God's Truth In Love

Archive for September, 2017|Monthly archive page

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 1:8-9 – Mom and Dad’s Instruction

In Advice, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Confusion, Decision Making, Discretion, Encouragement, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Parenting, Peace, Prayer, Prophecy, Proverbs, Prudence, Renewal, Revival, Rhema Words, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom on September 27, 2017 at 3:05 pm

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

Mom and Dad’s Instruction

Listening to the counsel of godly parents is a must for a blessed life. By listening to the counsel of godly parents there is an extra measure of God’s grace provided to the child, whether grown or not, whether the child lives at home or not.

It does not matter whether or not you choose to live out the counsel of your godly parent, you will carry that counsel with you either as grace that adorns your life because you receive the counsel or burdens of knowledge that weigh down your life because you refuse to receive the counsel.

That word “chains” in the Hebrew means “a necklace as if strangling” – godly counsel ignored chokes the life out of any situation.

Throughout this study if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 1:7 – Godly Fear

In Advice, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Confusion, Decision Making, Discretion, Encouragement, Fear, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Peace, Proverbs, Prudence, Spirituality, Truth, Wisdom on September 18, 2017 at 10:26 am

Apologies for the delay in posting.  Hurricane Irma got the best of me…temporarily…but God’s people always overcome.

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Godly Fear

The fear that one should have for God is not a cringing fear but as the Hebrew language indicated in the definition of this word “moral reverence” for God that has the potential under the right circumstances to lead to a sense of dread at what God might do under certain circumstances.

That moral reverence and respect for God is considered the beginning of true “knowledge” – the type of knowledge that is manifest in wisdom and awareness of what is the best course of action.

If you are a person who hates instruction, who recoils at someone sharing wisdom with you, then according to this Scripture you are a fool. What is a fool? It is, according to the Hebrew language, “one that is perverse, one who despises wisdom, one who mocks when guilty, one who is quarrelsome, one who is licentious.” Being a fool seems to have no upside. You have a choice whether or not you choose to be a fool, so choose wisely.

If you find you do resist instruction and wisdom ask yourself why? Is there a wound or hurt in your past that has placed a large chip on your shoulder? Let God help you remove that chip, let down your guard again, so you might receive the good things out of life. Whereas, that chip on your shoulder might be keeping some pain away, but not as much as you think, it is also keeping the joy away, much more of it than you think. Lay down the chip, look around for the wise people in your community, and seek wisdom and instruction in whatever areas you need help in.

Once you have sought wisdom and instruction from those around you who are wise, once knowledge in the form of wisdom starts to manifest in your life, you come to understand in greater measure what it means to have godly fear. You might even embrace godly fear and be thankful for its Presence in your life.

Throughout this study if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 1:5-6 – Teachable Spirit

In Advice, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Decision Making, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Humanism, Learning, Peace, Proverbs, Prudence, Renewal, Spirituality, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom on September 9, 2017 at 6:39 pm

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: 6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

Wise people hunger to know more, to learn more, to expand their understanding and find new ways to apply what they have learned in life. Wise people have a teachable spirit.

To be “teachable” is to “be apt and willing to learn” according to the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary. In order to learn we must be willing to listen, ask questions, and get feedback on our own understanding of life issues.

In the Hebrew language part of the meaning for the word “understanding” as found in verse five is “distinguished” – distinguished people do not believe they know everything on a topic they seek the counsel of others; those individuals who can provide sound and wise guidance in life. It is through the obtaining of such guidance that one becomes wise themselves and is then able to pass along that guidance to other individuals.

The “dark sayings” as found in verse six are not anything evil or sinister, they are in fact proverbs, words of wisdom that may seem like a riddle or a conundrum.

Insecure people find it hard to have a teachable spirit. However, people who feel secure want to learn, they want to grow. People who are set to “prove themselves,” by proving they have no need to be taught or grow rarely end up do so, proving themselves. Insecurity is typically a byproduct of some wound received in life.

Ask yourself if you are teaching? Ask yourself if you are insecure? Ask God to heal your insecurities and give you a teachable spirit. Then ask God to use your teachable spirit to produce wisdom beyond measure in you.

Throughout this study if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 1:4 – Prudence and discretion or simple behavior?

In Advice, Anxiety, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Confusion, Decision Making, Devotional, Discretion, Encouragement, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Peace, Proverbs, Prudence, Renewal, Revival, Truth on September 9, 2017 at 6:37 pm

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

4 To give subtilty (prudence) to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

Being simple in this verse means something totally different than most people would imagine. In this verse, the meaning in the Hebrew language of being a “simple” person is to be a person who makes room in their life, and even invites, both mental and moral silliness and foolishness, which leads to silly and foolish behavior. Believe me there is no joy, fulfillment, or productivity in being a simple person. Simple people waste their lives. Do not be a simple person. Choose to be a person who is wise and lives by disciplined choices.

Wisdom is needed for an individual to have the ability to govern their lives properly. One must obtain knowledge regarding wisdom and biblical principles to come to the place where they are equipped to live with prudence aka subtilty and discretion, two quality our society is in desperate need of currently. If you want to stand out among your peers have prudence and discretion.

Let us examine what prudence and discretion are as defined by the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary.

Prudence =

Main Entry:

pruydence

Pronunciation:

‚prü-d„n(t)s

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin prudentia, alteration of providentia — more at PROVIDENCE

Date:

14th century

1 : the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason

2 : sagacity (aka wisdom) or shrewdness in the management of affairs

3 : skill and good judgment in the use of resources

4 : caution or circumspection as to danger or risk

Application of definitions.

1 – One must stop and think before they act. Does what they are going to do line up with their principles, moral code, God’s desires for them, etc.? Have they thought about the pros and cons of the situation? Has the outcome of the situation been considered?

2 – Does what the person wants to do line up with godly wisdom?

3 – Is this the best use of the person’s times, money, talents, gifts, etc.?

4 – What will happen if this choice is made? What will the potential outcome be? What are the risk involved and are the risk worth the reward?

Discretion =

Main Entry:

disycreytion

Pronunciation:

dis-‚kre-sh„n

Function:

noun

Date:

14th century

1 : the quality of being discreet : CIRCUMSPECTION; especially : cautious reserve in speech

2 : ability to make responsible decisions

Application of definitions.

1 – What is the impact of what the individual is about to say or do on both other people and themselves?

2 – Does the person’s behavior line up with responsible behavior?

You obviously want to find favorable answers to all of those questions when making a decision or choice that can affect your life, and almost every choice affects our life to some degree. Making life’s choices with prudence and discretion through the application of wisdom will radically transform a person’s life into success beyond measure – the abundant life Jesus spoke of in John 10:10.

John 10:10 (KJV-AV)” The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Do not allow the Enemy to steal your life through unwise choices.

Throughout this study if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 1:1-3 – Biblical Worldview or Secular Worldview?

In Advice, Anxiety, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Confusion, Decision Making, Godly Counsel, Jesus, Peace, Proverbs, Truth, Uncategorized on September 9, 2017 at 6:34 pm

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

Proverbs CHAPTER 1

1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; 2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

The King is expressing the huge benefit to be found in properly discerning and receiving correct learning in wisdom, life instruction, and learning to properly perceive life from a godly understanding.

Christians need a biblical worldview not a secular worldview. The only way to obtain a biblical worldview is to know what the Bible teaches and how to apply the Bible’s wisdom and principles.

It is pointed out that one must learn what wisdom, justice, judgement, and equity are and how to properly apply them.

“justice” in the Hebrew language means the following:

6664. צֶדֶק tsedeq, tseh’-dek; from 6663; the right (nat., mor. or legal); also (abstr.) equity or (fig.) prosperity:— × even, (× that which is altogether) just (-ice), ([un-]) right (-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness)

Therefore, to do “justice” in the eyes of God is to do what is right naturally, morally, and legally (the exception legally being if following the law causes us to sin against one of God’s principles found in His Word). It is to be fair and equitable in your dealing with people. To desire and promote the prosperity of all individuals in every situation. Keep in mind that prosperity does not solely apply to financial matter, we can prosper in our relationships, our health, our fruitfulness for God, etc. We are to seek “that which is altogether just, right, and righteous, to do so is to live justly and to do justice in each situation.

Throughout this study if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.