The Fool (Part 2)

The Fool

There are 36 references to the word fool in Proverbs alone and over 80 references when you consider its derivatives.  Most of Proverbs deals with comparisons between two people, the wise and the foolish.  

The first mention of the word fool in the book of Proverbs is:

Proverbs 1:7  ⁷ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

As we mentioned in the last lesson, there are three Hebrew words for the word fool in Proverbs.  Here the Hebrew word ʾĕwl is used. The word ʾĕwl  means one who is arrogant and flippant as well as mentally dull. He is coarse and hardened in his ways. This word is used 19 times in Proverbs.

The word despise is the Hebrew word bûz, “to hold in contempt, to belittle, to ridicule”
The word wisdom is the Hebrew word  ḥokmâ and has two primary meanings.  The first refers to the mental and physical skills of craftsmen, sailors, singers, mourners, administrators, counselors, and others.  The second focuses on the application of moral and ethical principles that result in skillful, godly living. 

The word instruction is the Hebrew word mûsār and denotes correction which results in education.

If we put all the words we defined together we can come up with the meaning of this verse.  This verse is teaching that a fool is an arrogant hardened person who belittles and ridicules the necessity of learning how to live life according to Biblical principle and to learn from the correction given by others.

Simply worded, a fool is a person who sees no need of learning or living life according to the Bible and its principles. 

                1.            A Fool is a person who sees no need of learning or living life according to the Bible and its principles.

Are we fools in any areas of our lives?  Are there areas of life where we do not strife to live according to God’s Word?  Are we willing to receive instruction?  Are we growing, learning, and skillfully applying God’s Word to our lives? 

The Fool (Part 1)

The Fool

Erasmus said; Fools are without number.  Certainly all of us at times are foolish. Jean Francois Delavigne said; Ever since Adam fools have been in the majority.  The Bible mentions the word fool 36 times in the book of Proverbs alone.  So, who is a fool, and what does it mean to be a fool? 

In Proverbs three words are rendered fool, kesîl referring to the dull or obstinate one, referring not to mental deficiency, but to a propensity to make wrong choices. ʾewîl refers to moral insolence (rude, arrogant, haughty, prideful), and nābāl to the boorish man of mean disposition.
So who is a fool?  A fool is anyone whose choices, behavior, and attitude are void of God. A fool is anyone living life and making decisions as if there is no God. 
Psalm 14:1 (KJV) ¹ The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
In this study we will see what God teaches in the book of Proverbs concerning the fool and his behavior. 
1.            Fools Commit Immorality
A man choosing adultery with an immoral woman is likened unto a fool bound in chains being taken to prison.
Proverbs 7:21-22 (KJV) ²¹ With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. ²² He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
The same could be said of a woman choosing to get involved with an immoral man.  She would be foolish.

Have you ever thought about how many problems in life are caused by people disobeying God when it comes to their sexual behavior?  Many relationship and financial problems are directly related to immoral acts.  The old adage you cannot win in sin is true.  Sin has consequences. 

Thomas Watson said; What fools are they who, for a drop of pleasure, drink a sea of wrath.  This quote would apply to many wrong choices we make, but specifically to those involving immoral acts. 
It is interesting to note how God chooses to describe people taken in immorality.  He compares them to a dumb animal unaware they are headed towards the slaughterhouse or to a person bound in chains being taken to prison. 

The question this passage leads us to ask ourselves is; Are we immoral?  If we are, what are we going to do about it?  The Bible says in Romans 6:1-2a  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid!

Matthew Henry said; Those that disobey the commandments of God do so foolishly for themselves. Sin is folly, and sinners are the greatest fools.

The first act in Proverbs ascribed to a fool is immorality. 

You Can Have My Room

"You Can Have My Room"

Wally was nine years old and in the second grade, though he should have been in the fourth. He was big and clumsy, slow in movement and mind, but well-liked by the other children in class, all of whom were smaller than he.

At times the boys did have trouble hiding their irritation when the uncoordinated Wally would ask to play ball with them. He would stand by, not sulking but hoping. Always a helpful boy, willing, and smiling, the natural protector of any child he felt was being mistreated.

As Christmas time approached, plans were made for the annual school pageant. Children were being assigned their parts: angels, shepherds, wise men, Mary, and Joseph. Wally stood by expectantly then suddenly his joy knew no bounds; for he heard the teacher say, "Wally, I want you to be the Innkeeper." (Not many lines to learn, she reasoned and his size would make his refusal of lodging to Joseph more forceful.) Little did that teacher dream the lesson that such a tender-hearted boy would teach to all who would attend that program.

Then came the rehearsals with the manger, beards, crowns, and a stage full of squeaky voices. Most caught up in the magic of the night was Wally. He would stand in the wings, watching the performance with fascination. His teacher had to make sure he did not wander on-stage before his cue.

Then came the long-awaited night and Wally stood holding a lantern by the door of the Inn, watching as the children who portrayed Mary and Joseph came near him.

"What do you want?" Wally asked with a brusque gesture.

"We seek lodging."

"Seek it elsewhere. The inn is filled."

"Sir, we have asked everywhere in vain. We have traveled far and are very weary."

"There is no room in this inn for you." Wally looked properly stern.

"Please, good innkeeper, this is my wife. She is heavy with child and needs a place to rest. Surely you must have some small corner for her. She is so tired."

Now, for the first time, the Innkeeper relaxed his stiff stance and looked down at Mary. With that, there was a long pause and the audience became a bit tense.

"No! Be gone!" the prompter whispered from the wing of the stage.

"No! Be gone!" Wally repeated automatically.

Joseph sadly placed his arms around Mary and Mary laid her head upon her husband's shoulder, and the two of them started to move away. The Innkeeper did not return inside his inn, however.

Wally stood there in the doorway, watching the forlorn couple. His mouth was open, his brow creased with concern, his eyes filling unmistakably with tears.

And suddenly this Christmas pageant became different from all others.

"Don't go, Joseph," Wally called out. "Bring Mary back." And Wally's face grew into a bright smile. "You can have my room!"

A burst of laughter then silence, then tears flowed freely as the message came through to the listeners. Wally, the boy considered 'slow' had made room for Jesus. He could not turn Mary and Joseph away. God's only begotten Son would be welcomed by him! His tender heart had made room for the Saviour.

Have YOU made room for Him Who loved you so much that He died on the cross for your sin? If not, why don't you right now, like Wally, make room in your heart for Jesus, then give Him first place in your life? He is standing at your heart's door. Just invite Him in.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear My voice,
and open the door, I will come in to him..."
(Revelation 3:20)

The Mel Trotter Story in His Own Words

HE TOOK THE VERY SHOES FROM THE CORPSE OF HIS LITTLE GIRL AND SOLD THEM FOR DRINK

MEL TROTTER TELLS HIS AMAZING STORY

From the time I began going to school, it was easy for me to make friends. This caught the eyes of some who began to groom me with political ambitions in mind. Soon, what had started as rather innocent affairs, began to turn into social events including the social drink and all that goes with it. It wasn't long before the social drink was not reserved for special occasions, but became a morning, noon and night experience. The virtues I had been noted for began to disappear as steam does when it hits cold air. My ambitious political friends left first. They couldn't have faith in a young lush - even if they had been the ones who started me drinking. It wasn't long before until even the children began to avoid me because I was anything but friendly when I would weave back from the saloon. I went from one job to another and from one place to live to another, and each time both the job and apartment became less desirable.

One day found me in Chicago living in a rat infested cellar apartment in the worst section in the city. Why my wife and little child stayed with me only God knows, for the pain and suffering I caused them cannot be described.

SERIOUSLY ILL
One day our little child was taken seriously ill. A faithful doctor came even though he knew there would be no payment for his call. After diagnosing the case, he reached into his own pocket, took out some money and thrust it into my hands, shouting, "Mel, run, don't walk, to the drug store which is two blocks from here - here's the prescription. Come right back. It might even now be too late - so hurry!"
I climbed the stairs and was out on to the pavement. I looked to my left and sure enough I saw a drug store about two blocks away, but then I looked to my right and saw that the saloon was only one half block away. A sudden desire came over me - one that drove all thought of my sick child out of my head. Even the fact that the money in my hand did not belong to me was erased as I blindly rushed to the bar and shouted, "Let's all drink - it's on me!" Soon the doctor's money was gone and then some other fool threw his money on the bar and we continued on and on through the day and into the night. When it was time to close I was so far gone that the saloon keeper just threw me into the back room to "sleep it off." When he came back the next day, I was still there and it wasn't until the night began to approach that I came enough to my senses to decide to go home.

RICKETY STAIRS
When I arrived back, I slowly descended the rickety stairs. I saw that someone was talking very quietly to my wife and they were crying. I still did not know why and was still too far gone to have understood. There had been no furniture before, but now there was a little box on a stand. I wondered what it could be. As I went over and looked into the box I saw that it was the body of my little child, but looking very different. Someone had put on her clean clothes, new clothes and somehow there was even a pair of brand new little shoes. Still I didn't get the message. As I stood there that urge came over me. I craved another drink. What I wouldn't do for another drink!

My dear friends - as I think back on this next part my heart feels as if it were ripped out - for I am so ashamed. As the urge overwhelmed me, I hurriedly slipped the new sloes from the cold feet of my precious child, rammed them into my pocket - as yet I had not attracted the attention of my wife and the woman with her - I stole out of the apartment and I sold those little shoes for a few pennies and bought another drink. I had gone down so low that I have often said that I had to reach up to touch bottom.

END IT ALL
With all of this, I was not awakened to reality, until one day, after some debauchery, I decided to end it all. With me gone, I reasoned that the world would be a lot better off, especially my wife. With this in mind, I headed for Lake Michigan to drown myself. It had gotten dark and cold and, as I wove down a street that would take me to the lake, I was suddenly given a push by someone who said: "Why don't you go in there Bud? It's nice and warm."

JESUS CHRIST IS ABLE TO SAVE YOU
As I went through the open door, someone set me in a chair. It all happened so quickly that it took my muddled brain a little while to realise that I was in a room filled with men and a man was speaking. He was talking as if he knew all about me as he said: "Perhaps you have come in here tonight and you haven't even planned it - in fact you had decided that you're going to end it all - for you feel that no one understands you, no one cares, and there is no hope. My friend, I'm here to tell you there is someone who understands you, there is someone who cares for you, and I can tell you that there is hope for you. You will find all of your answers when you come to Jesus Christ and receive Him as your personal Saviour. He not only wants to save you from your mess, but wants to go with you the rest of your life, to keep you from getting into any more trouble. "
The speaker was Harry Monroe and the place was the Pacific Garden Mission. I became a different person that night. God saved me and made me a new man. My wife got a new husband - the part with its sin and stain was washed away and I found a brand new tomorrow.
­___________________________________________________________________________________
After Mel’s salvation, he went on to become a preacher of the gospel of the Jesus who saved him.  He saw many hundreds come to trust Jesus Christ as Savior. 
For more information on how one can know for sure they are going to heaven, please visit these website.
http://www.preciousseed.com/
http://www.thegoodnews.org/

And Such Were Some of You!

And Such Were Some of You!

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (KJV) ⁹ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, ¹⁰ Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. ¹¹ And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
And Such Were Some of You
And such were some of you declares the past condition of the believer in Jesus Christ.  Some are guilty of the sins listed here, but all of us our guilty of sin.  The Bible clearly teaches that: Romans 3:23 (KJV) ²³ For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Our sin condemns us.  It condemns us to an eternity in Hell.  2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 (KJV) ⁸ In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: ⁹ Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; Our eternal destiny is not determined by our own lifestyle, righteousness, or works.  The Bible teaches us that our deeds are insufficient to earn our salvation. Isaiah 64:6 (KJV) ⁶ But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Here God explains that salvation is not via our own good works. Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) ⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast. The good news is that this can be our past condition.  We do not have to live condemned.  We do not have to live in sin.  We do not have to live addicted and in bondage. 
But Ye Are
I love the word but! God is stating that we are different.  We are not included in the list of those mentioned in verse 9 and 10. We no longer are fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,  Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners!  Why?
But Ye Are Washed
To be washed simply means to wash fully, to wash away.  This is exactly what happened when we came to Jesus Christ.  He completely, fully, and permanently cleansed us from our sins. 1 John 1:7 (KJV) ⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. The song writer penned it best when he wrote: Wash can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! Oh dear Christian friend, be fully reminded that our sins are gone!  They are forgiven. They are cleansed.  They are as far as the east is from the west. They are forgotten. Psalm 103:12 (KJV) ¹² As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 1 John 1:9 (KJV) ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Hebrews 8:12 (KJV) ¹² For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
Ye Are Sanctified
God is also teaching us that not only are our sins permanently washed, but we are sanctified.  Sanctification is to be set apart, to be pure and holy.  This sanctification is started at the day of our salvation and completed on the day we graduate to Heaven.  God made us to conform to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ through His Word and His Spirit. Hebrews 10:10 (KJV) ¹⁰ By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. John 17:17 (KJV) ¹⁷ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Philippians 1:6 (KJV) ⁶ Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Ye Are Justified
The word justified means to render innocent, to count as righteous.  God is telling us that not only are our sins permanently cleansed, our life progressively becoming more like Jesus, but we are render innocent and viewed as righteous.  God has not only cleansed our sin, but has declared to all that we are innocent.  God is stating that He views all believers as righteous.  Romans 5:1 (KJV) ¹ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ
What a name!  A name that is above all names.  Philippians 2:9-11 (KJV) ⁹ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: ¹⁰ That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; ¹¹ And thatis Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Acts 4:12 (KJV) ¹² Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Salvation is in the name of Jesus.  My friend, what a name!  When we come to Jesus all our sins are washed away, we are sanctified or being made holy, and we are delared innocent and righteous.
By the Spirit of Our God
The Holy Spirit of God indwells each believer at the day of their salvation.  1 Corinthians 6:19(KJV)¹⁹ What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? This same Holy Spirit who comes to live within you also seals or protects your salvation to the day God calls you home. Ephesians 4:30 (KJV) ³⁰ And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Not only does the Holy Spirit indwell us, seal us, but He enables us to live to live the Spirit filled life free from addiction and bondage.  Yes, when we walk in the Spirit, we walk free from sin and its bondage.  Galatians 5:16 (KJV) ¹⁶ This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
And Such Were Some of You
Thank you Jesus that you saved us, washed us, sanctified us, and justified us.  You brought us out of sin, and keep us out.  You provided salvation forever!

Making RU Work 4 U!

Making RU Work 4 U!

Reformers Unanimous is unlike other recovery programs.  Most everyone is familiar with the AA 12 step model, or the Celebrate Recovery program which is also based on the 12 step model.  Reformers Unanimous is not based on the 12 step model and therefore requires a bit of a learning curve.
This is an overview of the RU program.  The intent is to help you become free from addiction.  The intent is educating you on the RU program and how RU can work for you.

1.            RU Slogan: Only the Truth Makes Free

 John 8:32 (KJV) ³² And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

This is the slogan of Reformers Unanimous and provides a foundation for the RU program.  The clear teaching is the truth of God’s Word can make us free.  Free from sin, bondage, and yes, all addictions.  The question this beckons is…

What is the truth?

                a.            Thy Word is Truth

John 17:17 (KJV) ¹⁷ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

One source of truth is God’s Word.  The above verse confirms what is taught in John 8:32.  The truth sanctifies.  Sanctify means to make holy or purify.  In other words, the truth makes us free. 

Another source of truth is…

2.            The Truth is Jesus Christ

John 14:6 (KJV) ⁶ Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

The Word of God is truth and Jesus Christ is truth.  You will never know the truth and have the truth emancipate you without understanding the importance of Jesus Christ in one’s recovery.

                A.            The first step to victory is Jesus Christ

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) ⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.
John 3:36 (KJV) ³⁶ He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Romans 10:9-10 (KJV) ⁹ That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

The foundation or 1^st step of RU is trusting Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior or if one has already been saved, is to get right with God.  The above verses give several important facts of salvation.  However, for a clear and concise presentation of the gospel please visit:  http://www.thegoodnews.org/CD/heres_hope/heres_hope.html

Why is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ necessary in a recovery program?  Because receiving Jesus …
                B.            Jesus brings the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:9-11 (KJV) ⁹ But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. ¹⁰ And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. ¹¹ But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
1 Corinthians 6:19 (KJV) ¹⁹ What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Salvation in Jesus Christ brings the indwelling Holy Spirit of God.  This changes us.  We now have the very Spirit of God living within us.  Why do faith based programs have a higher success rate?  Because people with saving faith in Jesus Christ have the Holy Spirit, people without  Jesus Christ do not have the Holy Spirit living within them.  Does this make a difference?  Yes because …
                C.            The Holy Spirit will guide us in the truth

John 16:13 (KJV) ¹³ Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

The job of the Holy Spirit is to teach and guide the Christian in the truth.  Remember the RU Slogan?  Only the Truth Makes Free!  Because of the Holy Spirit indwelling and guiding us we know that…

3.            Jesus Christ brings us the Victory over Bondage

1 Corinthians 15:57 (KJV) ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 John 4:4 (KJV) ⁴ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) ¹⁷ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

The first step of recovery is getting right with God.  It is receiving Jesus Christ as your personal savior if you have not been saved previously or returning to a right relationship with God if you are a believer who has not been living for Jesus. 

Conclusion: 

RU working 4 U is all about trusting Jesus Christ as your Savior and allowing His transforming power to work in your life as you live In Christ.

Romans 8:1-2 (KJV) ¹ There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. ² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) ¹⁷ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

The first question is, are you right with God?  Have you received Jesus Christ as your Savior?  Are you ready to allow Jesus Christ to be your God, and your Lord?

In Every Thing give Thanks

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ¹⁸ In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

It is easy to give God thanks for those things in our lives that our according to our will.  The child who is healthy, smart, athletic, good looking and living according to God's Word.  The job we enjoy and that pays sufficiently.  The family we love and who loves us.  The good health we may enjoy.  The avoidance of life's tragedies. A roof over our head and clothing on our back.  When life's circumstances match or are within the realm of our acceptability, it is easy to give thanks. 

It is quite a different story when life's circumstances are not what we would want.  However, God instructs us to give thanks in every thing. Every thing includes the accidents that leave us in pain, the loss of one we loved whole heartidly, the child who has gone astray, the job loss, the financial problems, the failed or failing health crisis. 

Let me just remind ourselves of this one truth; not all of life's unwanted circumstances are acts of God.  We cause many of our own problems by decisions we have made that violate God's Word and are made apart from God's will.  Other of life's unwanted circumstances are because of the evil deeds of others. 

Now with this as an introduction let us define and dessect I Thessalonians 5:18.

IN every thing give thanks...  Please note that God is saying we are not to be grateful for everything, but IN everything that has happened. What God means is to thank Him for His presence and power as we walk through the difficult circumstances and trials of life.  In Christ Jesus there is victory and triumph over all, no matter how terrible. Therefore, in everything (not for everything)—as we walk through all—thank God for the victory He has given us through Christ.  Thank God for His presence and His comfort.  How can we do this?  One is to remember that God is working in the lives of those who love Him.

Romans 8:28 ²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
This is a great and precious promise that God will work out all circumstances in our lives for His glory and our betterment. 

for this is the will of God...  What is the will of God?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (KJV) ¹⁶ Rejoice evermore. ¹⁷ Pray without ceasing. ¹⁸ In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
These three admonishments are the will of God in our lives.  We are to rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all things.  All three of these things are an evidence that the child of God is filled with the Spirit of God. 

Ephesians 5:18-21 ¹⁸ And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
¹⁹ Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; ²⁰ Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; ²¹ Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
The Christian life is to be lived in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Without Spirit fullness we cannot be thankful in all of life's circumstances. Are we filled with God's Spirit?  Is there the evidence of an attitude of gratitude in our lives? 

Handling Success Successfully

Handling Success Successfully

Sir William Walton said; It's just as difficult to overcome success as it is to overcome failure.  How we handle success determines if we will continue to be successful or return to failure.  I have found in life that many do not know how to handle success successfully.  Here are a few tips on handling success.

1.  Stay Humble:

Proverbs 11:2  ² When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. 

Proverbs 16:18 ¹⁸ Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

It is easy for us to become proud after an accomplishment or a series of accomplishments.  The Bible warns us that our pride brings shame and destruction.  Pride is easier to recognize than to define, and easier to recognize in others than in ourselves.  Pride is perhaps best defined by synonyms such as arrogance, presumption, conceit, self-satisfaction, boasting, and high-mindedness.  Pride takes the honor and glory due to God and applies it to self.

According to Webster's 1828 dictionary, humility is freedom from pride and arrogance; humbleness of mind; a modest estimate of one's own worth. In theology, humility consists in lowliness of mind; a deep sense of one's own unworthiness in the sight of God, self-abasement, penitence for sin, and submission to the divine will.  Simply put, humility is dependence on God for all we do. 



1 Peter 5:5-6   ⁵ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. ⁶ Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
James 4:6 ⁶ But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Matthew 23:12 ¹² And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

2.  Give God the Glory:

It is the natural inclination of our flesh to take the credit for all we do that is successful, and to blame others when we fail.  It is the opposite that brings God's blessing and continued success.  When you have success in your life, give God the glory!  It is God who gives you the strength, the passion, the ideas, the support of others, and who works in ways that perhaps we do not even realize. 

1 Corinthians 10:31 ³¹ Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Psalm 86:5 ⁵ For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.   

3.  Keep Doing what Made You Successful:

After a great victory, or success we often take time to bask in the glow of victory.  Although we should take time to praise God for what He has done, it is important we return to our routine.  The routine that brought us God's blessing and success should return immediately.  Far to often, success is greeted with complacency.  It is greeted with a change in our daily duties that brought us success. Far to often success is followed by failure, and this failure is avoidable if we return to the routine that brought us success. 

If you have recently been successful in battling addiction, stay humble, give God the glory, and stay in your routine.  The same principles can be applied with the holidays approaching.  It is easy to get out of our success routine, and fail.  Stay humble, give God the glory, and keep doing what made you successful.

The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth

The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth

I sat in Trig class copying diligently the problem from the chalkboard to my paper.  I worked diligently for next 20 minutes on the solution and turned in my paper for what I assumed was an "A".  I was wrong (I know many of you are shocked, but really, I am not always right LOL).  When the paper was returned to me I had gotten the answer wrong.  How and why did it happen?  Simply, I had written the problem wrong off of the chalkboard.  The lesson learned is; you can't start with the wrong problem, and get the right solution.  

This is also true in life.  You cannot continue saying and believing wrong information.  When you start off with the wrong belief, you rarely end with a proper solution. The misleading, lying, denial, deceptive behavior must stop. Believing information that is not true must be replaced with the truth of God's Word. 

Remember, this is one of the great tactics of the Devil to ruin people's lives is to get them to believe something as true that is not.

The Lord Jesus Christ offers the direct opposite, He offers the truth.

The Truth:

1.  Jesus is the Truth:

John 14:6 (KJV) ⁶ Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 1:1 (KJV) ¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14 (KJV) ¹⁴ And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

2.  The Word of God is Truth:

Psalm 119:160 (KJV) ¹⁶⁰ Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 (KJV) ¹³ For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
John 17:17 (KJV) ¹⁷ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

The Truth...

1.  The Truth Protects Us:

Psalm 91:4 (KJV) ⁴ He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. The psalmist writes that the truth of God's Word is a shield and buckler.  The shield was a body size protective armor.  Although large and heavy, it was movable.  The buckler was a hand held shield usually round that was also used as protection.

God is saying that the truth totally protects us from the arrows of sin, the world, and the devil.  Our enemies cannot harm us when we are in the truth. 

Isn't this a great promise of God?  If we are believing and living the truth, no harm can come our way.  If we are in the truth of Jesus Christ and living His commandments, God has promised protection from all our enemies.

2.  The Truth Frees Us:

John 8:32 (KJV) ³² And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

The bondage of sin is the most grievous bondage; and freedom from its guilt and influence is the greatest liberty.Breaking this bondage includes transforming our thinking.  What we believe directs what we do.

Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)¹ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.   ² And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  

This, the truth,  is not only something to be known, but something to be done.

John 8:31 (KJV) ³¹ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

Knowing and doing leads to moral freedom.  The transforming power of Jesus Christ frees men from the power of sin.  Reading Romans chapters 6 and 8 will shed more light on this truth.

3.  The Truth Saves Us.

1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV) ⁵ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

There is only one God and He had only one Son, Jesus Christ.  God's Son Jesus Christ provided salvation for all who will believe.  This truth is the only truth concerning salvation. 

John 14:6 (KJV) ⁶ Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
There is only one way of salvation and that way is the truth of Jesus Christ.  It is His blood, His death, His resurrection that provides for us salvation.  This salvation is not by our works, but by our faith in Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) ⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.
John 3:36 (KJV) ³⁶ He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

The truth saves us, the truth frees us, and the truth protects us.  If you would like more information concerning your salvation, I would encourage you to view this website.  It gives a clear presentation of the gospel message.
http://www.preciousseed.com/

Honesty is the Best Policy

Honesty is the Best Policy

My Mother always taught me that honesty is the best policy.  She was right. This is a good policy for everybody and especially for those seeking recovery. I do not believe it is possible to have permanent and complete recovery from addictions (all addictions, all the time) without honesty.  In Reformers Recovery Ministries the motto is Only the Truth makes Free.  This is based on Jesus teaching in John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  The truth does indeed make us free.  In order for the truth to have its proper place in our lives several things must happen.

FIRST:  DECEPTION MUST STOP!

There are serveral types and sources of deception.  Without a doubt, the worst type of deception is self-deception.  AW Tozer wrote the following about self-deception:

Of all forms of deception, self-deception is the most deadly, and of all deceived persons the self-deceived are the least likely to discover the fraud.

The reason for this is simple. When a man is deceived by another he is deceived against his will. He is contending against an adversary and is temporarily the victim of the other’s guile. Since he expects his foe to take advantage of him he is watchful and quick to suspect trickery. Under such circumstances it is possible to be deceived sometimes and for a short while, but because the victim is resisting he may break out of the trap and escape before too long.

With the self-deceived it is quite different. He is his own enemy and is working a fraud upon himself. He wants to believe the lie and is psychologically conditioned to do so. He does not resist the deceit but collaborates with it against himself. There is no struggle, because the victim surrenders before the fight begins. He enjoys being deceived.

While I was attending Bible college, I worked as a trailer mechanic at Fruehauf, Inc.  It was physical work.  I started missing a day here, and a day there due to what I proclaimed was sickness.  My foreman called me into his office questioning my illnesses.   I stood firm on my sicknesses proclaiming that each and every time I was unable to work because I was sick.  My foreman told me something that changed my life:  You can lie to me and I may or may not believe you, but when you lie to yourself and start believing it, you are in trouble.  God convicted my heart and now almost 30 years later have not missed work unless it was legitimate.

Are you being completely honest with yourself?  I have heard people say things that are not true hoping it will change the situation or give them permission to do what they want. Sayings like:

I don't have a _______________ problem.  (fill in the blank with any addiction or unwanted behavior)
I can quit ___________________ any time I want.
I will just have one _________________ (etc.)
I cannot quit _________________.
I have _______________ under control.
I have stopped __________________. (when the reality is they have not)

Another form of deception is purposely deceiving others.  Once the lying begins it can get to the point that lying becomes the normal.  One person told me; I really don’t know where to start it’s been so long since I’ve been honest it’s almost easier to lie.

A person lies about where they went and what they had been doing. It’s a way of staking a claim to the right to continue drinking or using drugs. The lies, self deception, and self delusions are created for the purpose of permitting oneself to continue to use. Somehow a person needs it all to make sense.

Being dishonest can easily become the standard of action, or way of life for most alcoholics or addicts. Many deceive themselves and  lie to others. They lie about how much they used, and how often they used.  They hide their feelings and emotions, or became distant from their relationships, perhaps not in all areas, but certainly in terms of their substance use.

Be careful, some people lie without even meaning to lie.  It has become so embedded into their character that they can not distinquish between the reality and the lie. 

For their to be permanent freedom from all addictions (all kinds, all the time), deception must be replaced with truth.

The Bible is clear concerning deception and lying.  Lying and deceiving is wrong, it is a sin. 

The ninth commandment God proclaims:  Exodus 20:16 (KJV) ¹⁶ Thou shalt not bear false witness (lie) against thy neighbour.   Here God plainly condemns lying.  It is wrong to lie to others.  God declares His dislike for lying in Proverbs 12:22 (KJV) ²² Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.   The word abomination means to detest, to find disgusting. 

Why is lying such a big deal to God?  Why does God mention lying as one of the ten (He gave more, these were the main ones) main commandments He gave to Israel?  First of all, let's consider the origin of lying.

John 8:44 (KJV) ⁴⁴ Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

These are scathing words that Jesus used to describe the Devil.  Jesus calls him a liar, and the father of lies.  This was evident in the original sin when the Serpent (the Devil) used lies to entice Eve.

Genesis 2:15-17 (KJV) ¹⁵ And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. ¹⁶ And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: ¹⁷ But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Please note that God had given only one command to Adam that command was they were not to eat the fruit of only one tree, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God had given His permission to eat of the fruit of all other trees.

 It is the command of God that the father of lies attacks. 

Genesis 3:1 (KJV) ¹ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

The tactic used by the Serpent is the same tactic used by the Devil today, deception.  Satan twisted the Word of God to deceive Eve.  If he can get you to believe a lie, he can influence you to disobey God. 
This is why it is vital that deception be stopped.

A Way to Escape

The Way of Escape

According to Dr. George Koop, a professor with the Scripps Research Institute, 80% of the addicts and alcoholics that experience detox return to drug or alcohol use within a year.  Discovering why a person chooses to relapse is an area of great concern to all of us. 

One of the identified reasons why a person chooses to relapse is cravings.  Cravings are defined as the intense desire a person still feels for the substance during recovery. Research has shown us that the cravings people experience could be directly related to the long term changes in brain function, due to the drug and alcohol abuse. In essence, the brain has become conditioned to function under the influence of drugs or alcohol and does not function efficiently without it.

What can a person do when the urge to drink or drug or frankly any wrong behavior is strong?  What does God say about it and will these cravings ever go away?

The Bible teaches us in I Corinthians 10:13 several lessons that we can apply to our cravings.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV) ¹³ There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

First, our temptation is not one that is unique to us.  It is common to man.  In other words, the temptation we face is a temptation that others face as well. May I also remind us that it is not God who tempts. 

James 1:13 (KJV) ¹³ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

The Scripture clearly teaches that God is not the one who is tempting us. From where does our temptation come?

James 1:14 (KJV) ¹⁴ But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

It is our own lust, our own longing and desire for that which God forbids that tempts us. 

Second, you do not have to give into the temptation.  Many times people respond as if it is impossible to say no to the temptation or craving, but this is not true.  God does not allow us to face a temptation that He is unable to deliver us from… God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able.

Third, God will make a way to escape the temptation… will with the temptation also make a way to escape.
Let us be reminded again that God has promised in His Word that He will make a way to escape. 
We know we are going to be tempted.  We know we are going to have a time of craving in our future so let us prepare now as to how we are going to handle the temptation or craving when it comes.

I.             Long Term Readying:

There are changes that must be made in our lives to prevent temptation and to promote the possibility of successfully saying no when tempted.

                A.            Change Your Perspective

It is important that we change the way we think about what we do.  Recovery principle #1 of Reformers Unanimous is If God’s against it, so am I.  True change begins with a change of our thinking.   Proverbs 23:7 (KJV) 7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.  The Reformers Unanimous motto is from John 8:32 Only the truth makes free.  It is imperative if we are going to change, we first change our thinking.  How do you view what you do?  Do you view it the same as God views it? 

                B.            Change Your People

It may also be necessary to change some of the people in our lives.  Recovery principle #6 of RU states: Those who do not love the Lord, will not help us serve the Lord.  All of us are affected by the people with whom we associate.  The Bible states in Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.  If you look back on your life, you will usually find people that were instrumental in leading you astray.  God in His Word says:  1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV) ³³ Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Another way of saying this is bad company corrupts good morals.    It is true that the people we associate with affect the way we live our lives. 

                C.            Change Your Places

It is important that the places we go are beneficial in our recovery.   This is why faithful attendance to a good faith based recovery meeting is important.  This is why all should faithfully attend a Bible preaching and teaching church.  The Bible tells us in Hebrews 10:25 (KJV) ²⁵ Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  

II.            Short Term Response

It is also important that we plan what we are going to do when the moment of temptation or when the cravings come. 

                1.            Pray, Read your Bible, Pray the Promise

When cravings or temptation comes it is important we turn to the One who has provided a way to escape.  Pray, read your Bible, read I Corinthians 10:13 (text verse), and pray the verse out loud claiming the promise of God.  Remember God has promised a way to escape and that you are able to bear it.

                2.            Call a Spiritual Leader

This is the time to call your spiritual leader.  This is the time, if you are in RU, to call your challenge leader, challenge helper, director, or assistant director.  You need to have these numbers in your cell phone and keep calling until you get someone who will listen, advise, and pray for you.

                3.            Change What You Are Doing

Stop what you are doing or not doing and go do something else.  Remember the old saying, idle hands are the Devil’s workshop. It is important that your time be spent productively.  When a craving comes remember the old adage, this too shall pass.  Get busy doing something!  Exercise, go for a walk, clean your home, go volunteer at the church, but by all means get busy.

                4.            Attend the Next Available Church Service

                5.            Find God’s Provided Way to Escape

III.           Always Remember

Many people want to know if the physical and mental cravings (temptations) will ever end.  The answer is yes.  God’s Word says; James 4:7 (KJV) ⁷ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. The more you say no to temptation the easier it is to say no.    
What is outlined above will produce abstinence in your life.  Abstaining is defined as:  to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice. Abstaining leads to sobriety.  

However, if you desire total victory it requires transformation.  Only Jesus Christ can truly transform a life.  The Bible says, 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) ¹⁷ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

God loves you and God desires to have your fellowship, and friendship. God is able to transform your life through your relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. Remember, we are made in His image. He is willing and able to supply our needs. To read more about God and His desired relationship with you please visit: http://www.reformude.com/first-step.html If you would like to see and hear more visit: http://www.preciousseed.com