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Showing posts from July, 2019

WISDOM IN TEMPTATION

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She sits in her doorway  on the heights overlooking the city.  She calls out to men going by  who are minding their own business. "Come in with me,” she urges the simple;  To those who lack good judgment, she says; Stolen water is refreshing; food eaten in secret tastes the best!”  Proverbs 9:14-17 TEMPTING There is something hypnotic and intoxicating about sin. Have you noticed that all sinful behavior so often seems more exciting than godly behavior? That is why many people put aside all thought of good in order to eat of the stolen food of foolishness and sin. Do not be deceived - sin is dangerous. So before reaching for the forbidden fruit of sin, take a long good look at what happens to those who eat of it. Check out how beautifully Solomon speaks of wisdom and set your heart towards wisdom and truth.   Proverbs 9:1-6 Wisdom has built her house; S he has carved its seven columns. She has prepared a great banquet, Mixed the wines, and set the table

CONSEQUENCES

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Do you notice how the word " consequence " is one of those words that as a society is not used often enough? The importance of " consequences " can be a great reminder in daily conversations. Many times we listen to others as they are looking for direction and want to know what you think. Be careful to always point out the importance of any decision they may want to make, along with a strong conviction for them to consider the consequences of that decision. Genesis 2:15-17 "But the  Lord  God warned him,“You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden  except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” CONSEQUENCES God gave Adam responsibility for the garden and told him not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Rather than physically preventing him from eating, God gave Adam a choice and thus, the possibility of choosing wrongly. God still gives us choices and we too often choose

COME HOME

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Dear Prodigal, You had once been at peace with God, and you miss the feeling of being in His Presence, where you tasted joy, peace, love and His Holy Spirit. Ecclesiastes 3:11      "He has made everything beautiful in its time,       Also He has put eternity in their hearts,       except that  no one can find out the work that       God  does from beginning to end". You long to come back but are afraid to let go of that which your heart desires. Perhaps, you feel like you can't come back because of what you have said or what foolish things you have done. Let me remind you that there is an outside influence which doesn't want you to find peace or to walk in freedom. This lying influence tells you lies about the love of God and it will not stop telling you how bad and unworthy you are. That is what keeps you from coming home. You who once walked with God will not be happy away from Him. You can live your life believing that you are happy, but there remains

TIMELESS

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As time goes on and our busy world begins to slow down, we take time to look at life somewhat different. Psalm 90:4 " This psalm reminds us that a thousand years are like a day to the Lord. God is not limited by time. It's easy to get discouraged when years pass by and the world doesn't seem to get any better. We sometimes wonder if God is able to see the future. Let's not assume that God has our limitations, for God is not restricted by time! He knows what will take place and when, if He so chooses to change it. Let's not limit our Great and Mighty God, rather continue to pray and wait with great expectation for the wonderful work that God has planned from the beginning.

CHOOSE YOUR WORDS

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In Solomon's day, a king had to rely on messengers for information about his country. These messengers had to be trustworthy. Inaccurate information could lead to civic unrest & even needless bloodshed. Reliable communication is still vital today. If the message received is different from the message sent, marriages, businesses & diplomatic relations can all break down. It is important to choose your words well & to avoid reacting until you clearly understand what the other person means. Proverbs 13:17 An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble,  But a reliable messenger brings healing.

BE ZEALOUS

2 Chronicles 30:15 " On the appointed day in midspring, one month later than usual, the people slaughtered their Passover lambs. The the priest and Levites became ashamed, so they purified themselves and brought burnt offerings to the Temple of the Lord" Revival can begin with just one somebody that is zealous for the things of God. In this scripture, the people were so zealous to celebrate the Passover and bring offerings to the Temple that the priest and Levites were ashamed they did not share the same enthusiasm. The zeal of ordinary people's faith motivated the ministers to take action. Likewise, a layperson today can motivate church leaders, neighbors or those around you, to rekindle their enthusiasm for God's work. One should never think that their contributions to God's work is insignificant or unnecessary. How can you motivate others with your actions?