“Family Relationships”

Ephesians 6:1–4 gives instructions for children to obey their parents, and for parents to be careful in how they raise their children. Children who learn respect for proper authority will have a better chance at success in life. Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 6:5-9 instructs slaves and masters as to how “the new self” and the “renewed mind” of the Christian impacts their attitudes and actions as slaves or as masters. The Christian Slave’s Submission Must Be Inward, As Well As Outward. Ephesians 6:10-18 The full armor of God. Ephesians 6: The Armor of God – What It Means And How To Use It? Ephesians 6 is the last chapter of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and in verses 10 to 18 he encourages them to remain steadfast in the Lord. He knew that, as Christians, we are facing an intense spiritual war and we must be prepared. Prayer must fasten all the other parts of our Christian armor. There are other duties of religion, and of our stations in the world, but we must keep up times of prayer. Though set and solemn prayer may not be seasonable when other duties are to be done, yet short pious prayers darted out, always are so. We must use holy thoughts in our ordinary course. A vain heart will be vain in prayer. We must pray with all kinds of prayer, public, private, and secret; social and solitary; solemn and sudden: with all the parts of prayer; confession of sin, petition for mercy, and thanksgiving for favors received. And we must do it by the grace of God the Holy Spirit, in dependence on, and according to, his teaching. We must preserve in particular requests, notwithstanding discouragements. We must pray, not for ourselves only, but for all people. Our enemies are mighty, and we are without strength, our Redeemer is almighty, and in the power of his mighty we may overcome. Wherefore we must stir up ourselves. Pray at what you see. For the Lord gave us his powerful mind to to talk directly to Him as we go and as we see needs or others. Have not we, when the Lord has called, often neglected to answer? Let us think upon these things, and continue our prayers with patience. The gospel was a mystery till made known by Divine revelation; and it is the work of Jesus Christ’s ministers to declare it. The best and most distinguished ministers need the prayers of believers. Those particularly should be prayed for, who are exposed to great hardships and perils in their work. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith. By peace, understand all manner of peace; peace with God, peace of conscience, peace among themselves. And the grace of the Spirit, producing faith and love, and every grace. These he desires for those in whom they were already begun. All grace and blessings come to the saints from God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Grace, that is, the favor of God; and all good, spiritual and temporal, which is from it, is and shall be with all those who truly love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, and with them only.
Ephesians Chapter 6:1-9
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou may live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

“Full Armor Of God” Ephesians 6:10-24″ {Where it say’s brethren, put your name: Brethren: Fellow Christians or members of religious order.}

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
{Lets Pray}
Father, I thank You and praise You that Jesus is the Way and the Truth and the Life and that I have been clothed in His own righteousness by grace through faith. As I live out my life, I believe that I may walk in integrity, speak the truth in love, and be continuously clothed in Christ’s own righteousness so that I may stand in the evil day, and having done all to hear You say, “well done, good and faithful servant,” thank You for Your perfect peace and gracious love. bequeath to all Your children through faith in Jesus Christ. That You have fully equipped us to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, with such wonderful pieces of spiritual armor. I thank You and praise You for the Shield~of~Faith, with which I am enabled to extinguish all the flaming arrows and fiery darts of the evil one. Let my feet stand fast on Your promises to keep my eyes looking to Jesus. prayer is such a precious gift that You have given to me. Help me to live in prayer and action in an attitude of helpless dependence on You and be alert and diligent in every kind of prayer. Give me Your strength to swing into action to help, care and love others as You always do. I thank You and praise You that there is nothing that can separate us from Your love, which is in Christ Jesus, and that no one can remove the perfect peace You place within our heart, through the almighty power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Your Precious Name Lord Jesus Amen.

{Power Verse}
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:18

“Perfection Through Suffering”

While Jesus Christ was here on earthHe pled with God, praying with tears and agony of soul to the only One who could save Him from premature death. And God heard His prayers because of His strong desire to obey God at all times. And even through Jesus was God’s Son, He had to learn from experience what it was like to obey, when obeying ment suffering. It was after He had proved Himself perfect in this experience that Jesus became the giver of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him. Hebrews 5:7-9
I know, O’Lord, that Your decesions are right, and that Your punishment was right and did me good. Psalm 119:75
{Lets Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You that Jesus came to earth as my someone who redeemed what was lost including me. Jesus learned how it was to live in this sin-sick fallen world.. I thank You and praise You that He was prepared to lay aside His heavenly glory and to be born into the race He created.. in order to live a perfect life as an example of how I should live. I believe also that He died a sacrificial death so that by faith in Him I might be forgiven of my sins and redeemed by His precious blood. To the Lord Jesus be all praise, honor, glory and Thanksgiving for ever and ever in His Precious Name Amen.


{Power Verse}

“Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;”
Hebrews 5:8

“Perfection Through Suffering”

While Jesus Christ was here on earthHe pled with God, praying with tears and agony of soul to the only One who could save Him from premature death. And God heard His prayers because of His strong desire to obey God at all times. And even through Jesus was God’s Son, He had to learn from experience what it was like to obey, when obeying ment suffering. It was after He had proved Himself perfect in this experience that Jesus became the giver of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him.

Hebrews 5:7-9
I know, O’ Lord, that Your decision’s are right, and that Your punishment was right and did me good. Psalm 119:75
{Lets Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You that Jesus came to earth as my someone who redeemed what was lost including me. Jesus learned how it was to live in this sin-sick fallen world.. I thank You and praise You that He was prepared to lay aside His heavenly glory and to be born into the race He created.. in order to live a perfect life as an example of how I should live. I believe also that He died a sacrificial death so that by faith in Him I might be forgiven of my sins and redeemed by His precious blood. To the Lord Jesus be all praise, honor, glory and Thanksgiving for ever and ever in His Precious Name Amen.


{Power Verse}

“Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;”
Hebrews 5:8

“Contrast The Upright And The Wicked”

As we read this, it teaches us a great truth, that we are not sufficient of ourselves to think or speak any thing of ourselves that is wise and good, but that all our sufficiency is of God, who is with the heart and with the mouth, and works in us both to will and to do. Phil. 2:13 ~ for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.; Ps. 10:17~ You have heard, O LORD, the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their hearts. You will incline Your ear, LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. You have heard, O LORD, the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their hearts. If we want to be having the right kind of thoughts, we should commit our works to the Lord (v3). If we want peace, we should make sure our ways please the Lord, and then we don’t even have to worry about our enemies because they’ll be at peace with us (v7).

Proverbs 16:1-33
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weighed the spirits. Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. A man’s heart devises his way: but the LORD directed his steps. A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresses not in judgment. A just weight and balance are the LORD’s: all the weights of the bag are his work. It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness. Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaks right. The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it. In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain. How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keeps his way preserves his soul. Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. He that handles a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusted in the LORD, happy is he. The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increases learning. Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly. The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and added learning to his lips. Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. There is a way that seemed right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. He that labored, labored for himself; for his mouth craved it of him. An ungodly man digest up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separate chief friends. A violent man entices his neighbor, and leaded him into the way that is not good. He shuts his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he brings evil to pass. The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit than he that taketh a city. The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, today I commit all my works and activities to You. Work through me, so that Your plan for my life will reach their full potential. I thank You and praise You for the many truths that are hidden within the awesome pages of Your Word. I believe that the plans and purposes of my heart will mirror the desire of Your will for me. I thank You and praise You that my life is in Your hands, and I believe that the answer of my tongue and the plans for my life are perfectly aligned to Your Word and Your will. I thank You and praise You in Jesus Precious Name Amen.


{Power Verse}
“The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.”
Proverbs 16:1

“Contrast The Upright And The Wicked”

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Explanation and Commentary of Proverbs 15:1 If someone is angry with you, if they are wrathful towards you, the difficult thing is to refuse to return malice for malice, wrath for wrath, but doing so is crucial if you want to “turn away wrath.” Summary The way to avoid stirring up strife, is to be slow to anger (v18) instead of becoming angry quickly or easily. Saying things that grieve people cause them to become more and more angry (v1), but responding gently can calm them down even when they’re starting to get mad. The way we speak is so important. This is an interesting chapter made up of more contrasting proverbs in regard to living life in society and before God. Commentators break this chapter down in many different ways. As we have in our NASB and King James Bibles, this chapter ends with vs. 33. In the house of the righteous there is much treasure: Because wisdom and godliness tend to bring prosperity, this is generally true of material treasure. Thankfully, the treasure in the house of the righteous isn’t only material; the greater treasure is spiritual.
Proverbs Chapter 15:1-33
A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. A fool despises his father’s instruction: but he that regards reproof is prudent. In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that follows after righteousness. Correction is grievous unto him that forsakes the way: and he that hates reproof shall die. Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? A scorner loveth not one that reproves him: neither will he go unto the wise. A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The heart of him that hath understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. A wrathful man stirs up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeases strife. The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. A wise son makes a glad father: but a foolish man despises his mother. Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walks uprightly. Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. He that is greedy of gain troubles his own house; but he that hates gifts shall live. The heart of the righteous studies to answer: but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. The LORD is far from the wicked: but he hears the prayer of the righteous. The light of the eyes rejoices the heart: and a good report makes the bones fat. The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise. He that refuses instruction despises his own soul: but he that hears reproof gets understanding. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility.
{Lets Pray}
Father God in heaven, I believe that I may take note of the godly and gracious way to speak to others and apply it in my life. I thank You and praise You for this mind that is a gift from You. Assist me in being careful when responding to the words of others so that I do not promote anger. Guide me to turn away any bitterness or wrath with a soft and gentle answer. Let my speech be a tree of life to others and prevent me from ever crushing anyone’s heart or soul, through careless speech. I believe for my lips to spread wisdom, knowledge, and keep me from foolish reactions or from spouting folly in some unguarded moment. Let my speech and language reflect the gracious words that fell from the lips of the Lord Jesus during His temporary stay on earth, and I only want to say and do those things that honor Your Precious Name Jesus Amen.


{Power Verse}
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility.
Proverbs 15:33

“Contrast The Upright And The Wicked”

Like much of the book of the Proverbs, Chapter 14 is written in couplets which contrast wise and foolish behavior. We read that a wise woman builds her home, but the foolish woman tears it down; the one who walks in uprightness fears God, while the devious man despises Him. This saying is a ‘stand-alone’ truth that is applicable to every man, but in order to discover the godly way to go, the correct choices need to be made, and the true path that leads to life and light, peace and hope. The entire book of Proverbs needs to be taken into account, for it records of every aspect of living a godly life. Perhaps the key to the entire book of Proverbs, upon which all every piece of good advice is found. Also the truth that Solomon taught his son in Proverbs chapter 3:5, “Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding… in all thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct your paths.” Guidance for godly living can be found throughout these Proverbs and it is attributed to Solomon. Salvation comes by grace alone through faith alone in Christ Jesus alone, for there is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved. 

Proverbs Chapter 14:1-35
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. He that walketh in his uprightness fears the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despises him. In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understands. Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favor. The heart knows his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy. The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. The simple believs every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. A wise man fears, and departs from evil: but the fool rages, and is confident. He that is soon angry deals foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. The poor is hated even of his own neighbor: but the rich hath many friends. He that despises his neighbor sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. Do they not err that devise evil? But mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly. A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. In the multitude of people is the king’s honor: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince. He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalts folly. A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. He that oppresss the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honors him hath mercy on the poor. The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. Wisdom rests in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. The king’s favor is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causes shame.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, help those who are confused about right or wrong. Guide others in their lives to guide them in the right direction. I thank You and praise You that it is Your will to help those that are afflicted, to support the weak, to provide for the widows and orphans and to help those that are in need. I am believing for others and myself to be a guide to these brothers and sisters that need our assistance and Your light will shine through to us on to them. Use my hands to be of service to those in need, and use my voice to speak words of healing and encouragement to those that are afflicted and in distress. I thank You and praise You for hearing my prayer. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse}

Wisdom rests in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. Proverbs 14:33

“Contrast The Upright And The Wicked”

Proverbs Chapter 13. In the Old Testament, a rebellious son was to be taken to the edge of the city and stoned to death. This was a drastic measure, but I believe we are to see in that lesson that a person who will not be instructed is headed for destruction. Loving parents rebuke their children when they are in error. When Proverbs 13:24 is seen in its correct, biblical context, it is evident that the rod in this passage, refers to a parent’s use of wise discipline to teach their child important lessons in life. Based on this foundation, we build the framework for godly parenting. The truth from Proverbs 13:24 means that godly parenting requires discipline, which includes physical pain. This does not mean child abuse, which is a criminal act of inflicting on a child out of anger and malice.Every verse in the book of Proverbs holds gems of wisdom from the Lord… whether they are words or warning or precious pearls of instruction – exhortation to live a godly life of simply encouragement to trust in the Lord with all our heart and to keep the eyes of our heart firmly fasted onto our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The council in this little verse of Scripture has colossal consequences, for although the mouth is so small, and the tongue is a tiny member of the body, it has far reaching ramifications. Jesus tells us that it is the words that comes out of the mouth that defiles a man, for our speech reflects the thoughts of our heart, while James reminds us that a tiny spark, carelessly cast from the tongue, can ignite a great and destructive inferno. How true that the one who guards his mouth and the word of his lips will keep himself out of trouble and preserve his life, while the one who opens his lips wide in careless cackling will come to ruin, how important therefore to let all the conversation that pours from our lips, be always full of grace and seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. The Lord Jesus is the perfect example of One whose words were gracious and kind; wise and instructive, for who spoke the truth in love. As we bathe the thoughts of our heart in the Word of God and meditate on the truth of His wisdom, we will not only guard our mouth to keep us from evil but will pour out His words of healing and help to others, until it is not I that speak, but Christ that speaks through me.

Proverbs Chapter 13:1-25
A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner. There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard. Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly. A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed. A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for my body, which is fearfully and wonderfully made by You. Guard my heart, (the words I feel), ears, (the words I hear), eyes, (the stuff I see), and tongue, (the words that come from my mouth), from foolish words and ill-considered comments. Let my speech be always gracious, good and kind as I speak the truth in love. I thank You and praise You for the words of wisdom that are found in the bible. Keep me from prideful insolence and destructive strife and teach me to walk in your way, to receive wisdom, and to be willing to learn from godly counsel. Help me to take to heart all that is written in Your Word, and enable me, in the power of the Spirit, to apply all that I learn by hearing and seeing in my everyday life so that I may not only be a good and faithful witness of Your love and grace, but be a member of Your Body that honors Your Holy Precious Name Jesus Amen.


{Power Verse}
A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. Proverbs 13:2

“Contrast The Upright And The Wicked”

Proverbs 12 –Words, Deeds, and Destiny. Proverbs 12:1. Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid. The wicked is cursed by the transgression of his lips.–For his words, the product of his evil heart, while designed to injure others, often bring the offender himself into trouble (Psalm 7:16), and moreover, as being the true index of the inner life of the soul, are being stored up as a witness against him at the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:37). The “just man,” on the contrary, avoids all this “trouble.”The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips; rather, in the transgression of the lips is an evil snare. For by thy words (as well as thy tempers and works) thou shalt then be either acquitted or condemned. Your words as well as actions shall he produced in evidence for or against you, to prove whether you was a true believer or not. And according to that evidence you will either be acquitted or condemned in the great day. (Proverbs 18:7). A man by speaking unadvisedly or intemperately brings trouble upon himself, involves himself in difficulties which he did not foresee. Often when he has spoken in order to injure others, the slander or the censure has redounded on himself. {Psalm 7:15-16. He made a pit. This is a proverbial manner of speech often used in Scripture. It is taken from pits which are digged, and then covered with the leaves of trees, or some such unstable materials, either to make men fall into them, or else wild beasts, which are hunted into them.Psalm 9:16: The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion Selah The LORD is known by his acts of justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. ). “He who looketh gently shall obtain mercy; but he who frequents the gates [or, ‘contends in the gates,’ will harass souls.” This seems to mean the man who is calm and considerate for others will himself be treated with pity and consideration (Matthew 5:7); but he who is a gossip, or a busybody, or litigious, will be always vexing his neighbors.

Proverbs Chapter 12:1-28
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand. A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit. The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious. In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You that Jesus is my Savior and has promised to be with me throughout the hard times in life. Keep me from dwelling on anxious thoughts and help me to hand all my cares over to You, as soon as they come into my mind. So that my heart may be filled with Your quietness and promised peace. Let me give every single anxious thought over to You and keep me from going to others with worries and problems flooding through my mind. I beleive that I would learn to keep the eyes of my heart looking to Jesus,  and the thoughts of my mind resting on You. You have promised to give Your perfect peace to everyone whose mind is stayed on You Jesus. I believe those going through tough stuff, because of others, that You will make all things right in all lives today. I thank You and praise You in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”
Proverbs 12:25

“Be Imitators Of God”

Ephesians 5:1–21 continues Paul’s invaluable instructions on how Christians should live out their faith. Rather than imitating the world, or being controlled by worldly things, Christians are to be filled with the Spirit. Specific flaws such as sexual immorality, crude speech, and wasting of time are discouraged. Paul’s point in Ephesians 5:22-33 is unity in marriage facilitated by submission and sacrificial love. Marg Mowczko is an Australian theologian and writer with an interest in the mutuality (equality) of men and women in Christian ministry and marriage. Paul seems to be alternating between different subjects. He mentions wives, then husbands, then Jesus and the church, then husbands, and then wives again. This chopping and changing makes for confusing reading for most readers who are used to English literary styles. Paul uses a common literary device found in both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. He used a chiasm to draw people’s attention to an important point. A chiasm is a way of arranging thoughts in sentences to form an X-shaped pattern.[1] The thoughts are stated sequentially in one direction until a main point or climax is reached; then the thoughts are repeated in reverse order. In a chiasm, the main point, or a highlighted idea, is often at the centre of a passage. Ephesians 5:22-33 is, in fact, beautifully structured with a vital point at the centre. By understanding the chiastic structure of Ephesians 5:22-33, we can see that Paul makes two (or more) corresponding statements about wives, husbands, and Jesus and the church; and he repeats key thoughts such as sanctification, love, and the head-body metaphor, etc. It is important to consider each statement along with its corresponding statement to gain a fuller understanding of Paul’s teaching in this passage.
Ephesians Chapter 5:1-21
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
“Marriage Like Christ and The Church”
Ephesians Chapter 5:22-33
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Father God, I want to be more and more like Jesus to walk in newness of life and to truly be a life where Jesus can be seen in me, I thank You and praise You for the life example of the Lord Jesus. I know I cannot copy Him in my own strength, but I believe that in the power of the Holy Spirit, I would learn to walk in love, so that I become a sweet-smelling thankful offering that is pleasing to You. I thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Your Precious Name Jesus Amen.
(Power Verse)
“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.”
Ephesians 5:2

“Be Filled Up With God”

When I think of the wisdom and scope of His plan I fall down on my knees and pray to the Father. Of all the great family of God some of them up there in heaven and some down here on earth. That out of His glorious, unlimited resources He will give you the mighty inner strengthening of His Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in Your hearts , living within you as you trust in Him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.
And may you be able to feel and understand, as all God’s Children should, how long, how wide, how deep and how high His love really is: and to experience this love for yourselves, (Though it is so great that you will never see the end of it, or fully know or understand it). And so at last you will be filled up with God Himself.

Ephesians 3:14-18


He alone is my rock, my rescuer, defense and fortress. Why then should I be tense with fear when troubles come?

Psalm 62:2