The Content Of A Man’s Character…

If you truly want to see the content of a man’s character, observe how he treats his family. They will either be the object in which he strives to care for, teach truth to, and build relationships with, or they will be an obstacle in his path toward satisfying himself. In the end, he will be surrounded by the result of his love, or all alone because of his selfishness.

29 Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind. The fool will be a servant to the wise. Proverbs 11:29

We Can’t Serve Both….

The reason the American dollar states “In God we Trust” printed on it, is because we can’t trust actual money. Money to man is a tool in which we use to live, which can lead us into believing we can do it on our own. Money to God is a test in which He uses to show us what’s truly in our hearts. We can’t serve both.

28 Trust in your money and down you go!But the godly flourish like leaves in spring. Proverbs 11:28

The Tendencies Run Close To 100%…

It’s amazing to read these proverbs and realize these truths stand the test of time. They may not all be guarantees, but the tendencies run close to 100%. These statements develop our character. It’s character that brings us closer to God’s purposes. If someone plots evil, rarely will they “get away with it”. And if they do, they will become a slave to protecting themselves with a lifetime of growing lies. If someone seeks good, their intentions will find favor because their heart is right, because it seeks the good for another. Today, we get to choose, do evil or do good. Which will you choose?

27 If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you! Proverbs 11:27

Any Attempt To Curse Or Condemn….

We are all sinners, but we are not all condemned. When our government, our society, and even the world tries to curse or condemn us, remember Jesus has saved us from condemnation. Any attempt to curse or condemn a believer only shows the ignorance and ungodliness of the accuser. Satan came to steal, kill, and destroy, and his followers do the same, but believers serve God, Who protects, provides, and extends His grace to those faithful to Him. This doesn’t mean we take this gift of freedom for granted and abuse this privilege. It means we cling to the only One Whose cursing and condemnation really matters.

8 But how can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I condemn those whom the Lord has not condemned? Numbers 23:8

God Knows Everything We Do….

God knows everything we do. He knows our hearts. He knows our bank accounts. He knows when we give, and when we refrain from giving. Everyone is different, but God rewards all by meeting our needs. Nothing goes unnoticed by Him, not even the smallest, most quiet, humble offering to Him. Someone is always watching, so don’t try to convince yourself of refraining from a good deed if it will go unnoticed. It won’t. God honors those that honor Him.

41 Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.43 Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. 44 For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-44

Are You Willing?

When you think of all the religious leaders in Jesus’ time not many were willing to believe what He said. Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, and this one (unnamed), must’ve been believers. Jesus actually told this religious leader that he wasn’t far from the kingdom of God. This just goes to show us that it’s not our status that saves us, it’s our willingness to accept Jesus’ work on the cross that saves us. It’s a heart that is willing to accept truth, regardless if we agree with it or not, that allows our pride to take a backseat and embrace His grace. This religious leader was willing to set aside his background, his ‘religiosity’, humbling himself, in order to admit what Jesus said was true. It was his willingness to allow truth to do what truth does, convict or condemn, that allowed him to understand and see Jesus for Who He really is. Do you have a heart like this? One that is willing to accept Jesus, regardless of what He asks of you? If not, why not? If you want one, simply ask God, and He will replace your stoney heart with one made of flesh (willingness). The question is, are you willing?

28 One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”29 Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. 30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”32 The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. 33 And I know it is important to love Him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.”34 Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask Him any more questions. Mark 12:28-34

Family Will Fail Us….

In times of despair, in times of fear, in times of uncertainty, and in times of righteous indignation, we have the answer to its cause. Man will fail us, family will fail us, and government will fail us, but God will never fail us. Put your hope in the Lord, ask Him to surround you with His unfailing love. Trust in His Holy Name. He is worthy.

 The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes.11 But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; His intentions can never be shaken. 12 What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people He has chosen as His inheritance. 13 The Lord looks down from Heaven and sees the whole human race.14 From His throne He observes all who live on the earth.15 He made their hearts, so He understands everything they do.16 The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior.17 Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory–for all its strength, it cannot save you. 18 But the Lord watches over those who fear Him, those who rely on His unfailing love.19 He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. 20 We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield.21 In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.22 Let Your unfailing love surround us, Lord,for our hope is in You alone. Psalms 33:10-22