through your life… and bring you safely to your journey’s end.
This is what He (God) promises you in this one verse, and it is important to notice the word “straight”.
This reminds us of the fact that as we travel through life we are faced on every hand with confusion, and often we are at a loss to know which is “the right way”.
(Proverbs 14:12) “For there is a way which seems right unto a man”.
But God says He will guide us so that we do not take a wrong turn.
2) It is the promise of guidance regarding every detail of life and for the whole of life.
There is no limit in the promise before us.
God says that if we will acknowledge Him, He will direct us in all our paths until we reach our journey’s end.
Notice the significance of the word ‘paths’, which includes all the pathways along which we have to travel.
Sometimes it is said that God does not guide His children in all the small details of life, that He’s far too busy and cannot be concerned to help us in the ordinary matters which face us from day to day.
But I know this thought is not true.
Whether we need guidance in the home, in business, with regard to our leisure times or our work, our friendships, every aspect of our life, all is important to the Lord.
He longs to be there and guide us in all the decisions we have to make.
2) It is the promise of guidance that is infallible.
It is God Himself who has made this promise, therefore it is divine guidance, and because it is divine it is infallible, unerring guidance.
The writer of Proverbs says, “He (God) will make your paths straight.”
Parental guidance may be loving, but it is never infallible… because parents are fallible.
Gods guidance is never in any way subject to error or mistakes… and He cannot make a mistake because He is God.
It isn’t wrong to confer with flesh and blood (Galatians 1:16)… but primarily, we must confer with the Lord Himself… because whatever man may advise, it is liable to error… it is human.
In contrast with this, Gods guidance is faultless… and we can therefore rely upon it.
This is the promise that God makes to every one of His children.
So my encouragement to you this morning is this.
Make a decision, make a choice to believe that God is on your side… then chose to believe that God has direction for you.
Make a choice to believe that He has a word or a plan that will direct your life.
Then wait!
Yes I said wait!
If He said it He meant it!
If He meant it, He will do it!
(2nd Peter 3:9) “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake”.
Your job in all of this?
Is to believe!
Jesus said (Mark 9:23) “if you can all things are possible to them that believe.”
Choose to believe His Word and His promises!
Good Day!
(Matthew 16:6) "Be on your guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
In (Matthew 16:6) our Lord made a passionate plea to His disciples and those who were following Him warning them of three types of yeast or leaven that was not healthy for their souls... and could result in them losing their way as followers of God.
Leaven is yeast, and it is used to make bread.
It helps the bread dough culture and rise.
With out yeast or leaven, bread dough will not develop properly… but here is the kicker.
Leaven can only work in a lukewarm environment.
Leaven is mentioned by the Lord Jesus as an attribute of the Pharisees and the Sadducees… of whom Jesus told the disciples to beware of.
Jesus Christ showed little tolerance for the religious leaders of His day whom represented themselves as righteous leaders lording it over others… and whom had little regard regard for their fellow man when it came to love, mercy and kindness.
In Matthew ‘s letter, Christ referred to them as hypocrites who should have known better.
In (Matthew 16:6) Jesus taught, "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
So what is the “leaven” or yeast of the Pharisees?
Jesus says in (Luke 12:1), “The leaven of the Pharisees is hypocrisy”.
The Pharisees were guilty of hypocrisy… that is, saying one thing and doing another.
You see, hypocrisy is not something that comes upon one suddenly.
It is a slow and subtle process.
The Pharisees were not people who had the “intention” of being hypocrites.
They were “exemplary” in their sincere pursuit of doctrinal truth, but after a period of time, little by little, slowly, they became “self-righteous”.
They knew perfectly the letter of the Law, but they missed “the spirit” of the Law.
They shifted away from the truth of the Scriptures to twisting it to accommodate their own pursuits and wickedness.
Shifting away is a slow process no matter what causes the shifting.
Some believers start out as genuine Christians… but slowly as time goes by, some cool down.
They shift away so that eventually only the outward appearance of spirituality is left.
They go to church, do religious things, talk the talk but somewhere got off the walk!
The light of Christ that once burned within has gone out.
They honor God with their lips… but their heart is far from Him.
They preach one thing but do not practice it.
They have departed from their first love, being neither cold nor hot (Revelation 2:5)
Leaven works only in one kind of environment.
What kind of environment is it?
A “lukewarm” environment.
If you put the dough in a cold place, the leaven will not do anything.
If you put it in a hot place, nothing will happen either.
You have to give leaven a “lukewarm condition” or environment that it needs to raise the dough.
In that sense, the church or a believer in Christ cannot be “leaven”.
That is why Jesus referred to the Leaven of the Pharisees as lukewarm believers concerned only about themselves.
The church must be either hot or cold, as Jesus says in (Revelation 3:16) “… because if you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of My mouth”.
So then what is the leaven of the Sadducees?
We read from (Luke 20:27) that it is unbelief.
“Then some of the Sadducees, who deny that there is a resurrection, came to Him…”
They did not believe in the resurrection doctrine that Jesus taught, or the message of life after death… nor did they believe in the miracles that He did,
Unbelief can also affect the church.
Some Christians may struggle with doubts about their faith.
They have many questions to which they don’t find answers.
They are easily shaken with every wind of doctrine or teaching and slowly but surely, their faith is eroded by unbelief.
Jesus said “if you can believe and doubt not, you can have whatsoever you ask of God” (Matthew 21:21).
That’s why we need to pray “Lord I Believe but help thou my unbelief”(Mark 9:23)
Jesus also warns us about another kind of leaven in (Mark 8:1).
“Beware of the leaven of Herod”.
What is the leaven of Herod?
The leaven of Herod refers to compromise!
In (Luke 13:32) Jesus called Herod, “That Fox”.
This has reference to the subtle diplomacy and cunning political management of a difficult Roman region, which enabled King Herod to keep his puppet position and royal power for many years.
Now, in order to have or maintain peace between the Jews and the Romans, he had to be an opportunist one whom practiced compromise.
Opportunists are brilliant at manipulation... they know how to work all the angles to their own benefit.
These people behave as though they have the best of both parties in mind so long as they can do their own thing and don’t have to submit to any rules or guidelines themselves, they don’t mind going to church and being involved in spiritual activity.
As long as they can continue to pursue their own will, they don’t mind being religious.
Eventually they become what Paul calls “carnal believers”.
It’s what John warned about in (1st John 2:15-17)… “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
So Jesus, by His use of the word “leaven” in these three instances, is warning His disciples, His followers, you and I to be careful of the danger of “assimilation… into and with the world around us.
The bible teaches us that we are in this world… but we are not of this world (John 17:16)… the world of the Pharisees, the Sadducees and the Herodians or opportunists.
And if we are to judge from the use of the word “leaven” in the rest of the Scriptures, it is an unseen pervasive evil influence within the faithful... that will eventually take its toll.
We have to interpret the parable of the leaven as a picture of the spreading of evil within the church… and in doing so we must discipline ourselves not to fall under its influence or into it’s trap.
So let me ask you…what are the challenges, the temptations, the influences that are causing you to follow after “leaven”… what ever the “leaven” might be?
(Matthew 6:33) Jesus said “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness”.
That needs to be our criteria or standard to live by folks.
We all need to ask ourselves regularly, “does what I am about to do or fall into, fall or lie between the guidelines of Gods righteousness”?
Only you can be the judge of your own weaknesses, so be careful out there!
(1st Corinthians 11:28) “… so then let a man examine himself…”
Good Day!
In (Luke 13:32) Jesus called Herod, “That Fox”.
This has reference to the subtle diplomacy and cunning political management of a difficult Roman region, which enabled King Herod to keep his puppet position and royal power for many years.
Now, in order to have or maintain peace between the Jews and the Romans, he had to be an opportunist one whom practiced compromise.
Opportunists are brilliant at manipulation... they know how to work all the angles to their own benefit.
These people behave as though they have the best of both parties in mind so long as they can do their own thing and don’t have to submit to any rules or guidelines themselves, they don’t mind going to church and being involved in spiritual activity.
As long as they can continue to pursue their own will, they don’t mind being religious.
Eventually they become what Paul calls “carnal believers”.
It’s what John warned about in (1st John 2:15-17)… “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
So Jesus, by His use of the word “leaven” in these three instances, is warning His disciples, His followers, you and I to be careful of the danger of “assimilation… into and with the world around us.
The bible teaches us that we are in this world… but we are not of this world (John 17:16)… the world of the Pharisees, the Sadducees and the Herodians or opportunists.
And if we are to judge from the use of the word “leaven” in the rest of the Scriptures, it is an unseen pervasive evil influence within the faithful... that will eventually take its toll.
We have to interpret the parable of the leaven as a picture of the spreading of evil within the church… and in doing so we must discipline ourselves not to fall under its influence or into it’s trap.
So let me ask you…what are the challenges, the temptations, the influences that are causing you to follow after “leaven”… what ever the “leaven” might be?
(Matthew 6:33) Jesus said “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness”.
That needs to be our criteria or standard to live by folks.
We all need to ask ourselves regularly, “does what I am about to do or fall into, fall or lie between the guidelines of Gods righteousness”?
Only you can be the judge of your own weaknesses, so be careful out there!
(1st Corinthians 11:28) “… so then let a man examine himself…”
Good Day!
(1st John 4:18) "Perfect love expels all fear".
I for one could not imagine living a life without God in the center of it… such as I try to do each day!
Its so comforting to know that there is a "higher power", that is bigger than all of this worlds calamity and problems.
If God loved us with an imperfect love, we would have cause to worry.
But God cares about you and I too much to leave us in any doubt about His love.
The Bible says His "perfect love expels all fear." (1st John 4:7-8)
Human love is flawed… it keeps a checklist of our sins and shortcomings-and consults it often.
God keeps no such list.
His love casts out our fear because it casts out our guilt.
John writes, (1st John 3:20). "If our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart". ?
When you feel un-forgiven, question your feelings but don't question God.
Go back to His Word… it outranks self-criticism and self-doubt.
Nothing fosters confidence like a clear grasp of God's grace… and nothing fosters fear like ignorance of it.
The fact is, if you haven't accepted God's grace, you're doomed to live in fear.
No pill, pep talk, psychiatrist, or earthly possession can put your mind at ease.
Those things may help numb your fear, but they can't eradicate it.
Only God's grace can do that.
Have you accepted Christ's forgiveness?
If not… why not?
The Bible says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us... and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1st John 1:9)
Why is it that humanity thinks that it does not need God, or His forgiveness and grace?
The place of confession is also the place of cleansing and restored confidence toward God. ?
This morning I want to talk to you who are believers in Christ and are enjoying Gods continued favor for humanity right now.
When you became a believer in Christ you began a life of freedom from fear.
That fear was summed up in an “unknown future”… it was summed up in “fear of guilt”… it was summed up in “hopelessness”… it was summed up in “desperation and lack of hope”.
You then came to a place of “faith in God” and His ability to care for you and you replaced all this fear with confidence in God… that no matter what, God will see you thru.
You became an example of Paul’s proclamation in (Ephesians 2:12)… “You were with out God and with out hope”, and then you traded that lack of hope for “confidence” in God… and faith that He would take care of you,
Yet some of you have “cast away your confidence in God” and began to cower in fear once again as the enemy of our souls walks around “like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour” (1st Peter 5:8)
Paul writes in (Ephesians 2:3), “But now in Christ Jesus”!
I need to ask you today, all of you whom are believers in Christ.
Who has beguiled You?
Why do you now fear once again, the things that are “beyond your abilities” to handle.
Do you think God saved you in the past to drop you now in this time of uncertainty and worldwide upheaval?
Do you think that His hand is unable to protect you and cover you and save you in the midst of the trial that you are facing?
Where is your faith and trust in God and His keeping grace?
A few year ago there was a wonderful cliché that was challenging believers in Christ and motivating us to acts of great faith!
Do you remember that cliché”?
W.W. J. D. WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?
I am going to make a statement that will probably cause some of you to mock me and even publically denounce me.
But I can’t help it.
To you… the believer in Christ… I need to say it!
Where is your faith?
Where is your trust in Christ for His protection and promise of physical protection in this life?
What Would Jesus Do?
We are to be examples of Him.
Did He sequester Himself from the ten lepers.
Did He shut Himself in and hide from any contact with the world.
Did He social distance himself in the midst of some of the most horrific times of social disease during His day?
You know the answer already!
And that is no!!!!!!!!!
He did not and neither should we.
I said this during the Covid 19 shutdown of our world and I say it again concerning that atrocities that are happening in our society today… they are works of the enemy… works of the devil the enemy of our souls… who is like a roaring lion seeking whom He can devour. (1st Peter 5:8)
If you are truly a child of faith, a child of God… a believer in Christ and His ability to care for His children… then you need to rise up in faith and confidence in God and share that hope and message with our world today!
Stop walking in fear… spewing that same message of fear and mistrust in God adding fuel to the lost hope that much of the world is walking in today.
You say “when did I spew a message of mistrust and lack of hope in God”?
The answer?
The minute you started letting fear stop you from social interaction with others around you.
The minute you started hiding your light behind closed doors.
The minute you let doubt in the ability of God to protect you!
To the church, to the child of God reading this devotional this morning… we need to repent and we need to rise up in faith and begin to trust God once again to help you and I be an open book and a light of faith and hope in God to the world around you.
And you can’t do that by “social distancing” separating our selves from one another.
Yes we need to be wary, yes we need to wash our hands!
Yes you need to use common sense.
But we need to have faith in God to protect us while we go about doing good in our society, interacting with people meeting with people.
Sharing the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ with people.
We need to replace fear with faith… and then start being obedient once again to the command of Jesus… “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel”, be a light, be a witness of hope and confidence in what God can do.
"Lord, I admit I've turned away from confidence in You.
Please forgive me.
I place my soul in Your hands and my trust in Your grace.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."
Now having received God's forgiveness, mercy, and grace… start living like it! ?
Be a catalyst and a witness that shows others "the Way", to peace and comfort in spite of what this world is throwing at us.
Good Day!