As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
Proverbs 25:12
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Proverbs 24:10
If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.
Proverbs 23:9
Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
The Word of God Is the Foundation of Knowledge
Which of these has the greater authority in our lives?(1) Human philosophy (2) Reasoning (3) Tradition (4) Scientific “Fact” or (5) Biblical Truth, i.e., the Word of God?
Can we all emphatically answer that God’s Word has the greatest authority in our lives, affecting every decision we make?
The Word of God has many who twist it, mock it, malign it, hate it, and others who ignore it. But, none of these approaches to the Word of God will ever destroy it.
It is the Word that is able to make us wise unto salvation. (2 Timothy 3:15). It is also the Word that lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23).
So, why are there so many people who do not believe or appreciate God’s Word? The Bible itself points us to the answer:
- Although the Word of God was written down and translated multiple times by humans, it is still the Word of God.
- God INSPIRED it (2 Peter 1:21).
- The words our Savior spoke are “spirit” and they are “life” (John 6:63).
- The “spiritual” Word of God is spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). For someone to truly understand the Word, God must provide spiritual access.
Do we get the point? What do we really use for our decision making authority and direction? The Word of God must be our foundation for right knowledge, i.e., truth.
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Many believing parents have claimed the promise in this verse. Some children seem to flow easily into a godly way of life. For others, there is struggling. As children move into maturity, some seem to defy this promise to parents, even though the parents believe they have “trained” the child in the “way he should go.” Parents, do not be discouraged. Take heart from another Scriptural witness you can surely count on in Galatians. Continue to sow spiritual blessings through the Spirit of God into the lives of your children. Do not “faint.” God’s Word says you will reap in due season.
Galatians 6:8-9 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
FYI Measuring Radiation
With the growing threat of radiation possibly being released from the damaged Japanese nuclear reactor after the earthquake and tsunami, it may be time for all of God’s people to learn more about how radiation is actually measured. Even if humanity is not to be exposed to the dangers of radiation from this tragic event, we still need to be as informed as possible. Earthquakes are becoming much more frequent (Refer to the sermon on earthquakes for more details). And, nuclear plants have been built on other fault lines in other areas of the earth. Who knows what will transpire in the near future?
The US government has an easy-to-read explanation about how to measure radiation. Although the vocabulary will be new to many of us, the article is easy to follow and understand.
The “Word” of God Is Permanent!
Have you noticed how many “different” Bibles are available these days? There are Bibles “designed” for children, teenagers, women, men, business people and many other groups. Several years ago, a “Green Bible” was printed for “conservationists” (what their detractors call “tree-huggers”). And, while this might be an effective way to get more people to read the Bible, true disciples of Jesus Christ and serious students of the Bible need to understand what is also being done under the guise of growing interest in the Book.
Words (and whole passages) are being “spun” and sometimes even being deliberately changed to manipulate the ideas and concepts God wanted preserved in Scripture.
Here’s a Bible news flash for all those who think it’s a good thing to put a “spin” on various passages and manipulate the Word of God for their own agenda: The Word belongs to God. He inspired it. He preserved it. The truths contained in it will not disappear.
And, the Bible speaks of its own permanence. It provides its own warnings for those who truly alter God’s Word and try to take advantage of the new believer or the uninformed reader.
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.
Proverbs 21:23
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
Many of us have lived and learned the truth of this verse. It is truly a great gift to be able to restrain ourselves from speaking before we think … before we realize there is a strong possibility of painful consequences. It seems so easy to blurt out our opinions or spout off about something we think we have the facts about, but it is a foolish thing to do. The wise man will more often use wisdom, forethought, and restraint before he speaks.
Proverbs 20:9
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
Signs of the Time
You may have heard recently of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Japan lies along this well known Ring of Fire. A map of this area can be seen at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Ring_of_Fire and
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12710999
The recent earthquake in Japan happened on the “Japan Trench.” How does the recent earthquake affect the Ring of Fire? Perhaps, we should take notice (i.e., WATCH!). The floor of the Pacific Ocean is being pulled underneath Japan and towards Eurasia. Scientists speculate based on the size of the earthquake that the fault may have ruptured about 500 K.
We need to watch. However, let us not be troubled or anxious. The Bible speaks of great earthquakes in different places. These events are significant signs of our time.
Luke 21: 9-11 9But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. 10Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.