Contrasting Good and Evil, Wickedness and Righteousness, Christ Is The True Friend To All Believers and Is Our Strong Tower

Today's Focus Scriptures: Proverbs 18:1-24


"Conclusion: The only zone of safety is the name of the Lord which is the strong tower in which one may find rest and be fortified against the evil one, if they will but come into it by faith in God’s Word." -

Summarized Bible - Complete Summary of the Bible By KEITH L. BROOKS Copyright 1919

Proverbs 18:1-24

1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all wise judgment.

2 A fool has no delight in understanding,
But in expressing his own heart.

3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also;
And with dishonor comes reproach.

4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.

5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked,
Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool’s lips enter into contention,
And his mouth calls for blows.
7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body.

9 He who is slothful in his work
Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe.
11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
And like a high wall in his own esteem.

12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty,
And before honor is humility.

13 He who answers a matter before he hears it,
It is folly and shame to him.

14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness,
But who can bear a broken spirit?

15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A man’s gift makes room for him,
And brings him before great men.

17 The first one to plead his cause seems right,
Until his neighbor comes and examines him.

18 Casting lots causes contentions to cease,
And keeps the mighty apart.

19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city,
And contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20 A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;
From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing,
And obtains favor from the Lord.

23 The poor man uses entreaties,
But the rich answers roughly.

24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Treasure - Where Is Our Treasure Stored? Heaven or Earth? Serve The Perfect Master and Add To Our Earthen Vessels Treasures In The Knowledge of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Today's Focus Scripture: Matthew 6:16-25; 34

Matthew 6:16-25; 34

16 “Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face
18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;
21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light.
23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
25 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.


LAGNIAPPE:

Store up for yourself treasures in heaven.  So add to the treasure box here on earth, our bodies in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 2 Corinthians 4:7 ~ But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves

2 Peter 1:5-9 "... add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,  to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

Strengthened and Enabled By Christ For Service To Him: The Law Discloses Deeds of the Flesh

Today we had great discussion about sin, the Law, and being enabled and strengthened by Jesus for service and ministry.


Today's Focus Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:8-16


1 Timothy 1:8-16

8 But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully,
9 realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers
10 and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching,
11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened [enabled] me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service [ministry], 
13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief;
14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.
15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.
16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. 


LAGNIAPPE:

From 1 Timothy 1:8 - "... uses it lawfully..."

USES
Strong's G5530 - χράομαι - chraomai - khrah'-om-ahee
to handle; to furnish what is needed; (give an oracle, “graze” [touch slightly], light upon, etc.), that is, (by implication) to employ or (by extension) to act towards one in a given manner: - entreat, use.

LAWFULLY
Strong's G3545 - νομίμως - nomimōs - nom-im'-oce
from G3551 - legitimately (specifically agreeably to the rules of the lists): - lawfully.

G3551 - νόμος - nomos - nom'-os
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), generally (regulation), specifically (of Moses [including the volume]; also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle): - law.


Romans 7:7
What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “You shall not covet.”

Read Romans chapters 5 - 7 for more about the Law and sin.

Love - Love - Love; Let Us Not Forget - We Are One Body

Today's Focus Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12:18-31 - 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

1 Corinthians 12:18-31
18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.
19 If they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now there are many members, but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”
22 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary;
23 and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable,
24 whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked,
25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.
26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.
28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.
29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they?
30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they?
31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3
1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

Loving One Another and Our Neighbors As Ourselves - By Doing So We Accomplish and Satisfy The Whole Law

Today's Focus Scripture: Galatians 5:5-14

Galatians 5:5-14

5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
7 You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?
8 This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.
10 I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is.
11 But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished.
12 I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.
13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”


LAGNIAPPE:

How do we "Fulfill" the whole law as Christ did when He died?
By loving one another and our neighbors, that is how.

Verse 14 - Fulfilled

Strong's G4137 - πληρόω - plēroō - play-ro'-o
to make replete, that is, (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.: - accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.

We Have A Dream In Our Hearts Which The Lord Has Promised Us - Don't Give Up On That Dream

A special thank you to Pastor Eric Hulet for being our guest today on our 400th recorded call, the 500th overall Life Chat for Men.

Thank you Pastor Eric.

Today's Focus Scripture: 1 Samuel 27:1-12

The promise of our dream is from the Lord - do not abandon the dream He gives you.

Do not wander away from your dream.

There are times when the dream seems crystal clear, and sometimes it seems the dream just kind of fades. We guard each other in times when the dream seems to be fading.

1 Samuel 27:1-12

1 Then David said to himself, “Now I will perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape into the land of the Philistines. Saul then will despair of searching for me anymore in all the territory of Israel, and I will escape from his hand.”

2 So David arose and crossed over, he and the six hundred men who were with him, to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath.

3 And David lived with Achish at Gath, he and his men, each with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal’s widow.

4 Now it was told Saul that David had fled to Gath, so he no longer searched for him.

5 Then David said to Achish, “If now I have found favor in your sight, let them give me a place in one of the cities in the country, that I may live there; for why should your servant live in the royal city with you?”

6 So Achish gave him Ziklag that day; therefore Ziklag has belonged to the kings of Judah to this day.

7 The number of days that David lived in the country of the Philistines was a year and four months.

8 Now David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites and the Girzites and the Amalekites; for they were the inhabitants of the land from ancient times, as you come to Shur even as far as the land of Egypt.

9 David attacked the land and did not leave a man or a woman alive, and he took away the sheep, the cattle, the donkeys, the camels, and the clothing. Then he returned and came to Achish.

10 Now Achish said, “Where have you made a raid today?” And David said, “Against the Negev of Judah and against the Negev of the Jerahmeelites and against the Negev of the Kenites.”

11 David did not leave a man or a woman alive to bring to Gath, saying, “Otherwise they will tell about us, saying, ‘So has David done and so has been his practice all the time he has lived in the country of the Philistines.’”

12 So Achish believed David, saying, “He has surely made himself odious among his people Israel; therefore he will become my servant forever.”

Summary: David gave up on his dream of being king. This chapter is a model of bad leadership.

Six observations by Pastor Eric:

1. David said something to himself in verse 1 where he convinced himself it would be better to go live with the Philistines.

When it comes to the pitfall of surrendering to the thought that the dream has died, or failed, we must really watch our self-talk is not driven by the opponents of our dreams instead of our dreams being driven by the promise from the Lord of the dream. 

There are all kinds of "voices" that would set themselves against the dream that we have in our heart.  We must be on guard to not repeat what the opponents of the dream are saying and end up convincing ourselves away from something God has promised.

2. Good leadership is not defined by whether other people follow, but by whether the followers are the better for having followed.

(verses 2 and 3 speak of all those who followed David - but David was not leading well)

By and large most folks are willing to follow somebody. The test for us in pursuing our dreams is not whether or not we can say "Hey look at all these folks that are following after me, so this must be the right thing."

We have to ask ourselves "Am I really leading them in a way that is for their good." A good leader helps the followers to be better people.

The onus is on us as men to be sure we are leading people in a direction that makes them better.

3. The absence of resistance is not a confirmation of wisdom. (verse 4 -Saul gave up pursuing David, which at this point David no longer had any kind of resistance from Saul. This did not indicate that everything was fine or OK.)

Jell-O does not sharpen iron, iron sharpens iron. 

Things may seem to be going well, but the reality is the pressure, the resistance, and the tension needs to be in place for productivity.

Our best friends are often not the ones to "glad hand" us, but are the ones who provoke us to stay on track when we start wandering off the track. (This is what a true best friend is like, not just someone who is a "yes" man.)

4. David's running away from his dream shows us that we need to beware of welcoming the wrong people. (verses 5 - 7)

The wrong people can give us favor, remember - "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts."

We must be alert when others are asking us to cast in our lot with them.

"Compromise accommodates detour so often in the pursuit of our dreams." 

 Hold true to integrity, to truth, stay and do not get detoured because someone seems to be saying all the right things.

5. Natural success in someone else's cause does not rationalize the abandoning of our own dream. (verses 8 - 10 - David seemed to be doing well in battle, but was actually fulfilling the Philistine's cause, not his dream.)

We need to be honest with ourselves when we are at a vulnerable place regarding our dream, and not just rely on what seems to be working, i.e. "Well it all seems to be OK. I mean I am making money."  Or even something to the effect of "Well we must be doing something right, because we are growing or successful, etc."  This could be a danger point that we can sometimes use the wrong basis of measurement as to whether or not we are in fact doing what we know God has given us to do.

In these times there are questions we can ask ourselves:

• Is what I am doing right now truly satisfying me?
• Do I have a true sense of accomplishment of what is going on?
• Am I giving my energies to unrighteousness?
• Am I giving my energies to somebody else's cause, something that God has not really asked me to do?
• Am I injuring those that I should be protecting?

6. David tries to cover up what he has done.  He does not want anyone talking about so he thinks he'll just kill everybody and they won't know that he attacked his own people, Judah, etc.  But they did know anyway. David left a negative legacy in this sense.

Masking your failures cannot prevent a negative legacy.  People see and know even when they don't see and know. Trying to cover up your failures, or running away from your dreams, this will not prevent a negative legacy.

Only stepping out and going forth and pursuing and staying true to the dream God has given us will inspire good legacy.

****************************************************

The lesson for today concerning the dream God has given us (whatever that dream is), we need to guard ourselves and each other.  Guarding each other is being a true friend, keeping each other on track with what God has called us to do, and ultimately getting to the end of that particular dream, event, or race.

God will help us to not wander away from our dream and not surrender to failure. God has not called us to failure, but He has called us to true success and true victory.

Jesus, He Is Our Deliverer - Not Tormentor - He Saves Us And Protects Us; Even Those With Little Faith

Today's Focus Scripture: Matthew 8:23

Things to ponder while reading the focus scriptures for today.

1. “Why are you fearful, you men of little faith?”
2. “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”
3. The whole city came out to meet Jesus, and they begged Him to depart from their region.

Matthew 8:23
23 Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him.
24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep.
25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
27 So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”
28 When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way.
29 And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”
30 Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding.
31 So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.”
32 And He said to them, “Go.” So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water.
33 Then those who kept them fled; and they went away into the city and told everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men.
34 And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region.


Just some odd things to think about.

To imagine that there are some who would feel so distant from Jesus that they would have to ask such a question as demons would.
“What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”

And again to be part of a society that begs Jesus to leave them alone.
"... the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And... they begged Him to depart from their region."

Putting On The New Man (And Keeping Him On) Renewed To A True Knowledge - Putting Off The Old Man (Resisting The Devil)

Today's Focus Scripture: Colossians 3:1-11

Colossians 3:1-11
(NASB)
1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 
2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 
3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 
4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 
6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 
7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 
8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 
9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 
10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— 
11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.


Verse 8 was discussed using a couple of other biblical translations, i.e. "Good News" and "New King James Version" which is the version Ron reads from.
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. (NKJV)
8 But now you must get rid of all these things: anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insults or obscene talk must ever come from your lips. (Good News)


LAGNIAPPE:

The Greek word for "blasphemy" in verse 8 is listed in Strong's as: blasphēmia (βλασφημία)
Definition: vilification (especially against God) - evil speaking, railing

This Greek word "blasphēmia" is a derivative of blasphēmos (βλάσφημος), meaning - scurrilous, calumnious (against man), impious (against God)

Scurrilous
Scur·ri·lous, adj. (ˈskər-ə-ləs)
1. Using the low and indecent language of the meaner sort of people, or such as only the licence of buffoons can warrant; as a scurrilous fellow. 
2. Containing low indecency or abuse; mean; foul; vile; obscenely jocular; as scurrilous language.
3. Containing vulgar (evil) obscenities, abuse, or slander


Impious
Im-pee-ios, a. [Latin] (ˈim-pē-əs)
1. Irreverent towards the Supreme Being; wanting in veneration for God and his authority; irreligious; profane.
2. Irreverent towards God; proceeding from or manifesting a contempt for the Supreme Being; tending to dishonor God or his laws,and bring them into contempt; as an impious deed; impious language; impious writings.

Calumnious
Kal·um·nee·us, adj. (ˈka-ləm-nē-ious)
 Slanderous; bearing or implying calumny; injurious to reputation, character assassination, smearing, defamatory

Calumny
Ka·lum·nee, noun (ˈka-ləm-nē)
Slander; false accusation of a crime or offense, knowingly or maliciously made or reported, to the injury of another; false representation of facts reproachful to another, made by design, and with knowledge of its falsehood;  

SCRIPTURES FOR ENCOURAGEMENT:

1 Peter 1:3-5 ~
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Corinthians 10:11-13 ~
Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

Scripture Was Written In Another Generation For A People Not Yet Born - We Are That Appointed Generation

Today's Focus Scripture: Psalm 102:11-28

Psalm 102:11-28

¹¹ My days are like a lengthened shadow,
And I wither away like grass.

¹² But You, O Lord, abide forever,
And Your name to all generations.
¹³ You will arise and have compassion on Zion;
For it is time to be gracious to her,
For the appointed time has come.
¹⁴ Surely Your servants find pleasure in her stones
And feel pity for her dust.
¹⁵ So the nations will fear the name of the Lord
And all the kings of the earth Your glory.
¹⁶ For the Lord has built up Zion;
He has appeared in His glory.
¹⁷ He has regarded the prayer of the destitute
And has not despised their prayer.

¹⁸ This will be written for the generation to come,
That a people yet to be created may praise the Lord.
¹⁹ For He looked down from His holy height;
From heaven the Lord gazed upon the earth,
²⁰ To hear the groaning of the prisoner,
To set free those who were doomed to death,
²¹ That men may tell of the name of the Lord in Zion
And His praise in Jerusalem,
²² When the peoples are gathered together,
And the kingdoms, to serve the Lord.

²³ He has weakened my strength in the way;
He has shortened my days.
²⁴ I say, “O my God, do not take me away in the midst of my days,
Your years are throughout all generations.
²⁵ “Of old You founded the earth,
And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
²⁶ “Even they will perish, but You endure;
And all of them will wear out like a garment;
Like clothing You will change them and they will be changed.
²⁷ “But You are the same,
And Your years will not come to an end.
²⁸ “The children of Your servants will continue,
And their descendants will be established before You.”

LAGNIAPPE:
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”

Band Together - Be Wise - Be Not Taken By Contrary Sedition - Love And Encourage One Another

Today's Focus Scripture: Romans 16:16-20


Romans 16:16-20

16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
17 Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.
18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.
19 For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil.
20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.   The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.


Simple, Naive, Unsuspecting - This is the pure in heart.

Sedition, Dissensions, Hindrances, Deception, Contrary to Truth - This is the mark of evil.

Hold Fast - Retain - The Standards And Patterns Of God's Holy Word

Today's Focus Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:3

2 Timothy 1:3 (NKJV)

3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day,
4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy,
5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,
9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

2 Timothy 1:13 (NASB)
13 Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

Instructions To Live By - Aquire What Is Not Yours - Wisdom and Understanding

Today's Focus Scripture: Proverbs 4:14-27

Proverbs 4:14-27

14 Do not enter the path of the wicked
And do not proceed in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it, do not pass by it;
Turn away from it and pass on.
16 For they cannot sleep unless they do evil;
And they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness
And drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.
19 The way of the wicked is like darkness;
They do not know over what they stumble.
20 My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them depart from your sight;
Keep them in the midst of your heart.
22 For they are life to those who find them
And health to all their body.
23 Watch over your heart with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life.
24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth
And put devious speech far from you.
25 Let your eyes look directly ahead
And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.
26 Watch the path of your feet
And all your ways will be established.
27 Do not turn to the right nor to the left;
Turn your foot from evil.



Proverbs 4:5-7
5 Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding!
Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 “Do not forsake her, and she will guard you;
Love her, and she will watch over you.
7 “The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom;
And with all your acquiring, get understanding.

Doing Good - Having Opportunity To Do So - And Doing It, Good To Others Becauase You Can

Today's Focus Scripture: Galatians 6:1-10

Galatians 6:1-10

1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another.
5 For each one will bear his own load.
6 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not lose heart.
10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

Proverbs 3:27
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, 
When it is in your power to do it.

Wisdom - Poor And Wise Is Much Better Than The Alternative - Being A Fool And Shouting

Today's Focus Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:10-18

Ecclesiastes 9:10-18

10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

11 I returned and saw under the sun that—

The race is not to the swift,
Nor the battle to the strong,
Nor bread to the wise,
Nor riches to men of understanding,
Nor favor to men of skill;
But time and chance happen to them all.
12 For man also does not know his time:
Like fish taken in a cruel net,
Like birds caught in a snare,
So the sons of men are snared in an evil time,
When it falls suddenly upon them.

13 This wisdom I have also seen under the sun, and it seemed great to me:

14 There was a little city with few men in it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great snares around it. 

15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that same poor man.

16 Then I said:

“Wisdom is better than strength.
Nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised,
And his words are not heard.

17 Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard
Rather than the shout of a ruler of fools.

18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war;
But one sinner destroys much good.”

Live Joyfully, We All Live Under The Sun, We All Have One Chance

Today's Focus Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:1-9

 Ecclesiastes 9:1-9

1 For I considered all this in my heart, so that I could declare it all: that the righteous and the wise and their works are in the hand of God. People know neither love nor hatred by anything they see before them. 2 All things come alike to all:

One event happens to the righteous and the wicked;
To the good, the clean, and the unclean;
To him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice.
As is the good, so is the sinner;
He who takes an oath as he who fears an oath.

3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: that one thing happens to all. Truly the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil; madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead. 4 But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

5 For the living know that they will die;
But the dead know nothing,
And they have no more reward,
For the memory of them is forgotten.

6 Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished;
Nevermore will they have a share
In anything done under the sun.

7 Go, eat your bread with joy,
And drink your wine with a merry heart;
For God has already accepted your works.

8 Let your garments always be white,
And let your head lack no oil.

9 Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun.

He Who Promised Is Faithful - Have Confidence, A Sincere Heart, And Assurance Of Faith

Today's Focus Scripture: Hebrews 10:11-25

Hebrews 10:11-25

11 Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins;
12 but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God,
13 waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet.
14 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.
15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying,
16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them
After those days, says the Lord:
I will put My laws upon their heart,
And on their mind I will write them,”
He then says,
17 “And their sins and their lawless deeds
I will remember no more.”
18 Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin.
19 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus,
20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh,
21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;
24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Little Things, Big Things, Don't Sweat Any Of It - No Vanity

Today's Focus Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:4-14

Ecclesiastes 4:4-14

4 I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a man and his neighbor. This too is vanity and striving after wind.
5 The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh.
6 One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind.
7 Then I looked again at vanity under the sun.
8 There was a certain man without a dependent, having neither a son nor a brother, yet there was no end to all his labor. Indeed, his eyes were not satisfied with riches and he never asked, “And for whom am I laboring and depriving myself of pleasure?” This too is vanity and it is a grievous task.
9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.
10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.
11 Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?
12 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.
13 A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction.
14 For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.


LAGNIAPPE: - Definition of Vanity - Emptiness and Fruitless Endeavors possess those without hope and faith.

Strong's H1892 (Hebrew word - hebel - heh'-bel)
emptiness or vanity; figuratively something transitory and unsatisfactory


VANITY, n. [L. vanitas, from vanus, vain.]
 (Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary of American English)
1. Emptiness; want of substance to satisfy desire; uncertainty; inanity.
2. Fruitless desire or endeavor.
3. Trifling labor that produces no good.
4. Emptiness; untruth
5. Empty pleasure; vain pursuit; idle show; unsubstantial enjoyment.
6. Ostentation; arrogance.
7. Inflation of mind upon slight grounds; empty pride, inspired by an overweening conceit of one's personal attainments or decorations.

Live By These Words And Never Be Shaken

Ron opened up with some "Christian-ese" statements and then provided the "Translation," for Joke time.  Wow, funny, but still some real "Eye-Operners..."  Call in or connect via iTunes or RSS links and enjoy.

Today's Focus Scripture: Psalm 15:1-5

Psalm 15:1-5
A Psalm of David.

1 O Lord, who may abide in Your tent?
Who may dwell on Your holy hill?
2 He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness,
And speaks truth in his heart.
3 He does not slander with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
Nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
4 In whose eyes a reprobate is despised,
But who honors those who fear the Lord;
He swears to his own hurt and does not change;
5 He does not put out his money at interest,
Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things will never be shaken.

Our Father Spoke Long Ago And Continues To Speak Through The Blood Of Christ Today

Today's Focus Scripture:  Hebrews 1:1-14

We also shared from the Topical Bible Study devotional, today's is by John D. Barry
CLICK HERE


Hebrews 1:1-14
1 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,
2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.
3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
4 having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.

5 For to which of the angels did He ever say,

“You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You”?
And again,
“I will be a Father to Him
And He shall be a Son to Me”?

6 And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says,
“And let all the angels of God worship Him.”

7 And of the angels He says,
“Who makes His angels winds,
And His ministers a flame of fire.”

8 But of the Son He says,
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
And the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom.
9 “You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness;
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
With the oil of gladness above Your companions.”

10 And,
“You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth,
And the heavens are the works of Your hands;
11 They will perish, but You remain;
And they all will become old like a garment,
12 And like a mantle You will roll them up;
Like a garment they will also be changed.
But You are the same,
And Your years will not come to an end.”

13 But to which of the angels has He ever said,
“Sit at My right hand,
Until I make Your enemies
A footstool for Your feet”?

14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?

He Has Commenced Benefits Altogether In Us, And In Union We Partake Of His Grace

Today's Focus Scripture: Philippians 1:2-14

Philippians 1:2-14
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all,
5 in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.
6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
7 For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me.
8 For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment,
10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ;
11 having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,
13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else,
14 and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.

Four Words That Change Every Situation

Today is a devotional day from "Topical Bible Study"

 Four Words That Change Every Situation

by Stephen Altrogge

Have you ever had one of those, “Woah, wait a minute!” times when reading the Bible? You’re slowly meandering your way through a chapter, trying to clear your sleep-fogged head, when suddenly a verse jumps out and slaps you in the face. I had one of those moments this morning.

I was making my way through Psalm 54, trying to shake off a slight headache, when I read verse 4:

“Behold, God is my helper…”

Bam! Bible verse to the face (in a good, sweet way). The words “God is my helper” are astonishing. Think about them for a moment. They literally change every situation. God, the God of the universe, the omnipotent, all-wise, all-loving, righteous, true, angel terrifying, sinner saving, God is MY HELPER. Woah. Woah!

• I am really not feeling well, and I’m really tempted to complain… but God is my helper! He can heal me, or give me the power not complain, or both.
• My child is not doing well spiritually, and I’m at my wits end… but God is my helper! He can melt my child’s hard heart and give me wisdom to navigate the every sticky situation.
• My partner on this school project is doing nothing, and I want to punch him in the face… but God is my helper! He can give me diligence, patience, and love.
• My kids are running around the house, peeing on the floor, and generally driving me insane… but God is my helper! He can give me an otherworldly love for these high speed children.
• I've sinned in the same way again and again and again…but God is my helper! He promises that sin will not have dominion over me. He will give me power to overcome this sin.

There is no situation too great for God. There is no heart too hard for God. There is no budget too tight for God. There is no boss too difficult for God. God is your helper! He is my helper! Those four words change every situation.

Do you need wisdom today? God is your helper. Do you need strength today? God is your helper. Do you need patience today? God is your helper. If God is your helper, that changes everything.

SCRIPTURE USED IN THIS DEVOTIONAL

Psalm 54:1-7
Prayer for Defense against Enemies.

For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Maskil of David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “Is not David hiding himself among us?”

1 Save me, O God, by Your name,
And vindicate me by Your power.
2 Hear my prayer, O God;
Give ear to the words of my mouth.
3 For strangers have risen against me
And violent men have sought my life;
They have not set God before them. Selah.
4 Behold, God is my helper;
The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.
5 He will recompense the evil to my foes;
Destroy them in Your faithfulness.
6 Willingly I will sacrifice to You;
I will give thanks to Your name, O Lord, for it is good.
7 For He has delivered me from all trouble,
And my eye has looked with satisfaction upon my enemies.

Whosoever Believes, Seeks Virtue And Truth

Today's Focus Scripture: Titus 1:1-16

Titus 1:1-16
1 Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,
2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago,
3 but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior,
4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,
6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.
7 For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain,
8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled,
9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
10 For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain.
12 One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”
13 This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith,
14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.
15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.
16 They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.