Purpose-Driven Life

(John 4:4 KJV) And he must needs go through Samaria.

This morning we will take a break from our current series on Proverbs to share a special message about purpose. Today I want to share a message that is based on the life of the Paul and I said, “One of the keys to Paul’s success was the fact that he was purpose-driven.”
Paul decided to put God’s purpose above his pleasure and because of it he was able to make an impact that is still being felt today.

Jesus was the ultimate example of someone who was purpose-driven. He always adjusted His agenda to whatever the Father needed Him to do for the day. In John chapter four we see Jesus’ ministry picking up steam to the point where His ministry team was baptizing more disciples than John. The religious leadership of the time (Pharisees) were not happy about Jesus’ progress.

When Jesus heard about their displeasure He was led to leave Judea and return home to Galilee. Our text tells us that Jesus felt compelled to go through Samaria. This is very interesting because going through Samaria was not the only route and it was definitely not the preferred route for Jews.

Jews would rather take a route that took three days longer, that went through Perea, crossing the Jordan twice, just to avoid Samaria. The Samaritans were considered a mixed-breed of people – former Northern Israelites who mingled with the Assyrians – and Jews avoided them like the plague. What can we learn from this?

1. There is Purpose in where we are: Jesus was in Judea preaching, teaching, and baptizing. While there He also had a divine appointment with Nicademus and He ministered to the multitudes (more than John). At the point of our text it was God’s time for Jesus to move on. This tells us that we are not where we are by mistake. For the past 11+ months I have been helping with the care of my In Laws I know it has been for a reason. You are where you are on purpose. There will come a time where the Father will allow you to move on, but you must first complete the assignment where you are! My questions for you this morning are: Are you being productive? Are you seeking to do the will of God? Are you fulfilling the purpose in where you are?

2. There is Purpose in where we are going: The Bible says that Jesus was going back to Galilee. As soon as He got there, He healed a blind, lame, and paralyzed man. God had a divine appointment waiting on Him. This tells me that our life is full of purpose. Once we have completed our assignment in one place, the Father sends us somewhere else that is equally full of His purpose. You can rest assured that the Father has purpose wrapped up in every place He allows you to go. Your job is to find out what it is and COMPLETE it before you leave.

3. There is Purpose in How we are going to get there: This was not the normal route. Jesus broke Jewish tradition by going the way that He did because God had a divine appointment for Him with a Samaritan woman at a well. This woman would become an evangelist and spread the gospel of Jesus throughout Samaria. God had purpose wrapped up in the route. You may know that God is taking you somewhere and you may be looking forward to arriving at your new destination (physical or spiritual). But don’t forget that the journey will be full of purpose as well.

So what does this mean to you ? It means that you should always be willing to adjust your personal desires for God’s purpose. Thank God for where you are. Thank God for where you are going. Thank God for how you are going to get there!

Father, I thank You for blessing me to be purpose-driven in all that I do. You reveal to me the purpose behind where I am and as You do, I seek to fulfill that purpose fully. You reveal to me the purpose behind where I am going and I am Godly excited about all the things You will bless me to experience when I get there. And Father, You also reveal to me the purpose in how I am going to get there. Not only will I arrive at my new destination, but I will enjoy the ride. Life is a gift for me, because I live it on purpose every day and in every way. I am ready for every divine appointment You setup for me today and this week! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Thanksgiving

(1st Thes 5:16-18 NIV) Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

This morning we take a pause from our current series, from the book of Proverbs, so that can slow down long enough to say, "Thank You" to God. Tomorrow is the day that is formally known as "Thanksgiving" in the United States. I will send out my 'Thanksgiving Message' today and I won't send out a message tomorrow.

This year has truly been awesome for me. I can say with a clear conscious and a clean heart that this year has been one of the best of my life. Why? Because the Father had many assignments for me and I am truly thankful that I can say that I have completed them. As a believer there is a tremendous satisfaction that we get when we know we have done what the Father has purposed for us to do. It is as if we can hear Him stand over us and say, "Well done."

So while I routinely thank God privately, I want to take this moment to thank Him publically for giving me an awesome life-assignment and for working with me - failures, flaws, and all - as I endeavor to walk out all that He has put in me. See, to me, this is what Thanksgiving is all about. It's about looking back long enough to see things that we need to look up and say, "Thank You" for.

Yes, I know that many consider Thanksgiving to be about turkey and stuffing, pumpkin, football and snow, fireplaces and family, and about eating too much and resting too little. I will admit that I enjoy all of those things. But thanksgiving is bigger than all of that.

Thanksgiving is an attitude. Thanksgiving is a lifestyle. Every day should be a day of Thanksgiving!

In Paul's first letter to the church in Thessalonica he taught about living a life that is pleasing to God. In his closing remarks he said, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." What was Paul saying? What was He teaching us? I believe Paul was telling us that the secret to living a life that is pleasing to God is to maintain your joy, to keep an active prayer life, and to GIVE THANKS to God IN all circumstances.

Notice that he said "IN" all circumstances and not "FOR" all circumstances. If we are honest we must acknowledge the fact that everything that happens to us is NOT good and we DON'T always like everything we face. But Paul's point is that we should trust God enough to believe that at the-end-of-the-day we will still come out on top.

I may not always be able to Thank Him FOR IT, but I can still thank Him IN IT. This attitude of gratitude is what enables me to live a life of Thanksgiving and I pray that you tap into the same thing!

So what does this mean ro you? It means that as you walk with God you will not always get what you expect and you may not always get what you want, but you should have enough confidence in Him to know that when it is all said and done you will not be disappointed. This reality, this confidence, this inner-knowing, is what enables you to live a lifestyle of Thanksgiving!

Look back and be thankful. Look forward and be excited. You serve a God that has blessed you, is blessing you, and will bless you. You have lots to be thankful for. So as you eat too much and rest too little, as you enjoy football and family, and as you devour that turkey and stuffing, take the time to thank God tomorrow and every day.

Develop a lifestyle of Thanksgiving! Give thanks IN all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus!
Father, I may not always like my circumstances. I may not even be able to thank You FOR my circumstances, but I declare that I will thank You IN them. I know that when it is all said and done, the situations I face will work out for my good, so instead of waiting until I see it to say it, I praise You now! I am excited NOW! I am expectant NOW! I am THANKFUL NOW! I look back and I am grateful. I look forward and I am excited. I live everyday as a day of Thanksgiving! From this day forward Thanksgiving is part of my lifestyle! In Jesus' name, amen!

Mean What You Say

Let your 'Yes' be yes, and your 'No', no...
James 5:12 NIV

Remember when people said what they meant? Maybe you didn't like it, but you understood what they meant, and you knew they meant it. The word 'cool' meant somewhere between warm and cold, and if you said, 'wicked good,' someone would've asked which one it was. It seems like straightforward speech is going the way of the horse and carriage. The Bible tells us, 'Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No", no.' In other words, mean what you say and say what you mean. Failing to do so damages relationships. We avoid saying 'no,' or we say 'yes' when we don't want to, out of the fear of rejection. And what are the results?

1) we live with stress, anger or resentment over feeling mistreated by others

2) our life becomes a classic double-bind where we feel trapped whichever way we go: 'If I say no, you'll be mad at me; if I don't, I'll be mad at myself and you!' So we stay stuck in our own pressurised trap

3) the other person will never know how we really feel, or understand why we act as we do. Unless you say what you feel, you'll never get what you need from others. People don't change, until you change how you interact with them

4) your choice to avoid what you fear is what makes you a victim, not other people's words or actions

5) you become part of the problem, surrendering to others the power God gave you to determine your own direction and set your own boundaries. So start saying what you mean, whether it's 'yes' or 'no!'

One Meal at a Time

(Prov 15:17 CEV) A simple meal with love is better than a feast where there is hatred.

This morning we continue our series” In the last verse the richest man in the world (in his time) told us that it is better not to have much, but to have God, than to be rich without Him! Considering the source, that was a significant statement. This verse flows in the same vein. I am sure that Solomon was accustomed to the best foods. He was a sitting king, so whenever he hosted other heads-of-state or even his friends, I am sure that an elaborate meal was prepared with the best foods and by the best chef’s in the land.

I love cooking so the Food Network is constantly on in my house. I look at some of the meals prepared by the world’s best chefs and I am amazed by the detail, effort, and skill required to prepare them. I am sure Solomon’s chef’s could have been on the Food Network of his time. He was served daily by the best of the best. But Solomon’s point is that the food means nothing if the person you are eating with is unpleasant and has a genuine dislike for you.

Meals are much, much better when served and enjoyed in love!

While I was born in the United States, I consider myself American, I grew up in Hawaii and Hawaiian people are festive people. I was always looking for an excuse to throw a party. I have very fond memories of my childhood and I continue to create great memories every time I visit my family today. We get together, we eat good food, we laugh and joke, and we genuinely have a good time.

Why? Because we love one another.

This past March I visited my family in the Islands several of my family members came over with their children. Kids were talking and playing, we had plenty of food, and we laughed and told stories for hours. While I am sharing this with you I have a smile on my face. Why?

Because we love one another and that is Solomon’s point.

It is interesting to me that I would get to this text on this day. I never really know what I am going to share when, because I am going verse-by-verse, day-by-day. But ‘it just so happens’ that we ran across this verse on the week of Thanksgiving. In a couple of days our focus will be on turkey, dressing, gravy (Lord have mercy), and sweet potato or pumpkin pie. Now, what good is it to have a feast if you are not around people you enjoy? While I do pray that you will have turkey, dressing, and etc., I believe it is even more important that you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal – and every meal for that matter – with people you love.

I really wish that I could have gone home to spend Thanksgiving with my immediate family. However that is not the case this year so I will spend it with the next best thing my husband’s family.

When I think back to my childhood I think of the many fond memories I created while around my loved ones. While I know that the food was good, because my mother is an awesome cook, I can honestly tell you that I seldom remember the food. What I remember is the love and I am convinced that the love I experienced back then, during meals, has shaped the way I enjoy meals today. Even here in California , the food is good, but quite honestly, it’s gets old. But I have had many wonderful meals here; not because of the food, but because of the love I have shared with those at the table.

So what does this mean to you ? It means that what you eat is not as important as who you eat it with. Please remember that as you prepare for your upcoming Thanksgiving meal.

Father, I thank You for blessing me to have genuine fellowship during this upcoming Thanksgiving meal and for every meal. There is something special that happens when I share a meal with someone I love and truly enjoy spending time with. I know that Jesus came so that I would have eternal life, but He also came so that I could enjoy the life that I have. With that in mind, I declare that I surround myself with genuine people and I enjoy every meal shared in love. I give and receive love as I break bread with others. Thank You Father for blessing me to truly enjoy life… one meal at a time! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Making Every Day a Feast

(Prov 15:15 GW) Every day is a terrible day for a miserable person, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast Continual Feast


This morning we continue our series, In this verse Solomon goes back to dealing with the importance of filling our heart with good things. He tells us that when our heart is full of the Word of God our life will be a continual feast. However, those who fill their hearts with wicked things live as men most miserable.

The Message Bible reads: “A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song.” It’s clear that we have two choices. We can either live the wonderful life the Father desires for us to live or we can miserable lives. The reality is that since many believers have never renewed their minds and never filled their hearts with good things, they live beneath God’s best.

Believe me, there are many people who are saved, but miserably saved. Yes, God wants us to make it to heaven, but He also wants us to enjoy the ride (see John 10:10). Later on Solomon said,

“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (23:7). If your heart is full of negative things, then your words, your perspective, and your life will be negative.

This reminds me of a story of two farmers. One farmer was always positive, while the other was always negative. When it rained the positive farmer would say, “Lord, I thank you for the rain. We need to rain to water the crops. We are going to have a great harvest this year. Thank you!” The negative farmer would hear the positive one and reply with, “Man, what are you talking about? If it keeps raining like this the fields are going to get flooded. I have been reading about floods and the damage they can make.” When the sun would come out and shine bright, the positive farmer would say, “Lord, now I thank You for the sun. We need the sunlight for the crops. We are going to have a great harvest this year. Thank you!” But then again, the negative farmer would be right there to provide a rebuttal, saying, “There you go again. Don’t you know that if we keep getting sun like this that it will scorch the fields? I have been reading about droughts and it looks like we’re headed in that direction.” It’s obvious that the negative man was reading the wrong things. Well, one day, the positive man got a new hunting dog. He loved his dog. The dog could do amazing things. He approached the negative farmer and said, “Man, you MUST go hunting with me. You have to see my new dog in action.” Reluctantly, the negative farmer agreed. They went duck hunting the next morning. After a while ducks came flying by. The positive farmer took his aim, took the shot, and sure enough, he hit a duck. The duck landed in the water and then, with all the posture of a proud pet owner, the positive farmer said, “Now watch this. Go boy, go!” The dog took off like lightning. He ran so fast that he ran ON TOP of the water. He picked up the duck in full stride, made a 180 degree turn ON TOP of the water, and then ran back. The positive farmer stood there beaming. He had a smile from ear to ear. He was waiting for the negative farmer to finally say something positive. But all the negative farmer said was: “Man, that dog can’t even swim!” What the moral of the story?

The point is that when your heart is negative, you can find something negative in anything!

So what does this mean to you t? To answer that question I will share with you something Paul said: “God's kingdom does not consist of what a person eats or drinks. Rather, God's kingdom consists of God's approval and peace, as well as the joy that the Holy Spirit gives” (Rom 14:17). The realization of the fact that you are in God’s Kingdom and that His Kingdom is in you should change you from the inside out, so that you can live God’s best life now!

Father, thank You for building me up this morning. I realize that I am in You and that You are in me. You did not establish Your Kingdom for an earthly takeover, yet. The purpose of Your Kingdom right now is to takeover our hearts and minds. I know I have received Your approval, which makes me righteous. I know I have received Your peace, which cannot be disturbed. I know I have received Your joy, which cannot be shaken. And since I have the righteousness, peace and joy of the Holy Spirit I can enter every day with great expectations. I have a cheerful heart and everyday for me is a continual feast! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Common Sense

(Prov 15:14 NLT) A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.

This morning we continue our series, in this verse Solomon helps us understand part of the reason why the wise and the foolish are they way they are. Neither the wise, nor the foolish, arrived at their state over night. For the wise to become wise he must have first developed a hunger and thirst for knowledge. It is this hunger for learning that helped him become wise. The fool, on the other hand, perpetuates his foolishness by feeding on things that are not conducive to growth.

We have all heard the saying, “You are what you eat,” and when it comes to what you feed your mind that is certainly true. What’s in you abundantly will come out of you eventually; it’s inevitable. You will eventually become what you continually behold.

Here he is emphasizing the heart rather than the head of man. He is not talking so much about the accumulating of certain facts but about spiritual discernment or, as someone has put it… sanctified common sense.

As a believer, when we continually feed on God’s Word and we get His truth in our heart, we develop a sanctified common sense that enables us to apply Godly principles to every day situations. But we all know that it does not happen overnight. Development is a process. With that in mind, let me share with you something from Dr. John Maxwell. I call it the process from Ignorance to Competence:

Phase 1: You don’t know what you don’t know. None of us are born knowing. As leaders, we cannot give what we do not have, lead where we have not been, or teach what we do not know. At this stage, not only is our ignorance hurting us, but also hurting all those that we could possibly minister to. But wait… there is hope! God has called us to His work and it is a life-long process. Growth occurs daily, but not in a day.

Phase 2: You know what you don’t know. At this point you have been made aware of your shortcomings. This is the stage where you have to make a choice to either stay ignorant or to make the effort to learn. This is what separates the wise from the foolish in the text. Not everyone turns the corner from ignorance to competence, but it is my prayer that you do and that you develop a hunger and thirst for the things of God.

Phase 3: You know and you grow and it starts to show. At this point your learning is turning into living. You are applying what you have learned and it is making an impact in your life and in the lives of others. This is where you become more active, more productive, and it all requires less effort because you are more effective and efficient. People around you begin to notice the growth and are inspired to do the same. At this point you are becoming light and salt in the world!

Phase 4: You simply go because you know. This is where we can have what I call “Sweatless victory!” By this stage God can freely minister to others through you. Things become second nature to you as you learn to rely on the Holy Spirit for daily ministry. You come to truly walk with God and He with you. This is the goal… this should be our target!

So what does this mean to you today? I believe I’ve already told you, but I will close with something Solomon went on to say in chapter 18. He said, “Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights” (18:15). Become the wise man/woman the Father desires for you to be. Develop a hunger for the things of God!

Father, thank You for creating a desire in me for growth and development. I refuse to feed on trash. I fill my heart and my head with good things. I put Your Word down inside of me, to the point where I develop sanctified common sense. I want to be a Phase 4 believer. Help me Father to get to the point where I can simply go, because I know! Develop me so that You can use me for Your glory! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Your Inner Man

(Prov 15:13 SMG) A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day.

This morning we continue our series, In this verse Solomon tells us about the positive or negative effect the condition of our heart (our inner man) can have on our countenance. As a believer, having a happy countenance is very important.

Peter said, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1st Peter 3:15). While it is definitely true that every believer should be able to give an answer for the hope that they have, it is also true that no one will ever come up to ask the reason for the hope if they cannot SEE it. If all the world sees in you is problems, then they will never come to you because they already have problems. They need to see something in you that they do not have.

The world is dark and they are looking for those who will shine as light in the midst of darkness, joy in the midst of sadness, and peace in the midst of pain. Will you be that person today? If so, you must maintain the proper countenance and to do so the condition of your heart must be right.

In Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth he told the church that we are in a war that is not fought on earthly battlefields. In many ways this war is fought in our minds. The enemy wants to get us to think negative thoughts, because negative thoughts create negative images. If unchecked, those negative images can create a negative stronghold (see 2nd Cor 10:3-5).

The original Greek word Paul used, that is translated “stronghold” in our Bibles, is a word that refers to a fortified city. In Paul’s time this type of city had high walls that the enemy could not get over. Once the doors of the city were closed, no one could get in or out.

If we are not careful our negative thoughts and negative images can get us to the point where we are literally locked up in a fortified city (a stronghold) in our minds. Once we are it is hard for anything positive – the Word of God or otherwise – to get in.

This leads to depression and despair and it should definitely NOT be the case for the child of God.
But the good news is that if this is true for the negative, then it must also be true for the positive.

Godly and positive thoughts create positive images. Continuous Godly and positive thoughts and images will create a Godly stronghold. That’s why the Bible tells us (in several places) to meditate on the Word of God. If we meditate the Word long enough we will wake up one morning and realize that we are living in a fortified city in our minds; a city that no negative thought can get into.

Once we get to this point we can’t help but enter every day with a smile on our face, a spring in our step, and a song in our heart!

If you take control of your thought life and fill your heart with good things your inner man will be full of joy and peace. This is very important because the condition of your inner man will determine how well you handle difficult situations. If your inner man is built up in God, then you can handle anything the enemy brings your way.

But if your inner man is depressed and despondent, then Solomon tells us that it will be hard for you to make it through the day. Living this way is not beneficial to your Christian walk or to your health. In the 17th chapter Solomon said, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (17:22). Laughter, good cheer, and joy actually add to a man's health and to the length of his life.

So what does this mean to you? It means that you MUST make the effort to take control of your thought life. To help you do so I will close with the words of Paul. Paul told us what to think about, saying,

“I’d say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse” (4:8).

Father, I thank You for teaching me the importance of maintaining a cheerful heart. I declare, right now, by faith, that I will meditate only on those things that are true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, and gracious. I think on the best and not the worst, things to praise and not things to curse. I fill my mind and my heart with good things, so that I can shine as light in the midst of darkness and joy in the midst of despair. I declare that my mind is locked up in a fortified city of blessing and the enemy cannot penetrate my walls! This causes me to enter this day with a smile on my face and a song in my heart! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Receiving Counsel and Correction

(Prov 15:12 NLT) Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise.

This morning we continue our series, In this verse Solomon goes back to another reoccurring theme in Proverbs and that is that we must be always open to correction. If we are honest with ourselves we will admit that it is only because of pride that we often avoid correction. But if we want to truly develop in the mature and impacting believers the Father desires for us to be, we must be willing to seek, receive, and apply the Godly corrective criticism that comes from those who walk in His wisdom. As a matter of fact, we should seek it out.

I will use myself as an example. From time to time, when I meet someone who is already operating at a level, in a certain area of life, that I am still striving to attain, I seek that person out for counsel and feedback. I may schedule a lunch with the person or a meeting in, but I am upfront about the fact that I want to learn from them. I pray before the meeting, I ask God to give me pertinent and thought-provoking questions, and I also remind myself that I was the one who asked for the meeting. It would be foolish of me to setup a meeting and then refuse to remain humble enough to receive the wisdom I asked for. Receiving counsel is on one level, but receiving feedback (external evaluation and correction) is on an entirely different level.

Most people can receive advice, but I have found it to be true that only those who are truly humble are able to receive correction. No one likes to be told they are wrong, but if we want to grow we should seek the feedback of those who both have the wisdom to give us sound advice and the courage to tell us the truth!

Our society has become so accustomed to euphemistic banter that people are not accustomed to hearing the truth about themselves and most don’t seek it out. Solomon tells us that mockers hate to be corrected so much that they avoid the wise altogether. This person refuses to setup private meetings where they can receive wise counsel one-on-one. They even avoid public places where the wise share their wisdom with the masses. When it comes down to it, people that live this way know that they have flaws, but they just don’t want anyone to point them out. They would rather go to those who will only tell them what they want to hear.

Back in the 9th chapter Solomon warned the wise about people like this. He said,

“If you correct conceited people, you will only be insulted. If you reprimand evil people, you will only get hurt. Never correct conceited people; they will hate you for it. But if you correct the wise, they will respect you. Anything you say to the wise will make them wiser. Whatever you tell the righteous will add to their knowledge” (9:7-9).
Not only will the pride-filled person not receive correction, but they will also hate the one who attempts to give it to him. The problem is that their internal policy is self-defeating and it will definitely stagnate their growth.

So what does this mean to you? A few things:

1. Remain humble: The quickest way up in God is down and the quickest way down in God is up.

2. Remain teachable: You know you don’t know it all, so be ever willing and ready to receive wisdom from those that already are where you desire to be.

3. Seek counsel and feedback: Don’t just seek counsel, but seek honest corrective criticism. Find someone who loves you enough to tell you the truth and then receive it when they do.

Father, thank You for reminding me to remain humble. I know I don’t know it all and I won’t act as if I do. I am thankful for the investment You have made in me directly and through others. I pray that You continue to make deposits in me and I will seek the counsel and feedback of those that You lead me to. As You do, I declare, by faith, that I will receive what they have to say. My desire for growth and development outweighs my feelings. Help me Father to receive correction without getting offended, so that I can become the person You desire for me to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

You Can’t Fool Jehovah

(Prov 15:11 GW) If Sheol and Abaddon lie open in front of the LORD how much more the human heart!

This morning we continue our series, In the last few verses Solomon has been admonishing us to avoid sin and satan altogether. He has made it clear that if we sow bad seed we will reap a bad harvest and since the Father wants us to have and enjoy life in Him, He desperately wants us to cooperate with Him as we live our lives. Jehovah wants to operate in our lives, but He needs us to cooperate with Him.

When we fail to cooperate with God’s purposes we literally tie His hands and hinder Him from blessing us.

In this verse Solomon wants to make it very clear that we cannot possibly fool God. He provides a warning for all those who think they can get away with something where God is concerned.

Solomon tells us that both sheol and abbadon lie open before the Lord. Other translations say, “Hell and destruction lie open before the Lord.” I chose a translation that actually uses the direct translation of the original Hebrew words used in the text. The Hebrew word sheol appears 65 times in the Bible. It is primarily translated as “hell,” but it is almost as often translated as “grave.” It is a reference to the underworld.

The word abbadon only appears five times in the Bible and it is primarily a reference to a place of destruction and ruin. Interesting enough, however, one of the five times this word is used in the Bible is in Revelations 9:11 where John tells us that this is one of satan’s names. John said, “Their king is the angel from the bottomless pit; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon—the Destroyer.” So abbadon is not just a place of destruction, but also “Abbadon—the destroyer,” the originator of destruction himself.

So why would Solomon choose these words? What’s the message Solomon is trying to get across? I believe Solomon is driving home the omniscience of God. Solomon’s father David told us that God knows our thoughts before we think them (Ps 139:2). But here Solomon is letting us know that God’s knowledge is not just limited to the earth realm. Jehovah knows it all. Alive or dead; past, present or future, godly or evil, light or dark, there is nothing hidden before God. The writer of Hebrews said,

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the One to whom we are accountable” (4:13). Job said, “The underworld is naked in God's presence. The place of destruction is uncovered” (26:6).

Everything, everywhere, and everyone are and will be accountable to God. Even Abaddon (satan himself) will have to give account for his actions. Not even satan can escape the knowledge and the judgment of Jehovah.

So what does this mean to you ? A few things:

1. Our God, Jehovah, is the only true God. He reigns over everything and all shall be accountable to Him.

2. You can’t fool Jehovah. You may be able to fool man, but you will never be able to fool God. The Message Bible version of our text reads: “Even hell holds no secrets from GOD—do you think he can't read human hearts?”

3. The proper response is worship: After acknowledging the fact that Jehovah sits on the circle of the earth (Is 40:22) and that He knows all things (past, present, and future), the only proper response is worship. Jehovah alone is deity and He alone is worthy to be praised and worshipped. Worship Him today with your lips and your actions.

Father, I declare, by faith, that You alone are the Most High, You alone are the King of Kings, You alone are the Lord of Lords. You sit on the circle of the earth and You have all things under Your feet. There is not only no other god like Jehovah, there is no other god BUT Jehovah! You search everyone and everyplace. Even satan himself is subject to You. Therefore, I declare, that I will worship You today and every day. I worship You with my lips and with my actions. I will do all I do to bring glory to Your name! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

School Of Hard Knocks

(Prov 15:10 NLT) Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die.

This morning we continue our series In the last two verses Solomon clearly told us how much Jehovah hates sin and how He will not overlook it. Solomon has already made it painstakingly clear that life will not go well for those who choose to walk in sin. In this verse He highlights the fact those who were once walking with God, who were traveling down God’s desired path for their lives, but for whatever reason left the path, will be severely disciplined. Make no mistake, those who know better but refuse to do better will be ‘men most miserable.’

In yesterday’s message I said: “God created a system of laws and principles – sowing and reaping, cause and effect, and the free will of humans – that govern the earth. His laws are always working. For God to overlook your sin and bless your mess He would have to violate the system He established.

Since He is a God of integrity that would pose a significant challenge for Him. That’s why He wants us to live lives that are pleasing to Him. Our God is a good God and He wants to bless us, but He cannot overlook sin, so He urges us to live Godly lives. He wants (dearly) to gives us the right harvest, but He needs us to sow the right seed.”

If we know God’s Word, if we understand His purpose for our life, and we have God’s Spirit down inside of us, but we still refuse to do right, how can we expect to reap a harvest of blessing? Since God loves us He has to correct us. The writer of Hebrews said,

“For the LORD disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child." As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?” (12:6,7).

But what happens when our children refuse our correction? They get punished. Life does not go well for them. It’s the same way with our heavenly Father and us. The Message Bible version of this text makes it very plain, saying:

“It's a school of hard knocks for those who leave God's path, a dead-end street for those who hate God's rules.”James said, “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it” (4:17).

For you to be a child of God, to have His Word and His Spirit, and still then refuse His ways is rebellion. It’s not that God is expecting you to do something that He has not equipped you to do. Whatever He expects you to do, He equips you to do. But whatever He equips you to do, He expects you to do. That the ability to do good in any case imposes an obligation to do it.

Now, if you refuse to do right, God will correct you. If you refuse correction, the next step is severe discipline. If you refuse severe discipline, our text says that you can wind up dead. In the 10th chapter Solomon refers to this, saying: “If you respect the LORD, you will live longer; if you keep doing wrong, your life will be cut short” (10:27). It’s impossible to know how many people’s lives have been cut short because of sin and rebellion.

So what does this mean to you? I believe the message is clear. The Father wants to bless you, but He needs you to cooperate with Him and His ways. In the words of Solomon: “If you reject God's teaching, you will pay the price; if you obey his commands, you will be rewarded” (Prov 13:13). If you want to live God’s best for your life you must be willing to do things His way. I will close with the words Paul used when speaking to the Athenian philosophers on the Areopagus . Paul said, “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30).

Father, thank You for the reminder and warning this morning. I sincerely want to live my best possible life in You, but I also know that for it to happen I must do my part. I declare, right now, by faith, that I will remain on Your path for my life. I will abstain from sin and wickedness. I will live what I know and maximize all that You show me. Holy Spirit, lead, guide, and direct me today. You will never lead me where the grace of God cannot keep me, so I declare that I will live a Spirit-led and Spirit-filled life that pleases You! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Your Conduct Must Match Your Claim

(Prov 15:9 NLT) The LORD hates how sinners live. But he loves those who run after what is right.

This morning we continue our series, This verse flows in the same vein as the last one. Solomon continues to reiterate the fact that God carefully considers, and is concerned with, our conduct. When we say we are Christians and we claim to be God's children, the Father expects our video to match our audio. Let me give you some reasons why the Father wants our conduct to match our claim:

1. The Father wants us to develop Godly character: Your character is the set of peculiar qualities you possess that distinguishes you from others. When we come to God we all come with faults, flaws, and failures that have kept us from living the life He desires for us to live. God then, as a loving Father, receives us just as we are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way. If we submit to the process, the Father is then able to develop us into mature believers with Godly character; people who like what God likes and who avoid what He does not. Our text tells us that the Father loves it when we run after what is right (or righteous).

2. The Father wants us to shine as light in the midst of darkness: What is the purpose of discipleship, if not evangelism? One of the main reasons the Father wants us to develop Godly character is so that we can allow His light to shine through us, into the dark, dying, and decaying world. The reason the Bible is so clear that God hates sin is so that we, as believers, would avoid it. The world will never see a difference in you if you are not different. If you speak like a sinner, live like a sinner, and treat others the way that sinners do, then how would a sinner know that you are a believer? Why would they ever come to you to help them change if you have never changed? How can you draw someone out of darkness if you have never left? Make no mistake, the Bible is chock-full of verses that command us to live a Godly lifestyle, because the Father expects us to SHOW the world the difference He can make the life of the person who is surrendered to Him.

3. The Father wants us to enjoy life: Jesus said, "The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life - life in all its fullness" (John 10:10). Jesus did not only come so that we could have eternal life, He also came that we might enjoy abundant and overflowing life NOW! Jesus does not just want us to make it to heaven, but He wants us to enjoy the ride. However, for us to enjoy the ride, for us to reap the right harvest, we MUST sow the ride seed. The reason God is so big on this is because He knows how the system works. God created a system of laws and principles - sowing and reaping, cause and effect, and the free will of humans - that govern the earth. His laws are always working. For God to overlook your sin and bless your mess He would have to violate the system He established. Since He is a God of integrity that would pose a significant challenge for Him. That's why He wants us to live lives that are pleasing to Him. Our God is a good God and He wants to bless us, but He cannot overlook sin, so He urges us to live Godly lives. He wants (dearly) to gives us the right harvest, but He needs us to sow the right seed.

So what does this mean to you? It simply means that you need to line up with God's will and way today. Don't ask God to violate His integrity by blessing you when you know you are sowing the wrong seed. Abstain from sin, pursue Godliness, sow the right seed, and you will reap the right harvest. This way you can shine as light in the midst of darkness!

Father, thank You for the reminder this morning. I know I have a free will and I also acknowledge the fact that You have setup a system of sowing and reaping / cause and effect that governs the earth. I will not ask You to violate Your system or Your integrity. Instead, I will align my ways with Yours. I will develop Godly character, I will shine as light in the midst of darkness, and I will sow the right seed, fully expecting to reap the right harvest. Thank You Father for teaching me Your ways! I have and enjoy life in YOU! In Jesus' name. Amen!

The Lord Detests Sin

(Prov 15:8 NLT) The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but He delights in the prayers of the upright.

This morning we continue our series In this verse Solomon tells us something that most of us don’t like to hear. Solomon addresses God’s position on sin. While Jehovah loves the sinner, He clearly hates the sin and He refuses to overlook it. Our God will not bless mess! He will withhold His blessing from those who live in sin and reject His salvation.

In our text today Solomon tells us that Jehovah won’t even accept the sacrifice (or the worship) of the sinner. You may be thinking, “But, are you telling me that God will not accept the sound of the songs of those that sing out to Him?” Correct! If those songs are being sung by people who have not accepted Him as Lord.

God is not interested in your worship if He does not have your heart! What good is outer worship if there is no inner relationship?
The Father does not need your worship, your money, or your lip service, but He does desire a true and intimate relationship with you. If He has that, He will never reject your worship. This is yet another principle that Solomon’s probably learned from his father. David said,

“My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God; you will not reject a humble and repentant heart” (Ps 51:17).

Let me reiterate the fact that God hates sin. Back in chapter six Solomon said, “Here are six things GOD hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion.” Solomon went on to tell us that they are: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among the brethren. While this is not an all-encompassing list, it does give us an idea of the things the Lord despises.

At the end of the day, the bottom line is that God despises sin and He is not interested in receiving anything FROM us until He literally HAS us (our heart).

Let me give you an example. In Amos chapter five the people of Israel had gotten to the point where they were no longer walking with God. They disregarded Him in their daily lives and the Lord was not pleased at all. The chapter opens up with these words: “Hear this word, O house of Israel, this lament I take up concerning you.” The Father was lamenting over them. He yearned to get them back. He wanted to see true repentance. He loved them dearly. But the point of Solomon’s message today is clearly seen as God loved Israel, but He refused to overlook their sin.

Their sin was a reproach before God. It irritated God that the Israelites attempted to worship Him with their lips, while their hearts were far from Him. This led God to say, “I hate all your show and pretense—the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies. I will not accept your burnt offerings and grain offerings. I won't even notice all your choice peace offerings. Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living” (verses 21-24). Wow! That says it all!

So what does this mean to you? Two things:

1. God will not overlook your sin: If you are in sin this morning, please take this opportunity to repent, to confess your sin, and to receive forgiveness and restoration (see 1st John 1:9). You don’t want to offer God hypocritical worship.

2. God will not overlook the sin of others: So, it is imperative that you share this truth with them. Share the love of God with others today to that they can come into relationship with Him!

Father, thank You for reminding me how serious You are about sin. I refuse to allow sin to cause my worship to be a stench in your nostrils. I repent of all sin, I come to You with a broken and contrite heart, I acknowledge Your Son Jesus as the Lord of my life, and I seek to worship You with my heart and my lips. Since my relationship with You is intact I know that You will always hear my prayers. Thank You for inclining Your ear to hear me when I pray and worship; and for walking with me today! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Becoming Wise

(Prov 15:7 NIrV) The lips of wise people spread knowledge. But that's not true of the hearts of foolish people.

This morning we continue our series, In this verse Solomon contrasts the helpful insight that flows from the lips of the wise with the useless babble of the foolish. When you speak to a wise man you walk away enlightened, inspired and encouraged. Coming in contact with a person who operates in Godly wisdom is a positive and helpful experience.

However, when you speak to a fool you often walk away disappointed, confused and frustrated. The foolish can’t edify others because they cannot give what they don’t have, they cannot teach what they do not know, and they cannot lead where they have not been.

This reminds me of the second verse, of this same chapter, where Solomon told us that “Knowledge flows like spring water from the wise; fools are leaky faucets, dripping nonsense.” It seems like Solomon was petty hard on fools, but I believe he was being harsh so that we could get the message. We only get one life and if we are not careful, we can allow the folly of the fool to lead us astray.

We would do good to carefully consider whom we receive advice/counsel from. As believers, we must check our input. Back in chapter four Solomon said it this way: “Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (4:23). The heart Solomon refers to here is not the blood-pump, but rather our inner-man (our spirit and soul). Our spirit is where our true essence resides and our soul where our mind (thinker), emotions (feeler), and will (chooser) are.

Solomon urged us to protect our inner man, putting up a wall of defense against foolish input that leads to undisciplined conduct.

It’s dangerous to allow our mind to receive unrighteous and/or foolish input, to allow our emotions to fluctuate unchecked, to allow our will to choose what we know is wrong, and to allow our spirit to wander without direction.

The New Living Translation says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” And then, after you have protected your heart, the very next verse says, “Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips” (4:24). The person who guards their heart is the person who will be able to speak words of wisdom. They will be the wise people who spread knowledge (referred to in this text) and not the foolish who are unable to. They will be the ones with spring water flowing from their lips, instead of the ones with leaky faucets that drip nonsense.

So what does this mean to you? It means you have a choice. You can either become the wise man who spreads knowledge or the foolish person who others will avoid. To become the wise person the Father desires for you to be, you must guard your heart against the wrong input. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Mat 12:34). The words, “The abundance of the heart,” could also read, “The deposit of the heart.”

Your heart is your deposit. Whatever you routinely allow through your eye and ear gates will eventually get down into your heart. What you watch, listen to, read, and receive will determine the content and quality of your inner-man. Whatever you allow through your gates (ears and eyes) will either feed your faith or starve it; it will either help you resist fear/doubt or help promote it.

Be careful what you allow in, because it will eventually come out, and once it does, people will know whether or not you are the wise or foolish man referred to in this text.

Father, thank You for loving me enough to warn me about unrighteous input. I will guard my heart from receiving the wrong things. I will protect my eye and ear gates and only allow those things through that will help instruct, inspire, edify, and uplift me; so that I can be the person You desire for me to be. I want to be the Godly-wise person in this text. Once I am, I know that You will send people my way, so that I can make the deposits into them that You have made into me. Father, help me to help others today. As You share with me I will share with them and I will be known for your wisdom! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

External and Internal Riches

(Prov 15:6 BBE) In the house of the upright man there is a great store of wealth; but in the profits of the sinner there is trouble.

This morning we continue our series, In this verse Solomon contrasts both external and internal riches. In the first portion of the text Solomon reiterates something that he has stated several times already (to this point) in Proverbs (see 8:18; 8:21; 14:24) and that is that the righteous (or upright) can/should store up wealth. Those that are both righteous (in covenant with God) and wise (applying His wisdom) are people who, generally speaking, are honest, hard working, upright, fair, and generous people. In addition to their own human efforts, they also walk in the Blessing of God and experience His favor.

When you couple their dedication to avoid the things God says leads to poverty, like laziness, deceit, dishonesty, and unfaithfulness, with their dedication to apply the aforementioned things that lead to walking in the Blessing of God, you have a person who has postured themselves to be financially stable and secure. They earn, give, save, and spend (in that order) and they are able to BE the blessing the Father expects them to be in the earth.

On the other hand, in the latter portion of the text Solomon tells us that while the sinner may profit their profit brings with it a trail of trouble. Here Solomon makes it clear that external riches alone should not be the focus. Those who pursue the ways of the world may gain external riches, but they will also reap their share of trouble and the trouble will keep them from truly enjoying what they have toiled so hard to gain.

Just like Solomon had a great deal to say about gaining wealth God’s way, he also has several warnings for those that pursue riches the wrong way. Back in chapter one Solomon said, “Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life” (1:19).

Many in the world are so consumed by the pursuit of riches that they never get to enjoy their lives; their greed robs them of true pleasure. If you ask people like this why they do it, they will tell you that they are pursuing the money SO THAT they can enjoy life, but the actual pursuit is robbing them of the life they say they are pursuing. That’s why Jesus called it the “Deceitfulness of riches” (Mat 13:22). In the 10th chapter Solomon said, “Tainted wealth has no lasting value” (10:2). Whatever satisfaction is received from ill-gotten gains will be temporary at best. And finally, later on in this chapter Solomon says, “Greed brings grief to the whole family” (15:27).

What good is wealth if you cannot enjoy it? As a believer, we would want our household to be full of peace, love, joy, excitement, and Godly anticipation. Those that pursue things in ways that are contrary to God find that they come home to a household full of grief, strife, bitterness, and resentment. Why? Because Solomon tells us that in the profits of the sinner there is trouble!

So what does this mean to you ? It means that you should pursue financial stability God’s ways. When you put God first in all things, then you can have money without money having you. That way you can give (helping to finance ministry and giving to the less fortunate), save (both short and long term), and spend, without any condemnation; knowing that you have honored God with your finances.

Money makes a great servant, but a poor master. Use money as a tool that serves you; don’t allow it to make you the tool that serves it.

Father, thank You for giving me the insight that I need to apply Your wisdom to every area of my life. I declare, right now, by faith, that I will honor You with my finances. I will earn, give, save, and spend in such a way that brings glory to Your name. Use me to finance Your Kingdom purposes in the earth. Use me to be a blessing to the less fortunate As you do and as I seek to please You in all my ways, I know that my household will be full of internal, and not just external, riches. My home shall be a home of love, joy, peace, contentment and excitement for the things of God! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

The Benefits of Godly Parenting

(Prov 15:5 GNB) It is foolish to ignore what your parents taught you; it is wise to accept their correction.

This morning we continue our series, In this verse Solomon shares something with us that I believe was near and dear to his heart. Solomon had a Dad that taught him well, that poured into his life, and that did all that he could to prepare Solomon for his life’s assignment. It is blatantly obvious that David’s teaching made a great impact in Solomon’s life. Back in chapter four Solomon said:

My father taught me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them” (4:4,5).
From those words and the many other documented teachings of David we know that David emphasized the importance of learning and applying God’s wisdom (His Word). No doubt David drove this home with Solomon every chance he got. As a father David knew that he was responsible before God to do all that he could to prepare Solomon to be successful. Furthermore, the Lord had already revealed to David what his son’s life assignment was. Solomon was born for the throne.

The Lord said to David: “Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my Name” (1st Kings 5:5). With this in mind David attempted to prepare Solomon from ‘day one.’ David knew that the key ingredient to Solomon’s success would be to operate in the wisdom of God. That’s why David told Solomon to “Get wisdom,” and here, after many years, Solomon shares with us what his father shared with him.

David’s teachings were so ingrained in Solomon that I am sure that he shared them with us from the top of his memory. I believe what Solomon shared with us back in chapter four – the emphasis on wisdom – is the teaching that had the greatest impact on his life. I say this because it was, in my opinion, this teaching that led Solomon to make the greatest decision he ever made.

In 1st Kings chapter three we find Solomon in a semi-vulnerable state. King David had recently died and Solomon was still a young man. He was concerned about assuming the throne (and the responsibility that came with it) at such a young age. The Lord spoke to him through a dream and said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you" (v.5). This was Solomon’s golden opportunity. He was young, he was in charge, he was somewhat afraid, and he was seeking God for help. God told him what we all want to hear: “Ask for whatever you want!”

While most of us would have rattled off a laundry list of selfish desires, young Solomon heeded the instruction of his father and what he asked for would have made David proud. I am sure the words of his father echoed through his heart as he said, “Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong" (v.9).

Wow. Solomon had maturity beyond his years. He did not ask for fame or fortune, he asked for wisdom and understanding; for help in carrying out the duties of the office that he had been charged with. Solomon did what his father told him to do – he pursued wisdom!

So what does this mean to you? We will answer this question on two fronts. For sons and daughters it means that we should heed the instruction of our parents. Just yesterday I was sharing with someone one of the many life-lessons my mother taught me. My mother used to say, “If you don’t give yourself importance, no one else will.” Those words sparked a pretty lengthy conversation and it was because I still honor the instruction of my mother. For parents it means that you should never underestimate the impact God can make in the lives of your children through you.

Trust God and ask Him to help you parent your children in such a way that you are able to prepare them for their life’s assignment.

Father, as a Daughter , I thank You for blessing me to receive instruction from my parents. I will not ignore what they taught me and I am eternally thankful for all You have poured into me through them. As a parent I take my parenting responsibilities seriously and I know that You can make a great impact in the lives of my children through me. I declare, by faith, that You lead, guide, and direct me with Godly wisdom In Jesus’ name. Amen!

True Friends

As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friends. Proverbs 27:17



We are made for friendships! But real friendship are never accidental, they are cultivated over time. The Bible says that the friends we make have deep impact on our lives. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits, ‘ and Proverbs 12:26 teaches us, “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Therefore, we need to carefully select who we call our close friends



The Bible talks about some people who we need to avoid as close friends. Among them are lazy people (Prov. 15:19); angry people (Eccl. 7:9); immoral people (1 Cor. 5:9); and greedy people (Prov. 1:10-19). In choosing friends, what traits should you look for?



(1) Look for those who will help you to be wise. Friends are part of our education. Proverbs 13:20 says. “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Do your friends help you make wise decision or do they lead you astray? Do your friends bring out the best in your life? If not, find friends that will challenge you to do what is right.



(2) Look for those who will share your burdens. A friend can be counted on in a crisis. Galatians 6:2. “Bear one another’s burden, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” A friend is somebody who sees you through when others let you down. Look for people who are not self-centered. True friends are not those who look out only for themselves.

(3) Look for those who will help you grow spiritually. We all need spiritual encouragement to grow. We need friends who will pray with us, lift us up spiritually and help us keep our course for the Lord. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, ” And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”



Pursue friendships with people who know God and have a strong relationship with Him. True friends are not just people we socialize and have fun with. True friends are those who can help us grow in God. They are those who will pray with us when we are discouraged, guide us when we are lost, and stirs us to do good for the glory of God

Sticks and Stones

(Prov 15:4 MSG) Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim.

This morning we continue our series, In this verse Solomon gets back to the importance of our words and he focuses in on the effect that they can have on others. The Bible reads: “A peaceable tongue is a tree of life: but that which is immoderate, shall crush the spirit.” Do you want your tongue to be a tree of life (that feeds others and builds them up) or a destructive tool used to crush the spirit of others?

I am sure we have all heard the childhood cliché, “Sticks and stones may break by bones, but words will never hurt me.” That phrase may have worked on the playground, but it does not work in real life. Words not only hurt, but they have the power to literally derail others from their destiny.

Jeremiah said, “I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for” (29:11 GNB). David thought about God's plans for his life and said, “How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!” (Ps 139:17).

Jeremiah and David help us understand the greatness of God’s plans and thoughts for us and towards us. Many of us can remember our childhood plans and dreams. But the sad reality is that many childhood dreams – dreams of becoming a lawyer, doctor, business owner, successful athlete, minister or etc. – have been crushed by the cutting words of others.

So what does this mean to you ? Two things:

1. Think about you: Maybe you experienced words that wounded and maimed. Maybe you have allowed your dreams and aspirations to die. Maybe you have allowed your surroundings to seemingly disqualify you from your destiny. If that is you this morning, the good news is that you are still alive. The fact that you are still breathing and blood is still flowing through your veins is evidence that God is not through with you. Jeremiah and David teach us this morning about God’s plans and thoughts towards us. Agree with God’s plans. Confess God’s Word. Receive God’s opinion of you and you will see hopeless situations turn around in your life.

2. Think about others: I pray you have learned from our text never to use cutting words that wound and maim. Dale Carnegie said, “Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime.” Remember that when you speak to your spouse, children, friends, or anyone for that matter. Words are powerful.

Father, I know that You have put the power of death and life in my tongue. You have given me the power to heal and help or wound and maim. I choose to use my tongue as a tree of life. I will build up and never tear down. I agree with Your plans and Your thoughts for my life. I am redeemed from every negative word ever spoken over me and I walk in the newness of the life You have given me through Christ Jesus. Forward ever, backward never! The best is yet to come! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

God Sees Everything!

(Prov 15:3 NIV) The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

This morning we continue our series In this verse Solomon takes a brief departure from teaching on the importance of our words to remind us that God is everywhere and that He is watching everything that happens – both good and bad. The Message Bible reads:

“GOD doesn't miss a thing—he's alert to good and evil alike.”

I was in church one day when a preacher said, “Let’s say that Jesus came to visit you this week. Let’s say He decided to walk with you everywhere you went. He went with you to every meeting, every meal, to the gym, to the bathroom, and etc. Furthermore, Jesus sat with you while you watched television and He watched everything you decided to watch, heard everything you said, and got a first-hand account of the way you treated everyone you dealt with.

Do you think you would do anything different this week than you normally do? If Jesus Himself were with you, would you have to change your schedule? Would you have to alter your routine? But wait, it gets better. What if Jesus told you, as He was walking with you, that He was reading your mind; that He had the ability to not only observe what you did, but discern what you thought.

How would that make you feel? Would you fight the impulses to think about some of the things you routinely think about? Would you force yourself to think good thoughts? How different would your life be this week if Jesus were with you every step and every thought of the way?” I can tell you that I took those words to heart. The questions that preacher asked that day stuck with me and I knew I needed to make some changes. I pray they make the same impact in you.

The reality is that God is everywhere and He knows everything. Nothing is hidden from Him. He is keeping watch over every word, act, thought, and motive. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before Him. The writer of Hebrews said,

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the One to whom we are accountable” (4:13).
Did you get that? One of the points behind reminding us that God knows everything is to highlight the fact that we are (and also will be) accountable to Him for our actions, thoughts, and motives.

Matthew Henry had this to say about this verse: “The great truths of divinity are of great use to enforce the precepts of morality, and none more than this - That the eye of God is always upon the children of men… An eye to discern all, not only from which nothing can be concealed, but by which every thing is actually inspected, and nothing overlooked.”

Solomon’s father (David) wrote an entire Psalm about the reality of this truth. David wrote of God’s omniscience (the fact that He knows all things), His omnipresence (the fact that He is everywhere at the same time), and His omnipotence (the fact that He has all power). After realizing all of this, David concluded the psalm with these words

: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (verses 23 & 24).

So what does this mean to you ? Two things:
1) it means that God knows everything about you and the fact that He still desires to use you for His glory should cause you to want praise Him and to change your ways to please Him;
2) it means that God will see to it that the wicked reap what they sow; don’t overly concern yourself with that.

Father, I thank You for knowing everything about me and still having a desire to use me for Your glory. Thank You for looking past my faults, flaws, and failures. Your goodness makes me want to do better and I declare that I will make every attempt to do so. I know You will be with me today as I enter every meeting, You will hear every word from every phone call, and You will carefully observe the way I treat others. Holy Spirit, use me to do all that I do to the Glory of the Father. I want to be pleasing in Your sight! In Jesus’ name. Amen!