For God So Loved ____ (Your Name Here)

I would like to introduce you to my Jesus. He is the absolute greatest person that has ever come into my life. He is loving, caring, understanding. He is the King of all kings. In fact, He lived in Heaven before time was even created. He is the Son of God.

 

He is my Savior. Yes, really. He saved me. You see, I had a debt to pay to the Creator of the universe, and Jesus paid it for me. He agreed to leave His place in heaven and come down to earth to live as a human, a mere mortal. He chose to have a life of compassion and mercy all the while enduring cruelty, bullying, and poverty; and He did it all for me. He paid the price for all my wrongs. How? He was crucified on a cross, pain unimaginable. He chose to give His life for me. He was put in a tomb, but that is not the end of the story. On the third day, He came out of the grave so everyone could see that He is alive! After a while, He went back to Heaven but He left me with a promise. He is coming back for me one day because I believe in Him. And He will take me to Heaven to live with Him for all time to come.

 

I know this. I believe this.

 

For God so loved the world that He gave His son so that all who believe in Him shall not die but will live forever. John 3:16

 

That is easily one of the most famous verses in the Bible. Why? Because it says it all. God gave the world His son to pay the price of sin. And everyone that believes that will have eternal life in Heaven.

 

To some that is absurd! But to those of us who have experienced Jesus, and have a relationship with Him, it is AWESOME! It is so awesome that sometimes we (Christians, holy-rolies, Jesus freaks) can't even explain it sometimes.

 

I would love for you to get know Him, too, and all that He brings to your life. I have been a Jesus-freak for about 30 years now. Getting to know Him and to be one of His disciples has been an on-going process, and will not be complete until I get to Heaven, either by my death or when He comes for me.

 

Jesus didn't pay the price for only my sin and wrongs; He paid yours too. John 3:16 says He loved the world. That's you. And I know that "sin" is a churchy word, but it is real. There is a right and a wrong whether society acknowledges it or not. We are all sinners, and we all need Jesus.

 

I am putting forth a very simplistic view of the Gospel right now. And well, it is because I believe loving Jesus is simple. He made it simple. He says believe in Him and then promises you that you are His. Nothing will change that.

 

Some may give you a list of rules that you must follow in order to "be a Christian." Okay, there are certain things we are not to do and certain behaviors we are suppose to portray. But, all of those things are secondary to loving Jesus. The Holy Spirit will teach you those things through prayer and His Word and life.

 

Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, saying, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?" Jesus said to him, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 22:34-40

There are just two rules: 1) love Him with EVERYTHING you have; and 2) love EVERYBODY.  Love God; love people. All the other do's and don'ts will fall into place because of your love for Jesus.

 

For God so loved you!

 



One Fine Lady

Proverbs, Chapter 31 (The Message)

The words of King Lemuel, the strong advice his mother gave him:

"Oh, son of mine, what can you be thinking of! Child whom I bore! The son I dedicated to God! Don't dissipate your virility on fortune-hunting woman, promiscuous women who shipwreck leaders.

"Leaders can't afford to make fools of themselves, gulping wine and swilling beer, lest, hung over, they don't know right from wrong, and the people who depend on them are hurt. Use wine and beer only as sedatives, to kill the pain and dull ache of the terminally ill, for whom life is a living death.

"Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers. Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!"

A good woman is hard to find and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of the home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect her and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in Fear-Of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!

That's one fine lady that he describes. I fall far from being like her. But what if, just what if, all of us girls were like her? What a different world we would live in, right? Just a hunch, but I'm guessing the divorce rate would decrease DRASTICALLY!

Lists to Live By

Proverbs, Chapter 30

The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel--to Ithiel and Ucal.

Surely I am more stupid than any man. I neither learned wisdom nor have knowledge of the Holy One.

Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son's name. If you know?

Every word of God is pure. He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.

Two things I request of you (deprive me not before I die):
Remove falsehood and lies from me; give me neither poverty nor riches--feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, "Who is the LORD?" or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.

Do not malign a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be found guilty.

There is a generation that curses its father and does not bless its master. There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet it is not washed from its filthiness.  There is a generation--oh, how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up. There is a generation whose teeth are like swords and whose fangs are like knives, to devour the poor from off the earth and the needy from among men.

The leech has two daughters--Give and Give!

There are three things which are never satisfied, four never say, "Enough!"
The grave.
The barren womb.
The earth that is not satisfied with water--and fire never says, "Enough!"

The eye that mocks his father and scorns obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it.

There are three things which are too wonderful for me, yes, four, which I do not understand:
The way of an eagle in the air.
The way of a serpent on a rock.
The way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and
the way of a man with a virgin.

This is the way of an adulterous woman:
She eats and wipers her mouth, and says, "I have done no wickedness."

For three things the earth is perturbed, yes, four it cannot bear up:
For a servant when he reigns,
A fool when he is filled with food,
A hateful woman when she is married,
and a maidservant who succeeds her mistress.

There are four things which are little on earth, but they are exceedingly wise:
The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer;
The rock badgers are a feeble folk, yet they make their homes in the crags;
The locusts have no king, yet they all advance in ranks;
The spider skillfully grasps with its hands, and it is in kings' palaces.

There are three things which are majestic in pace, yes, four, which are stately in walk:
A lion, which is mighty among beast and does not turn away from any;
A greyhound,
A male goat also;
and a king whose troops are with him.

If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth,. For as the churning of mile produces butter, and the wringing of the nose produces blood, so the forcing of wrath produces strife.

My thoughts:
Ponder these lists. They are poignant. All of the wisdom they point out is wisdom that people search lifetimes for, and it is all sitting right there. Lesson upon lesson lies right there in these verses. We could spend days on each list, but since we are, for now, just reading a chapter a day, we can save the sermons for another time. But I do urge you to think these over and take them to heart.

Chapter 29

Chapter 29, Proverbs (in blue)

He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. (Don't wait until it is too late to listen.)

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan. (Just turn on the tv. No doubt this is true.)

Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, but a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.

The king establishes the land by justice, but he who receives bribes overthrows it. (A leader who makes dirty deals leaves the door open for ruin.)

A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. (Most people who flatter you are just waiting for the opportunity to catch you off-guard.)

By transgression an evil man is snared, but the righteous sings and rejoices.

The righteous considers the cause of the poor, but the wicked does not understand such knowledge. (Hard-hearted people just don't "get" what it is like to be poor. They have no empathy.)

Scoffers set a city aflame, but wise men turn away wrath.

If a man contends with a foolish man, whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace. (Arguing with some people is a waste of time and energy. You get burned either way.)

The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, but the upright seek his well-being.

A fool vents his feelings, but a wise man holds them back. (Think before you speak. Respond; don't react. Don't say something you will regret. I could go on and on.)

If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his servants will become wicked. (If a leader listens to lies, his workers will say, "what's the point in trying?"

The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

The king who judges the poor with truth, his throne will be established forever. (Leave a good legacy.)

The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. (Don't have babies and not teach them right from wrong. ---but don't abuse them either)

When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; but the righteous will see their fall.

Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul. (Don't let your children run wild. You will be glad you were corrected them.)

Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law. (We, believers, need to let people see our faith so they can see God is real.)

A servant will not be corrected by mere words; for though he understands, he will not respond. (You gotta talk the talk and walk the walk.)

Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool  than for him.

He who pampers his servant from childhood will give him as a son in the end.

An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression. (Life is too short to be angry. Anger causes nothing but trouble.)

A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor. (Yep. I've seen this happen.)

Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; he swears to tell the truth but reveals nothing. (Don't protect evil doers.)

The fear of a man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. (Fear can cripple you.)

Many seek the ruler's favor, but justice for a man comes from the LORD.

An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked. (Bad doesn't understand good; good doesn't understand bad.)

Fast Money Never Lasts

Proverbs, Chapter 28, in yellow

The wicked flee when no one pursues, but he righteous are as bold as a lion. (Wicked people are always looking over their shoulder because of guilt and are on the defense because of wrong-doing. Honest people have nothing to worry about.)

Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; but by a man of understanding and knowledge right will be prolonged. (Everybody has ideas on how to fix things; a good leader  takes charge and gets the job done.)

A poor man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no food. (It does nothing but harm.)

Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them. (Those who love God stand up for Him and what is right.)

Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand all.

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons shames his father. (Don't embarrass your parents. Do what is right.)

One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion gathers it for him who will pity the poor. (What goes around comes around, especially when money is concerned.)

One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. (If you willingly disobey the right way and good advice, you might as well not even ask for it in the first place.)

Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he himself will fall into his own pit; but the blameless will inherit good.

The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding searches him out. (People can see right through a fake.)

When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; but when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.

He who covers his sins will not prosper; but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. (Admit your wrongdoing and turn away from it. Covering it up will only make things worse.)

Happy is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity. (A life full of anger is a hard one.)

Like a roaring lion and a charging bear is a wicked ruler over poor people.

A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness will prolong his days. (Insight and understanding will take you far.)

A man burdened will bloodshed will flee into a pit; let no one help him. (Guilt kills a murderer.)

Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, but he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall. (Evil lives are doomed.)

He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! (If you work, you will eat. Don't be lazy.)

A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. (Work for what you have. Money gained quickly won't last.)

To show partiality is not good because for a piece of bread a man will transgress. (Being partial to certain folks may cause others harm unintentionally.)

A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not consider the poverty will come upon him. (Money gained quickly will most likely go down the drain quickly.)

He who rebukes a mind will find more favor afterward than he who flatters with the tongue. (You will be more respected by speaking truth than being politically correct.)

Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, "It is no transgression," the same is companion to a destroyer. (Robbing and doing your parents wrong is a terrible, terrible thing.)

He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will be prospered. (With God there is a peaceful life to be had.)

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered. (Get over yourself! You don't know everything! Learn from others.)

He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses. (God blesses the giver.)

When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase. (Good people don't support wicked leaders.)

As Iron Sharpens Iron

Proverbs, Chapter 27 in blue

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but a fool's wrath is heavier than both of them. (Dealing with fool's is a load to carry.)

Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, but who is able to stand before jealousy? (Jealousy is more powerful than anger, for it produces anger and rage.)

Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. (Holding back praise helps no one. Getting critiqued is better than nothing at all.)

Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, but to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. (Fill your soul with good things and you won't give in to temptation.)

Like a bird that wanders from its nest is a man who wanders from his place. (Everybody needs a place to call home.)

Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel. (Like any good thing, sweet friendship is the best to have.)

Do not forsake you own friend or your father's friend, nor go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity; better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. (Let friends help you when trouble comes. Family is not always around. God sends us support; don't turn it down.)

My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me. (Parents are much better when their children are wise and make good decisions.)

A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and are punished. (Be smart and don't be naïve.)

Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress.

He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it will be counted a curse to him. (Everybody is not a morning person. Respect that.)

A continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike; whoever restrains her restrains the wind, and grasps oil with his right hand.

As iron sharpen irons, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. 

Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit; so he who waits on his master will be honored.

As in water face reflects face, so a man's heart reveals the  man.

Hell and Destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. (Satan is after you.)

The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, and a man is valued by what others say of him.  (How you handle yourself with what others say about you says a lot about your heart.)

Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his foolishness will not depart from him. (People need to want help. You can't help them if they don't want to be helped.)

Be diligent to know the state of your flocks and attend your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure all generations. (Money and fame can go as quickly as it comes.)

When the hay is removed and the tender grass shows itself, and the herbs of the mountain are gathered in, the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field; You shall have enough goat's milk for your food, for the food of your household, and the nourishment of your maidservants. (Be a good steward of your possessions and money and you will have enough for you and yours.)

Chapter 26: Fools and Gossips

Proverbs, Chapter 26 (from The Message Bible)

We no more give honor to fools than pray for snow in summer or rain during harvest.

You have as little to fear from an undeserved curse as from the dart of a wren or the swoop of a swallow.

A whip for the racehorse, a tiller for the sailboat--and a stick for the back of fools!

Don't respond to the stupidity of a fool; you'll only look foolish yourself.

Answer a fool in simple terms so he doesn't get a swelled head.

You're only asking for trouble when you send a message by a fool.

A proverb quoted by fools is limp as a wet noodle.

Putting a fool in a place of honor is like setting a mud brick on a marble column.

To ask a moron to quote a proverb is like putting a scalpel in the hands of a drunk.

Hire a fool or a drunk and you shoot yourself in the foot.

As a dog eats its own vomit, so fools recycle silliness.

See that man who thinks he's so smart? You can expect far more from a fool than from him.

Loafers say, "It's dangerous out there! Tigers are prowling in the streets!" and then pull the covers back over their heads.

Just as a door turns on its hinges, so a lazybones turns back over in bed.

A shiftless sluggard puts his fork in the pie, but is too lazy to lift it to his mouth.

Dreamers fantasize their self-importance; they think they are smarter than a whole college faculty.

You grab a mad dog by the ears when you butt into a quarrel that's none of your business.

People who shrug off deliberate deceptions, saying, "I didn't mean it, I was only joking," are worse than careless campers who walk away from smoldering campfires.

When you run out of wood, the fire goes out; when the gossip ends, the quarrel dies down.

A quarrelsome person in a dispute is like kerosene thrown on a fire.

Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you want junk like that in your belly?

Smooth talk from an evil heart is like glaze on cracked pottery.

Your enemy shakes hands and greets you like an old friend, all the while conniving against you. When he speaks warmly to you, don't believe him for a minute; he's just waiting for the chance to rip you off. No matter how cunningly he conceals his malice, eventually his evil will be exposed in public.

Malice backfires; spite boomerangs.

Liars hate their victims; flatterers sabotage trust.