CALVARY CHAPEL OF JONESBORO
  • HOME
  • Basics
    • Announcements
    • Giving
    • Who We Are
    • Just for Fun
  • Proverb a Day
  • Ministries
    • Children
    • Missions
    • Worship >
      • New Song Page
    • Youth
  • Biblical Stuff
    • Services
    • Articles
    • Apologetics Studies
    • A Call to Revival
    • Discipleship >
      • 1 - The Gospel
      • 2 - The Word
    • The Gospel
    • Links
  • Sign Up Area
  • Psalms For Life
  • Prophecy/News



​
Proverb A DAy

Leading with Blood-stained Hands - Proverbs 28:17

10/25/2012

0 Comments

 
A man who is laden with the guilt of human blood will be a fugitive until death; let no one support him. Proverbs 28:17

This proverb is stated in the context of God's wisdom about leaders and kings. Therefore most likely it refers to those leaders who have gained and maintained their power through the shedding of much human blood. The key to seeing this is the admonition that such a man is not to be "supported." The idea behind this admonition is that one would throw their support behind such a man as their leader, which in their day would mean the king.

Ahab was a man who had shed much human blood. His power was maintained through intimidation and violent suppression of anyone who opposed him. He even allowed his wife, Jezebel, to act on his behalf to kill a man simply because he wanted his vegetable garden. When this happened, God sent Elijah to him because God had had enough of Ahab's wickedness and bloodshed. The Lord had Elijah tell both Ahab and Jezebel that they were going to come to violent deaths themselves. This is why we do not want to support violent men. The frightening aspect of God's judgment upon this wicked couple is that not only did they die - but their entire group of advisors were killed as well.

Another king who shed much innocent human blood was king Manasseh. His 40 year reign was marked by more bloodshed than anyone before him. Toward the end of his reign God sent a conquering nation against him and had him watch as his army was destroyed and he was taken into captivity. It was in a dungeon that he realized that Jehovah was God. He turned to God in repentance and brokenness - and God in his marvelous mercy forgave and redeemed this wicked king. God's favor came to him as he was returned to Judah as king. It was after this time that he removed all the wicked false gods from the land and returned to seek The Lord with all his heart.

When I review this I wonder, how could God support Manasseh after all the blood he spilled? The answer to such a question is found hundreds of years later in what Jesus Christ did by going to the cross. The fact of the matter is that Manasseh did not get away with anything. His sins (and ours as well) fell upon Jesus at the cross. They were paid in full in His death and resurrection. The only reason God supported Manasseh after he repented was because the penalty for his sin fell on God's Son instead. Thus what we have in Manasseh is an example of God's mercy and grace in the extreme.

There was another man laden with innocent blood who stands as the New Testament extreme of God's grace in Jesus Christ. His name is Saul - who later was renamed Paul. The apostle whom God used to write the majority of the New Testament - was another who deserved no support because he was laden with the guilt of human blood. Yet God showed him mercy.

Why would God show such grace to two of the most notorious men in the Bible laden with human blood. Paul answers that question in 1 Timothy 1:16 when he said, "Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life." God gave grace to these two men - one in the Old Testament and another in the New - as an example of his pefect patience and His incredible mercy and grace. If God can show grace to these men - we should take great comfort knowing that He can save us too!

So what do we learn from today's proverb? We learn that a man laden with the blood of men should not be our leader. We should beware when a man wants to rise to power on the blood of others. But we should also remember two, laden with human blood, who teach us of the depths of God's mercy and grace. We should remember that such amazing love is available to all who respond to the gospel of God's grace in Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. There is hope for all - even those laden with the blood of the human race. Hallelujah!
0 Comments

God's Call to Skill, Excellence, and Expertise - Proverbs 22:29

8/21/2012

8 Comments

 
 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men. Proverbs 22:29

When a man works hard he honors God in what he is doing. But there is also another way to honor God in your work. The man who becomes very skilled in what he does and does it to the glor of God truly honors the Lord. According to today's proverb the Lord will not be the only one honoring him either.

A question is asked as we begin this proverb. The question is this, "Do you see a man skilled in his work?" Skilled is the word "mahiyr" which means to be well-versed, to show extraordinary expertise in some area. One who has a skill of this level is said to be one who is referred toglowingly by anyone blessed by it. Ezra was such an expert in the Word of God as referred to in Ezra 7:6 - and the Messiah is spoken of glowingly as one who is skilled or an expert in righteousness in Isaiah 16:5. These two cases have to do with the things of God - but there are also experts in a field of endeavor that are a blessing as well. Such was the case with two wonderfully blessed men who helped in building the tabernacle of Moses. Bezalel and Oholiab were the two men God had gifted in all kinds of metal and embroidery work. They were skilled with jewels and with building the glorious things that God required for the Tabernacle. Their skills, which were relatively unknown, were brought to the forefront by God Himself for use in constructing the Tabernacle in Exodus 31 and 36. Their skill, developed over years of hard work and a drive for excellence landed them a job working for God Almighty, building the very tent of worship in which God would be properly sought.

Being skilled at something requires work and focus. These are things that are valued in the kingdom of God. God desires for us to work hard - and here we see also to work with skill and excellence. God mentions the excellence of those who worshipped Him specifically mentioning men like Chenniniah and Asaph. There were even men who served God with excellence doing things we might never notice - such as Obed Edom who was known for his care for the Ark of the Covenant and later an excellence as a door keeper in the house of the Lord. Finally, there were the mighty men of David listed in 2 Samuel 23 who were known for their leadership and bravery in fighting the battles of the Lord.

When a man has developed skill and excellence above all others we are told that he will serve before kings and important officials. Such a skilled man will not serve or stand before ordinary men. His skills will make a way for him - and he will be known widely. In a day where too many look to knowing the right people to get ahead - or a big break to suddenly be noticed, this is a welcome call to hard work and excellence. It is a reminder that time and time again men and women have distinguished themselves by being the very best at what they do. That is the way to true success in business or in some skilled profession. Any other way to make it to the top will leave the one gaining the position very vulnerable. His vulnerablility will be to those who actually have the skill to be where he is. When that is the case - the one who is there will resort to intrigue, betrayal, and many other kinds of wickedness to stay at the top. Better to let your skill talk for you - than to trust in your ability to be one step ahead of your competition. Because at the end of the day - or better said at the end of life - we will not get ahead that way. We will be known for our willingness to serve - and to serve with skill and excellence for the glory of God. That is the way to get ahead now - and even if you are unnoticed in this world - you'll be rewarded in the next.

8 Comments

Who is in Control - God or King? Proverbs 21:1

7/8/2012

3 Comments

 
The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.   Proverbs 21:1
 
Who controls world history?  That is a question that makes some people squrim in their seats.  The reason it does is because it seems easier to say that history is at times in Satan's hands - or at least it is in no one's hands than it does to say that God is sovereign over all history.  If God is sovereign over all history - then the questions about evil and about suffering become far more complicated to us.  God is sovereign over all  human history - and at all times the hearts of all kings and rulers of this world are like channels of water in his hands.  This proverb is true - He turns the hearts of these kings wherever He wishes.  If then this is true, what are we to do with the Hitlers and others like him in this world - and in the course of history?
 
What do we do with the Pharaoh's who oppressed and enslaved Israel for hundreds of years?  What do we do with the kings who conquered Israel and Judah - and leveled the temple to the ground?  If you have a God Who functions according to the health, wealth, and prosperity gospel, these things become very difficult to deal with in terms of the sovereignty of God.  God is more than just a cosmic sugar daddy who has come to give us everything we want if we just claim it.  He is a God Who is working toward His own purposes and plans.  He is a God who is concerned with the manifestation of His grace - yet Who does it while maintaining justice and righteousness.  These are deep issues that find their only final answer in the end when we gaze at God's beauty, glory, wisdom, and majesty for all eternity.  Yet - there are whispers of His workings for us in Scripture while we live here on earth.
 
The way God moves kings is always in accordance with His eternal purpose in Christ Jesus.  It always has been and it always will be.  There are times when God moves the hearts of kings to deliver His people - much like He did with Esther and Mordecai.  These are glorious times when we see God protecting His covenant people and showing that He is the One with the last word.  There are other times when the king acts - and even in the king's wrath God delivers - as with Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.  In situations like these God does not move the king's heart until after that king has seen God's power and might.  But there are other cases like that of Nebuchadnezzar destroying and carrying away God's people.  These are times when a king is used for the purpose of disciplining and correcting God's people.  Kings are used for a myriad of purposes by God for His ultimate plan and purpose.  Even the ultimate worldly king, the antichrist, will serve God's ultimate purposes of bringing judgment on the earth and saving His covenant people, Israel.  
 
Kings serve God's purposes and plans - even when they themselves do not know it.  They serve God even though they may even deny His existance and rebel against Him.  We must remember that even the New Testament tells us in Romans 13 that there is no authority except from God.  Paul goes on to remind us that all authorities are established by God.  Our problems come when we think that these authorities are here for our blessing alone - misonstruing Paul's admonition to Timothy which says, "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,  for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."   (1 Timothy 2:1-2)  Some mistakenly think this admonition is a carte blanche to us to always have kings and rulers who bless us.  Yet Paul's own life was taken by an ungodly ruler when he died.  Persecution came upon the church again and again in the early days of its existance.  We are to pray for such things - and ask God to move the king's heart.  But ultimately God's plans and purposes will prevail.  Remember here we are told He moves the king's heart - wherever HE wants it to go.  That will mean for both blessing and for discipline - for good and for bad - for times of peace and also times of conflict and yes, even persecution and great difficulty.  
 
The one constant for us is not that everything goes well all the time.  This is a recipe for spiritual disaster and a severely stunted spiritual growth rate.  Our one constant is that God is working all things after the counsel of His will - His good purposes - and His glory.  This is a constant becasue we know that He is good and in Him is no darkness, no sin, no evil, and no wrong.  Therefore regardless of our current situation - and in light of today's proverb - regardless of our current leader here on earth - God is still sovereign.  He is in control and all things are working toward His ultimate end of summing all things up in Christ Jesus.  He WILL work whatever we think is good, bad, or anywhere in between toward His ultimate purpose for us as well.  That purpose is not for us to be rich or live in perfect health - and to never have problems.  His ultimate purpose for us?  It is that we are conformed to the image of His Son.  It is that our character and lifestyle look more and more like that of Jesus every day we live!  To that end He will move kings and rulers, despots and even maniacal dictators to work with Him so that we, and all other believers in all ages and all places, will be to the praise of the glory of His grace!
3 Comments

The Best Principles Upon Which to Preserve the Republic

6/30/2012

0 Comments

 
Loyalty and truth preserve the king, And he upholds his throne by righteousness.  Proverbs 20:28
 
What preserves the king or the president of any society?  According to today's proverb - which presents to us the wisdom of God - it is loyalty, truth, and righteousness.  Now I hear what is happening there where you are reading this - you are rolling on the floor laughing uncontrollably.  But regardless of what our current society thinks or practices, this proverb is true.  So, let's take a look at what is taught here - because good leaders follow these principles.
 
Loyalty is the first principle we will look at today.  A good leader knows that loyalty preserves him and blesses him.  But the Bible does not refer to blind loyalty.  This begins as loyalty to God and to His principles in Scripture.  That loyalty will create in others who see it a desire to follow and be loyal to their leader.  The best example of this is king David in the Old Testament.  A group of men gathered themselves around David and served him in every situation imaginable.  They did this because they watched David be loyal to God's principles first.  His loyalty to God showed his men that they could rely on him to be loyal to them.  This engendered the most amazing loyalty in them.  Therefore the best of leaders do not seek loyalty by commanding it - but rather by being an example of it in their relationship with God.  
 
Truth is the second principle that preserves the king.  This follows the first principle because we see that what a leader is becomes far more important than what he requests or demands of his followers.  When those who are around him realize that he is an honest man who values truth - they will see that they serve an honorable man.  This love of truth will protect and preserve him no matter what happens.  Consider Daniel for a moment when thinking about this proverb.  Daniel loved the truth of God more than anything else in his life.  Therefore when he faced either living according to God's truth - or that of a king corrupted by his officials - Daniel chose God.  He prayed to God even though the king made a law saying one could not pray to anyone but him.  But what at first seemed to get Daniel in trouble - became the manifestation of how far his God, to whom he prayed, would go to protect and honor him.  In the end - even the king pledged to protect not just him - but even the honor due to his God.  
 
Righteousness is the last principle tha preserves the king,  This particular promise even states that God will uphold the throne - or seat of power - of one who embraces what it right.  In our society we question whether there even is an absolute standard of right beyond what we ourselves choose to make our own personal standard.  Thus, over time, we've embraced things that oppose God's standards and are trying to make them right - even though they will be the very things that undermine the pillars of our society and make it crumble.  The godly leader realizes that God is the One with absolute authority to determine matters of right and wrong.  He also realizes that God has revealed Himself through the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament in the Bible.  Therefore a wise leader holds to things like the 10 commandments as a basis of good law.  He sees the value of using the Bible in case law to help determine what is right and wrong.  As a result, such leaders have God's very standard of right upon which to build stability in a nation.  Granted such things require the rule of law, which can be hard to embrace.  Without it though, a society will become lawless and will degenerate to however the flesh desires to live.  If you read the latter part of Romans 1 and Galatians 5:16-20, you will see that such a state will be very lawless indeed.  
 
Rule by true loyalty to God, truth, and righteousness is a rule that God Himself will support.  There is no guarantee that such a rule will not face difficulties, but at least one knows that God's support and deliverance will be there to help such a nation survive the worst of times as well as the best of them.  How wonderful it would be if such wise leadership would return to our nation.  The way we can support such a move is to first establish these three principles in our own lives - and then teach and widen their influence as God grants us favor.  We cannot establish them from a top down election.  At this point in our history, such a thing would result in wide-spread revolution.  What we need it revival of such things first in the church among our leaders and people.  Then as the wisdom of our ways is seen - we can hope and pray that God will allow them to spread through revival and through seeing others embrace them as they embrace Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  This, dear brothers and sisters, is the way to establish godly leadership.  First it comes individually - and then through influence it spreads to larger groups.  May we be wise enough to embrace it now - and pray that it spreads through the grace of God to His glory - and our benefit.
0 Comments

You Actually Control The Attitude of Your Boss - Proverbs 14:35

1/23/2012

1 Comment

 
The king's favor is toward a servant who acts wisely, But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully. Proverbs 14:35

Anyone who has ever worked knows the difference between receiving the favor of your boss versus receiving an angry rebuke or tirade. Today's proverb reminds us that when we serve others - especially a king or person in high authority - it is good to be prudent in how we perform our duties.

The king will show favor to a servant who acts wisely. The word for "wisely" here is the Hebrew word, "sakal" which has as its root meaning to act with prudence. One who acts wisely takes time to consider his actions. He ponders what the consequences are for a word that he speaks or an action that he takes. He wants to understand and have insight into what he does. Any leader loves having such a servant or employee. They are not quick to rush into things and as a result make fewer mistakes. They are good employees because they honestly think of the good of the company - and are prone to being selfless toward others.

The king or boss in a situation will react with angrer though toward someone who acts shamefully. The idea behind this word is to cause shame or disgrace. Leaders know that when someone is not thinking and not pondering their choices - they will inevitably walk into a lot of problems. These particular problems are enough to shame a boss - or disgrace a king. It should not shock us therefore to learn that the king or boss reacts with wrath against this one. They are not only falling down on the job - but they are failing in a way that is bringing shame and disgrace on the business.

The foolish man acts without taking time to think about what is about to do. He has even less knowledge of the potential consequences for what he is doing. He does not want any restraint upon himself. The wise man looks things over and is careful to make a decision consistent with what is best for his authorities. That is why the king shows him such favor.

1 Comment

Why a Wise Politician Should Live for the Next Generation Too! Proverbs 14:28

1/11/2012

0 Comments

 
In a multitude of people is a king's glory, But in the dearth of people is a prince's ruin.   Proverbs 14:28

A king is not a king unless he has a kingdom over which to rule. A kingdom will not exist where the people are not fruitful and multiply. Therefore it is wise for kings to encourage their people to grow in number. Today's proverb handles this situation - but the implications of this proverb are fascinating, especially when applied to what is happening in both the United States and Europe.

The simple meaning of this proverb is obvious - a king needs people to have his kingdom flourish. When there is a multitude of people under his rule - he is blessed, but when there is a declining population within the kingdom - it points to the ruin of his son. The son will have a far smaller kingdom over which to rule - or possibly none at all.

As I stated at the beginning of this post, this has amazing ramifications for both our nation and the nations of Europe. Both places have declining populations when it comes to the original population of the countries. As a result of this both of these regions are trying their best to maintain population growth by immigration. The problem is that as the numbers of immigrants grow, they are having more and more influence in the policies and direction of the nation. Give this direction a few more years - and soon Europe will be different - completely different than their forefathers. The United States is not that far from this development either. Why is this happening to these once great nations?

For a king to continue to rule over his own people, he has to encourge his own people to multiply in their families. If they do not, the indigenous people of the land will begin to dwindle in numbers. The result of this will be that a different group of people will begin to rise up and rule the land. All this happens because the people do not have children. Or, in our case, they only want 2.4 children or less. That is what has happened in our nation. We have become a people who do not believe that having multiple children is a blessing. This all began with people espousing a worldview that did not value children. We became a people so interested in our own comforot and our own pleasure that we decidd that children were no longer a blessing of the Lord. We came to the conclusion that the man whose quiver if full of children is not blessed at all. In fact, we decided children were a burden - an unnecessary burden - and within a couple of generations - an unwanted burden.

According to the humanistic worldview - this was a wonderful development. We were supposedly choking the world to death with our overpopulation - our poluting - and our urban sprawl. So when people bought this unbiblical view, they stopped having childen, or they did what was necessary to reduce the number of children they have. Everything seemed wonderful and the planet would be saved. But over time, the dearth of children began to weigh heavy on our society. Now we face problems as our system is imploding. It is doing so because we no longer have far more families coming up, because we do not like or enjoy the thought of having multiple children. Programs like Social Security require a larger generation of younger people than in the older generation. Even our national character - is shifting from being European and western to being either Mexican or Islamic.

A wise set of leaders would have had a biblical worldview. That worldview remembers that God said to be fruitful and multiply. The whole concept of overpopulation is foreign to God. He promises to supply our needs if we will live for His glory and obey His Word. But since those things have been jettisoned just as we have done with His view of children and family - we are facing the "dearth of a people."

An interesting thing about this passage is that it says that the prince is ruined by this. The king is to rule not just with an eye toward himself - but toward his sons - and his grandsons. That is a fascinating thing to see here. It is fascinating because one of the curses of our current political fabric is that we only see the immediate future as important. Most of our elected officials actually only see the next election cycle as important - therefore they plan only to keep people fat and happy til past the next election. All the while as we are doing this - the princes of our future (our children) are having their future ruined by the selfishness of the current generation.

Wisdom means that rulers think ahead - they think long-term - and honestly, they should think biblically. To do otherwise is to think in a way that God will not bless. This, more than the economy or any other factor, is what will bring about the blessing or the dearth of our society and its people. We should always remember the verse, "Blessed are the people who are so situated. Blessed is the nation who's God is the Lord."
0 Comments

Four in the Animal Kingdom From Which to Learn Wisdom, part 4 - The Lizard, Proverbs 30:28

8/2/2011

2 Comments

 
The lizard you may grasp with the hands, Yet it is in kings' palaces. Proverbs 30:28

What is the exceeding wisdom that the lizard has for us?  We are told of four animals here - all who demonstrate wisdom by their existance and practics.  We come now to the fourth and final animal - the lizard.  What does he have to teach us?

First we read that the lizard is not the most intimidating of animals in the world.  He can be grasped with the hands.  His natural defenses are not very effective.  Thus he is able to be caught and grasped with a human hand.  The lizard is not given a great deal of weapons at his disposal.  The lizard spoken of here is usually the common ones that you seek on the walls in homes.  He has no sharp claws or teeth - and the ones mentioned here have no venomous bite or sting to deliver.  Yet we are told that he is in the palaces of the king.  

The lesson for us is an interesting one.  Though we may feel weak and defenseless, we can still be in high places.  The lizard teaches us though that if we are to be in such places, we will need to be humble and come in such a way as is fitting for our situation.  If the lizard were to come to the king's palace and seek to knock down the door - he would be a fool.  If he decided to battle his way into his presence with his great strength - he would be deluding himself.  If he decided he would come showing his comeliness and beauty - he would be blind to the fact that he is a lizard.  The lizard uses none of these tactics.  Instead he is humble and comes quietly.  He remains on the wall and chooses not to be boisterous and draw attention to himself.  Because this is how he comes - he can be in the presence of the king.

The lizard teaches us that great strength can be had in something as inauspicious as humility.  God says that He opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.  There is something about a humble man that can disarm even a king.  Therefore if we want to be received and come even to a king's palace - we need to learn humility.  With the humble comes great favor.  Jesus told us that when we come to a banquet we should not seek the place of honor - and take a seat next to our host.  That would be coming in pride and arrogance - stating that we are viewed highly in our own mind.  The warning was that when our host comes, he would see us in such a proud position and completely overlook us.  When he would see someone far more humble taking a seat beneath himself - the host would invite him to sit where we are.  At that point we would be humiliated and have to go to the very last seat in the sight of all those present.  Instead we should adopt the attitude of the lizard.  Jesus said that we should take the lowest place at the table.  Then when our host sees us taking such a humble place, he would request for us a better seat - and we would be honored before all at the banquet.  This is where our Lord told us that God opposes the proud, but honors the humble. 

Exceedingly wise is the lizard, who embraces humility.  Wise indeed he is to come quietly and without fanfare.  Thus he is in king's palaces.  Wise also is the man who in life chooses to humble himself, not just to be exalted, but who truly sees himself humbly.  We are counselled to humble ourselves in the presence of the Lord, and he will exalt you (James 4:10).  So be wise - be like a lizard - humble yourself - and be blessed by the Lord.

2 Comments

How to Appease a Very Angry Authority - Proverbs 16:14

1/16/2011

1 Comment

 
The fury of a king is like messengers of death, But a wise man will appease it. Proverbs 16:14

The knock on the door resembled more like someone trying to break it down.  As he drew near to open, Daniel knew that this was no friendly visit by the sounds coming from the other side of the door.  He could hear the sounds of a chariot - and the all too familiar sound of armor and swords striking each other.  This was a military visit - and it did not sound as if it would be positive.  As he reached for the handle of the door Daniel said to himself, "Calm Daniel, respond with calm and confidence in your Lord."  As the handle moved to open the door a prayer also went up to heaven, "God, please help me respond wisely." 

As the door opened Daniel was astounded by what he met.  It was a military escort - and it had come for him.  Daniel knew things were bad when he saw Arioch, the commander of the king's bodyguard leading the way.  "The king had commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be executed," was the announcement that Arioch made at Daniel's doorway.  "I am sorry Daniel,  but I must put you in chains and escort you to the executioner immediately." 

"Why is this decree so urgent, Arioch?"  Daniel replied.  "Have we done something wrong - for when I last knew - all was well with the king and the wise men."  Arioch then told Daniel of the dream - and the command from the king that the one who interprets the dream must also be able to first tell the king what the dream was.  When the wise men present balked at this - and tried to bide their time - the king became furious and commanded that this be done to all the wise men.

Daniel sent a quick prayer to heaven again, "HELP LORD!"  Then a passage from the writings of Solomon came to mind, the fury of the king is messengers of death, but a wise man will appease it.  "Give me wisdom Lord to appease this request." 

"Arioch," Daniel spoke, "would you first take me to the king that I might request a time when I may come and declare the dream and the interpretation to him?"  From the look on Arioch's face Daniel knew that he was wary of this request.

"Daniel, my friend," the captain said, "He is furious right now - and not in any mood for delays or schemes. He is very disturbed about this dream and wants an interpretation." 

Daniel was amazed at his own boldness and faith as he answered, "Then that is what I shall give to him." 

As Arioch took him to the king Daniel continued to pray for favor and for God's power to appease a very angry king.  He also knew that when he returned to his home, he would have to call Hannaniah, Mishael, and Azariah to prayer as well that God would grant him the ability to know the king's dream and its interpretation.  "This will be a true test of our faith - and of our trust in Jehovah to protect and keep us here in Babylon," Daniel would say.  "Yet He has been faithful so far to offer us His gracious protection."

The king or whatever the supreme leadership position is called in any state - holds with it a tremendous amount of power and authority.  When that person is furious - it is not a good thing for the ones at whom his anger and rage is directed.  To approach him with respect, honor, and wisdom is absolutely necessary.  Depending on the laws of the region - that anger could mean death.  That is why examples like that of Daniel - where a gracious, submissive, appeal to authority and God's provision is definitely in order.  We can thank God for this godly example, for it gives us hope in what otherwise might be a hopeless situation.  The wise will learn from it - and repeat it as they go into every situation trusting God and relying on the wisdom of His Word to not only guide them - but also go before them to appease anger and wrath - and make a way for grace and peace to prevail.

1 Comment

Rich Fools and Unwise Rulers . . . Proverbs 19:10

10/19/2010

2 Comments

 
Luxury is not fitting for a fool; Much less for a slave to rule over princes. Proverbs 19:10

There are certain people who do not need to serve as a ruler over a people.  We might think that it is a good thing for the "everyman" to rise to power, but if the "everyman" that does this is a fool - it will end badly. 

The fool who begins to enjoy luxury - will wind up being very difficult to live with in the end.  He will view his luxury as what is due him - rather than a blessing and a priviledge that has been given to him either by others or through hard work and application of himself to a task.  That is why such luxury is not fitting for him.  It isn't right for him to have it - because he does not appreciate it.  It does more harm to him than good in the end because he will begin to think he deserves it - everyone owes him what is necessary to live a life of luxury. 

I'm going to take the risk of offending some at this point in this proverb.  This passage illustrates why a welfare state is harmful to a populace.  I know there are cries made at this statement that we do not provide a life of luxury to those on welfare.  True - their standard of living is not that of kings - but we are fundamentally harming them by not having them work or do something to get it.  In order for us to develop properly in a moral sense, we need to work - we need to DO something.  When we don't, we do not appreciate what is given to us.  Then we begin building a mindset that people owe us something - and that will become toxic in the end.  In time we will think they owe us more and more - and gratefulness for what we do have will be all but extinct in our thinking.  When that way of thinking grows in our minds - we are quickly descending in wisdom and in any kind of spiritual growth. 

Just as luxury is not fitting for a fool - so also is it for a slave to rule over princes.  We in America are not used to the whole idea of nobility.  We fought an entire war to make sure that we did not have a king who could rule over us without the consent of the governed.  But, there is a wisdom to having the wiser in society rule over us.  To have a person rule who does not know wisdom - who does not know the matters of state - who does not understand the necessity for good economic policy - and most of all justice - is to invite serious problems in that land.  It is also a historical reality that when a slave or a commoner comes into power - the problem is too often that they want revenge for the wrongs they suffered - rather than to govern all the people with wisdom and integrity.  I do not support the ascendency of a king in our land - but I do fully support not electing fools to office.  It is wisdom to elect the wise to rule over us. 

2 Comments

How To Keep Your County From Being Overrun by Evil . . . Proverbs 20:8

9/21/2010

0 Comments

 
A king who sits on the throne of justice disperses all evil with his eyes. Proverbs 20:8

What place does a ruler or leader have in making sure that the country he rules  is not overrun by evil?  In recent years we have had  fools who have tried to tell us that leaders don't need to have character.  We should only be concerned with their political decisions.  To expect actual moral character from them is too much.  Their personal lives are their own business.  If they decide to commit adultery on their wives , t hat is their own business.  Nothing could be further from the truth!

The king, ruler, president, or any other person who has a high position of power and influence, needs to be a man of  godliness and godly character.  Here we read that he needs to be a man who sits "on the throne of justice."  The word for justice here is very instructive.  It means judgment,  condemnation, cause or plea - and it refers to the legal realm.  The king needs to sit on a throne that  grasps and understands justice.  He needs to make judgments so that justice will prevail in the land.  Some say this refers  simply to the legal seat he takes in a courtroom.  They say it has little to do with what kind of judgment he has - rather that he  just make decisions  while seated there.  But if that were the case - why does the second half of this proverb speak of how this action leads to  evil being dispersed by this man's eyes?  That contradicts itself. 

The king - at least the ones that God commended - were godly men who sat on a throne  that stood for  the justice of God.  This was an interesting view of justice because it held both to a  strong standard of what is  right and wrong, but it also exhibited mercy to those who sought it.  God's call for righteousness  was absolute - and it was and is based on absolute truth.  This has not changed - and will not change.  But God also states that mercy triumphs over judgment.  Those who see God as being too judgmental should consider seriously how God dealt with the ultimate  judgment - by having  His perfect justice satisfied by judging  His own Son,  Who paid the ultimate price for sin. 

God told the king to write out a copy of the Law for himself so that he would not forget  to judge righteously.   The king was instructed by his mother in   Proverbs 31    that it is not for him to drink and get drunk because his judgment would be clouded - and he would not stand up for the rights of the poor and innocent.  God warns  His kings that they should not err in judgment - but that their judgment should be righteous judgment.  To have a godly leader who understands and who seeks to administer righteous, biblically-based judgment is a blessing that unfortunately is rare in our day Honestly.   it is rare in history. 

When the king sits on a throne of justice - he will "disperse all evil with his eyes."  The word used here for disperse is wonderful.  It is the Hebrew  word for sifting.  It spoke of how one would sift wheat by separating the good wheat from the chaff.  As one would sift like this - they would keep what is good, while breaking off the worthless chaff so that it could be discarded.  The king  was to have discernment and see what God considers good and wise - as well as what God  identifies as useless and worthless.  In the end, the sifting allows him to get  rid of evil.  This, the proverb tells us, he does with his eyes. 

When a king has evil pass before his eyes and he does not judge it or deal with it - wickedness will abound in his nation.    But when a king makes it clear that he disapproves evil, there will be great blessing in the nation.  Too often a bribe closes the eyes of the king.    An official who is important and who has influence will cause him to blind his own eyes - or cast them down instead of staring  wickedness in the face and condemning it.  The godly king knows that if he does not deal with ALL EVIL alike - disapproving it and looking with disdain upon it - evil will   grow and bring great problems to his kingdom.   

One of the things eventually destroys nations is a lack of these kind of leaders in the government.    We have these odd things called "ethics panels" in our government.  They  were originally put into place to  bring a proper disapproval to those who  act outside godly, law-abiding ethics.    But now they are used to wink at fellow party-members who disregard the law - and to crucify those of opposite parties who don't.  There is no righteous standard any longer - just a flaunting of the law - and a vigilante status toward  destroying  opponents who make their mistakes while out of power.  Both parties do it - and it is an affront to the laws of our land.    What we truly need are men and women of  integrity who will once again sit in the seat of justice in our land .  We need those who will look evil in the  eye and  make  sure that evil will not find a place in our nation.  The first ones they should look in the eye every day is the one looking back at them in the mirror.  They need to see justice and righteousness prevail in their own hearts and lives.  Then  they will be able to  disperse and sift out evil in our land.    May two things happen so this will be the case.  First may we demand such things of our own hearts and minds.  Then second, may we demand such leaders once again from both parties.  Whatever we do we must do quickly  - before  justice in our land is just an afterthought.
0 Comments
<<Previous
    Picture

    Proverb a Day

    Each day, we'll take a look at a verse from the chapter of Proverbs for the day.  Our hope is to gain wisdom each day - and from that wisdom - to have understanding to make godly decisions in the throes of everyday life.

    Picture
    Thank you for visiting our website!  Everything on this site is offered for free.  If, however, you would like to make a donation to help pay for its continued presence on the internet, you can do that by clicking here.  The only thing we ask is that you give first to the local church you attend.  Thank you!

    Picture

    Archives

    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    June 2013
    May 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010
    February 2010
    January 2010
    December 2009
    November 2009

    Picture
    Categories

    All
    1 Corinthians 9:26-27
    Abomination
    Abortion
    Absolute Truth
    Abundance
    Accessory To A Crime
    Accountability
    Accountable To God
    Acknowledging God
    Adaddon
    Addictions
    Adulterous Woman
    Adultery
    Adversity
    A Father's Teaching
    Afflicted
    Aging
    Agnostics
    A Good Name
    Agriculture
    Ahab
    Alcohol
    Amos 8:4-5
    Anger
    Animals
    Ants
    Anxiety
    Apologetics
    Appetites
    Application
    Appreciation
    Arguments
    Arrogan
    Arrogance
    Assurance Of Salvation
    Atheists
    Atmosphere
    Attentiveness
    Attitude
    Attributes Of God
    Authority
    Awe
    Backbiting
    Backsliding
    Bad Company
    Battle
    Beauty
    Bitterness
    Blameless
    Blessed
    Blessing
    Blessing Favor
    Blessings
    Blindness
    Blood
    Boastful
    Boldness
    Bondage
    Bones
    Books
    Boundaries
    Bribery
    Bribes
    Broken Heart
    Brokenness
    Broken Spirit
    Brutishness
    Burden
    Business
    Calamity
    Captialism
    Casting Lots
    Caution
    Change
    Character
    Cheating
    Cheerfulness
    Child Rearing
    Child-rearing
    Children
    Choices
    Cleansing
    Comfort
    Commandments
    Communism
    Companion
    Comparison
    Compassion
    Complacency
    Complaining
    Compromise
    Confession
    Confession Of Sin
    Confidence
    Conscience
    Consequences
    Contempt
    Contention
    Contentions
    Contentment
    Control
    Controversy
    Cooperation
    Corporal Discipline
    Corporal Punishment
    Correction
    Corruption
    Counsel
    Counselors
    Court
    Courts
    Courts Disagreements
    Creation
    Creation Vs Evolution
    Crime
    Criticism
    Crooked
    Crossroads
    Cruelty
    Culture
    Curses
    Danger
    Darkness
    Daughters
    David
    Death
    Debt
    Deceit
    Deceitfulness
    Deception
    Decisions
    Defenses
    Delight
    Deliverance
    Depression
    Desire
    Desires
    Despise
    Destruction
    Devious
    Difficult Times
    Difficulty
    Dignity
    Diligence
    Direction
    Disagreements
    Disaster
    Discernment
    Discipleship
    Discipline
    Discretion
    Disgrace
    Disgraceful Living
    Dishonesty
    Dishonor
    Disobedience
    Disobedient
    Disputes
    Distractions
    Distress
    Disunity
    Dread
    Drink
    Drinking
    Drunkenness
    Dying To Self
    Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
    Economics
    Education
    Effective Praying
    Emotions
    Employees
    Employer
    Encouragement
    Endurance
    Enemies
    Envy
    Equity
    Established Life
    Esteem
    Eternal Mindset
    Eternity
    Ethics
    Evangelism
    Everlasting
    Evil
    Evil Men
    Evil Philosophies
    Evil Thinking
    Evil Ways
    Evolution
    Evolution Vs Creation
    Excellence
    Excuses
    Expectations
    Eyes
    Facial Expressions
    Fairness
    Faith
    Faithful
    Faithfulness
    Faithlessness
    Falsehood
    False Intimacy
    False Teachers
    False Witness
    Fame
    Family
    Farming
    Fathers And Sons
    Favor
    Favoritism
    Favor Of God
    Fear
    Fearing God
    Feasting
    Feelings
    Fellowship
    Fighting
    Finances
    Fines
    Fire
    Flattery
    Focus
    Following God
    Folly
    Food
    Foolish Counsel
    Foolishness
    Fools
    Forbearance
    Foresight
    Forgiveness
    Foundations
    Fountain Of Life
    Freedom
    Friend
    Friendship
    Frugality
    Fruit
    Frustration
    Fulfillment
    Future
    Future Eternal
    Generations
    Generosity
    Gentleness
    Giving
    Gladness
    Glory Of God
    Gluttony
    God As Creator
    Godless Leaders
    Godlessness
    Godliness
    Godly Appeal
    Godly Business Practices
    Godly Counsel
    Godly Dads
    Godly Leadership
    Godly Legacy
    Godly Men
    Godly Moms
    Godly Sexuality
    Godly Standards
    Godly Wisdom
    God's Blessing
    God's Law
    God's Love
    God's Omniscience
    God's Provision
    God's Strength
    God's Wisdom
    God's Word
    Gods Word
    Good
    Good Company
    Goodness
    Good News
    Gospel
    Gossip
    Government
    Governmental Overthrow
    Grace
    Graciousness
    Grandchildren
    Gratefulness
    Gravity
    Greed
    Grey Hair
    Grey Hair. Old Men
    Grief
    Grieving Sin
    Grotesque Proverbs
    Guarantor
    Guidance
    Guilt
    Happiness
    Hardened Heart
    Hard Work
    Harm
    Harvest
    Hastiness
    Hate
    Hating Evil
    Hating God
    Hatred
    Haughty
    Healing
    Health
    Hearing
    Hearing God
    Heart
    Heart For God
    Hebrews 9:27
    Hell
    Heros
    Hidden Motives
    Hiding
    Hiding Sin
    Hiding The Word In Your Heart
    Hiding Wisdom In Your Heart
    Holding Our Tongue
    Holiness
    Holiness Purity
    Holy Spirit
    Home Life
    Honesty
    Honey
    Honor
    Honoring God
    Hope
    Hospitality
    House
    Humility
    Hunger
    Hunger And Thirst
    Hurried Lifestyle
    Hypocrisy
    Immodesty
    Importance
    Impurity
    Indebted
    Industry
    Influence
    Inheritance
    Iniquity
    Injustice
    Innocent Blood
    Insanity
    Insight
    Insolent
    Insomnia
    Instruction
    Insults
    Integrity
    Intelligence
    Interest
    Intimacy
    Intimacy With God
    Intoxication
    Intuition
    Invitiation
    Inward And Outward Beauty
    Irritating People
    Jealousy
    Jedidiah
    Jesus Christ
    Joy
    Joyfulness
    Judges
    Judgment
    Just Dealings
    Justice
    Kindness
    Kings
    Knowing God
    Knowledge
    Labor
    Lamp Of God
    Land
    Language
    Latter End
    Law Of God
    Laws
    Laziness
    Lazy
    Leaders
    Leadership
    Learning
    Learning From Nature
    Legal Matters
    Lies
    Life
    Lifestyle
    Lips
    Listening
    Loans
    Longevity
    Longsuffering
    Love
    Loved By God
    Lovingkindness
    Loyalty
    Lucifer
    Lying
    Man
    Marketplace
    Marriage
    Matthew 12:36-37
    Maturity
    Meat
    Meddling
    Medication
    Medicine
    Meekness
    Mental Health
    Mentors
    Mercy
    Messengers
    Mind
    Ministry Of Neglect
    Mocking
    Modesty
    Money
    Moral Corruption
    Moral Decline
    Moral Perversion
    Morals
    Moral Sanity
    Mothers
    Motives
    Mouth
    Murder
    Murmuring
    Mystery
    Naive
    Name Of God
    National Character
    Nature Pictures
    Necklace
    Neglect
    Neighbors
    Nose Rings
    Nourishment
    Obedience
    Offence
    Omnipresence Of God
    Omniscience Of God
    Oppressed
    Oppression
    Oprah
    Order
    Ordinary
    Origins
    Ornaments
    Orphans
    Outbursts
    Paid In Full
    Pain
    Pampering
    Parenting
    Parents
    Partiality
    Passion
    Paths
    Patience
    Peace
    Peacefulness
    Peacemakers
    Penalties
    Persuasiveness
    Perverse
    Perversity
    Perverted Mouth
    Philosophy
    Pigs
    Planning
    Plans
    Pleasant Words
    Pleasing God
    Pleasure
    Politic
    Political Speech
    Politics
    Pollution
    Poverty
    Power
    Power Of Words
    Practical Jokes
    Practical Wisdom
    Praise
    Prayer
    Preparation
    Presumption
    Pride
    Problems
    Profit
    Prosperity
    Prostitutes
    Protection
    Prov 1
    Prov 10
    Prov 11
    Prov 12
    Prov 13
    Prov 14
    Prov 15
    Prov 16
    Prov 17
    Prov 18
    Prov 19
    Prov 2
    Prov 20
    Prov 21
    Prov 22
    Prov 23
    Prov 24
    Prov 25
    Prov 26
    Prov 27
    Prov 28
    Prov 29
    Prov 3
    Prov 30
    Prov 31
    Prov 4
    Prov 5
    Prov 6
    Prov 7
    Prov 8
    Prov 9
    Proverbs
    Providence
    Provision
    Provocation
    Prudence
    Prudent
    Psalm 2
    Psalm 23
    Public Opinion
    Publishers
    Punishment
    Purity
    Purpose
    Pursuing God
    Quarreling
    Quick Tempered
    Quiet
    Racism
    Rage
    Ransom
    Rash Decisions
    Reading
    Reasoning
    Rebellion
    Rebelliousness
    Rebuke
    Receptiveness To God
    Recompense
    Refined By God
    Refuge
    Rejection
    Rejoicing
    Relationships
    Relationship With God
    Reliable
    Religion
    Repentance
    Reproach
    Reproof
    Reputation
    Requests
    Resentment
    Respect
    Rest
    Restitution
    Restraint
    Revenge
    Revival
    Reward
    Rewards
    Riches
    Riddles
    Right Choices
    Righteousness
    Rod
    Ruin
    Rulers
    Ruthless Men
    Sacrifice
    Sadness
    Safety
    Salvation
    Sanctification
    Satire
    Satisfaction
    Sayings
    Scales
    Science And God
    Scoffer
    Scorn
    Scripture
    Security
    Seduction
    Seeing
    Seeking God
    Self
    Self Control
    Self-control
    Self Examination
    Self-indulgence
    Selfish
    Selfishness
    Self Love
    Self Reliance
    Sensible
    Sensuality
    Servanthood
    Servants
    Sexual Immorality
    Sexuality
    Sexual Sanity
    Sexual Temptation
    Shame
    Shamefulness
    Shekel
    Sheol
    Shield
    Sickness
    Silence
    Simple Minded
    Sin
    Sinfulness
    Singing
    Single Moms
    Skill
    Slander
    Slaughter
    Slavery
    Sleep
    Slothfulness
    Slow To Anger
    Sluggard
    Snares
    Socialism
    Social Justice
    Social Media
    Social Status
    Solomon
    Sons
    Sorrow
    Soul
    Sovereignty Of God
    Sovereignty Of Self
    Speaking The Truth In Love
    Spirit
    Spiritual Awakening
    Spiritual Growth
    Spiritual Hunger And Thirst
    Spiritual Maturity
    Spiritual Nourishment
    Spiritual Power
    Spiritual Vitality
    Spoiled Brats
    Stability
    Standing Against Evil
    Steadfast
    Stealing
    Stench
    Stewardship
    Stiff-necked
    Stinking
    Storms
    Strange Woman
    Strength
    Stress
    Strife
    Stronghold
    Stumbling
    Stupidity
    Submission
    Success
    Surety
    Survival
    Swearing
    Swine
    Talking
    Taxes
    Teachable
    Teaching
    Teaching Sons
    Television And Movies
    Tempest
    Temptation
    Testimony
    Testing
    Thankfulness
    The Afflicted
    The Beautiful Woman
    The Dead
    The Evil Man
    The Evil Way
    The Excellent Wife
    The Favor Of God
    The Flesh
    The Fool
    The Gate
    The Godly Father
    The Godly Man
    The Godly Woman
    The Good Man
    The Gospel
    The Harlot
    The Heart
    The Holy Spirit
    The King
    The Love Of God
    The Mighty
    The Mind
    The Mouth
    Theology
    The Poor
    The Poor Man
    The Power Of Words
    There Is A Fountain
    The Rich
    The Rich Man
    The Righteous
    The Righteous Man
    The Rod
    The Role Of Father
    The Role Of Mother
    The Tongue
    The Ungodly Man
    The Ungodly Woman
    The Way Of A Fool
    The Way Of A Wise Man
    The Wealthy
    The Wicked
    The Wicked Man
    The Will Of God
    The Wise Man
    The Wise Woman
    The Word Of God
    The Wrath Of God
    Thinking
    Thirst
    Thought Life
    Thoughts
    Timing
    Tithe
    Tongue
    Tornadto
    Tradition
    Tranquility
    Transcribing
    Transgression
    Traps
    Treacherous
    Treachery
    Treasure
    Treasure Trunk
    Tree Of Life
    Trials
    Trouble
    Troubles
    True Beauty
    True Riches
    True Wealth
    Trust
    Trusting God
    Trustworthy
    Truth
    Turning From Sin
    Turning To God
    Understanding
    Unfaithful
    Unforgiveness
    Ungodliness
    Ungodly Business Practices
    Ungodly Counsel
    Ungodly Leadership
    Ungodly Legacy
    Ungodly Men
    Ungodly Speech
    Ungodly Thinking
    Ungodly Women
    Unjust
    Unrestrained
    Unshakable
    Unwise Choices
    Unwise Decisions
    Upright
    Usury
    Vanity
    Vegetarianism
    Victory
    Violence
    Vision
    Vows
    Wages
    Waiting On God
    Walking With God
    Wandering
    War
    Warfare
    Warnings
    Watchfulness
    Way Of Evil
    Wealth
    Wealthy
    Whirlwind
    Wicked
    Wickedness
    Widow
    William Cowper
    Will Of God
    Wine
    Winking
    Wisdom
    Wise
    Wise In Our Own Eyes
    Wise Living
    Wise Sons
    Witness
    Wives
    Women
    Wonder
    Wordiness
    Word Of God
    Words
    Work
    Worker
    Work Ethic
    Work Relationships
    Worldliness
    Worldly Counsel
    Worldview
    Worry
    Worship
    Worthiness
    Wrath
    Wrath Of God
    Wreath
    Youthfulness
    Zeal

    RSS Feed

Join Us
Sundays: 10:45am - Morning Service
Community groups Times Vary

Wednesdays: 6:30pm - Adult Bible Study, Youth Worship and Bible Study, & Children ministry 

411 Calvary Cove
Jonesboro, AR  72401


Connect with Us
Phone: 870-277-0500
Email: [email protected]
Copyright 2024 Calvary Chapel Jonesboro | all rights reserved
Photos from swanksalot, Matias-Garabedian, rust.bucket, IntelFreePress, amiefedora, smjb, tanakawho, Carrie Kellenberger I globetrotterI, steakpinball, f_mafra, raygunb, B4bees
  • HOME
  • Basics
    • Announcements
    • Giving
    • Who We Are
    • Just for Fun
  • Proverb a Day
  • Ministries
    • Children
    • Missions
    • Worship >
      • New Song Page
    • Youth
  • Biblical Stuff
    • Services
    • Articles
    • Apologetics Studies
    • A Call to Revival
    • Discipleship >
      • 1 - The Gospel
      • 2 - The Word
    • The Gospel
    • Links
  • Sign Up Area
  • Psalms For Life
  • Prophecy/News