HOW IS YOUR HEART?

 

As we get older (and sometimes even for those who are younger), it’s necessary and good to get a heart checkup.  There could be underlying problems that we’re completely unaware of until something serious alerts us to an issue such as a stroke or heart attack.

Too often, people ignore the warning signs until it’s too late. Early detection can help to get any problems under control before it becomes fatal. There are several tests which doctors may do to help determine how the heart is functioning or reveal if there are any problems.

Your doctor may order an EKG (echocardiogram) to determine if a valve is narrowed or leaking.  Or the doctor may order a stress test to reveal how your heart responds to physical activity and whether any heart disease symptoms occur during exercise.

A cardiac catheterization can show if there are any blockages in the heart arteries.  A heart CT scan will take images by which the doctor can see what’s in your heart more clearly. An MRI (heart magnetic resonance imaging) will reveal even more detailed images of the heart.

These tests help the doctor to see and determine if there are any symptoms or problems that they need to be concerned about and how to best treat or remedy them.  If left untreated or a person does not respond well to treatment, it will eventually lead to death.

Parallel that to the spiritual:

In the same way, it’s necessary to often examine the spiritual condition of our heart to see what’s in it. When a problem is discovered, if left untreated or if we do not respond well to treatment, it will eventually lead to spiritual death.

 

“IF OUR HEART IS NOT RIGHT WE WILL NOT MAKE IT!” 

Those words woke me out of my sleep on Oct 3, 2022.  Those loud and clear words of warning were not just for me – they are a cry warning all of us to look deep inside and examine our hearts to make sure they are clear of any spiritual heart disease or problems.

It’s easy to look and think there is nothing in our hearts, but a “stress test” can reveal things we may not have realized were hidden deep inside. 

Jeremiah wrote in Jer 17:9…

The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Sometimes, we don’t know what’s truly in our heart until a test or trial comes our way, then all of a sudden something comes to the surface that we didn’t realize was there.  Trials and tests can reveal symptoms showing a problem is there that needs to be treated before it becomes worse or fatal.

Cain is an example of one whose heart was not right.

Cain was the first recorded being born to Adam and Eve after sin entered the world.  Mankind now knew right versus wrong and good versus evil.  Cain grew up to become a gardener, tilling and working with the ground, while his younger brother, Abel, grew to become a keeper of sheep.

Perhaps it was a custom that Cain and Abel learned from their parents, but after some time had passed, they each brought an offering to the Lord.  Cain brought of the fruit of the ground while Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock and the fat thereof.

For some reason, God accepted Abel’s but rejected Cain’s. There is much speculation as to why it happened this way…

Perhaps it was symbolic of God rejected Adam and Eve’s fig leaf covering then clothing them with a coat made of animal skin?

We do know that God accepts offerings from the firstfruits of the crops (Lev 2:1-2,12 + Num 18:12 + Ex 23:19, 34:26) but perhaps Cain tried to offer them as a burnt offering when they were only to be brought, not burnt upon the altar? Or perhaps Cain did not try to burn them yet God was requiring a burnt sacrifice as an offering? 

All these are speculations because the Bible does not give detailed explanation as to what transpired.  Perhaps Cain did everything right just as Abel did, yet God rejected his offering. 

Why did God accept Abel’s sacrifice yet reject Cain’s?  The Bible reveals it was because his heart was not right…

1 John 3:12 – Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil and his brother’s righteous.

Cain’s works were evil.  He had sin in his heart.  When he was corrected by God, rather than repent, humble himself, and change his ways to do what was pleasing to God, he became angry, hardened his heart and let hatred toward his innocent brother Abel brew within him.

Jealousy is cruel as the grave and his jealousy over God accepting Abel’s sacrifice led to Abel being in a grave before his time. (Song of Solomon 8:6)  Jealousy led to anger; anger led to hatred; and hatred led to murder.

Then, he tried to cover it all up and act innocent when God asked Cain, “Where is Abel thy brother?”  Rather than confess and repent, Cain arrogantly lied as he replied, “I know not: am I my brother’s keeper?”

Cain’s actions over and over revealed that his heart was not right. 

 

THE HEART IS THE SEAT OF OUR EMOTIONS

Jesus taught in Matthew 15:19

For out of the heart proceed
evil thoughts, (wicked thinking - thoughts often lead to actions such as…)
murders, (hate, anger, violence)
adulteries, fornications, (lust, sexual immorality)
thefts (greed, covetousness, stealing),
false witness (lying about someone),
blasphemies (slander; it is vilification against God or others)

And again in Mark 7:21-22

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed:
evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
thefts, covetousness (which come from greed and envy),
wickedness, (plots, malice, sins)
deceit (trickery, lies),
lasciviousness (unbridled lust),
an evil eye, (tricky side-glance given with wickedness in mind)
blasphemy (slander; vilification against God or others),
pride (haughtiness, arrogance),
foolishness; (refuses to listen to wisdom or learn from discipline)

It is out of the heart that these things proceed and are manifested. 

Heart check: Are any of these things in my heart?

Maybe you passed that test, but just as a doctor may order another test to see if it reveals something that the first test did not show, we need to examine our heart further….

The Thoughts of Men’s Hearts….

Let’s examine what we think on.  What do our thoughts reveal? What we think about often or most reflects what is in our heart.

Prov 23:7 teaches - As he thinketh in his heart, so is he…

God looked upon mankind after a span of time and found that every imagination of the thoughts of men’s hearts were only evil continually. (Gen 6:5)

Unfortunately, people do gravitate to and love darkness (things that are sinful) more than light (things that are upright) because their deeds are evil. (Jn 3:19)

But even if a person does not love evil, sometimes the biggest battles take place in the mind. 

Have you ever been sitting in Church while the preacher is preaching yet your mind has wandered off somewhere else.  Same happens when you are trying to read your Bible or pray.  The mind becomes distracted rather than thinking on the Lord.

Philippians 4:8 admonishes us what to focus the mind on…things that are true, things that are honest, things that are just (righteous), things that are pure, things that are lovely (meaning friendly towards), and things that are of a good report (well spoken of).

Think on good things because 1 Chron 28:9 reveals …the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts…

God knows what we’re thinking about and He’s searching our hearts.

Heart check: Are the things we are thinking about pleasing to God or things that grieve His heart?

Let’s keep digging deeper and do another heart check…

Mine Eye Affecteth My Heart…

What we allow our eyes to look at, read, or watch can and will affect our heart. (Lam 3:51)  This is why we need to be selective and careful as to what we watch, what we click on while browsing the internet, what we read, and what we look at. 

And what our children or grandchildren watch and look at. Things that are supposed to be ‘kid friendly’ are no longer ‘kid friendly’.  We are responsible to help direct and protect their young impressionable minds and hearts.  

There are times when we may not be able to help or to stop what may pass before our eyes, but we are in control of what we continue to allow our eyes to look at.

O Be Careful Little Ears What You Hear…

The same with our ears – what we allow our ears to listen to can and will affect our heart.

The old saying is true: Garbage in, garbage out.

What you let your eyes dwell on and what you allow your ears to hear will affect your heart and eventually begin to be manifest in your life because what is in the heart will eventually come to the surface either through words or actions.

Let’s dig further with another test to check our hearts….

Out of the Abundance of the Heart the Mouth Speaketh

Things that are in the heart will often be revealed through what comes forth out of the mouth…

Jesus revealed in Matthew 12:34 - …out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

And Matthew 15:18 – But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

Our words can defile us?  Yes, according to Jesus they can.

Jesus said we are going to have to give account for every idle word that we speak in the day of judgment. (Mt 12:36) It is by our words that we’ll either be justified (rendered innocent) or condemned (pronounced guilty). (Mt 12:37)

Makes you really stop and think “what am I talking about?” like Bro Gregory taught on last Wednesday night. 

Are my 16,000 words per day pleasing or displeasing to God?

One of the greatest struggles Christians battle is the tongue. If you watch and observe, you will find much of the trouble, strife, and divisions that arise in churches comes from people’s mouths.  

Even Paul wrote a letter to the church in Corinth admonishing against things he was afraid they were struggling with: debating (quarreling), envy, wrath (breathing hard in anger toward another), strifes (contentions between each other), backbiting (defaming and speaking evil against another), whispering (slandering others secretly), swellings (haughty and lifted up in pride), as well as tumults arising (meaning agitation and confusion causing disorder and instability – basically someone(s) was sowing discord and division amongst the brethren which is an abomination to God). (2 Cor 12:20 + Prov 6:16-19)

The book of James contains many verses concerning the tongue – one of which is a strong warning to everyone who professes to be a Christian… “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man religion is in vain. (James 1:26)

Meaning: A person may appear to be religious but if they can’t control their tongue, they are deceiving their self if they think they are ok before God.  They are not and their religion (their worship) profits them nothing.  There is a heart problem.

James 3:8-10 – But the tongue can no man tame (that’s why we need the Holy Ghost); it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  Therewith bless we God…and therewith curse we men…Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”

James 3:6 – The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on the fire of hell.

David wisely penned, “I will take heed to my ways that I sin not with my tongue.” (Ps 39:1)

We know there is a heart problem with those who cuss or speak vulgar.

We know there is a heart problem with someone who is angry, violent, and throws fits often.

We know that if a person is argumentative, often quarreling, or fighting with others – it reveals that there is a problem in the heart.

But also…

If a person struggles with gossip – it is revealing there is a problem in the heart.

If a person backbites (speaks evil against another) or whispers (slanders others secretly) against another – it reveals there is a problem in the heart.

If a person is sowing discord among the brethren (especially if they are causing others to rebel against or think bad toward the pastor) – it reveals that there is a problem in the heart.

Heart check: Are my words revealing that there is a problem with my heart?

The Bible makes reference to many types of hearts.  Some are good revealing the heart is upright before God; some are not good revealing there are problems in the heart. 

You know what the great thing about King David was?  He wasn’t a perfect man but he would acknowledge his sins and then sincerely repent of them.

He prayed in Psalm 19:14 – Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.

It is good to often search our own hearts.  Really search, thoroughly digging and looking deep within.

But unfortunately, sometimes, we may not see within ourself that there is a disease forming in our heart - just as King David did not see the issues in his own heart until Nathan the prophet brought them out into the open when he proclaimed, “Thou art the man!” (2 Sam 7)

There are times when God will use the Pastor, Preacher, or teacher to reveal through the preached Word what we may not see or acknowledge is deep within our hearts. 

Because: the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, yet sometimes we may not even realize what is in our own heart. (Jer 17:9)  Therefore, we need to ask God to search our hearts and examine our minds often. (Jer 27:10) 

Because things left untreated in the heart, can lead to death physically and spiritually, a good prayer to pray is one that David also prayed: Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me. And lead me in the way everlasting. (Ps 139:23-24) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (Ps 51:10)   

If our heart is not right, we will not make it 💔

The Love of Money

 1Ti 6:10 - 

For the love of money 

is the root of all evil: 

which while some coveted after, 

they have erred from the faith, 

and pierced themselves through 

with many sorrows.

Don't seek after how to get more money.  

Many won't miss work yet they'll miss Church. 

One benefits only temporary. 

The other benefits the eternal.

This life is not about how to obtain more wealth 

to buy more things 

or impressing others. 

We have only one life and soon it will pass. 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

At the end of this life only 3 things will matter:

1. Seeing Jesus face to face

2.  Are we Biblically saved and ready?

3.  Have we tried to reach and bring the lost to Him?

WHEN GOD TURNS A DEAF EAR

WHEN GOD TURNS A DEAF EAR

Zechariah 7 (KJV)

¹³ THEREFORE it is come to pass, 

that as He cried, 

and they would not hear; 

so they cried, 

and I would not hear, 

saith the LORD of hosts:

BECAUSE....

¹¹ ...they refused to hearken, 

and pulled away the shoulder, 

and stopped their ears, 

that they should not hear.

¹² Yea, they made their hearts 

as an adamant (hard) stone, 

lest they should hear the law, 

and the words which the LORD of hosts 

hath sent in His Spirit by the former prophets: 

THEREFORE 

came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts.

Many think of God as a God of love and mercy (and He is), yet there is also a side of God that becomes angry if we harden our hearts and refuse to listen to His Words (the Bible) or the Preachers.  

Their stubbornness and rebellion brought God's wrath and angered Him so much that He refused to hear their cries since they refused to hear His cries.  

Think about it - They were ignoring God, therefore,  God was ignoring them. 

If we don't want God to ignore us, we do not need to ignore His Word, His instructions, or what He's telling us through the preachers.

A LOVE FOR INSTRUCTION

 

A LOVE FOR INSTRUCTION

 

Proverbs 12:1 – Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge….

There is an abundance of self-help videos on Youtube and various social media platforms because people want to learn how to do build or repair something; or learn how to bake certain recipes or decorate a cake; or maybe they want to learn how to make certain crafts; and the list goes on.

Some want to grow in knowledge and learn a skill that will help them become better at something so they seek to learn from others who are skilled in that area.

Many young people go to college in order to increase their knowledge so that they may obtain special degrees so as to obtain better paying jobs.

While this is all good and necessary, this is not the knowledge that this verse is referring to.  I opened my Bible directly to Prov 12:1 the other day and could not get past this particular verse.  It caught my attention so I dug a little deeper as to the meaning behind it.

The word ‘instruction’ means ‘(H4148) chastisement, warning, reproof, discipline.’

Proverbs 12:1 – Whoso loveth instruction (H4148 = chastisement, warning, reproof, discipline) loveth knowledge:

It is not just any instruction that the Bible is referring to in this Scipture - it is referring to instruction given as a chastisement, a warning, to reprove or discipline us. 

Whoso loveth chastisement; whoso loveth receiving warnings and reproofs; whoso loveth receiving discipline loves knowledge.

That is a tough verse to swallow.  We are supposed to love being chastised? We are supposed to love receiving warnings and reproofs and discipline? 

Yes, because chastisments, warnings, reproofs, and discipline help us to learn and discern between right and wrong and correct bad behavior.

When I was a child….

1 Corinthians 13:11 – When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man (when I finally grew up), I put away childish things.

Prov 22:15 – Foolishness (lack of wisdom or good judgment) is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Children do not reason, or think, or talk, or understand as adults do.  Even when they are teenagers, they do not fully understand or comprehend as adults do.  That is why they can be peer pressured into doing something they shouldn’t or become prey to predators.

No child or teen likes to be punished/grounded for misconduct.  They will cry and plead and yes, even lie to get out of being punished, grounded, or losing a privilege, but it is a punishment issued and followed through with that helps them to remember the consequences for poor behavior and choose not to repeat them.

Prov 1:8 admonishes – My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

Prov 4:1 – Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

Prov 13:1 – A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

Scorner means (H3887) ‘to make mouths at’ in other words ‘mouthy.’
A scorner is someone who expresses contempt or disdain for someone or something.  They will not listen to rebuke.  They get ‘mouthy,’ are rude, disrespectful, and will back talk rather than humble their self and submit to instruction.   (Sadly, I’ve seen adults who still exhibit this trait because they did not learn to submit as a child)

Prov 15:5 – A fool despiseth (his father’s) instructions: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent (showing wisdom).

Prov 13:24 – He that spareth his rod (correcting bad behavior) hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Have you ever seen parents who let their children run wild, undisciplined? They Bible says those that do this hate their child.  They do not care about what the child is doing as long as it doesn’t bother them and they stay out of their hair.

A parent who truly cares instructs and issues punishments BECAUSE they love their child and want to see them become a better person.  Just as God instructs and punishes us when needed BECAUSE he loves us.

 

Sometimes the Lord has to issue correction…..

We are human and our flesh wants to do things that we should not.  We see example after example of this throughout the Bible when Israel was punished by God yet they would not repent and turn away from sin so He finally sent them into captivity.

God sent many prophets (men of God) to warn what was coming if they did not repent, yet they refused to hear:

Jer 5:3 – ….Thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; Thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.

Jer 2:30 – In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction…

Jer 7:28 – But thou shalt say unto them, this is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the Lord their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.

Jer 10:8 – But they are altogether brutish (senseless) and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities (they are instructed by worthless idols).

Prov 19:27 – Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

The instructions they were listening to and receiving were not instructing them in the ways of Truth and righteousness. They were not listening to the right voice!

It was pleasing to the flesh but was causing them to stray and err from the words of knowledge.

It grieved God….

Jer 17:23 – But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction.

Jer 32:33 – And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: (they turned their backs on God) though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not hearkened (to hear intelligently) to receive instruction (H4148 = chastisement, correction).

When we hear preached what God’s Word instructs us to do or not do yet we refuse to hear or change and continue to do or not do what God instructed through the preacher, we are turning to Him our backs.  We are not listening or receiving God’s instruction to correct and lead us in the paths of righteousness.

If God’s Word says “do not do (you fill in the blank)” yet we continue to do it, we are turning to Him our backs, refusing to listen and obey.

If God’s Word says “Do this (you fill in the blank)” yet we do not do it, we are turning to Him our backs, refusing to listen and obey.

I don’t want to disobey God.  I do not want to turn to Him my back rather than my face to receive instruction and correction whenever needed.

God in His mercy again reached out to His people in Jer 35:13 – ….will ye not receive instruction to hearken to My words? saith the Lord.

Yet – She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the Lord; she drew not near to her God. Zeph 3:2

God called out again in Zeph 3:7 – I said, surely thou wilt fear Me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings.

Sadly, there are some who will refuse to stop sinning no matter what calamity or turmoil that may come into their life over and over again. They are a slave to sin.

God, at times, allows adversity to come our way to refine us or get our attention (because He cares and is not willing that any should perish). Yet, some become angry at God and demand that He do things for them while refusing to listen to and obey God.

Prov 3:11 – My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of His correction.

Heb 12:5 - ….my son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou are rebuked of Him.

Don’t get weary or upset when God rebukes you, because….

Job 5:17 – Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore, despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:

Rev 3:19 – As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Correction from the Lord shows that He loves us just as a parent corrects their children because they love them and want good for them.

There is a warning for those that hate correction….

Prov 12:1 starts out – Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge….

Prov 12:1 continues ….but he that hateth reproof (H8433 = correction, reasoning, rebuke) is brutish (H1198 = not wise, foolish).

That’s strong, but that’s Bible.

The hardest part about being a pastor is that people hate correction. 

They do not want to be warned against sin.  They do not want to be told that they are not living in a way that is pleasing to God. They want to do whatever they want to do. They want to live how they want to live and hear motivational preaching, making them feel good about their self and their ways.

If a pastor dares to approach them to admonish them against sin or instruct them in the way of righteousness (right living), they will either bull up and sow discord (or) they will leave that Church and talk against the pastor as they make their way to the next Church.  

However, Pastors are Biblically instructed to…

2 Tim 4:20 – Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Notice reprove and rebuke are listed first.  Exhort is mentioned last.  Yet, a pastor must do it with patience and soundness of doctrine.

Titus 1:13 - …wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

1 Tim 5:20 – Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

Most will not go for that.  If a pastor openly calls out sin, then the gossip mill runs amuck that he is rude and mean and controlling. Yet, the Bible says to rebuke before all.

Titus 2:15 – These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Don’t despise a pastor that cares enough for your soul to warn against sin. Most do not realize when and if a pastor openly rebukes someone, he’s most likely privately admonished that person time and again.

 

The Bible warns that those who hate correction and rebuke are brutish (they are not wise; they are foolish).  (Proverbs 12:1)

Prov 1:7 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Prov 15:10 – Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.

Prov 10:17 – He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

In Psalms 50:17, God became upset because – Seeing thou hatest insruction, and casteth my words behind thee.

God explains the ways they were showing that they hated instruction and were ignoring His instructions as though casting them away like trash….

Psalm 50:18-20 - When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him (H7521 = approved and excused what was done), and hast been partaker with adulterers (H2506 = spoke smoothly to them; flattered them with words – rather than condemn the unrighteous act).  Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.  Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother (H251 – can also mean ‘another’); thou slanderest thine own mother’s son.

They thought God didn’t care that they did these things.  They justified their selves but God warned…

Psalm 50:21 – These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself (doing all these things, approving, and excusing them), BUT I will reprove (correct) thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.

God may let things slide for a while because His mercy is reaching out and calling each to repentance, but, after a while, if there is not a turning from unrighteousness/sin, He will send correction.

Solomon warned his son of the words he and others would cry as consequences followed if they did not heed the words of warning and admonition from their parents, the preacher, or the teacher….

Prov 5:12-13 – …How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof. And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!

There will come a time when those who do not obey and continue to do things there own way will realize the parents, the preacher, and the teacher were right. But it will be a grievous lesson to learn at a price greater than they may be wanting to pay.

 

God cried out against those who refused to be instructed….

Prov 1:25 – But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

Prov 1:30 – They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

Prov 5:12 – And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart, despised reproof.

Prov 5:23 – He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

Prov 29:1 – He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.  

That is a strong warning not to harden our hearts, rebel, and refuse to receive correction. 

 

But whoso loveth instruction….

…openeth also their ear to discipline as God commands that they turn from iniquity. (Job 36:10)

They seek to know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; (Prov 1:2)

They receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity (uprightness). (Prov 1:3)

Prov 4:13 – Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

Prov 6:23 – For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.

Prov 13:18 – Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

Prov 15:31 – The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

Prov 15:32 – He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

Prov 15:33 – The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility.

Prov 16:22 – Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

Prov 19:20 – Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

Prov 23:12 – Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

 

Prov 8:10 – Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

Prov 24:32 – Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.

We know that….

Heb 12:11 – Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised (trained) thereby.

Correction is not pleasant at that moment – it’s painful! It hurts!, but afterward when it brings about a change for the better and helps us to become better, we understand that correction is necessary and is for our good. 

Therefore… Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Prov 8:33

Because…. Whoso loveth instruction (chastisement, warning, reproof, discipline) loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof (correction, reasoning, rebuke) is brutish (not wise, foolish).

A LOVE FOR THE TRUTH

 

A LOVE FOR THE TRUTH

 

What is truth? Truth is absolute. It is fact. It cannot be changed.

Encyclopedia Brittanica records this concerning Truth:

“Truth is the aim of belief; falsity is a fault. People need the truth about the world in order to thrive.  Truth is important. Believing what is not true is apt to spoil people’s plan’s and may even cost them their lives. Telling what is not true may result in legal and social penalties. Conversely, a dedicated pursuit of Truth characterizes the good scientist, the good historian, and the good detective. So what is truth, that it should have such gravity and such a central place in people’s lives?”

Thoreau (whoever that person is) made this statement, “Rather than love, than money, than fame, GIVE ME TRUTH.”

Jesus said in John 8:32, “Ye shall know the Truth and the Truth shall make you free.”

Truth is important!

We live in a day and time when many do not see truth as absolute, solid, and unchanging. They see it as a belief.  One believes one way to be the truth while another believes another way as the truth, regardless of whether it is truly true or not.  If they believe it to be truth, then it is…to them.

Unfortunately, many are twisting the definition of truth.  They claim that truth is merely beliefs and assertions. They now call them ‘alternative facts.’  A fact is a fact and is unchanging.  There are no ‘alternatives’.  One is truth.  One is a lie.

For example: there are many today who believe a man can be a woman or that a woman can be a man.  There are even children in schools who believe they are cats so they place litter boxes in the bathrooms for them to use.

Just because a man believes he is a woman or a child believes they are a cat, does that mean it is true? No!

Anyone who believes those things to be true can come to my house and try to get milk from our bull.   We all know that is impossible. There are things that are facts and cannot be changed no matter how much a person may want or believe it to be different. 

No matter if a person goes through surgery or takes hormones to try to appear to be what they are not, they will still always and forever be the gender they were born as.

Science proves it.  DNA proves it. Even bone structure will forever prove and reveal whether a person is male or female. If bones are found in a secluded area, forensics will help law enforcement determine whether those bones belong to someone who was a male or female, and they also reveal approximately how old that person may have been.  

These are facts that cannot be changed no matter what a person may try to do to change that.  Even plastic surgery and hair dye cannot change the facts of how old a person truly is.

It is sad that despite the facts that cannot be changed or altered, many still refuse to believe the truth. The Bible warns that if we do not believe and receive truth (not our truth but God’s truth) we will be lost eternally.

2 Thessalonians 2

3 – Let no man deceive you by any means:
(don’t let anyone cause you to believe something that isn’t true)
for that day (the Day of Christ – vs 2) shall not come,
EXCEPT there come a falling away first
(meaning people will depart from the Truth),
and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.
(ruin or loss physical, spiritually, or eternally)

10 – And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness
(easily deceived, misled, convinced of something that is not true)
in them that perish;
BECAUSE THEY RECEIVED NOT A LOVE OF THE TRUTH,
that they might be saved.

11 – AND FOR THIS CAUSE
GOD SHALL SEND THEM STRONG DELUSION,
that they should believe a lie;

12 – That they all might be damned (lost)
WHO BELIEVED NOT THE TRUTH,
BUT HAD PLEASURE IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS.

They did not want to receive a love of the truth because they loved their sin more.  They did not want to believe or hear anything that would require change and a turning away from the sin they enjoyed doing. They wanted the lie to be truth therefore they became deceived and believed the lie.

It amazes and saddens me that a person will refuse to believe and turn away from committing sin despite being shown Scripture against what they are doing.  They’ll say, “I don’t believe all that!” or “Just talk about God’s love” because they love their sin more and have pleasure in doing unrighteousness.  They want to believe their ‘truth’ over God’s truth.   

Paul warned Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:3-4 ….charge some (give command) that they teach no other doctrine.  Neither give heed to fables (ideas that are not true).

There are ideas (even about God’s Word) that are not true.  They are fables and yet many believe and hold tightly to them because they appeal to the appetite of the fleshly desires.  Paul instructed Timothy to give commandment that they are not to teach any other doctrine than what Paul and Timothy taught them nor to give ear to ideas that are not Biblically accurate or true.

What man wants to believe or not believe concerning salvation, sin, or what’s in the Bible will never supersede the truth of God’s Word.

Proverbs 23:23 instructs – Buy the Truth and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Buy the Truth = Truth will cost you something! 

It will cost you, requiring you to give up your own wants, desires, and
           will of the flesh.

Don’t sell it!  Don’t trade off truth to fulfill what this flesh wants for in
           the end it will cost you more than you may have bargained for = your
           soul!

Be open to listen and receive godly wisdom and instruction = it will
           cost you your time as you spend more time in prayer, Bible reading,
           and listening to the preached Word.  

Seek to obtain understanding of what God’s Word truly says, not what
           man desires it to say.

The Bible teaches in many Scriptures that we are to walk before God in Truth – 1 Kings 2:4, 2 Kings 20:3, Psalms 26:3, Ps 86:11, Is 38:3

We are to serve God in Truth = Joshua 24:14 and 1 Sam 12:24

For we will be judged according to God’s righteousness and with His truth = Ps 96:13

David wisely prayed, “Lead me in Thy Truth, and teach me…” Psalms 25:5

Because Truth is a shield and buckler = Ps 91:4

A shield and buckler are used for protection. The shield is used to defend yourself. It is large and protects most of the body. The buckler is smaller, often worn on the forearm, and is used for advancement purposes against the enemy.  

Truth will not only protect you but will also help to fight against the tactics of the enemy.  The buckler of truth can be used to gain advantage over the devil just as Jesus used Scripture to fight back against the devil when he came to tempt Him, twisting the Scriptures.

The devil tried to cause Jesus to question what the Scriptures truly said. (Mt 4:1-11)  It was his first tactic against Adam and Eve to make them fall (Gen 3) and he is still using that same tactic today…. “Hath God really said….?” “Does God’s Word really say (that)?”  “God’s Word doesn’t really mean (that).”  This is why it is important to KNOW what God’s Word truly says. 

We are to CHOOSE the way of Truth = Ps 119:30

Truth is what will endure = Ps 100:5

God is near to those who call upon Him in Truth = Ps 145:18

The righteous which keepeth the Truth may enter in = Is 26:2

The Preacher seeks for the Truth (Ecc 12:10) so that he may deliver what is right before God to the hearers and teach them the way of Truth.

Because… There is a way which seemeth right (appears to be upright) unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways (the road) of death. (Prov 16:25)

The Hebrew word for ‘seemeth right’ (H3477) means that there is a path people will take that appears to be the straight way; it appears to be upright. BUT…it is really the path/the road that leads to death (H4194 - meaning ruin/hades).

What may appear to be the right way to live and do things in the eyes of many is not the right way in the eyes of God. It is really the broad path that leads to destruction. (Mt 7:13)

That’s why we are instructed to SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES for in them ye THINK ye have eternal life. (John 5:39)  Many THINK they have eternal life yet they do not LIVE for Jesus.  They believe on Jesus but they do not follow Him or live godly. 

They are following a way that seems right unto a man – “just believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and though shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31) – because it’s the easy way that appeals to the flesh.  Just believe and be saved, nothing more required of a person….according to the way that seems right unto man…but when you read the entire Bible cover to cover, you see that there is more that God requires of each of us.

They are believing half of the truth without continuing to read further in Acts 16 to see that in the very next verse, the jailer and his household went on to be Baptized after they believed. (vs 32) Believing is only the first step, then we must obey Jesus’ instructions to be Born Again of water and of Spirit. (John 3)

These are Biblical truths many do not want to believe because it requires something more of them.  It requires change.  It requires denying the flesh.  It requires turning away from sins that they love doing.  

There are Biblical truths about holiness inside and out that many do not want to believe.

They take a portion of Scripture from 1 Samuel 16:7 and claim, “God only looks at the heart!” Usually that is not said with a humble meek spirit.  It’s usually spouted with a haughty and rebellious attitude and tone. Yet, many use this small portion of a Scripture to make allowance for immodest clothing and exposing of the flesh.  

God was not saying in this passage that He does not care what a person wears or how they dress. He was addressing that man will choose and place someone in a position based on their stature, their looks, and their charming demeanor.  God sees beyond that to what is truly in the heart.  

The truth as to whether or not God cares about our attire can be seen in God’s Word beginning in Genesis. God does care about what we wear or He wouldn’t have changed Adam and Eve’s fig leaf apron to a modest coat for both of them.  If God didn’t care about what we wear, He would not have given instructions on clothing for the ministry, modest apparel, or instructed that a woman is not to wear anything that pertains to a man nor is a man to put on a woman’s garment.  If God didn’t care, then why would He warn that it’s an abomination? (Dt 22:5)

1 Sam 16:7 has been twisted to appease the conscious and make allowance for the flesh. It is a way that seems right unto man but leads to spiritual death.

David asked this question of God…

Lord, who shall abide in Thy Tabernacle?
Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill?

He knew the answer when he wrote….

He that walketh uprightly (without sin)
and worketh righteousness (does what’s right)
and speaketh the truth in his heart (does not lie)
He that backbiteth not with his tongue
(doesn’t slander anyone or be a tale-bearer against them)
nor doeth evil to his neighbor,
(does no wrong to another – Romans 13:8-10)
Nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor,
(Reproach = stripping; does not strip reputation from another through slander and gossip – does not spread, propagate, or believe it)
In whose eyes a vile person is contemned;
but he honoureth them that fear the Lord.
(Does not justify or make excuses for those who do wrong while casting blame on the victim – rather they are respected for doing right before God)
He that sweareth to his own hurt and changeth not.
(going to keep his word and not change it no matter how much it hurts)
He that putteth not out his money to usury,
(will not charge another person interest when loaning money
placing that person further in debt)
nor taketh reward against the innocent.
He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

Psalm 15

Those who do these things will abide in God’s Tabernacle and dwell in His holy hill.  Those who do not, will not.

If we only need to believe and that’s all it takes to be saved, then the 10 Commandments would be invalid as well as the instructions throughout the Old and New Testaments.

If we only need to believe and that’s all it takes to be saved, then Paul’s warning that those who do the following will not enter the Kingdom of God would not be necessary…. 

Know ye not that THE UNRIGHTEOUS (wrongdoers)
SHALL NOT INHERIT the Kingdom of God?
BE NOT DECEIVED:
Neither fornicators (sexually immoral)
Nor idolaters
(immorality can be an idol – notice it is mentioned between the two)
Nor adulterers
(sexual relations with someone other than a person’s spouse)
Nor effeminate
Nor abusers of themselves with mankind
(effeminate and abusers are referencing homosexual relations)
(**Notice the first 5 things refer to sexual immorality**)
Nor thieves (those who steal)
Nor covetous (greed/envy)
Nor drunkards (alcohol consumption)
Nor revilers
(one who reproaches another angrily, rebuking with ill temper)
Nor extortioners
(those who cheat, swindle, or threaten to obtain money from others)
(No one who does any of these things)
Shall inherit the Kingdom of God.
1 Cor 6:9-10

These six things doth the LORD hate:
Yea, seven are an abomination unto Him:
A proud look
A lying tongue
And hands that shed innocent blood
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations
Feet that be swift running to mischief
A false witness that speaketh lies
And he that soweth discord among brethren.
Proverbs 6:16-19

We cannot do these things yet expect to enter heaven. 

The last seven mentioned are abominations to God = God never changes how He looks at those who do those things (without repenting and changing).

Jesus prayed this prayer concerning His Disciples…”Sanctify (to make holy) them through Thy Truth: Thy Word is Truth.” (Jn 17:17)

God’s Word is what is truth. We need to seek for His truth, learn His truth, follow His truth, and love His truth. 

There are so many more Biblical truths that many do not want to hear taught or preached because it goes against the will of the flesh yet we need to have a love for truth and be open to hearing whether we like what is said or not because it can make the difference between whether we hear, “Well done, enter in!” or “Depart from Me, I know you not you worker of iniquity!”

 We need to get a love for the truth - Our eternity depends on it.

 

 

 

David was lamenting and crying out to God for help in Psalm 77.  He was so troubled,  he could not speak (vs 4) and could not find comfort (vs 2). UNTIL he began to remember and think on the mighty things God had done in the past (vs 10-12).

He gave himself a pep talk....
"I WILL REMEMBER  the years of the right hand of the Most High."
"I WILL REMEMBER the works of the Lord."
"I WILL REMEMBER Thy wonders of old."
"I WILL MEDITATE (think about) also of all Thy work"
"AND TALK of Thy doings."

Then David began to worship (vs 13-20)

In tough times, remember and think on all the things God has done in the past.
Testify and talk about all He's done and is doing.  
Then begin to worship. 
See how the atmosphere changes.
Feel the heaviness lift as we glorify God more than our problems. 

At times,  we focus too much on the
"woe is me" more than the "great is He!"
We need to reverse that way of thinking.

🎶 It is no secret what God can do.  What He's done for others,  He'll do for you.... 🎶

Furst posted to fb Mar 6, 2023