One Another

Prov 13:14 NIrV) The teaching of wise people is like a fountain that gives life. It turns those who listen to it away from the jaws of death.

This morning we continue our series, In this verse Solomon reminds us that we need the teaching of the wise. We must all learn from those that have gone before us. "None of us is as smart as ALL of us!" The point is that we need each other. It takes humility to acknowledge the fact that we can't do it all by ourselves. Even when it comes to our life's purpose, God places people in our path that He expects us to learn from. If we allow ego or naïveté to fool us into thinking that we don't need others, we will never arrive at God's desired destination for our lives. What Solomon is teaching is congruent with all of scripture.

If you read the Bible it won't take you long to come across verses like, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed" (Ecc 4:9), that help drive home the fact that we need others to maximize our purpose and potential. The term "each other" appears 109 times in the Bible in verse like: "Keep on loving each other as brothers" (Heb 13:1) and "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16). The term "one another" appears 75 times in the Bible in verse like: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" (John 13:34), "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves" (Romans 12:10).

John Maxwell, We had to read this book for Bible College that was taught by Pastor Rand Estrada in his book, "17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork" said, "One is too small a number to achieve greatness." He calls this "The Law of Significance." His point being that nothing truly significant can be achieved by just one person. Even when one person makes it to the top of Mount Everest, they did not make it there without a team of people behind them.

So if you are going to become all that God desires for you to be, it will require the wisdom and support of others. However, you must be careful to only learn from those that are walking in Godly wisdom. While Solomon teaches us here that the teaching of the wise gives life and keeps us from the jaws of death, the teaching of fools could actually lead us to destruction. In the 20th verse of this same chapter Solomon said
"Anyone who walks with wise people grows wise. But a companion of foolish people suffers harm." So what does this mean?

A few things:

1. You need others: Never allow pride to fool you into thinking that you can do it all by yourself.

2. You must be selective when choosing friends and mentors: Both wisdom and foolishness can be transferred by association. Choose the wrong people and you will eventually head down the wrong road.

3. Seek to give back: One of the greatest benefits of being mentored is so that you can develop into a mentor yourself. If you continually learn from the wise, eventually you will become wise. Once you do, God will setup divine appointments for you to pour into others, the things that others have poured into you. The student honors his teacher when he becomes a teacher himself.

Father, I know that I don't know it all and I appreciate all the wise men and women You have placed in my path. I declare, by faith, that I will maximize my purpose and potential by learning from all those You desire for me to learn from. I submit to wise counsel and I become wise myself. Once I do, I will honor the investment You and others have made in my life by seeking to pour into others the goodness that has been poured into me. Thank You Father for teaching me to remain humble, teachable, and always willing to BE a blessing to others. In Jesus' name. Amen!

The Bible

Prov 13:13 CEV) If you reject God's teaching, you will pay the price; if you obey his commands, you will be rewarded.

This morning we continue our series In this verse Solomon reminds us of the benefits of receiving and applying God’s truth, of allowing God’s Word to be the ruler by which we judge every decision. With this in mind, let me share a few thoughts with you about the awesomeness of God’s Word.

The Bible is the #1 All-time bestseller. More people have read it than any other book in history. It is a compilation of 66 books, written by about 40 authors, in different times (over a span of 1,500 years), and for different reasons, but it all comes together as one work.

Why? Because the people penned the scriptures, but they were not the authors. They wrote the letters, but they did not manufacture the Words. They were the tools, but the Holy Spirit was the mastermind. That’s why we the Bible is God’s sacred book for our lives that we are to read, study, obey, and preach. There will be no 67th book. While everything is not in the Bible – the Bible does not tell us how to change a tire or fix a computer – everything we need to live a victorious life on the earth is contained within its pages.

In April 1521, Martin Luther appeared before a council of his accusers at the Diet of Worms. They wanted him to repudiate his unwavering faith in the sufficiency of the Word of God. He was being persecuted for placing more authority in the scriptures than the leadership of the Church at the time. This was his response, “Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason—I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other—my conscience is captive to the Word of God... God help me! Here I stand.”

Like Martin Luther, we must have a steadfast belief in the infallible, inerrant, and inexhaustible Word of God. If there is ever a conflict between the Bible and man’s teachings the answer is clear: the Bible is Right!

Smith Wigglesworth said: “The Bible is the Word of God: Supernatural in origin, eternal in duration, inexpressible in valor, infinite in scope, regenerative in power, infallible in authority, universal in interest, personal in application, and inspired in totality. Read it through, write it down, pray it in, work it out, and then pass it on.”

John MacArthur said: “This book contains: the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrine is holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here heaven is open, and the gates of hell are disclosed. Christ is the grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, health to the soul, and a river of pleasure. It is given to you here in this life, will be opened at the judgment, and is established forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and condemn all who trifle with its contents.”

So what does this mean to you? To answer this question I simply go back to Solomon’s words. The Bible is God’s Word for you and if reject it you will pay the price, but if you obey and apply its teachings to your life you will be rewarded!

Father, I thank You for making Your Word available to me. I have access to Your truth and I know that it is the truth that I need to maximize my purpose and potential in life. I declare, by faith, that I will allow Your Word to be the ruler by which I judge every decision. I read it, believe it, apply it, speak it, am transformed by it, and share it with all those I come in contact with. I know Your Word is not merely a textbook to study, but rather a Life-Book to live and I declare that I will live my life in accordance with it all the days of my life! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Charles Mario Fraticelli
January 27, 1929 to
August 21 2009


Hope that Does Not Disappoint!

Prov 13:12 NIrV) Hope that is put off makes one sick at heart. But a longing that is met is like a tree of life.

First of all, I want you to know that over the next couple of days I may not be able to send out Today's Word due to the death of my father in law. If you do not receive it, you know why. Please pray with me that God be glorified in my Father in laws memorial services This morning we continue our series, In this verse Solomon tells us that hope that is put off (other translations say "deferred") makes one heartsick. In other words, there is a deep disappointment that can be birthed - from the inside out - in a person that has been waiting for something for a long time, to no avail. Some have been so disappointed, so often, that that have become disillusioned.

But the Good News is that there is a Hope that does not disappoint and that is the Hope that is birthed in our heart by God. A few messages ago I mentioned Romans 15:13, where Paul said, "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Not only does Paul call God the "God of Hope," but his prayer for the believers at Rome was that they would literally abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

This is supernatural hope and his prayer for them came after much teaching on this Godly hope. In the first chapter Paul lets the believers in Rome know that he dearly wanted to visit them, but he was unable to, so he sent this letter to teach them (Jews and Gentiles alike) about salvation, faith, redemption, justification, righteousness, and hope. In the fourth chapter Paul taught them (and us) about the unwavering faith of Abraham - a man that stood on a promise of God for 25 years.

Paul explains that Abraham hoped against hope; meaning that he maintained his Godly hope, even when all human hope was gone. Humanly speaking, Abraham and Sarah should have given up their hope to have a child. Abraham was 99 years old and Sarah was 90 when God told them that they were still going to have the baby.

Sarah had been barren all her life and Abraham's body was also - by this point in their lives - humanly dead. But they maintained their hope and they continued to believe in a God that could turn hopeless situations around. And do you know what happened? They had that baby, even after all human hope had dissipated. This is the backdrop for this fifth chapter. Paul opens: "Therefore," this is a connection back to chapter four and the faith of Abraham, "Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand." This is the peace that Abraham had while he was waiting on God, a peace that enables us to keep hope alive.

Paul continues, "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." This is not human hope. This is not limited hope. This is a hope that is birthed by God Himself in us. Paul continues, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

Paul had been through many challenges himself and he explains that challenges should not cause believers to give up and throw away our hope, but rather the opposite is true. As believers, the challenges we face can actually help to develop perseverance, character and hope! And then the fifth verse is the big one.

Paul said, "Now this hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." We can be assured that we will not be disappointed when we walk with God, because we know that He loves us. So what does this mean to you? Solomon tells us that when our longing is met, when we receive our payday, the experience is like a tree of life. As a believer, rooted and grounded in the love of God, you know that your payday is coming. Your hope, in God, is worth having and you will not be disappointed!





Father, my hope is not based upon the economy, the dollar, or anything else in the world. My hope is based upon my relationship with You and I now that this is a hope that never fails and never disappoints. I, like Abraham, build up the ability to hope against hope. You are my God of Hope and I know that the manifestation of Your promises in my life is just a matter of time. I remain steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, while I wait on You! And I wait with a smile on my face and a song in my heart! In Jesus' name. Amen!

Honest vs. Dishonest

(Prov 13:11 NIV) Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.

This morning we continue our series, In this verse Solomon differentiates between the wealth attained by honest means and hard work, from the wealth attained dishonestly. Growing up in Brooklyn I knew quite a few individuals who attained wealth dishonestly and illegally.

I knew one person, who sold drugs for years, who routinely earned $50,000 a week. Solomon’s words are a perfect description of his life. Although he made absorbent amounts of money, it seemed like he never had any. He was a compulsive gambler who thought nothing of placing a $20,000 or $30,000 wager on a baseball game, or at the poker table. Week after week, no matter how much he made, he seemed to find creative ways to spend it all.

Now, many years later, he has nothing. He was a married man with two beautiful daughters, but his marriage did not survive his roller-coaster lifestyle. He has no money, no family (with the exception of 2 dogs), and seemingly no future.

Theologian Matthew Henry, when commenting on this verse said, “This shows that riches wear as they are won and woven. That which is won ill will never wear well, for a curse attends it which will waste it, and the same corrupt dispositions which incline men to the sinful ways of getting well incline them to the like sinful ways of spending.”

Were I am currently working I a person who seems to have attained his wealth dishonestly. Soon after meeting him he began to tell me how much money he once had. And after describing the small fortune he once enjoyed, he began to describe the series of calamities he experienced as he seemingly lost it all.

This reminds me of the words of Jeremiah, where he said: “The person who gets money dishonestly is like a bird that hatches eggs it didn't lay. In the prime of life he will lose his riches, and in the end he is nothing but a fool” (17:11).


The Hebrew word for bless is barak (baw-rak). The Hebrew word for create is bara (baw-raw). I heard a preacher once say that God only baras what He baraks; meaning, God only blesses what He creates. The Father will only back, protect, and bless the things He leads you to do.

When you get out there on your own, in the realm of the dishonest and the illegal, then you are exactly that, on your own. Where He leads, He feeds. Where He guides, He provides. But when you are not walking with Him, you have to face all that comes – whether it be the temptation to do wrong, or calamity – on your own.

So what does this mean to you? It means God is interested in every area of your life. He is concerned with your relationships, health, development as a person, progress towards arriving at your destiny, and your money. He is not against you getting ahead.

As a matter of fact, He wants you to get ahead. He wants to bless the work of your hands. Some of the greatest characters of the Bible were extremely wealthy. A poverty-stricken believer will have a hard time focusing on meeting the needs of others.

So no, the Father is not against wealth, but He is completely against seeking wealth the wrong way.

Father, I want You to bless the work of my hands. I want Your blessing upon me as I enter this day and every day. Therefore, I declare, by faith, that I will seek to do things in a way that is pleasing in your sight. I resist every temptation and invitation to do things illegally, immorally, and dishonestly. I walk upright before you and I trust that I will be the better for it. I know that I can get ahead financially, and in every other area of my life, by doing things Your way. As I seek to do things right today, I ask You to walk with me and to barak all that I do! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Advice for Leaders

(Prov 13:10 NIrV) Pride only leads to arguing. But those who take advice are wise.

This morning we continue our series, Solomon was the wisest man to ever live (outside of Jesus). Under his tenure (as King) Israel built the greatest temple ever built. The project took over seven years to complete and Solomon entered into partnerships with other Kings and nations to outsource what his nation did not specialize in. All in all, the project required over 200,000 workers and the budget was over a Billion dollars.

I share this with you because I want you to understand a little about the man who is writing here. Although God had given him remarkable wisdom, he knew that he could not accomplish everything alone. He surrounded himself with wise people, welcomed and heeded their counsel, decentralized control of aspects of the project, and accomplished what God desired for him to do.

In the 20th verse of this same chapter Solomon said, “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” In other words, wisdom and foolishness are both transferred by association. If you want to grow wiser, you must surround yourself with wise people and then open yourself up to learn from them.

In Exodus 18 Moses had a problem. He was the leader or Israel, but he was attempting to address all the issues that arose by himself. His father-in-law (Jethro) told him, “What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.

He went on to say Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you... select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.

Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” Moses did just that, his load became lighter, and he and the nation prospered because of it.

Our verse for this morning teaches us that it takes humility to accept advice and assistance from others. The Message Bible version of this verse reads, “Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other's counsel.” Prideful leaders don’t empower their subordinates and the result is a climate of micromanagement, frustration, and inefficiency.

Solomon could have made all the decisions himself, Moses could have ignored his father-in-law, but in both cases neither man would have been the better for it and the nations they led would have suffered.

Every time I get to hear a senior leader speak they openly remind the audience how fortunate they feel to be where they are, how humbled they are by the experience, and how they must surround themselves with very capable (and in many cases smarter) individuals to be able to accomplish was is asked of them.

So what does this mean ? Three quick things:

1. You don’t know it all. Don’t allow pride you make you think you do.

2. You can’t do it all. You will burn yourself out and then you won’t be any good to anyone.

3. You can’t make every decision. You must surround yourself with wise people and then trust and empower them to perform your intent.

Father, I refuse to allow pride to keep me enslaved to self-promotion. I know I don’t know it all, so I thank You for blessing me with people around me who are well able to perform what I can’t. I will not micromanage my organization, my family, or anyone You bless me to lead. I will develop and empower those that I lead, so that they can become tomorrow’s leaders and so that I can be free to accomplish all that You desire for me to do before I die! I declare this by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

A Life Full of Light and Joy!

(Prov 13:9 AMP) The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.

This morning we continue our series In this verse Solomon contrasts the light and joy that characterize the life of the believer, with the darkness that characterizes the

IN Romans 15:13, Paul said, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This was part of Paul’s closing prayer for the believers in Rome. He prayed that they would be filled with all joy and peace, while they believed God and journeyed through life, and that their joy and peace would come from the overflowing power of the Holy Spirit Himself! This is powerful stuff.

As believers, we are called to be light and love, not darkness and hatred. When people see us they should see God’s joy permeating through us, they should see and excitement for life emanating from our pores. After speaking to us they should know that they have come in contact with a human that is full of God Himself!

In Nehemiah chapter 8 the people gathered together to hear the Word of God. Ezra the priest (and scribe) stood above the people, behind a pulpit, and read the Word of God to them. Not only that, he broke the Word down so that they could understand it (that’s what I attempt to do). Afterwards Nehemiah, the Governor, stood before the people and said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (8:10).

That says it all. As believers, the joy of the Lord should be our strength. We should be so full of God’s Spirit that His joy becomes and internal and everlasting well that feeds our soul.

I recently went to a conference. This is an annual conference where many of the professionals from my field come together to share ideas, provide updates on projects, and etc. One of the major draws of a conference like this is the social networking aspect of it. I got to meet some client that I had never met face to face but talk to on the phone daily , catching up with old friends, and etc., I thought about a book I am had to . I have actually been meaning to read this book for a while. I read a book a while back by Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” Let me share an observation from the book I found interesting:

“Dealing with people is probably the biggest problem you face, especially if you are in business. Yes, and that is also true if you are a housewife, architect, or engineer. Research made a few years ago under the auspices of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teachers uncovered a most important significant fact; a fact later confirmed by additional studies made at the Carnegie Institute of Technology.

These investigations revealed that even in such technical lines as engineering, about 15% of one’s financial success is due to one’s technical knowledge and about 85% is due to skill in human engineering, to personality, and to the ability to lead people.” Wow

So what does this mean to you ? Two things:

1) It means that as a believer, you should be full and continually filled with God’s joy, life and energy. This will draw people and provide an opportunity for you to share God’s goodness with them.

2) It means that if you become the light that God desires for you to be, you will be more successful in life. You don’t want to be the dark, drab, and dismal person that no one wants to speak to (and there are quite a few of these at this conference), these people don’t go far in God or in their profession.

Father, I thank You for Your Joy and Peace. I enter this day with the excitement that comes from Your Joy and the serenity that comes from Your peace. The Joy of the Lord is my strength; therefore, I am ready for this day. I face this day – and every challenge it may bring – with a smile on my face, a song in my heart, a spring in my step and a zest for life that cannot be interrupted! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Are you Worth the Attack?

(Prov 13:8 AMP) A rich man can buy his way out of threatened death by paying a ransom, but the poor man does not even have to listen to threats [from the envious].

This morning we continue our series. In the last verse Solomon urged us to be honest about our financial state. He made it clear that a wealthy person should not attempt to display an image of poverty, just to avoid the responsibilities God places upon the wealthy.

But what he says here is quite interesting. Solomon – who was extremely rich – explains that the wealthy have to deal with things that the poor do not. For example, the wealthy have to deal with the threat of someone within his or her family being kidnapped for ransom.

In Solomon’s day, and even today, the threat of kidnapping is a real. Watch the news and you will see that in Mexico and in many Central American countries the threat of kidnapping, for ransom, is real and common.

But Solomon’s point is that the kidnapper will normally do their homework. They won’t normally spend the time, energy or effort to kidnap someone who does not have anyone wealthy enough to pay a ransom. What is the point of committing the act if there is not going to be a payday? The perpetrators of this type of crime only pursue targets worthy of a big payoff. Now, you may be thinking, “What does this have to do with me?” Hold on, I will get there.

To draw the gap between Solomon’s words and your world let me share with you a little story that I recently read. The person that wrote toe story said and I am quoting so it may not be 100% accurate word for word. He said

“I grew up Brooklyn and in the 1970s my neighborhood was full of gangs. But by the mid-1980s we were basically down two: the Senior Crash Crew and the Junior Crash Crew. The seniors would get out of high school at 2:20pm and then walk several blocks to the junior high school to pick up the juniors. Both crews would then merge and create a huge mob (about 200/300 strong). The mob would then walk back to their housing projects. They walked through the streets robbing and beating up anyone crazy enough to go close to the crowd.

He goes on to say However, one day I saw a man walk directly through the entire crowd untouched. Not one of the members of the JCC or the SCC bothered him. How did he do that? Why did the crowd leave him alone? Why didn’t anyone from the mob attack him? Because he was a drug addict. Excuse the term, but he was what we called a “crackhead.” Many years later God reminded me of that incident and told me that the reason they did not touch him was because they perceived that he did not have anything worth taking. The mob was smart enough to only attack those worth attacking.”

I know that this is true because I too have experienced something similar to this once. And like this person God basically told me the same thing. And in my care in was in LA and the crowd were much older gang members.

So what does this mean to you ? A couple of things:

1. Satan is after your worth: Whatever God has placed down inside of you is valuable to God’s Kingdom. If the enemy can get frustrate you enough that you will stop believing God for all the things You believe He wants to do in your life, then he can hold your life, your dream, your destiny, and your purpose ransom! If he can get you to throw in the towel, you basically defeat yourself. That’s what he wants you to do, but you must refuse to give up on your purpose and destiny, no matter how hard it gets.

2. You will only be attacked if you have something worth attacking: If the enemy is coming against you, it is evidence that he perceives you have something worth taking. The greater the dream (the value) God has placed down inside of you, the greater the attack. Don’t allow the enemy’s attacks to cause you to quit. Remember, his poison can’t stop your purpose. The only way you can lose is if you quit! Feed your faith, starve your doubts, and you will be able to overcome every attack!

Father, I thank You for making me a valuable asset in and for Your Kingdom. I have God-given purpose down inside of me and no one – neither satan himself or any demonic force – can stop it. When I am attacked it adds fuel to my fire, because I know that I am worth attacking. Instead of getting frustrated and throwing in the towel, every attack of the enemy helps me to steel my resolve even greater. No matter what comes my way I will never give up. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I persevere with a ‘Forward-ever, Backward-never’ mentality and I maintain joy and peace while I do. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Being honest with God about your Finances

(Prov 13:7 NIrV) Some people pretend to be rich but have nothing. Others pretend to be poor but have great wealth.

This morning we continue our series, in this verse Solomon gives us two extremes. On the one hand, there are those who are poor, but pretend to be rich. They attempt to live extravagantly, spending more than the make, and giving others the impression that they are well off. The problem is that they are not. They are in above their heads and their desire to impress others keeps them in the hole of debt and despair.

They display one thing in public, but when they are alone the reality of their situation sinks in and it leaves them wanting help, but not wanting to be exposed to get it.

This is a terrible situation, but it is unfortunately one that is common in the United States. Even in the midst of an economic downturn, there are many that continue to spend more than they make just to maintain a public image that is nothing but a lie.

On the other hand, you have those that are well off; who through hard work and God’s favor have become very wealthy. Instead of using their riches to be a blessing, they hoard them and even worse, they put up a façade of poverty. They would rather maintain an image of poverty, than to allow others to know that they are wealthy.

With wealth comes responsibility. The more you have, the more you can be a blessing to others with. God promised to bless Abraham and his descendants (Gen 12:1,2), so that we could BE a blessing to others. It is a terrible thing to have the means by which to be a blessing, but to choose rather to display an image of poverty, so that no one would expect you to make a difference (financially) in the lives of others.

I meet people from time to time that tell me, “ I don’t want much. I just want enough for me and my family.” While that statement might sound religious, it is not Godly. That statement exposes a level of selfishness. If all you are concerned about is you and yours, then you don’t understand your God.

Your God wants to bless you to make a difference within your sphere of influence. This ability to make a difference is definitely NOT limited to money, but it sure does not exclude it either. Solomon was extremely rich and he knew first-hand the responsibilities, before God, that riches bring with them. When you get a chance, read Deuteronomy chapters 10 and 26. There are other passages, but these speak of the responsibilities the Jews had to take care of the widows, orphans and foreigners (or strangers) at the gate. Those whom the Father had blessed with much had a Godly responsibility to ensure that those who were less fortunate were taken care of. There was no welfare system, no government assistance programs, just the Kingdom of God making a difference in the lives of others.

So what does this mean to you ? Let’s look at both categories:
1. To the less fortunate: If you fall into the first category and you are struggling financially right now, then you must heed Solomon’s warning and live within your means. Don’t concern yourself with putting up a façade for others. Just seek to please God by working hard, keeping Him first, and seeking His wisdom to get you out of your financial situation. With hard work and God’s favor you will eventually see a turn-around.

2. To the well off: If you are blessed to have more than enough for you and yours, then praise God! Seek to be a blessing to those who are less fortunate. It is ungodly to display an image of poverty when you know you are not poor. That doesn’t mean that you have to flaunt it, but what it does mean is that the Father does not want you to shun your financial responsibility to make a difference in the lives of others. You are blessed TO BE a blessing!

Father, I than You for giving me the wisdom to govern my finances responsibly. I know you want to make a difference in the lives of others. I also know that You will not rain down money from heaven. When You want to bless someone in the earth, You always use another human to be the channel through which the blessing comes. I declare, by faith, that I will walk in Your wisdom, I will manage my finances in a Godly way, and I will be the channel through which You can bless others! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

"The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor," Proverbs 11:9.

Lets continue were we left off

No one wants to be a gossip addict, destroying those around. Can the addiction be cured? Can gossip be stopped? Yes ---- here's how! First, realize how much God hates gossip. Gossip-related sins appear three times on God's "hit list" of the six most abominable things He hates: "A lying tongue... a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren" (Bible verses Proverbs 6:17-19).

God hates to see His children hurting one another. Yet He sees some of us day in and day out destroying one another with gossip. He wants a cease-fire of the tongues. God wants you to have the same attitude He has against gossip. So the first step toward stopping gossip is to hate it, because it hurts people. Once you come to hate gossip, then...

Repent of gossip. Perhaps you don't think about this as often as you should, but gossip is sin. Almighty God thunders in His Ninth Commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Bible verse Exodus 20:16). A main thrust of this commandment focuses on the harm done to one's neighbor by the types of accusation and slander that make up gossip.

James explains: "Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge" (Bible verse James 4:11). Gossiping is bearing false witness, and that brings the death penalty (Bible verse Romans 6:23). So realize that gossip is sin. Repent and determine never to gossip again

Realize the source. As we saw earlier, Satan originated gossip. No Christian wants to be an instrument of the devil. Yet when you gossip you are being used by Satan. He not only started gossip, he now perpetuates it through humans (Bible verse Ephesians 2:2).

The next time you are tempted to gossip, think about the source and bite your tongue.

Don't listen. Not only should you repent of gossiping, you should stop listening to gossip. Don't fool yourself. Just as it takes two to tango, it takes two to gossip ---- one to talk and one to listen. Gossip would stop instantly if everyone would stop listening. It's no fun gossiping to yourself

Listen to John's instruction: "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds" (Bible verses II John 10-11).

Just listening to gossip makes you an accomplice. If anyone comes to you with gossip, do not listen. As gently and tactfully as possible, tell the person that the subject matter does not concern you and you'd rather not discuss it. Be as firm as necessary. The person will quickly get the message ---- and the gossiping will stop.

Detect gossip. To stop gossip, you must recognize it. But how? God has provided you with a gossip-detection system. Let's take a look at that system, described in Bible verse Philippians 4:8. The first criteria for proper communication is that it be true. You should not listen to or say anything that is not true. In fact, you or the person telling you should be able to prove that it is true. "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (Bible verse I Thessalonians 5:21, KJV). If it can't be proven, it shouldn't be listened to or spoken of.

But what if it is true? Should you get involved? Not unless it's noble. The information should not in any way tarnish the character, name or reputation of another person. Any hint of disrespect should set off an alarm in your mind that shouts "Gossip!" Paul goes even further by declaring that the information must be just. This means you should not discuss or listen to discussions about the sins of others.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," says Bible verse Romans 3:23. "He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates the best of friends" (Bible verse Proverbs 17:9).Another important part of our gossip detection system is purity.

The words must be pure. In our sick society, blasphemy and profanity almost have become proper etiquette. "Their throat is an open tomb... whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness" (Bible verses Proverbs 3:13-14).

God does not want His people listening to or spreading dirty words or stories. Keep your ears and mouth pure. Accept only lovely things into your mind ---- things that effect you and others in a positive, uplifting way. Make sure the words you speak and hear are of good report. Bad news bombards us constantly. Human nature seems to thrive on bad news. "For their heart devises violence, and their lips talk of troublemaking" (Bible verse Proverbs 24:2). Paul tells us to avoid bad reports.

Speak to edify. In the same Bible verse 8 of Philippians 4, Paul says that we should speak words of virtue. Virtuous words are words of excellence and value, words that produce good fruits, that build up the speaker, listener and everyone else.

Speak words of praise ---- words that praise the great works of God. Talk about His great creation in all of his wonderful glory. Talk about God's Work on earth today ---- the Work that's spreading the good news of the Kingdom of God. Speak words of praise about the good in other people. Encourage others to do their best. Comfort other people when they are discouraged.

In short, use your tongue to bring life ---- not death!

Now you know what gossip is. You know its source. You even know why you gossip. More importantly you know how to stop gossip. So work to stop this heinous crime!

"The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor," Proverbs 11:9.

You've heard the phrase, 'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." It's not true ---- like a poisonous snake gossip can kill you!

We live in a notoriously violent society! Under the influence of Satan, people hurt, maim and kill fellow humans with impunity.What about you? Do you inflict injury upon your neighbors? Could you be guilty of murder?"How unthinkable!" you may answer. "Never!" Yet millions of seemingly harmless people hurt end even kill their neighbors every day.

Their instrument of violence is not steely switchblade nor a silver "Saturday-night special". It's the tongue! Whether the gossip is premeditated or accidental, murder is murder. And when you're dead, you're dead.Yes, words ---- in the form of gossip ---- can hurt you and other people. But gossip can be stopped! Let's learn how to prevent this deadly crime. First, what is gossip? Many people don't know. Many do know, but pretend they don't. Many know, but don't care ---- they go right on anyway, murdering others with their words..

Listen to what God says about gossiping accusers: "An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire (Bible verse Proverbs 16:27).

What happens to the victim of accusations? These accusers ---- this lynch mob of tongues ---- charge him, convict him and condemn him to death! Accusation is deadly gossip.Gossip slanders neighbor. It destroys a person's character or personal reputation.

But beware! He who lives by the sword of slander shall die by the sword of slander. Almighty God says, "Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy" (Bible verse Psalm 101:5).

Gossip talks indiscreetly. People who say just anything that comes into their minds spread gossip. They do not engage their minds before they engage their tongues. They do not evaluate what they are about to say or its effect on others. "A serpent may bite when it is not charmed; the babbler is no different" (Bible verse Ecclesiastes 10:11).In short, gossip is any communication that hurts people.

"The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly" (Bible verse Proverbs 18:8), King James Version.)

Satan started gossip. Jesus Christ said, "He was a murderer from the beginning" (John 8:44). Satan probably used gossip to assassinate God in the eyes of one third of the angels, causing them to rebel (Bible verse Revelation 12:4). Jesus also revealed that Satan is a lying slanderer: "For he is a liar and the father of it" (Bible verse John 8:4).

Satan accuses both God and humans today through unsuspecting people. He is called the "accuser of our brethren" ---- of God's begotten children in His Church (Bible verse Revelation 12:10).: "Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries... But these speak evil of whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves" (Bible verses Jude 8-10).Yes, Satan is the source of gossip. Do not allow Satan to whisper in your ear.

People gossip for many ---- all of them wrong ---- reasons. For example, people of low self-esteem tend to gossip. They do not respect themselves, so they gossip about others and pull them down. This allows their own egos to rise on the ruins of others'. The gossiper experiences a temporary illusions of worth, but quickly descends even lower than before. He or she then yearns to gossip again, aching to experience another high. But down he or she goes again.Some people are addicted to gossip just as much as some others are addicted to drugs.

Frustration produces gossipers, too. You can't have everything you want. Perhaps you are dissatisfied with your situation in life. You hunger and thirst for satisfaction. So what do you do? Well, some people eat, eat, eat, desperately desiring to devour their frustrations away. Others talk, talk, talk and devour their neighbors away. After gossiping they feel better ---- for a little while. Then reality hits them again and the addictive cycle of frustration and gossip starts all over again.Idleness breeds gossip. People who are idle with their hands tend to be active with their tongues. Paul comments: "And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not" (Bible verse I Timothy 5:13).

Realize how much God hates gossip. Gossip-related sins appear three times on God's "hit list" of the six most abominable things He hates: "A lying tongue... a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren" (Bible verses Proverbs 6:17-19).

"In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he

saw fit." (Judges 21:25).

I dislike this section of Scripture ... No, I hate it! Not because it is wrong. No, it's because it's so right. I think that is why I disdain it! It introduces us to ourselves, and we don't always like what we see.

When I am at work I just I cringe when I get a returned check with an imprint on it that states, "insufficient funds." But you know what I hate more than bounced checks?

Reality checks.

This section of Scripture may be a very real picture of us. We have the same problem of homosexuality, lesbianism, and other forms of immorality and sin ... but instead of rising up against them, we are softening and are beginning to accept it as part of who we are. Whole denominations are putting out statements of acceptance and their ads depict their approval to those who have chosen to openly violate God's commands.

Oh, it doesn't happen all at once. It begins quietly.

Today's slow slide could be seen in this way ... The men beat on the doors and demand homosexual sex. However, another option to those inside, if they didn't want them to sound so insistent, they'd offer a second consideration : "Then what about allowing us to do this with one another. Would you at least endorse that and allow us to be one of the tribes of Israel?" The Israelite from Ephraim would then say, "OK. You can be that way with one another, and we will accept you as one of us."

But that is not how we read it in Judges. Instead, a unthinkable dismembering takes place which horrifies all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba, and they rise up as one to deal with it.


This is terrible, but as dreadful as it is, here is what would be more terrifying: if they had done nothing and instead, ignored it. Or even more horrifying, if they accepted it and endorsed it.We can throw stones at these barbaric methods, but in doing so, we cannot blind ourselves to what we may be becoming ... where the Bride today sees it as endorsable. And we do not rise as one anymore.

Reality check.

We live in a society that is addicted to "affirmation."

"Just affirm me. Don't tell me you don't like what I do. Just let me do what I want to do. Pay me. Encourage me. Support me. But don't evaluate me ... because if you do, I will say you are judging me and you are a phobic."

The danger of this kind of affirmtion is that we make ourselves immune from correction and we become a law unto ourselves.

"In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit."
Maybe it's time for a reality check. Maybe it's long overdue. We do fear what people will say, and for the lack of courage, we blend into the surroundings of what our society is doing. We can start with ourselves. Let's start there. Where we open our hearts to biblical evaluation ... no, not to judgmental critics, but to wise, biblical adjustments along the way so we don't wake up one morning and find how far we have drifted into the deep parts of an ocean of despair.
My stomach churns over this passage. However, I cannot swallow the same thing in my own life.
Not sure what to do, but I am wide awake now.


Father God Giver of wisdom and Guardian of Your Word, please grant me the understanding and the wisdom to make decisions and lead Your people in the right way. I know that I will not always be the most popular guy, but in the end, I want to know that I have walked closely with you and I end up in a list like I find in Hebrews 11 ... even if I don't end up on a list of New York Times Best Sellers or win a popularity contest. May I win your pleasure and your heart. In Jesus name I pray

Protection for the Righteous

(Prov 13:6 TNIV) Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

This morning we continue our series, In this verse Solomon contrasts the protection the believer enjoys with the vulnerability the sinner is eventually exposed to. I see the protection Solomon addresses here in two ways.

Firstly, I believe that when you walk righteousness (or godliness), you shield yourself from all sorts of evil. When you walk in Godly counsel it keeps you from opening the wrong doors. The New Living Translation of this verse reads: “Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin.”

Godliness is actually being “like God.” Learning to love what He loves, hate what He hates, operate as He operates, forgive as He has forgiven us, show mercy, compassion, grace, and etc. When you learn to live the life God desires for you to live, you will not be misled by the mistakes sinners expose themselves to every day. While this will not happen overnight, godliness can be developed and it does pay big dividends.

Paul said, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come” (1st Timothy 4:8). Developing in godliness will pay off now (in time) and later (in eternity). Walking in godliness keeps you from the pitfalls that wreck so many lives. The integrity of the believer keeps him shielded from sowing the wrong seed and therefore reaping the wrong harvest.

Secondly, when you walk in righteousness God protects you. Solomon father David said, “God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection” (2nd Samuel 22:31). It would take me much more than a few minutes to describe to you the many times the Lord has protected me.

The Bible is chock-full of scriptures that promise protection. Let me share with you some of what Psalm 91 (the Psalm of Protection) says. The psalmist tells us that if we abide under the shadow of God (v.1) that the Lord will keep us safe from secret traps and deadly diseases (v.3). He spread His wings over us to keep us secure. His faithfulness over us will be like a shield or a city wall (v.4). We won’t need to worry about dangers at night or during the day. Nor will we have to fear diseases that strike in the dark or sudden disaster at noon. Though thousands may fall around us, we will not be harmed (vv.5-7). Only with our eyes will we see the punishment of the wicked (v.8). The Most High God will be our fortress and we will run to Him safety (v.9). No terrible disasters will strike us, nor our homes, because God will command His angels to protect us wherever we go (vv.10,11). The angels will carry us in their arms and won't allow us to be hurt (v.12). Because we love the Lord, He will rescue us and keep us safe (v.14). When we are in trouble, we can call out to Him. He will hear us, answer us, and be there to protect us (v.15). He will satisfy us with a long life and we will see His saving power (v.16).

If that does not get your blood pumping I don’t know what will! The 91st Psalm is so powerful and that is my all time favorite scripture, It gave me peace through the most difficult times in my life.


So what does this mean to you? It means that have a choice. You can either walk in righteousness (developing godliness) and enjoy the protection the Father wants you to enjoy, or you can walk in sin and expose yourself to the dangers of walking without God’s protection.

Father, I thank You for setting before me life and death, blessing and cursing, and then telling me which to choose. I choose life and blessing. I choose to develop in godliness. I choose to walk in righteousness. And as I do, I enjoy the protection that comes from my own integrity and Your divine power. Angels, walk with me today. Keep me from harm. Protect me and my family as we seek to do all that the Father would have us to do. Thank You Father for your protection, power and peace! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Walking in Righteousness

(Prov 13:5 TNIV) The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and are filled with shame.

This morning we continue our series In this verse Solomon contrasts the desires of the righteous with the practices of the wicked. We all know that the wicked have wicked desires, lusts, and practices. We were all there. I don’t expect a sinner to live like a believer. I was once a sinner and I did my best to be a good one. But I praise the Father for sending His Son to die so that I could live. I am now made new in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:17) and I am called to walk in the newness of the life (Rom 6:4) Christ died to give me. The same applies to you. Jesus did not die in vain. He died for your salvation (to deliver you from hell and grant you access to heaven), but He also died for your sanctification (so that you could experience a change of life, while you are still in the earth).

Paul tells us that our minds must be renewed (Rom 12:1,2) once we come to Christ. The point being that we must learn to love what God loves and hate what God hates. Since the Father hates what is false, Solomon tells us that we are to hate it as well. While the wicked are a stench in the Father’s nostrils, we are to live our lives in such a way that we become a sweet smelling savor. There should be a clear difference between us and the world, between the righteous and the wicked, between the believer and the sinner.

John explains this well in his letters. Let’s take a look at a few excerpts from his first letter:

“This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness… But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (1st John 1:5-9).

“Everyone who sins is breaking God's law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in Him. Anyone who continues to live in Him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know Him or understand who He is. Dear children, don't let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God. This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another” (1st John 3:4-11).

So what does this mean to you? The message is straightforward and simple this morning: love what God loves and hate what He hates. Most believers don’t have a problem with learning to love what God loves, but many don’t want to truly hate what He hates. They make concessions and excuses for sin and before they know it, they are caught up in it. If you learn to literally hate what He hates you will develop distaste for wickedness and a true love for righteousness!

Father, I know that You are holy, righteous, and pure. You are light and in You there is no darkness. You are love and in You there is no selfishness. I have a sincere desire to become more and more like You. I have a hunger and thirst for righteousness. I declare, by faith, that I will learn to love what You love and hate what You hate. I will not make concessions or excuses for sin. I shall call right, right and wrong, wrong. I enter into this day having been made new in Christ Jesus and I walk in the newness of life! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Hard Work

(Prov 13:4 NIrV) People who refuse to work want things and get nothing. But the longings of people who work hard are completely satisfied.

This morning we continue our series In this verse Solomon goes back to another reoccurring theme in his writings: hard work. Solomon is clearly against laziness, because he knows what we should all know; and that is that laziness gets us nowhere.

Have you ever met someone who wants lots of things? I know quite a few who spend a lot of time daydreaming about the person they would like to be some day or the things they would like to have. Daydreaming, in and of itself, is not a bad thing. I believe God wants us to dream big dreams. But just know that it will take time, energy, and lots of effort to see the dreams manifested.

God is not in the business of giving lazy people freebies. If he did He would just be promoting their laziness and giving them motivation to remain in their lethargic state. No! God does not have a welfare plan. He will work with you and bless the work of your hands, but that means you have to give Him something to bless.

The New Living Translation reads: “Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.” Who do you think gets ahead life? Solomon gives us the answer: those who are willing to work hard. And this pertains to every area of life.

Often, after teaching a Bible Study or preaching, I want to teach, or like you. How do I get started?” I tell them to study and I give them a few references. I may give them a book to read or an assignment to look up. I then ask them to get back with me. Most don’t, but for those that do, I try to help them as much as I can.

It’s an eye-opening experience for many when they realize how much work goes into a teaching. When I teach them about understanding the text, in context, the historical significance, how they must be true to what it meant (back then) before they start making conclusions about what it means (today), and how to draw from parallel texts, they begin to realize that this is hard work.

It has been said that it takes anywhere from 30-40 hours of study for every one hour of reaching. Since it’s God’s will, it’s God’s bill. He gives me the strength, but I have to be willing to put in the work.

So what does this mean to you? It means that you have to work for what you want. Maybe teaching is not your thing. No matter what you desire to do in life, it is possible, but it will require work. If you are lazy, you will never get there!

Father, I thank You for this Word this morning. I speak life over myself and I declare that I overcome laziness by faith. I take control of my mind, emotions and will. I refuse to allow procrastination and slothfulness to keep me from maximizing my potential today, this week, and for the rest of my life. Father, I will work diligently and I ask You to bless the work of my hands. As You bless me to dream big dreams, I declare, by faith, that I will put the work behind the dreams required to see the manifestation of them in my life. I work hard and prosper! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Faith-Filled Words!

(Prov 13:3 MSG) Careful words make for a careful life; careless talk may ruin everything.

This morning we continue our series, in this verse Solomon continues to drive home the importance of our words. The Father has gone to great lengths – giving us principles and examples of the ‘power of the tongue’ all throughout the Bible – to ensure that we put careful thought into what we say. From a Biblical perspective, careful words are Faith-Filled words; they are words that line up with God, His Word, His promises and His desire for our lives. Careless words are words that are contrary to what God wants to do in our lives. Let’s take a look at the story of the conception of John the Baptist as an example.

In Luke chapter one we read that the angel Gabriel was sent from God to meet Zechariah. Zechariah was a priest who was on shift, praying in the temple. The angel Gabriel appeared to him and said, “Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord… he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God… he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” So, it is obvious that Zechariah had been praying for God to bless him with a child.

The Lord answered his prayer. The Father sent an angel to announce to him that, not only were he and his wife going to have a baby, but this baby would bring revival to the land. In today’s terms, its like Gabriel was saying, “You are going to have a son and he will be the next T.D. Jakes!”

You would think that Zechariah would be ecstatic! You would think that he would have started praising God. But no, Zechariah doubted. He said, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” Zechariah was trying to make sense of it. His wife had been barren all her life and she was now old. He was trying to rationalize the situation.

The problem is that God is Spiritual, not sensual. Faith does not make sense. God’s promises must be believed, not figured out. Many believers have worked there way out of the will of God, because of reason, logic and common sense.
Gabriel was not happy. The angel said, “I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.” Zechariah did not believe what God said, so God shut his mouth. He was not able to speak another word for 9 months.

God is so serious about the words that we speak that Zechariah was forbidden to say anything while his son, John the Baptist, was developing in his wife’s belly. I believe this shielded John from Zechariah speaking words of fear, doubt and unbelief.

Interestingly enough, the same angel appeared to Elizabeth’s (Zechariah’s wife) cousin Mary six months later. Mary spoke Faith-Filled words; saying, “May it be to me as you have said,” and she became pregnant without ever laying with a man!

So what does this mean to you? It means exactly what Solomon said. Careful (Faith-filled) words put you in the position to receive all that God desires for you to have and become all that God desires for you to be. However, careless words (filled with fear, doubt and unbelief) may ruin everything. Be determined to speak Faith-Filled words today!

Father, I declare, right now, by faith, that I align my speech with Your speech. I align my words with Your Word. I speak Faith-Filled words today and every day. I refuse to speak words of fear, doubt or unbelief. I will fill my mouth with words that are pleasing to You. I will not speak against what You desire to do in my life. No matter how big, how awesome, or how amazing Your promises may seem to the natural mind, I shall receive them by faith and align my words with them daily. I speak careful words and I live a careful life! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Your Lips

(Prov 13:2 KJV) A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.

This morning we continue our series, In this verse Solomon hits another reoccurring theme: the importance of our words. He has already taught us a great deal about this and he continues to do so.

I have already shared with you some of what Jesus, James, David and others have said about it. The fruit of your mouth is your words and they will either produce a good or bad harvest.

In chapter 18 Solomon explained it this way: “From the fruit of their mouths people's stomachs are filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (18:20,21). The power of life and death is in our tongue. This little piece of flesh releases the intent of our soul (mind, emotions and will). What’s in us abundantly comes out of us eventually.

The quality of our words reveals the content of our heart. Jesus explained this well when He said, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.” In other words, a good man speaks from the good content in his heart, and his words open the door to life, blessing, peace, harmony, and etc.; they build up and they do not tear down.

However, a wicked man speaks from the wicked content in his heart, and his words produce death, cursing, turmoil, discord, and etc.; they tear down and do not build up. Jesus went on to say: “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:35-37).

That’s serious business. God is so serious about the words that proceed from our mouths that He tells us that we will some day have to give account for everything we said. Standing before God, our words will be reviewed and judged. But in addition to the importance of the ultimate judgment of our words, which will happen in the future, we must understand the important of our words today.

Our lives will be either satisfied or dissatisfied, today, from what comes out of our mouths. In the last chapter Solomon said, “The wicked are trapped by their own words” (12:13). I already mentioned what Jesus said in Matthew chapter 12 and if that did not paint a serious enough picture, in the 15th chapter He said, “It's not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth” (Matthew 15:11).

So what does this mean to you ? It means that one way or another you WILL have what you say (Mark 11:23). If that is true (and it is), then you must make every effort to speak life and not death, blessing and not cursing, love and not hatred, peace and not worry, harmony and not discord, because your life will be filled from the fruit that comes out of your mouth (your words).

Paul said, “Don't let any evil talk come out of your mouths. Say only what will help to build others up and meet their needs. Then what you say will help those who listen” (Eph 4:29); and if I can add to what Paul said, not only will your Godly words help those who listen, but they will help you as well. When you speak words that edify, uplift and encourage, you literally sow seeds of righteousness, and believe me, you will reap a harvest that will be pleasing to you and all those around you!

Father, Your Word is clear. I know I will eat from the fruit that proceeds from my mouth. I will either be satisfied or dissatisfied, because of my words. Therefore, I declare, by faith, that I take authority over my mind. I bring every thought into captivity. I reign in the thoughts that are not pleasing to you. I check the input I receive – through my ear and eye gates – so that my heart is filled with the right things. Once my heart is filled with Godly input and my thoughts are under control, my words will ONLY be words that are pleasing in Your sight; words that build up and never tear down. Since I will eventually have what I say, I will only say things that are a blessing to You, Father, and to others! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Isaiah 55:11 - So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (KJV)

The word of God waters your life just as rain waters the earth. The word is like the rain as it goes into the earth and causes it to bud to bring forth fruit. The words that come out of God's mouth will accomplish what He has sent it to do. If you accept it, and you believe it and you let it abide there, it will bring forth fruit. Why? It is the power. It will not return void. Notice once again the word is sent to do something, but while it is doing it, it is accomplishing something.
When you put the word on a problem you have, it begins immediately working on that problem. You might say how can that be? Thanks for asking. It works for us just as it works of God Himself. In Genesis chapter 1 we see God creating the earth. Notice that everywhere it says "and God said" not too far past it you see "it was so". In other words, when God speaks something, it always comes to pass.

Isaiah said that word will not return void. It will accomplish what it was sent to do. Look at how God created the world. He created it with His words by speaking it into existence. He said the words, and it happened. He said "light be". Light was. He said "Man be." Man was. When He speaks it comes to pass. Why? Because His word is always backed up with the power. His word is the power.

A good example of this is in the workplace. Most of us, if not all of us, have a boss somewhere. We work on a job. When the boss comes in and says, "I want you to do this." You say, "And what if I don't?" The boss looks back at you and says, "You don't, and you don't come back tomorrow." You believe that. Why? The boss has the power to back that up. He said, "You aren't coming back tomorrow. Clean out your desk and go home." So you are going to do what he says, because he has power.

In the same way, when God says something it is so. Why is that? When He speaks there is the power to bring it to pass. The power is right there in His word. It is the power unto salvation; it is the power unto healing; it is the power of God for whatever you need. That is the nature of the word of God.

You can take His word and put it in your mouth. Water your life with the word of God. Create your world with your words, words from the word of God. When you speak the word of God it shall be just as you say. Why? The word is power. The words you speak will be backed by heaven to cause whatever you say to come to pass in your life. Healing may be what you want. If so, then say what the word says about your healing.

Hold fast to it, and it shall come to pass.

A Teachable Spirit

(Prov 13:1 NIV) A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.

This morning we continue our series In this verse Solomon contrasts those who heed their father’s (or parent’s) instruction with those refuse to. Solomon calls the people who receive and respond to what their parents have to say “wise.” To those who reject fatherly counsel, he gives the label of a “mocker.” Other translations call this person a “scoffer,” “scorner,” “stubborn,” and “foolish.” Now, remember whom we are receiving this from. This was the wisest man to ever live (outside of Jesus).

Not only that, but the Holy Spirit Himself inspired Solomon to write these words. So, from Godly inspiration and personal experience, Solomon tells us that it would be wise for sons to heed their father’s instruction; it would be beneficial for the child to welcome the correction of the parent.

Why? Because the parent

: 1) loves the child and would never do anything to harm them,
2) has already been where the child is attempting to go and can therefore teach from experience, and
3) has a mandate from God to train up the child in the way of righteousness.

Since both Solomon and David wrote scripture, we have a historical record their teachings. When teaching from Solomon’s writings I like to highlight instances where Solomon either directly quoted or simply repeated something his father said, and there are quite a few. This tells me that Solomon learned from his father.

David learned out in the fields with God. David was educated in the school of hard knocks. He was often isolated from his family and he spent countless hours with his sheep and his God. He developed his relationship with the Lord His Shepherd, as he learned to shepherd his flock. He developed a reliance on God’s strength, as he killed a lion and a bear with his bare hands.

He developed a trust in God’s protection, as he survived the many attempts Saul made on his life. In many ways, David started from nothing (the fields) and made it to the top (the throne). This meant that Solomon did not have to endure what David endured.

Solomon was born a prince. Solomon had the best education. Solomon spent quality time with his father as David developed him and prepared him to eventually take the throne. That’s why I believe Solomon has so much to say about listening to your parents and receiving correction. All children make mistakes, but only those that are willing to be corrected are the ones that can be developed!

Look at any large family and the chances are that you will find one or two children that refused correction (I was one of them). They were the stubborn and foolish Solomon talks about. Since they refused to be teachable, they were never adequately taught, and their lives show the proof of it!

Solomon has said allot about this already and he is not finished. In the upcoming writings he says: “He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored” (13:18); “Only a fool despises a parent's discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise” (15:5); “Know-it-alls don't like being told what to do; they avoid the company of wise men and women” (15:12); “If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding” (15:32).

So what does this mean to you ? It means that if you desire to maximize your purpose and potential in life, before you die, you must maintain a teachable spirit. If you ever get to the point where you refuse to learn from your earthly parents or heavenly Father, you will not be fit for the Kingdom. God’s rejects the proud, but He gives grace to the humble (1st Peter 5). So be thankful for what you know, but know that you don’t know it all!

Father, I declare, right now, by faith, that I maintain a teachable spirit all the days of my life. The more I know, the more I realize I don’t know it all. So I remain humble before You and before my parents. I respect authority and I refuse to disrespect the authority figures in my life. I honor my parents all the days of my life. I thank You for what You have given me in them and I seek to honor them and honor You, daily, as I endeavor to develop into the person You desire for me to be. Teach me Father, I am willing to learn! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Called to Righteousness

(Prov 12:28 GNB) Righteousness is the road to life; wickedness is the road to death.

This morning we continue our series in this verse Solomon brings up something that is not mentioned much today: the reality that righteousness puts us on the road to life and wickedness keeps us on the road to death. In our politically correct society, where no one wants to offend anyone, you don’t hear much about sin, death and hell. Hell is a reality and those that refuse to accept Christ are condemned to it. As believers, on our way to heaven, we are called to walk in the newness of life.

Paul explained it well when he said, “Just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous” (Rom 5:18,19).

The two men Paul refers to here are Adam and Jesus. Because of Adam’s sin, death entered and passed to all men. But because of Jesus’ righteousness, life entered and is made available to all those that accept Him as Lord (see Rom 10:9,10,13; John 3:16).

John, the disciple that Jesus loved, made it clear in his writings that Jesus is the only way to eternal life. He said, “The Father loves the Son and has put everything into his hands. Anyone who believes in the Son has eternal life. Anyone who says no to the Son will not have life. God's anger remains on him” (John 3:35,36); “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1st John 5:11-13).

John wanted to make it clear that those of who accept Jesus have eternal life. He wanted us to “know” that we have eternal life, so that we could live in that reality. Once we know we are Born-Again, it is not the end, but rather the beginning. We are to shine as light and love in the world. We are to walk in purity, righteousness and holiness.

John went on to say: “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1st John 1 5:7)

I know that teaching on sin is not popular, but God did not call me to a popularity contest. I am teaching through the book of Proverbs (verse by verse) and I refuse to skirt around any issues. Here Solomon tells us of two roads; one leads to life and one leads to death. Be sure to get on (and stay on) the right road.

Paul said, “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature… The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like… those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal 5:16-21).

So what does this mean to you ? Simply put, it means that you are called to walk in righteousness. Your character and conduct must be pleasing to God. Avoid even the appearance of evil (1st Thess 5:22), walk in the life Christ Jesus died to give you, and shine as light in the midst of darkness.

Father, I thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to die so that I could live. I have accepted Him as my Lord, I have been Born-Again, Your Spirit lives in me, and I declare, right now, by faith, that I will live like it. I abstain from even the appearance of evil. I walk in the newness of the life Jesus died to give me. I will not disrespect, dishonor, or discredit the work of the Blood of Jesus in my life. I am believer and I am not ashamed of it. Father, use me to shine in the midst of darkness today, that You may be glorified through me. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Hard Work is Rewarded!

(Prov 12:27 GNB) If you are lazy, you will never get what you are after, but if you work hard, you will get a fortune.

This morning we continue our series, In this verse Solomon, once again, contrasts the rewards of hard work with the perils of laziness. This is a reoccurring theme in the Bible, both in precept and by example. Let’s look at the two:

In precept: This truth is taught over and over again. A few verses prior to this one Solomon said, “Work hard, and you will be a leader; be lazy, and you will end up a slave” (v.24). If you read a few verses past this one you will find Solomon saying, “People who refuse to work want things and get nothing. But the longings of people who work hard are completely satisfied” (13:4).

Back in the 10th chapter Solomon said, “He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent brings wealth.” Paul said, “If a man will not work, he shall not eat” (2nd Thes 3:10). Jesus said, “My Father is always working, and so am I” (John 5:17). And believe me, there are many, many more.

By example: If you look at the people God used mightily in scripture you will find something that they ALL have in common, and that is that they worked hard. None of them were lazy. Joseph proved himself in Potiphar’s house and got promoted. His refusal to sleep with his boss’ wife got him thrown in prison. But it did not take long before he was running the prison. A few years later, because of his diligence, he became second in command of the most powerful nation on the planet.

Solomon’s father David was promoted from shepherd boy to Godly King because of his diligence. He worked hard in his father’s house, in seeming obscurity, but the hard work he did in the dark was rewarded in the light. Peter stood out from the other disciples. He was always out front, asking questions, stepping out by faith, bugging Jesus to learn more.

Did Peter make his share of mistakes? Yes. Did he fall into the water? Yes. But he was the only one to get out of the boat and when it came time to select one of the disciples to start the New Testament church it was Peter who was selected.

You may know that Paul wrote half the New Testament, but you may not know what he went through to do it. By his own admission he was a hard worker. Paul said, “I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea… I have been in danger from rivers, bandits, my own countrymen, and from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea… I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep” (2nd Cor 11:23-27).

So what does this mean to you ? It means that becoming a Christian does not give you the right to spend the rest of your life sleeping the presence of God. No! The word diligent (in some form) appears over 60 times in the Bible. If you want to end up where God wants you to be at the end of your life, it is going to take WORK.

If you are lazy you will never get there. So determine today, right now, that you will do whatever the Father needs you to do, to arrive at His desired destination for your life. You are not called to sit, you are called to serve and you serve Him by DOING all that He leads you to DO!

Father, I see how you used diligent and dedicated men and women all throughout the Bible. I read all the admonitions you make against laziness and for hard work. I take Your Word seriously and I apply it to my life. I know that I am not called to sit, I am called to serve and I declare, by faith, that I will serve You all the days of my life. I serve You by putting my hands to DO all that You bless me to DO. I work hard at home, in the office, on the road, with my children, in my marriage, and in every aspect of my life, because I know that You do not bless laziness. I do my part and You do yours! In Jesus’ name. Amen!